Toby Kruse named Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway operating manager
Award-winning industry veteran brings extensive experience to new 1/4-mile dirt track in Belleville, Ill.
Toby Kruse, a four-time recipient of the Race Promotion Monthly Regional Promoter of the Year award, has been named operating manager and lead promoter of local and regional racing events at the new Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway.
In his role, Kruse will oversee promotion and operations for events on the facility’s 1/4-mile dirt oval, while also supporting national touring series events promoted by Curtis Francois and Chris Blair.
“None of this would be possible without the vision and commitment of St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern and the St. Clair County Board,” said Francois, operator of the speedway. “Mark has long understood the importance of motorsports to this community and has been a passionate advocate for creating a facility that honors Belle-Clair’s rich racing heritage while positioning it for the future. His confidence in our operating and promotional team has been both humbling and inspiring. We are grateful for his leadership, his love of the sport, and the trust he has placed in us to help build a venue that will serve racers, fans, and the entire region for generations to come.”
“When we began working with St. Clair County on the return of racing to Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park, we knew a world-class short track required one of the top promoters in the industry,” said Francois. “I was thrilled when Chris Blair joined the development team and brought his extensive dirt racing experience — along with a proven industry leader such as Toby Kruse.”
Blair, who began promoting dirt racing events in 1990, echoed the sentiment of support for Kruse. Kruse was an instrumental part of the production team for Blair’s “Duel in the Desert” modified event in Las Vegas from 2001 through 2011 which grew from a small regional event into the largest dirt modified race in the country.
“I’ve worked with Toby on events for more than 20 years and have always respected his ability to deliver consistently well-run, high-quality racing programs at venues across the country,” said Blair. “He has earned the confidence of racers, team owners, sanctioning bodies, and fans alike. His track record speaks for itself — he consistently produces events that meet the highest standards in our sport.”
Kruse brings decades of experience to Belle-Clair. Since 2006, he has served as promoter of Marshalltown Speedway in Iowa. He is also co-owner and co-promoter of 141 Speedway in Maribel, Wis., and promoter of the Iowa State Fairgrounds’ popular “Battle in the Barn” indoor event.
Throughout his career, Kruse has worked in numerous roles, including flagman, announcer, track operator, and broadcast specialist. He is widely respected for his ability to combine competitive racing with a high level of professional entertainment.
“When I first saw the architectural plans for the new facility, I was impressed,” said Kruse. “When I visited the site and saw it taking shape, I was simply amazed. The potential of this venue is incredible, and there’s tremendous support from both the racing industry and the local community.”
Kruse added, “We’re committed to building a diverse schedule that keeps fans engaged while working closely with other regional tracks to strengthen the sport as a whole.”
The new Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway blends nostalgia with modern innovation, honoring the legacy of the historic venue while introducing state-of-the-art amenities. Fans will experience covered grandstands, luxury suites, advanced LED lighting, a spacious midway, upgraded concessions and modern fan-friendly features.
On the competition side, the facility includes concrete retaining walls, premium catch fencing, cutting-edge timing systems and a meticulously prepared racing surface designed to deliver top-tier competition.
The speedway is set to officially open Aug. 1, 2026, marking the return of one of the region’s most storied racing destinations.
To purchase tickets to opening night, visit www.tixr.com/groups/belleclairspeedway.
About Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is a premier ¼-mile dirt oval located within the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park complex in St. Clair County, Ill. Owned by St. Clair County and opening on Aug. 1, 2026, the speedway was developed as an economic tourism driver to attract visitors from across the region while generating positive economic impact for local businesses and communities. The speedway is leased and operated by Curtis Francois, with event promotion led by veteran motorsports executive Chris Blair and day-to-day operations managed by Toby Kruse.
Designed to host a diverse schedule of dirt track racing, concerts, festivals, and special events, the facility serves as a year-round destination for entertainment and community engagement. As part of the historic Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park complex, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is committed to delivering high-quality events, supporting regional tourism, and enhancing St. Clair County’s position as a leading destination for motorsports and live entertainment in the Midwest.
