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Chicagoland Speedway
Chicagoland Speedway is located in Joliet, Illinois. This 1.5 mile tri-oval features 75,000 seats and was constructed on a $130 million budget. This speedway is part of a world-class motorsports complex, which also features the Route 66 Raceway. Coming together to form Illinois' largest sporting facility, the two occupy more than 1,300 acres.
While rumors had circulated about the plan to build Chicagoland Speedway, it was years before the idea finally became a reality. Local entrepreneurs, along with various speedway officials spent more than five years putting their plans into motion. The result was a facility that resides in the third-largest market in the country. Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George and Bill France conversed during an informal meeting in 1995. George, having just created the IRL (Indy Racing League) and France at the helm of guiding NASCAR into branching out with more locations, the two decided that it was time for Chicago to be a part of the ever-growing world of racing. With new facilities being constructed in other major cities, including Las Vegas and Los Angeles, it was time to bring some of the economic benefits home to Chicago.
George, France and John Menard formed The Motorsports Alliance in 1996. At that time, they immediately began scouting for the perfect spot to build their speedway. After viewing several locations, a telephone call from Joliet resident Dale Coyne changed the course of action for the new speedway. Having successfully negotiated the construction of Route 66 Raceway in 1997, he suggested that the Motorsports Alliance meet with local officials in order to discuss the possibilities of construction in Joliet. Residents of Chicago were gaining more and more interest in the new project and were eager to see a NASCAR race in their hometown. A study showed that the new Chicagoland Speedway could generate more than $300 million in revenue for the city of Joliet and surrounding region. The addition of jobs was also a benefit so, in May 1999, official plans were made.
Soon after, construction began in August and was followed by a celebration gala for the future site in September 1999. Top NASCAR drivers supported the project and was eager to compete in the city of Joliet, Illinois. In May 2000, local residents learned of the new facility's name - which would be Chicagoland Speedway. It's inaugural season welcomed the NASCAR Winston Cup (now known as Nextel Cup) and Busch Grand National Series, along with ARCA RE/MAX and the IRL.
Since it's inception, fans and competitors alike have enjoyed the newest addition to Joliet, Illinois and the construction of Chicagoland Speedway.
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