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Coles County Speedway and Lake Land College announce a Multi-Year Partnership

Mattoon, IL – [4/24/25]
Coles County Speedway and Lake Land College are teaming up in a multi-year partnership that promises to ignite the engines of both education and dirt track racing in Central Illinois. This collaboration marks a major step forward in merging the excitement of motorsports with real-world learning, innovation, and community connection.

At the heart of this partnership is the integration of Lake Land College’s Motorsports and Fabrication Club into the track’s operations. Students will gain hands-on experience in dirt track racing, pit support, fabrication, broadcasting and racing logistics—all while helping to power one of the region’s most beloved dirt tracks.

Among the partnership’s highlights is an expanded slate of events that includes Lake Land College as the Title sponsor of the coveted King of Coles Xtreme Outlaw Midget race, a crown jewel of the racing calendar at Coles County Speedway. With multiple events scheduled throughout the season, fans can expect even more adrenaline-fueled action, backed by the energy and technical support of Lake Land College students and staff.

Key events under the new partnership include:
Lake Land College Motorsports Night – Featuring student-built cars, behind-the-scenes tours, and in-race roles for Lake Land students, this evening will celebrate the fusion of education and competition.

Laker Night- an event featuring all things Lake Land College

Racetrack R&D Days – Special sessions where the Motorsports and Fabrication Club showcases innovations, custom builds, and engineering projects to fans and local schools.

Speed Meets STEM Community Day – A family-friendly daytime event where K-12 students and community members can explore the mechanics, math, and science behind high-performance racing.

“This partnership is a huge win for everyone—our fans, our community, and especially the students,” said Brian Rieck, promoter of Coles County Speedway. “Lake Land College brings a spirit of innovation and energy to the track that we’re proud to showcase.”

“We’re thrilled for our students to engage in this professional experience at the Speedway,” Brian Madlem, Division Chair Business and Technology, said. “The diverse, collective skills needed to operate the track align perfectly with our college programs. Whether it’s automotive, manufacturing, broadcasting, marketing, accounting or first responders, partnering with Coles County Speedway gives our students a chance to put their classroom learning into action and follow their passions.”

Together, Coles County Speedway and Lake Land College are creating a new model for motorsports education—one where classroom theory meets roaring engines and cheering crowds.

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