Our Story
Focusing on outdoor family entertainment, Dirt Oval 66 hosts adrenaline-packed live events such as motorsports, demolition derbies, Monster Truck rallies, car shows, music and rodeos. As a purpose-driven company, Dirt Oval 66 focuses on giving back to its community, helping those in need, and honoring those who have served by tying events to fundraising for a cause. The venue, off of Route-66, is well known for their variety of food stands, overnight camping accommodations, pre-event parties, outdoor activities, fireworks, and opportunities for audience participation.
Our Team: #TeamDirt
#TeamDirt is in the business of providing unique experiences for all ages.
Our Purpose
The hard-working team at Dirt Oval 66 is driven by passionate general manager, Sherri Heckenast. Heckenast grew up as part of a racing family, and was a racecar driver herself in the Dirt Late Model ranks. The only thing she loves more than racing and competition is helping others. Every event Heckenast and her team put on is for serving others. The Dirt Oval 66 team ensures that there is never a shortage of activities, food, learning, interacting or heart-thumping action for the fans. And for the drivers, series owners, and entertainers, the team does everything humanly possible to make sure they get the recognition they deserve, interact and grow their fan base, and have a great time doing it! For Heckenast, second best is not enough. She wants everyone attending to have the best possible experience possible, with unique opportunities to interact with the entertainment and build memories that will last a lifetime.
In addition to the “professional” events, Dirt Oval 66 also hosts special events tied to fundraising for a specific cause. The annual events are about giving back to the community, helping those in need, and honoring those who have served. Some signature events include:
Five O @ Dirty O: Local law enforcement team demolition derby/tournament of destruction
Benefiting: Special Olympics – Illinois. Last year alone, Dirt Oval 66 raised over $1 million dollars, making them the largest donor for the Special Olympics.
Racin’ For Boobs: Tournament of Destruction/Team Demolition Derby, plus the Greatest Fireworks around!
Benefiting: Breast Cancer Research/Treatment. Every year Dirt Oval 66 donates the funds raised to an organization that focuses on breast cancer research/treatment.
Quick facts about Dirt Oval:
- Host live events such as motorsports, demolition derbies, Monster Truck rallies, car shows, music, rodeos, and more!
- Track is independently operated from Route 66 Raceway and Chicagoland Speedway
- Types of motorsports: Sprint Car Racing, Team Demolition Derby, Monster Truck Racing, Lawn Mower Racing, Dirt Late Models, American Flat Track, Motorcycles
- Not your typical racetrack, different types of events and entertainment every month
- #TeamDirt is the Dirt Oval team that “makes it happen.” They enjoy what they do, and it shows.