Lee DeWyze fans ready for Friday's concert

When Lee DeWyze first appeared on "American Idol," Ali Lapping and Carly Gordon were right in front of their televisions watching.

When he came home for his first concert at Arlington Park, and then again with the Idol tour at the United Center, you can bet they were in the audience both times.

So with DeWyze returning to the Arlington Park on Friday, think they'd miss it?

Hardly.

In fact, the two 17-year-olds are the president and vice president of the "Lee DeWyze Hometown Fan Club" and have spent this week driving around Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect in a van covered in homemade Lee DeWyze wallpaper. The van was donated by a family friend and will be cleaned up and returned after Friday's concert, Lapping said.

"Lee is just such an inspiration," said Lapping who admits to having "a few" DeWyze posters hanging in her room. "His story is so powerful, and he's so great to watch."

Lapping and Gordon live in Northbrook and attend Glenbrook North High School. They've spent afternoons after school and weekends passing out free T-shirts, hats and concert tickets from the van. They won't say who gave them the DeWyze merchandise, only that they were "donated from a friend."

"We pass it out to everyone we can on the street," said Gordon. "Everyone is such big Lee fans, it's been awesome."

Lapping and Gordon will bring the van to a "Lee DeWyze Look-A-Like Contest" at 6 p.m. Thursday in downtown Arlington Heights, and of course to the concert at the track on Friday.

DeWyze, 24, will perform for at least 45 minutes in what is billed as his first solo Chicago appearance since winning Idol back in May. The Mount Prospect native was the headliner at the American Idols Live 2010 Tour which wrapped up Aug. 31.

Friday's show will start at 7:30 p.m. Racing will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. to allow for the stage to be set up near the winner's circle.

People who come for the racing can stay for the concert, but will not be allowed to leave and re-enter after 5 p.m. Rules about what can and cannot be brought into the park will be on the track website's ticket page for the event.

According to the track's website, there are about 6,000 premium tickets still available that cost $15 and $25. There are also several thousand $8 general admission tickets for sale.

Tickets can be purchased online at arlingtonpark.com or by calling (847) 385-7427.