Jacksonville Speedway closing through July after deadly race car accident

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The Jacksonville Speedway has announced that they will be closed through July to allow time to heal from Friday’s tragedy .

65-year-old Ralph A. Willhite of Jacksonville was killed at the track after he was struck by an out-of-control sprint car, the Morgan County Coroner said. The Jacksonville Speedway paid their respects through a social media post on Saturday.

“There’s so much to say, but really not much that actually needs to be said because we all know the person he was. We could write paragraphs about Ralph as a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Co-Worker, Race Fan and all of the roles he filled, interests he had and skills he excelled at. But without a doubt his greatest talent was the art of being a friend.”

In another social media post on Sunday , Operator Ken Dobson said their team now needs time to reflect, rest, and recuperate their spirits.

“A calendar or schedule we made in January isn’t going to dictate when that spirit is ready to return – but I can assure you it wouldn’t have been back for a rushed week after the fair, or the week following when I personally have to be absent due to a work commitment,” Dobson said. “This place won’t reopen without me able to be here. It won’t reopen without Hank and Tommy in a good place and rested, without it in tip top shape, or with fresh scars of Ralphie on everyone’s minds.”

He went on to say that the team expects to reunite on Aug. 9.

“That’s when we plan for us all to gather again with minds in the right places, our bodies healed and spirits high. I bet by then we will all be ready to go again – all of us – with a lot of anticipation, excitement and the spirit back.”

A new schedule and details on what the future will hold will be posted in a week or so. Season ticketholders can call 217-371-3653 for any compensation.

While the Morgan County Fair will have to go on without their speed show, Dobson said he hopes the community will still enjoy all the event has to offer and will be ready for the Jacksonville Speedway once they open again.

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