Springfield Mile Set for Labor Day Weekend

One of Springfield’s longest-running motorsports traditions will take over the Illinois State Fairgrounds during Labor Day weekend when the Springfield Mile is held Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6.

Tickets remain available for both days of the professional flat-track motorcycle racing doubleheader, which will close the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season. The series championship will be decided during the weekend on the fairgrounds’ one-mile dirt oval.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. both days. Saturday’s schedule includes practice beginning at 10 a.m., opening ceremonies at 1:40 p.m. and racing beginning at 2 p.m. The AFT Singles main event is scheduled for 3:40 p.m., followed by the AFT SuperTwins finale at 4:05 p.m.

On Sunday, practice begins at 10:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The AFT Singles main event is expected to begin shortly after 3:15 p.m., followed by the AFT SuperTwins main event at 4 p.m. All scheduled times are subject to change.

The weekend will feature the sport’s leading riders competing in the AFT SuperTwins and AFT Singles divisions. Saturday’s SuperTwins competition will use the Triple Challenge format, consisting of three races that increase in length and importance throughout the afternoon. Sunday will feature the traditional heat races and main events.

Fans will also have access to food and beverage vendors, large-screen viewing and displays. Pit-pass upgrades are available for spectators who want to meet riders and see the motorcycles up close.

The Springfield Mile’s history dates to 1937, when the track hosted its first American Motorcyclist Association national race. From 1946 through 1953, winning the Springfield race meant winning the national championship, helping establish the event as one of the most important races in American flat-track competition.

The race was held annually during the Illinois State Fair from 1946 through 1966. After an extended absence, the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association helped bring the event back in 1981, and it regained national status the following year. It eventually developed into the Labor Day weekend tradition that continues today.

Some of the biggest names in motorcycle racing have won at Springfield. Nine-time national champion Scott Parker earned a record 14 victories at the track, including a memorable win in 2000 after coming out of retirement specifically to compete in the race.

Advance tickets include standing-room, reserved grandstand and VIP options. Prices increase by $10 beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2. Tickets may be purchased through the Springfield Mile website or by calling 217-632-0277.