WEST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Third-generation dirt-track racer Lucas Boulton crossed the finish line at the Peoria Speedway on Saturday as a champion of the B-mod division.
It was bittersweet as he was thrilled with the win but let down that it was potentially the last time he’d be racing at the track located off West Farmington Road.
Just before the race, track owner Brandon Dean told the drivers during their weekly meeting that Saturday’s race was the last one of the year. Maybe the last race ever at the venerable dirt track.
The news was made official Sunday, several hours after his victory lap on the Speedway’s Facebook, which confirmed June 11 will be the track’s last race.
Boulton, 17, could’ve turned the closure of the racetrack into a negative situation when he found out about it. But being down about the sport of racing is not possible for him.
“Peoria Speedway is my home,” he said.
West Peoria Mayor James Dillon, who used to race at the Speedway himself along with his son, said this isn’t an isolated issue for Peoria’s racing scene.
“There are fewer and fewer racetracks in America because it’s not a cheap sport,” he said. “It’s a business because of the price of fuel, the price of tires, the prices of getting in. It’s not cheap.”
For Boulton and his family, they spend hours each week working on their race cars. It’s not just about making sure the engines are tuned or the brakes calibrated but it’s also perfect for family bonding.
“It takes a lot every night in the shop, me and my dad and my grandpa, you know, we spend so much time out here and it’s like another job,” he said. “From going over every nut and bolt on the race car, doing all your tires, making sure everything’s still good to go and making sure nothing’s cracked.”
Boulton eats, sleeps and breathes racing. It’s something he inherited from his father.
“The biggest thrill racing’s got to be just when you’re just tight quarters, door to door with another driver,” he said. “The adrenaline rush is what I love about it.”
Dirt track racing isn’t quite like other sports. Boulton isn’t competing on a team separated into age groups. He’s battling against men twice his age, or even older.
That doesn’t mean a thing to him. What matters most is crossing that finish line, and putting on the best show for the fans.
“I just got to thank everybody that helps us on everything,” he said. “The sponsors, all the crew, just everybody that takes the time out of their day.”
Whether it’s at the Peoria Speedway under new ownership, or another track in Central Illinois like the Spoon River Speedway or the Farmer City Speedway, one thing’s for sure: The engines will roar, the tires will squeal and people will cheer on their favorite racer.
Especially if that favorite racer is family.
“I hope somebody purchases the track and keeps the legacy going,” Boulton said. “I hope to raise my kids there someday.”
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
