The event will likely be the final NASCAR race at the St. Louis-area track, which was recently forced to decline 2011 NASCAR sanctions. For Wallace, one of St. Louis’ favorite sons, the partnership with Illinois corn farmers provides a bright spot in the weekend’s events.
Said Wallace, “It’s definitely sad to see Gateway close; the race fans in Illinois and Missouri are really great. At the same time though, it’s going to be a very exciting weekend for me. Illinois is one of America’s top corn-producing states and I’m extremely proud to be representing all of its hard-working corn farmers. We’re putting a big effort into the weekend to have a good run and help share the story of the family farmers in Illinois and what corn, their biggest crop, can do for this country.”
The partnership with Kenny Wallace Racing is an innovative approach to corn promotion. Scott Stirling, a family farmer from Martinton, IL, and ICMB Chairman added, “We’re excited to work with Kenny Wallace and his racing team. We think that family corn farmers in Illinois have a good story to share and we can’t wait to have Kenny join that conversation.”
About the Illinois Corn Marketing Board
The Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB) is a group of 15 farmers elected from across the state of Illinois. This volunteer producer board has the mission to create opportunities for increasing Illinois corn value and utilization. In order to fulfill their mission, the organization administers the state checkoff program, identifies and invests in market development, research, and commercialization activities; evaluates the impact each investment generates; cooperates with major commodity organizations on state, national and international market development efforts; and disseminates timely information. The ICMB serves the interests of and is accountable to all Illinois corn producers. For more, please visit http://www.ilcorn.org.
- Rusty Wallace Racing Press Release