MACON, Ill. (WAND) - For the 46th year, the "coolest bullring in the country" welcomed dirt racing fans to Macon Speedway for the Pepsi Herald & Review 100.

The Summer Nationals series rolled in to town on a Sunday for the first time in the event's history. The race features drivers in both modified and late model classes, with the winner of the H&R 100 taking home a prize of $7,500.

A total of 65 cars (37 late models, 28 modifieds) arrived at track to compete for a qualify and compete in the event. Drivers vary in experience level, with some driving year-round, while others compete on their own time.

Matt Milner, driver of the 24M car, is from Springfield and works as a full-time firefighter in Champaign. During the summer months, however, each chance he has to race in dirt events, he puts on the helmet and gets behind the wheel.

"My dad and I went to the races when I was a kid a lot," Milner says. "I just really loved it and one day I told him, I was like, 'Hey, I wanna do this.' He was like, 'Okay, let's do it.' I went out, bought a car, and the rest is history."

Milner admits the balance of racing and being a first responder is not always easy.

"As far as the work schedule, it's pretty tough to be able to hit the Saturdays and the Sundays. Actually, I'm taking vacation today," he says. 

Macon Speedway is one of the smallest on the Summer Nationals' schedule, measuring at just 1/5 of a mile, with drivers posting lap times of less than 12 seconds.

The race track entered a new era of ownership in 2024, under the direction of Eric Turner, Kenny Brown, and their families.

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