FREEPORT — Kickabuda Promotions brings a brand-new racing experience to Stephenson County Fairgrounds.

Something new is coming to Freeport this summer. For the first time ever, local motorsports fans will be able to watch (or compete in) quad and side-by-side (SxS) racing right here in Stephenson County, as Kickabuda Promotions launches its inaugural race event at the Backroad Raceway on Saturday, June 20.

The races will be held at the ABC Supply Co. Freeport Grandstands at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds, located at 2250 S. Walnut Road in Freeport. The event marks an exciting new chapter for the fairgrounds, which is expanding its calendar to bring exciting events to the community year-round.

Gates open at 2 p.m., with general admission just $5 and pit passes available for $10. It’s the kind of affordable afternoon out that the whole family can enjoy, and for racing fans in the area, it’s a long time coming. All transactions are cash only.

For those who want to race, the pits open at 11 a.m. Entry is $20 per class, with an 80/20 payback structure, meaning the bulk of entry fees go right back to the competitors.

What makes this event especially exciting is the wide range of racing classes available. Kids as young as 4 years old can get in on the action through the Kids Quad Classes, which are divided by engine size and age group, from 50cc all the way up to 350cc for teens aged 12 to 15. It’s a rare chance for young riders to experience real, organized competition in a safe and structured setting.

Adults have plenty to look forward to as well. Sport classes for riders 16 and up cover both 2-cycle and 4-cycle machines across a broad range of engine sizes, topped off by an open class for anything under 1,200cc. There’s even a 450cc Stock class designed to keep things fair and grassroots, stock engine, no sway bars, no race tires.

Side-by-side fans are well represented too, with SxS classes for kids ages 5 to 15 and adult divisions in both non-turbo and turbo configurations. Powder Puff classes are available for women in both quad and SxS categories, and there’s an “Ol’ Man Play” class open to riders 40 and older, proof that racing truly is for everyone.

Safety is taken seriously at every Kickabuda Promotions event. All racers are required to wear a helmet, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and riding or heavy-duty work boots. SxS drivers must have a belt harness, and every machine needs a working kill switch. Riding gloves, chest protectors, elbow pads, and a neck brace are strongly recommended. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a release form before hitting the track.

The June 20 event is just the start, with a second race date already set for Sunday, August 16, and more dates expected to be announced throughout the year. For the latest updates, check out the website at stephensoncountyfair.org/races or find Backroad Raceway at Stephenson County Fairgrounds and Kickabuda Promotions on Facebook. For questions, contact organizer Greg Marsch at 217-825-3256.