After 40 years, it's 'the final run' for Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin

After four decades at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, the Street Machine Nationals announced last week that the 2026 event will be their last in Du Quoin.

Presented this Friday through Sunday, promoters have titled this event as “One Last Run,” celebrating 40 years of horsepower, memories, and the goodwill of generations of automotive enthusiasts.

The annual event has been southern Illinois’ premier gathering of hundreds of painstakingly prepped cars, and thousands of spectators from across the country each year. It has also been one of the largest events on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds calendar each season.

No reason was given for the event’s departure from Du Quoin, but on Wednesday organizers posted on the Street Machine Nationals Facebook page the chance to win a trip to the "future home" of the event at a "mystery location."


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