With only five races left in the 2025 ARCA Menards Series, the Southern Illinois 100 at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds is set for Sunday night, offering a critical opportunity for drivers to gain momentum before the season’s final sprint. The event at this one-mile dirt oval highlights the challenging nature of dirt racing and the unique atmosphere surrounding the Labor Day weekend tradition in DuQuoin, Illinois.
Among the contenders, Jason Kitzmiller and his A.L.L. Construction Racing team return with ambitions to secure their sixth top-10 finish in seven races, aiming to capitalize on a strong showing from earlier this month at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, which sits roughly two and a half hours north of DuQuoin.
Kitzmiller’s Rising Confidence Following Recent Performances
Jason Kitzmiller, competing full-time in the demanding 20-race ARCA Menards Series schedule for the first time, heads into the Southern Illinois 100 riding high on confidence. Last weekend at Madison International Speedway in Wisconsin, he delivered one of his most impressive performances of the year, battling within the top five and finishing seventh—his best result in over two months.
This strong finish has revitalized the family-owned A.L.L. Construction Racing outfit, fueling their preparation for Sunday night’s dirt track showdown. Hailing from Petersburg, West Virginia, Kitzmiller looks to apply insights gained during his dirt debut earlier this month at Springfield, aiming to notch his 12th top-10 finish of the season at DuQuoin.
“Anytime you can get right back to the race track after a successful prior weekend of racing is a good shot in the arm for us all,”
Kitzmiller said.
“I really felt like we made gains with our short track program this past weekend at Madison, and we’ll look to apply those in the upcoming short track races, but before we can concentrate on those, we’ll need to get ready to get down and dirty again on Sunday night.”
—Jason Kitzmiller, Driver
Building Dirt Racing Experience and Overcoming Setbacks
Kitzmiller demonstrated promise in his Allen Crowe 100 debut at Springfield, challenging for a better finish before an electrical problem briefly sent him to the garage. Thanks to rapid repairs by his crew, he rejoined the race and gained valuable experience, eventually clawing back to a top-10 despite the hot and humid conditions.
Sunday’s race at DuQuoin offers a distinct atmosphere, as the contest takes place under the lights, adding intensity and spectacle to the event. Cooler temperatures expected on race night should contribute to a more comfortable yet fiercely competitive environment. Kitzmiller is aiming not only to extend his streak of strong results but also to secure his third top-five finish of the year in this dirt race.
“I think the racing is going to be a blast, especially racing on the dirt under the lights on Sunday,”
Kitzmiller explained.
“The track will definitely go through a change from practice to qualifying, but we will look to keep up with track conditions, while also capitalizing on the strength of our notes from Springfield and place our best foot forward towards a memorable DuQuoin debut.”
—Jason Kitzmiller, Driver
Veteran Insight from Crew Chief Frank Kimmel Boosts Team Strategy
Throughout the grueling ARCA Menards Series season, Kitzmiller has relied heavily on the expertise of his crew chief, Frank Kimmel, a ten-time ARCA champion with extensive experience on dirt tracks. Kimmel has competed at DuQuoin 24 times, notching five victories, thirteen top-five finishes, and eighteen top-10 finishes on the Southern Illinois clay oval.
Kimmel’s knowledge is expected to play a significant role in guiding the team through the shifting track conditions expected Sunday night. With no rain forecasted, Kitzmiller believes the surface will be primed for racing, turning the contest into a test of tire grip, driver skill, and mechanical endurance.
“Frank has turned more than 2,400 laps at DuQuoin and his experience will prove to be beneficial to us this weekend,”
Kitzmiller shared.
He has seen the track conditions at their finest and at their worst. With no rain in the forecast this week near DuQuoin, I think the track will be in good condition to race. It’s just going to come down to whoever can avoid overheating, have the best grip, and stay out of trouble on the track.”
—Jason Kitzmiller, Driver
“We’re going into DuQuoin with the same mentality we’ve carried all season long and hope that pays off for us.”
—Jason Kitzmiller, Driver
Approaching the End of a Grueling Seven-Race Stretch
The Southern Illinois 100 marks the conclusion of a demanding seven-race stretch for the ARCA Menards Series. Kitzmiller’s group has performed consistently well, maintaining an average top-10 finish over nearly six consecutive weeks, and now they look forward to a brief break to regroup before tackling the season’s final five events.
“Even though the break is only for one weekend, it’s a big deal for a smaller team like ourselves,”
Kitzmiller remarked.
The off-weekend allows us to regroup before returning to the race track and executing the final races on the schedule at Bristol, Salem, Kansas and Toledo.”
—Jason Kitzmiller, Driver
“I can’t say enough how much I appreciate everyone on the A.L.L. Construction Racing team in both the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East for their relentless efforts. They have been able to bring competitive cars all season long and we look to make a statement through the last five weeks of the season before looking ahead to 2026.”
—Jason Kitzmiller, Driver
Strong Support from Carter Machinery and Associate Partners
Kitzmiller’s No. 97 Chevrolet SS will again feature primary sponsorship from Carter Machinery and the iconic Caterpillar (Cat®) brand during the Southern Illinois 100. This marks the 16th consecutive race carrying their support this season. Carter Machinery, established in 1928, has grown into a leading dealer spanning the Mid-Atlantic region with over 30 locations, offering full lines of Cat® equipment and services.
The partnership resonates closely with the demands of dirt racing, as Carter Machinery’s equipment is engineered to perform under tough conditions. Kitzmiller appreciates the shared values of strength and durability between his team and the sponsor’s brand.
“Racing on dirt is always a unique challenge, and it really fits well with what Carter Machinery and Cat® are all about,”
said Kitzmiller.
Their equipment is built to move earth and handle the toughest jobs, and when you think about it, that’s the same spirit it takes to be successful at a place like DuQuoin.”
—Jason Kitzmiller, Driver
“It’s a tough, physical race and having a partner whose brand is synonymous with strength, durability and getting the job done means a lot to me and our team. We’re proud to carry their colors into such a historic annual event.”
—Jason Kitzmiller, Driver
Other associate marketing partners for the race include A.L.L. Construction Inc., Grant County Mulch, A&J Excavating, Cobra Mining, Champion Power Equipment, and Volt Battery Technology. Their continuing backing provides vital support for the 41st ARCA national event hosted at DuQuoin.
Championship Standings and Season Outlook
Currently fourth in the ARCA Menards Series points standings, Jason Kitzmiller trails third-place Lawless Alan by 65 points and series leader Brenden Queen by 122 with five races remaining. The A.L.L. Construction Racing team holds seventh in the owner championship, underscoring a strong and steady season performance.
Since entering ARCA competition in 2020, Kitzmiller has made 42 series starts, accumulating two top-five and 19 top-10 finishes, including a career-best third place at Daytona International Speedway in February 2025.
Schedule and Broadcast Information for Southern Illinois 100
The Southern Illinois 100 is race number 16 out of 20 on the 2025 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Activities on Sunday, August 31, begin with a half-hour practice session from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by General Tire Pole Qualifying at 6:00 p.m. The green flag is slated for shortly after 7:30 p.m. Central Time (8:30 p.m. Eastern).
The event will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), with ARCARacing.com providing live timing and scoring throughout the day. All times listed are local Central Time.
