Three popular, ongoing annual events return to Springfield this fall and give the public an opportunity to see classic cars and motorcycles racing once again. Here are a few details about each event:
Springfield Mile
Illinois State Fairgrounds
Friday, Aug. 31
Saturday, Sept. 1
The Springfield Mile is a prestigious motorcycle race on the Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) calendar and has been featured in recent years as a double header with races on Saturday and Sunday at the Illinois State Fairgrounds racetrack. Flat rack motorcycle racing, sometimes called dirt track racing, has been called the original extreme sport.
The Springfield Mile has a long history. Its first American Motorcyclist Association national ran in 1937, and from 1946 to 1953, the championship was determined by winning this one race. It ran annually from 1946 to 1966 during the Illinois State Fair and now runs on Labor Day weekend. Mees Promotions took charge of the race's promotions in 2022.
"The weekend draws over 20,000 fans, with approximately 60% of attendees originating outside of a 50-mile radius," said Scott Dahl, director of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Traveler expenditures exceed over $1.5 million for this annual event."
Tickets are available from springfield-mile.com for either day separately or for both days. For more information contact Nichole or Jared Mees at [email protected].
Illinois Secretary of State's Vehicle Show
Saturday, Sept. 7
Edwards and College streets
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Illinois Secretary of State's office is highlighting the 60th anniversary of the iconic 1964 Ford Mustang at its annual Vehicle Show.
The show will take place at the corner of Edwards and College streets in downtown Springfield, near the State Capitol, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 7. Judging will begin at 11 a.m., with the awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m.
"A broad collection of classic vehicles featuring all makes and models will be on display," Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said, adding it "will help draw visitors to Springfield and provide a boost to local businesses."
Last year's event attracted more than 1,000 visitors. It was first held in 1949 as an antique auto meet.
Enthusiasts can register their cars with a form on the Secretary of State's website. There is no cost to attend the outdoor show. For more information, email [email protected].
Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Downtown Springfield
Friday, Sept. 27, 6-10 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The 23rd Annual International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, presented by Recon Techs of Springfield, will include its annual cruise through the city, live music, celebrity guests and the downtown show of classic cars. Some highlights:
• The Friday night cruise with hundreds of vehicles begins at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 27 at Capital City Shopping Center (lineup begins at 3 p.m.), goes south on Dirksen Parkway, west on Stevenson Drive, then north on Sixth Street to downtown.
• Up to 1,200 registered vehicles are expected, an increase from 1,039 last year, says organizer Greg "Coop" Cooper.
• Special displays will include Dick Levi's cars near Sixth and Monroe streets and Isringhausen Import's showcase near Sixth and Adams streets.
• Dennis Gage and his crew from My Classic Car will be back Friday and Saturday to film an upcoming episode.
• Special guest Chris Jacobs of the Overhaulin' automotive makeover show will be at the festival on Saturday.
• "Get Your Flicks on Route 66" will feature a variety of movies and unique historical pieces in the Hoogland Center for the Arts on Saturday only.
• Live music will be presented on the Isringhausen Imports main stage at Sixth and Washington streets.
This event has an economic impact of more than $1 million and helps to make Springfield "the Route 66 hub in Illinois," said Dahl of the SCVB. "In 2026, organizers anticipate a record attendance for the 100th anniversary of Route 66, when the Springfield festival will celebrate 25 years."
The downtown event is free for attendees. More details about vehicle registration, a burnout competition, activities for kids and the lineup of bands can be found at route66fest.com.
Ed Wojcicki freelances from Springfield after retiring from University of Illinois Springfield and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.
