He Beat Jim Glasgow At Route 66 Raceway, Now Jason Helland Defends Title Saturday

JOLIET, IL - Last year's inaugural Grudge Match at the Route 66 Classic was won by Will County over Grundy County 4-2, but there was a bright spot for the losing side. Grundy County State's Attorney Jason Helland defeated Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow by a whisker. It was a photo finish. The quarter-mile drag racing competition was decided by 0.06 seconds.

On Saturday night, Glasgow will be out for revenge. If Glasgow does prevail, chances are, he will have earned a hard fought victory. Helland, though, is looking forward to a chance to defend his title. "It was an enjoyable fun event, and it was the closest race of the night," Helland told Joliet Patch.

As a public official, Helland said he's participated in his share of charity dunk tanks, hot-dog eating competitions and free-throw contests so when Route 66 Raceway approached him last year about participating a race between Will County and Grundy County officials, it sounded like a great idea, he said.

"Who in their right mind would loan us the vehicles?" he remembered thinking.

The answer is D'Arcy Buick GMC. Once again, D'Arcy is furnishing the public officials from Grundy and Will Counties with a vehicle to race down Joliet's quarter-mile drag strip.

"You can't forget about D'Arcy," Helland said. "They've been a great community partner, and they're donating these vehicles for us to use in the race."

Last year's Grudge Match raised more than $20,000 for local charities chosen by the local officials. This year, Helland is earmarking his donations to help the Coal City Soccer Club.

For Helland, raising money for the local charities is far more important than defeating Glasgow.

"I'm trying to go for two wins in a row, but I don't lose sight of the fact that we're there to help charities, people and ultimately be there to have a good time," Helland said. "I will not be devastated if I don't win."

The other Grudge Match races include the mayors, police and fire chiefs of Joliet versus their counterparts in Morris. And, besides the highly anticipated state's attorney race, the County Executives and the Sheriffs for Grundy and Will are racing each other.

For details about Saturday night's Grudge Match schedule, read this Joliet Patch article.

For information about admissions to the events which include a Pin-Up Contest, Classic Car Show and Vintage Market, visit the Route 66 website here.

Image via Jason Helland Facebook page

Images via Route 66 Raceway