Chicagoland Speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval racetrack located in Joliet, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago. This is a classic oval track, designed for high speeds and close racing. Expect a sensory overload – the roar of the engines, the smell of exhaust and burning rubber, and the electric atmosphere of a large crowd all contribute to the experience. The venue offers standard amenities for race fans, including grandstand seating for prime viewing, plenty of concession stands serving typical stadium fare, and restroom facilities. Being located in the Chicagoland area, specifically in Joliet, it’s relatively accessible for residents of the city and surrounding suburbs. While it's a bit of a drive from downtown Chicago, the dedicated parking and access from major highways make getting to the track manageable. Many fans choose to camp onsite for the weekend, creating a real community feel around the event. Chicagoland Speedway is a great option for serious NASCAR fans, families looking for an exciting day out, or anyone seeking a high-octane motorsports experience within reach of the Chicago metro area.
Watch: Chicagoland Speedway
Know Before You Go
- Race nights
- Most short tracks run Friday or Saturday night events from April through October. Always check the season calendar — many venues take rain dates or holiday breaks.
- Ticket pricing
- General admission is typically $15-40 for adults, pit passes $50-100. Children are often free or half-price. Bigger sanctioned events (touring series) cost more.
- What's racing
- Local oval classes commonly include late models, modifieds, sprint cars, hobby stock, and street stock. Bigger ovals also host NASCAR Weekly Series feature races.
- Bring earplugs
- Open-exhaust race cars push 130-145 dB at the fence — well above the threshold for hearing damage. Bring foam plugs or over-ear protection for kids.
- Schedule rhythm
- Race nights follow a consistent flow: hot laps and qualifying, heat races, then feature events. Plan for a 4-5 hour evening from gates open to checkered flag.