As of Thursday, the last driver to visit victory lane during Big 8 Series Spring Classic competition was planning on watching this Sunday’s race from the Rockford Speedway grandstand. Although it would be a great race to witness, he wanted to be a part of the 33rd annual Spring Classic, contending for another win in the tough Midwestern series. Michael Bilderback’s plans changed today.

Young Bilderback will now be behind the wheel of the car made famous at Rockford by his uncle Ricky Bilderback. Ricky ‘The Rocket’ claimed an unprecedented seven straight titles at the quarter-mile high banked oval from 2001 through 2007 and has finished second in points the past two seasons to Jerry Gille, who is also entered for Sunday’s 58 lap main event. Michael will sport Ricky’s familiar 02 number Sunday while he attempts to record his third win in Big 8 Series history.

Spectator gates will open at 11am this Sunday, April 18 with qualifying beginning at 11:15. Racing will begin at 1pm with preliminary events and features for the Big 8 Series Late Models and Mid-American Stock Cars who will contest a 50 lap feature. Adult tickets are $20, ages 6-11 are $5 with ages 5 and under admitted free. For additional information visit www.rockfordspeedway.com or call the Speedway Box Office at 815-633-1500.

History of the Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway

Year Driver Name Series
1978 Dick Trickle ARTGO Challenge Series*
1979 Tom Reffner ARTGO Challenge Series**
1980 Larry Detjens ARTGO Challenge Series
1981 Joe Shear ARTGO Challenge Series
1982 Al Schill ARTGO Challenge Series
1983 Dick Trickle ARTGO Challenge Series
1984 Dick Trickle ARTGO Challenge Series
1985 Al Schill ARTGO Challenge Series
1986 Joe Shear ARTGO Challenge Series
1987 Dick Trickle ARTGO Challenge Series
1988 Joe Shear ARTGO Challenge Series
1989 Joe Shear ARTGO Challenge Series
1990 Scott Hansen ARTGO Challenge Series
1991 Kevin Cywinski ARTGO Challenge Series
1992 Jim Weber ARTGO Challenge Series
1993 Scott Hansen ARTGO Challenge Series
1994 Tony Strupp ARTGO Challenge Series
1995 Kevin Cywinski ARTGO Challenge Series
1996 Larry Schuler ARTGO Challenge Series
1997 Eddie Hoffman ARTGO Challenge Series
1998 Steve Carlson NASCAR Elite Series
1999 Steve Carlson NASCAR Elite Series
2000 Steve Carlson NASCAR Elite Series
2001 Steve Carlson NASCAR Elite Series
2002 Brian Hoppe NASCAR Elite Series
2003 Steve Carlson NASCAR Elite Series
2004 Steve Carlson NASCAR Elite Series
2005 Mike Beyer Big 8 Series
2005 Justin Diercks NASCAR Elite Series
2006 Mike Beyer Big 8 Series
2006 Steve Rubeck Wisconsin Challenge Series
2007 Mike Ehde Big 8 Series
2007 Steve Rubeck Wisconsin Challenge Series
2008 Michael Bilderback Big 8 Series
2009 Rained Out Twice Big 8 Series

* Held at Grundy County Speedway
** Held at Capitol Super Speedway (Madison)