Historic Racecourses of Chicago

The Chicagoland area has one of the most unique automotive cultures in the country. In fact, the first ever auto race was the Times-Herald Race held from Chicago to Waukegan in 1895. However, the home of Route 66 doesn’t quite have the same connection to racing it once did. Let’s take a look into some of the historic courses that once drew massive crowds and national attention.

Elgin Road Race

From 1910 to 1920, the streets of suburban Elgin, IL roared with the sounds of massive crowds and top-of-the line racecars. The 305.5-mile endurance race awarded prizes of up to $6,500 ($160,000 adjusted for inflation*) to the winning driver. In 1933, the checkered flag was waved once more as an attraction for the Chicago World’s Fair. The 8.5-mile course can still be followed via present-day Larkin Avenue, McLean Boulevard, Highland Avenue, and Coombs Road.
*Calculated for December 2016

Meadowdale International Raceway

Opening in 1958, the Meadowdale International Raceway in Carpentersville, IL was slated to rival Le Mans, Silverstone, and Monaco in a bid to become one of the most challenging and exciting tracks in the world. Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Shelby, and other legendary manufacturers sent their most advanced racecars and top drivers to the course to tackle the tricky elevation drops and blind turns of Meadowdale. However, the track proved to be too difficult for even the most seasoned of drivers and claimed many lives. The track closed in 1969, but is now a public forest preserve aptly named “Raceway Woods.”

Soldier Field

I know what you may be thinking: “You mean where the Bears play?” Yes! Well, the “old” Soldier Field, anyway. The stadium held races from 1935 until 1970 and even attracted racers like 1959 Indianapolis 500 champion Sam Hanks. NASCAR races were also hosted there until everything stopped inexpiably at the end of the 1969 season. Some blame corruption due to fixed races and drivers paid to cause wrecks in order to draw attention. However, the true reason why Soldier Field stopped holding races is still unknown.

Honorable Mention: Cruis’n USA Chicago Track

A staple of arcades and N64 owners everywhere, Cruis’n USA is arguably one of the most memorable racing games of all time. Even the most experienced of Cruis’n fans will tell you that one of the most difficult tracks is the Chicago stage. The beginning of the track is clearly reminiscent of the Kennedy Expressway and leads to an animated Lower Wacker Drive. Players speed towards the Chicago skyline and have to weave through construction signs and L-Train pillars.

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