Belleville, IL – The POWRi Lucas Oil D-II Midget League portion of Throwback Thursday – Open Wheel Style at the Dirt Oval at Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois on Thursday, April 27th is presented by Heroes West Sports Grill in honor Jim “Jimmy” McClean and will pay $500 to win and $100 to start. Heroes West Sports Grill, the presenting sponsor, is a quick jaunt, less than 10 miles away from the Dirt Oval at Route 66 in Joliet, and offers all kinds of entertainment from your favorite area cover bands and original music, to broadcasted sports events on 45 high definition on flat screen TV's, a kids gaming area, and more.
McClean, of Braceville, Illinois, passed away on February 11th, 2017. Formerly of Joliet, Illinois, McClean began his racing career with the now defunct United Auto Racing Association (UARA) midget group in 1966, which saw him being named the association’s “Rookie of the Year.” At that time, UARA competed weekly at the flat, quarter-mile paved, Joliet Memorial Stadium. Three years later, McClean teamed up with car owner Frank Kater and captured the 1969 Badger Midget Auto Racing Association (BMARA) Championship.
McClean’s break out season was in 1976 when he finished third in UARA’s final standings, winning 12 feature races during the season, and was crowned the “Stadium” champion for 1976, driving for Joliet car owner Bob Lockard.
For more information on Heroes West Sports Grill, including address and hours, visit www.heroeswest.net, and “Like” Heroes West Sports Grill on Facebook.
For further information on Throwback Thursday – Open Wheel Style at the Dirt Oval at Route 66, visit www.powri.com, “Like” POWRi on Facebook and follow @POWRi_Racing on Twitter.