Motorsport in Illinois

There has been racing in Illinois for almost as long as there have been automobiles. Almost every type of motorsport found in the United States can be found in Illinois. Both modern and historic tracks exist in Illinois, including NASCAR's Chicagoland Speedway and Gateway International Speedway. Notable drivers from Illinois include Danica Patrick, Tony Bettenhausen, and Fred Lorenzen.

Types of Racing

Stock car racing

National stock car racing touring series (such as NASCAR Sprint Cup, ARCA, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and Craftsman Truck Series) race mainly on 4 tracks in Illinois: Chicagoland Speedway, near Chicago, Gateway International Speedway, Near St. Louis, and the mile dirt tracks at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, and the Southern Illinois State Fairgrounds near DuQuoin, Illinois.

Asphalt stock car racing is more prevalent in the northern part of Illinois with such tracks as Rockford Speedway or Grundy County Speedway. These tracks hold weekly racing programs that are sanctioned by NASCAR's Weekly Racing Series. Regional to nationally-known touring series, such as ARTGO and Mid American Stock Car Series hold special events these at the tracks.

Drag Racing

Drag racing is fairly popular throughout Illinois, with both 1/4 and 1/8 mile tracks being found in the state. There are several National points events held in Illinois, as well as local weekly drag racing.

Off Road Racing

Off-road racing can be found at temporary tracks at Chicagoland Speedway to the permanent facilities at Lincoln Trail Motosports park.

Motorcycle racing

Motorcycle racing is held on permanent road-courses in northern Illinois, as well as motocross and hill climbs throughout the state. One of the most well-known motorcycle races in the U.S. can be found at the Illinois State Fairgrounds 1-mile oval track.

Sports car racing

Several tracks host sports car racing in Illinois, although its is not prevalent with few road courses.

Dirt oval racing

Dirt track racing on oval circuits is probably one of the most prevaliant forms of motorsports in Illinois. Track sizes vary from the short and tight 1/5 mile Macon Speedway to the 1-mile ovals at Springfield and DuQuoin.

Karting

Kart racing can be found throughout Illinois on both dirt and asphalt.

Notable Tracks

Springfield Mile, Springfield, Illinois

The one mile dirt Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack in Springfield has had a long and varied past. Since the inception of USAC, there have been USAC Midgets, Sprints, and Silver Crown races at the "Monster Mile." The first incarnation of the track ran East-West. It now is raced North-South orientation. ARCA has held the Allen Crowe Memorial 100 there since USAC's Stock Car division ceased operations in 1984. The 1983 and 1984 races were co-sanctioned between ARCA and USAC. Until recently, the mile has hosted the United Midwestern Promoters UMP Fall Nationals for UMP Late Models. In the past, the mile has also hosted races sanctioned by the World of Outlaws. Many. many notable names have raced and won here, including Mario Andretti, A. J. Foyt, Davey Allison, and Benny Parsons. The "Monster Mile" also hosts some of the most well-known flat track motorcycle races in the U.S. The AMA sanctioned races are held every May, and draw motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country.

Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, Illinois

Chicagoland Speedway is Illinois' only Superspeedway. It hosts races for NASCAR, ARCA, and the IRL on its 1 1/2 mile tri-oval. Chicagoland Speedway also boasts a 1/4-mile NHRA sanctioned dragstrip, as well as a 1/2-mile dirt oval that has hosted World of Outlaws Late Models, as well as off road races sanctioned by CORR.

Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Illinois

Gateway International Raceway, located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, is another of Illinois' largest tracks. It host races sanctioned by NASCAR, ARCA, USAC, and NHRA. Gateway's configuration is unique in the turns 3 & 4 have a larger radius than turns 1 & 2. It has been likened to NASCAR's Darlington Raceway. At 1 1/4 miles, it is just a 1/4-mile shorter than Darlington. The facility has a 1/4-mile NHRA sanctioned dragstrip.

Macon Speedway, Macon, Illinois

One of the shortest tracks in Illinois, the 1/5-mile Macon Speedway has played host to some of most famous names in motorsports. Created in 1946, it is also one of the oldest continuous operating speedways in Illinois. Built on an old brick factory, it was know for years as "The Other Brickyard," in reference to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway being known as "The Brickyard." Macon Speedway was owned and operated by the Webb family for many years, but has changed hands many times in the last 20 years. The Current owners are NASCAR stars Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, Tony Stewart, and local promoter Bob Sargent.

Notable Defunct Tracks

Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Soldier Field was the site of numerous races. A 1/4 mile board track was built, and the first two midget car races at the track in 1939 were won by Sam Hanks. The track was also used for motorcycle races. The board track was removed and it was changed to a half-mile dirt oval track. In 1956, NASCAR swung through for its only race at Soldier Field. Twenty-five cars started the 200-lapper, with Fireball Roberts averaging 61.037 mph to win $850. The racetrack was torn out in 1970.

Joe Shaheen's Springfield Speedway, Springfield, Illinois

Not to be confused with the mile track in Springfield, this now-defunct track was famous in the racing world as "the place to go race after the fair." Many famous and notable race drivers would run the USAC races at the fairgrounds, then trek across town to Shaheen's track to do more battle. It's configuration changed a few times over the years, with it's final configuration being a 3/8 mile clay oval.

Santa Fe Speedway, Willow Springs, Illinois

This track on the Southwest side of Chicago was home to many of Chicago's drivers. Originally built for horses, cars took over as the main attraction in the 1920s. Later that same decade, a tornado took out the original grandstands, and the track was closed. After World War II, two new tracks were built on the site. One was a 7/16-mile oval, the other a 1/4 mile oval. This configuration was operational from 1953, until the site was sold for development in 1995. On July 10, 1954, NASCAR's Grand National Division (now known as Sprint Cup) made a stop at Santa Fe Speedway for a 200 lap race. The race was won by #3, Dick Rathman, in a 1954 Hudson Hornet. Over the years many famous names have raced there, including Benny Parsons, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Buddy Baker, and Kyle Petty.

Meadowview International Raceway

Meadowdale International Raceway was a road course located near Carpentersville, Illinois. It was used for motor racing from 1958 to 1968. Sanctioning bodies complained about its safety. It closed in 1968 in part from competition from other road courses in the regional (Road America and Blackhawk Farms Raceway).

List of notable Illinois race car drivers

This is a list of race car drivers from Illinois that have raced in a major touring series, and have held a full-time position there. These series include NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, NCTS, and Nationwide series, USAC Indy Cars, the IRL or Champ Car Series, ARCA, or one of the major off road racing sanctioning bodies.

Other drivers include "Chicago Gang" midget car racing drivers Emil Andres and Jimmy Snyder (who won the pole position for the 1939 Indianapolis 500).

Name	Hometown	Racing Series
Justin Allgaier	Riverton, Illinois	ARCA
Chuck Baird	Assumption, Illinois	IHRA
Gary Bettenhausen	Tinley Park, Illinois	USAC Championship Car, NASCAR
Merle Bettenhausen	Tinley Park, Illinois	USAC Championship Car
Tony Bettenhausen	Tinley Park, Illinois	AAA, USAC Championship Car
Tony Bettenhausen, Jr.	Tinley Park, Illinois	Champ Car
Joe Cooksey	Centralia, Illinois	ARCA
Erik Darnell	Beach Park, Illinois	NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Randy Eller	Taylorville, Illinois	CORR, WSORR
Steve Federico	Willmette, Illinois	CORR, WSORR
Lou Fegers	Glenview, Illinois	USAC, IMCA
Aaron Fike	Galesburg, Illinois	NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA
A. J. Fike	Galesburg, Illinois	NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Fred Lorenzen	Elmhurst, Illinois	NASCAR, USAC Stock Cars
Phillip McGilton	Marion, Illinois	NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Danica Patrick	Roscoe, Illinois	Indy Racing League
Eric Smith	Bloomington, Illinois	ARCA
Scott Taylor	Belvidere, Illinois	CORR, WSORR
Bill Venturini (Retired)	Chicago, Illinois	ARCA
Billy Venturini	Chicago, Illinois	ARCA
Mark Voigt	Marine, Illinois	NASCAR, ARCA, United Midwestern Promoters
Tim Wilkerson	Springfield, Illinois	NHRA

Tracks in Illinois

Asphalt Oval

Track Name	Location	Length	Sanction	Program
Chicagoland Speedway	Joliet, Illinois	1.5 Miles	NASCAR, ARCA, IRL, USAC	Major League auto racing. NASCAR Sprint Cup, ARCA Re/Max series, and the IRL all hold points races here.
Gateway International Raceway	Madison, Illinois	1.25 Miles	NASCAR, ARCA, USAC	NCTS, NASCAR Nationwide Series, ARCA Re/Max Series
Grundy County Speedway	Morris, Illinois	1/3 mile	Unaffillated	Late Models, Mid-Am (unsanctioned), Street & Pure Stocks
I-70 QMA	Greenville, Illinois	1/10 Mile	QMA	QMA Quarter Midgets
Rockford Speedway	Loves Park, Illinois (Rockford)	1/4 Mile	NASCAR	NASCAR Late Models, NASCAR Grand Nationals, NASCAR Short Trackers, NASCAR Road Runners, Winged Women on Wheels, National Figure 8 League, Hornets, Super Cups

Dirt Oval

Track Name	Location	Length	Sanction	Program
Belle-Claire Speedway	Belleville, Illinois	1/4 Mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, and Pure Stock
Bureau County Speedway	Princeton, Illinois	3/8 mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMPLate Models, Modifieds, B-Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hornets
Charleston Speedway	Charleston, Illinois	3/8 Mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Modifieds, Super Streets, Hornets
Clay County Speedway	Flora, Illinois	1/3 mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Modifieds
Faribury American Legion Speedway	Fairbury, Illinois	1/4 Mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Late Models, Modifieds and Sportsman
Fayette County Speedway	Brownstown, Illinois	3/8 Mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Modifieds, Sportsman
Farmer City Speedway	Farmer City, Illinois	1/4 mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman
Freeport Raceway park	Freeport, Illinois	1/2 Mile	Unafilliated	Late Models, Modifieds, B-Modifieds, Sportsman, Hobby Stock, Pure Stock, and Hornets
Highland Speedway	Highland, Illinois	1/4 Mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman
LaSalle Speedway	LaSalle, Illinois	1/4 mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, & 4 Cyl. Hornets
Macon Speedway	Macon, Illinois	1/5 Mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Late Models, Sportsman, Hornets, Street Stocks, and CARS Late Models
Lincoln Speedway	Lincoln, Illinois	1/4 mile	United Midwestern Promoters	UMP Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman
Peoria Speedway	Peoria, Illinois	1/4 Mile	Formerly NASCAR, Unsanctioned for 2008 [1]	Late Models, Sportsman, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hornets
Quad City Speedway	East Moline, Illinois	1/4 mile		Late Models
Quincy Raceway	Quincy, Illinois	1/4 mile		Late models, Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Hornets
Southern Illinois State Fairgrounds	DuQuoin, Illinois	1 Mile	ARCA, USAC, AMA	ARCA Re/Max Series, USAC Midgets, Sprints, and Silver Crown, UMP Sportsman, AMA Grand National Flat Track.
Springfield Mile	Springfield, Illinois	1 Mile	ARCA, USAC, AMA	ARCA Re/Max Series, USAC Midgets, Sprints, and Silver Crown, UMP Sportsman, AMA Grand National Flat Track.

Drag Strips

Track Name	Location	Length	Sanction	Program
Gateway International Raceway	Madison, Illinois	1/4 (.25) Mile	NHRA	NHRA National Series
Motion Raceway	Assumption, Illinois	1000 feet	Unaffilliated	Street-style racing
Byron Dragway	Byron, Illinois	1/8 Mile	IHRA	Super Pro, Pro, Street, Cycle, Jr. Dragster
Coles County Dragway	Charleston, Illinois	1/8 Mile	NHRA	Super Pro, Pro, Street, Cycle, Jr Dragster
Cordova Dragway Park	Cordova, Illinois	1/4 Mile	NHRA	Top Eliminator, Modified, True Street, Super ET, Pro Bikes, Jr. Dragster
I-57 Dragstrip	Benton, Illinois	1/8 Mile	NHRA	Super Pro, Pro, Footbrake, Trophy Street, King of the Street, Dixie Doorslammers, Outlaw Streetcars, Jr. Dragsters, and street bikes
MidState Dragway	Havana, Illinois	1/8 Mile	NHRA	Super Pro, Pro, Street, Cycle, Jr Dragster

Road Courses

Track Name	Location	Length	Sanction	Program
Autobahn Country Club	Joliet, Illinois	1.5, 2.06, 3.56, and .8 miles	SCCA, NASA	Various racing programs
Blackhawk Farms Raceway	South Beloit, Illinois	1.95 miles	SCCA, Midwestern Council, VSCDA, and SVRA	Various racing programs
Concept Haulers Motor Speedway	Norway, Illinois	Multiple tracks	WKA	Multiple classes
Gateway International Raceway	Madison, Illinois	1.77 Mile	Unaffilliated	None at present time
Meadowdale International Raceway	Carpentersville, Illinois	3.27 miles	SCCA, USAC, AMA, karting	Various racing programs between 1958 and 1968, now a park

Motocross Tracks

Track Name	Location	Length	Sanction	Program
Lincoln Trail Motosports	Casey, Illinois	Multiple tracks	AMA	Various programs throughout the year
Triple R Motocross	Nashville, Illinois	Multiple tracks	AMA	Various programs throughout the year