Racing action out of turn two for the Vintage Racing heats during the Spring Classic.

Dick Kath captures the Illinois Vintage Racing 20 lap feature event.

By: Eric Huenefeld

It was the perfect place for the perfect win.

On the high banks of Rockford Speedway, just minutes from his shop. At a place that where he grew up watching racing.

At this place on this day, and while being tested by the "best weekly warriors in the country," Machesney Park's Alex Papini had his finest day in a Late Model, winning the 36th Annual Spring Classic at the Rockford Speedway.

SPRING CLASSIC TODAY
With high's predicted to reach 70 degrees later today, it promises to be a memorable day at Rockford Speedway for the 36th annual Spring Classic. Over 35 Big 8 Late Models were on hand for yesterday's test session in preperation for today's 108 lap feature event. Additionally, Mid-American Stock Car teams as well as the IL Vintage Racing Series took to the track. The pits are filled with sharp looking racecars, ready to do battle this afternoon. Spectator gates will open at 11am with Qualifying slated for 11:30am, racing action begins at 1pm. Adult general admission tickets are $20, students (ages 12-17) are $10, ages 6-11 $5 with kids ages 5 and under admitted Free. Here is a look at today's schedule of events:

The stage is set for an unbelievable afternoon of racing at Rockford Speedway this Sunday afternoon April 14 during the 36th annual Spring Classic presented by Yellowbook. Currently 38 of the top weekly late model teams from three states will by battling their way to one of the 24 starting positions in Sunday’s main event, the Big 8 Late Model Series 108 lap feature. The always exciting Mid-American Stock Car Series will contest a 50 lap feature while the cars of yesteryear will go 20 laps in the IL Vintage Racing Series feature.

We have heard the saying Champions and Challengers for years in the short track ranks. The 36th annual Spring Classic on Sunday afternoon April 14 at Rockford Speedway is shaping up to fit the description and then some. As entries continue to roll in for the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet portion of the event, eighteen modern day Late Model Championships are already accounted for. Additional heavy hitters are rumored to be setting their sights on Rockford April 14. Here is a look at the players that we know will BE THERE for the 108 lap feature event thus far.

Loves Park, IL- 2011 Big 8 Late Model Series Champion Steve Rubeck and 2012 Jefferson Speedway Champion Casey Johnson, are among the first drivers to file their entries for the upcoming Big 8 Series 108 lap feature during the 36th annual Spring Classic presented by Yellowbook at Rockford Speedway. The 36th running on Sunday afternoon April 14 will feature the Big 8 Late Models, Mid-American Stock Cars as well as the popular Illinois Vintage Racing Series.

Click for Big 8 Series Entry // Event Schedule

The Official Entry Blank for the 36th annual Spring Classic Big 8 Late Model Series event being contested at Rockford Speedway on Sunday afternoon April 14 is now available online at www.big8series.com. The 108 lap feature event marks many milestones for the ninth year series, including the return to the Hoosier Racing Tire family, utilizing the S800 tire which is now the choice of short tracks across the region. The new Weekly Warrior Wages program which rewards each driver up to $250 per event based on their weekly racing success and Big 8 Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet accomplishments will also debut. The 1pm green flag officially brings the Midwest racing season to life during an afternoon which will also showcase the Mid-American Stock Car Series and Illinois Vintage Racing Series. For additional information regarding the Spring Classic event including a complete schedule of events visit www.rockfordspeedway.com or call the Speedway Box Office at 815-633-1500.

By: Eric Huenefeld
Battling his rivals and the elements, "Driver X" Jon Reynolds Jr. started his season the right way Sunday at the Rockford Speedway. Reynolds collected his first Spring Classic trophy, winning the 108 lap feature by half a track over his nearest competition after starting ninth in the season opening event for the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet.
Amid a solid field of veterans, it was Rookie Cory Kemkes leading the field to the green to start the 108 lap main event. Kemkes would surge to the inside of second place starter Steve Dobbratz to take the lead. Kyle Shear would slip behind Kemkes and follow him to the front. Shear would sit second behind Kemkes in the races opening laps.

Top three finisher from 35th Annual Spring Classic (left to right) Jon Reynolds from Rockford, IL finish 1st, Ryan Carlson, Loves Park, IL, 2nd place and Kyle Shear from Roscoe, IL finish 3rd.

Frank Slabenak won his heat race for the Illinois Vintage Racing Series.

Loves Park, IL- The 2012 race season officially gets underway at Rockford Speedway this Sunday afternoon April 15 at Rockford Speedway. The Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet, Mid-American Stock Car Series and new to the mix, the Illinois Vintage Racing Series will all begin their seasons during the 35th annual Spring Classic presented by Yellowbook.