John Jones owned and operated Motion Raceway from its very beginnings. Operating from 1970 until its demise in 1983, The track was originally a quarter-mile strip but moved to a 1,000-ft configuration when its 3,000-ft total length became insufficient. Motion Raceway hosted both NHRA and IHRA National Events, and drew nationally known names such as Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney.
After the 1983 season, the track was closed, the stands were removed, as was the fuel island. The Hemi-powered in-ground starter for the cars was removed, and filled in. Later, Motion's tower was moved a short distance north to Macon Speedway, in Macon, Illinois.
Several rumors circulated over the years as to the reason for the track's demise. Arguably the most popular was that the owner was robbed of the purse money at gunpoint. There were also rumors almost every year since the track's closing, that it would be re-opening the following year, or later in the year.