Summer Heat Event Details
July 11 – American Big Rig Racing | Crown Vics | 1 vs 1 Dirt Drags
Get ready for super-sized diesels racing in the dirt! American Big Rig Racing roars into Dirt Oval 66 Saturday night for the first-time ever! Plus, a field of over 20 Crown Vics will battle for a $1500 payout and 1-on-1 Dirt Drags where anyone can win $1000! It’s a full night of racing on the entire 3/8th mile Dirt Oval in Joliet, IL.
Key Times for Saturday
* Parking lot & gates open at 4:00PM – tailgating is allowed!
* See the big rigs and crown vics up-close 4:00 – 6:30PM
* Ryan Craig Band live music 4:30 – 6:30PM
* Opening ceremonies at 7:00PM
* Racing begins immediately after!
Race Formats
* American Big Rigs – Hot Laps (3 trucks at a time), Qualifying, Heats (2), Main Feature (all trucks).
* Crown Vics – Hot Laps (may occur prior to 7pm), Heats (2), ‘B’ Main (if necessary), ‘A’ Main (15 laps).
* Dirt Drags – Number of races depends on number of entries. 1 lap around oval per matchup.
(These are the total expected races per division, not a start-to-finish running order of the night’s program)
Semi-Trucks Sliding in the Dirt
What could possibly happen??
Watch for Crown Vic racing chaos
A field of at least two dozen Crown Vics is expected to race on Saturday for the huge $1500 top prize. Drivers: It’s not too late to join! Full details here or haul-in & sign-up on Saturday.
Race Your Ride in Dirt Drags
Got the guts to bring your car or truck out on the big track in front of thousands of fans? You know you want to! Run what ya brung (as long as it is on 4 wheels and street legal). Purpose-built racing vehicles are not allowed, but both 2WD and 4×4 are allowed. One vs one for a single lap around the oval. Winner moves on until there’s a champion who takes home $1,000. Runner-up receives $500.
Sign-up now right here or do it on Saturday. Bring a helmet or use one of ours. Entry fee is your $35 pit pass which includes general admission to the entire event! A few brave racers tested their skills and the mud during the debut Dirt Drags session at Team Demolition Derby. For this Saturday, the track will be DRY!
Arrive Early & Fuel the Fun all Night
Enjoy a live performance from local country music artist and Nashville performer The Ryan Craig Band beginning at approximately 4:30pm under the grandstands.
See some of the big rigs and Crown Vic competitors up-close alongside the southeast side of the parking lot and walk way. No extra ticket or access required on the parking lot-side of the fence/entrances.
Photo not of actual American Big Rig racer, but you get the idea!
After the Big Rig feature race, hang out for the best race track fireworks show in the Midwest. If you didn’t get enough BANG on your 4th of July celebration, we’ve got you covered at Dirt Oval 66!
Ticket Prices for Summer Heat
Tickets for Saturday’s Summer Heat event at Dirt Oval 66 can be purchased online or when you arrive on Saturday. Mobile ticketing straight to your phone is one option or physical tickets from the box office at the track. Ticket prices for all fans:
- Adults (ages 13+): $36
- Kids (ages 3-12): $23
- Reserved Seats in middle of the grandstand (applies to all ages): $41
- Ages 2 & younger are FREE in general admission
Parking: $5 per vehicle at the entrance payable via cash or card.
Yes, Dirt Oval 66 offers both cash & cashless forms of payment throughout the venue!
The event is scheduled to conclude at approximately 9:30pm. Performing vehicles, drivers, and event entertainment subject to change without notice for any reason.
Fan requests/announcements are not accepted on event day. Please use our request form. Questions? Call 815-740-8000 or send us a message.