Chicagoland Speedway

About the Venue

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Chicagoland Speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval, built along Historic Route 66 just outside of Chicago.  With the addition of the 75,000-seat, $130 million Speedway, Joliet’s world-class motorsports complex would form what is now Illinois’ largest sporting facility, occupying over 1,300-acres.

The plan to build a superspeedway in the third-largest market in the nation had been rumored for years.  With new tracks already being built in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Texas, as well as the growing popularity of auto racing in the US, the first steps to building a major speedway near Chicago were taken in 1995.

Locating the site of the speedway was a long road as builders looked at several locations, including property near downtown Chicago, as well as in all neighboring counties. Ultimately, focused turned to Joliet and the successes of Route 66 Raceway.  The emergence of tourism through the success of Route 66 Raceway and the riverboat casinos helped Joliet experience unprecedented growth and economic diversity. An impact study revealed that Chicagoland Speedway would generate more than $300 million in economic activity in Joliet and in the Will county region.

The track was officially named in 2000 - Chicagoland Speedway Joliet, Ill. - and continues to give race fans the ultimate racing environment and atmosphere, insuring a comfort level that has rarely been seen before in motorsports.

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City Guide

Joliet

The Chicagoland Speedway is on several hundred acres in Joliet, a suburb of Chicago about an hour from downtown.  Joliet has had its economic troubles, and most who visit spend their time in Chicago.  On NASCAR and IRL race weekends, though, tens of thousands descend on the town.

Chicago’s racing history began in 1895, when the first gasoline-powered race was held up and down the Chicago lakefront.  Today, sellout crowds of 75,000 come to the Speedway to watch cars race much faster.

There are 700 acres of free parking at the track.  That will hold 50,000 vehicles.  There is no overnight stay in these lots.  For overnights, RVs can park in the infield, on Speedway Ridge, or in the new RV Land campsite between turns two and three.  Infield lots fun $800-$100 (the higher costs is if you have electric hookup) and Speedway Ridge costs $550-$750.  Camping in RV Land is $350, and that includes electric hookups.  Trams run from the parking areas to the track.  For more information and to reserve spots, call (815) 727-RACE.  When not watching the race, you can visit Expo Village by the main gate, which has activities and entertainment.

During the Day

Splash Station: This water theme park has pools, water slides, tubing “rivers,” and concessions. Open May – September. ($ - $$, 2780 US Route 6, Joliet, (815) 741-7250, www.jolietsplashstation.com).