Belle-Clair speedway demolition begins, start of “promising” future for racing

BELLEVILLE, Il. (First Alert 4) - Just south of downtown Belleville, the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds is getting a facelift. On Thursday, demolition began at the speedway. This is in an effort to revitalize the historic grounds.

“The race track has been a figure for the entire county and the region for years, and to have it come down and then a new one being built, I mean it is going to be a lot of excitement for the entire area,” said Herb Simmons, director of St. Clair County EMA.

St. Clair County officials said a new larger track will be built just southeast of the old track and the old track will be used for additional event space at the fairgrounds.

“So this track, while storied and while great and a lot of fun to race for the racers, no longer was insurable. It had really seen better days and so what we were looking forward to now is a new modern raceway, a quarter mile track. It will be a little bit longer in an effort to be able to turn some dollars so that the county can break even on this facility,” said Mark Kerns, chairman of St. Clair County.

In addition to the demolition at the speedway, some properties near the fairgrounds will be torn down. This will allow for more parking.

Construction is expected to wrap up later this year, maybe in time for the return of the St. Clair County Fair.

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