Crestwood Cop Ramps Up for Special Olympics Illinois' 'Five-O at the Dirty 0'

CRESTWOOD, IL -- The Crestwood Police Department is going dirty for Special Olympics Illinois. Det. Sgt. Chris Soderlund is accepting donations to participate in the first-ever Five-O at the Dirty O. The race takes place July 22 at the Dirt Oval at the Route 66 Joliet Speedway.

Crestwood police are huge supporters of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Interstate Relay benefiting Special Olympics athletes. The Dirty O is a stock car race on the dirt oval track at the Joliet Speedway. Police officers from around the state will race in old cars decked out Blues Brothers’ style with decals, police lights and sirens.

To participate in the race, each officer must raise $500. The cop who raises the most money gets the pole position. All money goes to Special Olympics athletes. Soderlund already has his car, which is currently being rebuilt for the big race. He’s accepting donations.

“Right now, I have a very plain looking white Ford Crown Victoria to race,” Soderlund said on his fundraising page. “In exchange for a minimum $150 donation, we will display your business/company logo on the car, along with putting it in our other race material ... All other donations are greatly appreciated and will receive honorable mention.”

Gates open at 4 p.m. on race day -- July 22 -- with pre-race tailgating in the parking lot along with other pre-race activities, including a Public Safety Emergency Vehicle show. Racing starts at 7 p.m. Immediately following the Five-O Dirty O, there will be a demolition derby. The event is expected to sell out, so get your tickets now on the Dirt Oval Route 66 website.

Help Det. Sgt. Soderlund get a spot at the starting line by making a donation to his fundraising page. All money raised will go to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes.

~ Photo via Route 66 Joliet Speedway | Jason Twite