PIT BOX: Performance Seed Dirt Double takes center stage for Dutch Boy 100 at Springfield

One of the most storied ARCA Menards Series traditions continues Sunday afternoon when the Illinois State Fairgrounds dirt mile plays host to the running of the Dutch Boy 100 (1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET on FS1 / FloRacing).

Dirt racing has long been a vital part of the ARCA Menards Series schedule. ARCA racing at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois began in 1983 when Dean Roper claimed the inaugural series event at the one-mile dirt oval.

Some of ARCA’s best have emerged as winners at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, with 10-time ARCA champion Frank Kimmel leading the way with eight triumphs during his historic career. Bob Keselowski is next with four victories, followed by Roper, who won three times at the Illinois State Fairgrounds during his career.

Other notable winners include Ken Schrader, Ryan Unzicker, Justin Allgaier, Tim Steele, Bobby Bowsher, Grant Enfinger, Christian Eckes and, most recently, current ARCA Menards Series championship leader Jesse Love.

Sunday’s race also serves as the opening race of the Performance Seed Dirt Double, a special bonus program exclusive to the annual dirt events at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. If one driver is able to win both dirt races, he or she will earn an additional $20,000 bonus. If the bonus goes unclaimed, the driver with the best average finish will earn a $7,500 bonus.

Tickets for Sunday’s Dutch Boy 100 can be purchased here. Below is everything to know about the event.

Dutch Boy 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

The entry lists for the ARCA Menards Series events at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds always feature a few unique names that might not otherwise get to compete on the ARCA platform.

This year is no different at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, as a few dirt ringers are slated to join the action for the Dutch Boy 100. They include dirt midget car racer Taylor Reimer, who will be making her ARCA debut with Venturini Motorsports.

She’ll be joined by teammate Brent Crews, also a regular dirt racer, who will be fresh off his ARCA debut two days prior at Watkins Glen International.

Kelly Kovski, a dirt late model racing veteran, returns to action with ARCA for the first time since the dirt races one year ago in his family No. 16 as he looks to grab his first ARCA platform triumph.

Another notable addition to the ARCA driver roster this weekend is Ken Schrader, who’s fresh off his first NASCAR Pinty’s Series victory on dirt at Ohsweken Speedway in Canada on Monday. He’ll pilot the No. 10 for Fast Track Racing on Sunday afternoon.

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Love is the defending race winner at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and will look to add another dirt victory to his growing resume. He came up one position short of winning the Performance Seed Dirt Double bonus one year ago when he finished second at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, something he hopes to remedy this year.

Dale Quarterley will make his first ARCA dirt start in his own No. 4, while Sean Corr will make his first Illinois State Fairgrounds start since 2011. Other notable entries include William Sawalich, Frankie Muniz, Andres Perez de Lara, Christian Rose and Jon Garrett, among others.

The full entry list for Sunday’s Dutch Boy 100 is available here.

RACING REFERENCE:

• Previous ARCA races at Springfield
• ARCA Menards Series drivers at Springfield

RACE FACTS:

CREW CHIEF HANDOUT: The starting field for the Dutch Boy 100 is limited to 30 starters plus provisionals. This event will run under the 2023 ARCA Menards Series rules, procedures, regulations and specifications.

QUALIFYING: Starting lineup determined by each car’s fastest lap in single-car, one-lap qualifying. No adjustments or repairs may be made on car after taking the green flag at start/finish line. All cars must make a qualifying attempt, and all drivers must practice before they can qualify.

RACE PIT STOP: Break pit stop procedure. Break at or near the conclusion of lap 50. All cars will be required to make at least one pit stop prior to last 10 laps of race. No adding or moving tires to or from pit box once race has started. (Learn about all of ARCA’s pit stop procedures here.)

TIRE ALLOTMENT: Per ARCA Rulebook, maximum tire usage for this event (purchased at track plus maximum 4 from-home tires) is 16. Maximum number of tires allowed in pit box for use in race is eight (8).