16th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries
June 27-30
Route 66 Raceway
500 Speedway Blvd. (GPS: 3200 S. Chicago St.)
Joliet, IL 60433
www.route66raceway.comElevation: 635 feet
Tickets:
www.route66raceway.com; Ticket hotline,
888-629-RACE (7223); Route 66 Raceway, 815-722-5500
Radio Frequency: 88.5 FM
Stadium-like Route 66 Raceway, which opened in 1998 just outside of the Windy City, has regularly been the site of astounding performances. The event is the site of the JEGS Allstars, which pits the best NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series racers from across the country in individual and team competition. The event also is the sixth of the season for Pro Stock Motorcycle riders.
2012 Recap: Erica Enders-Stevens broke through for her long-overdue first victory, making her the first female winner in the history of the Pro Stock class. She was nearly joined in the winner’s circle by rookie Courtney Force, who lost to Jeff Arend in the Funny Car final. Antron Brown (Top Fuel) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle) closed in on the points leaders in their classes with wins.
How to Get There: The track is approximately 30 miles southwest of Chicago on Route 53 (historic Route 66), three miles south of Interstate 80 in Joliet. From points north, take I-355 south to I-80 west to Route 53/Chicago Street (Exit 132) and proceed south to the track. From points south, take I-55 north to Arsenal Road, then proceed east to Route 53 north to the track. From points east and west, take I-80 to Exit 132 (Route 53) and follow Route 53 south to the track.
Visitor Information: Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 815-727-5371; Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-926-2262; Illinois Office of Tourism,
www.enjoyillinois.com; Joliet Visitors Bureau, 877-4-JOLIET (877-456-5438),
www.visitjoliet.org
