Aug 19: Route 66 Classic Features Return of Police Chief Benton, State's Attorney Glasgow

JOLIET, IL - The popular Route 66 Classic at Joliet's Route 66 Raceway is coming up quickly. The Aug. 19 drag-strip competition features a number of fierce Grudge Match racing events. Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton and Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow will be up against their rivals from Morris and Grundy County as part of the Aug. 19 competition.

"The Route 66 Classic is the ultimate good ole days event, paying homage to the early drag racing and hot rod culture. The Route 66 Classic is a quarter-mile blast down memory lane," proclaims the Route 66 Raceway's website marketing the event.

It goes without saying that one of the day-long event's highlights will be the second annual Will County versus Grundy County Grudge Matches.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the Aug. 19 Route 66 Classic track schedule:

1. Gates open at noon to the general public on Saturday, Aug. 19 and the first live races begin at 1 p.m.

2. There will be concessions, live music acts and Midway vendors on hand throughout the day.

3. There will be a Pin-Up Contest Round 1 competition at 3 p.m. and the champion round at 6:30 p.m.

4. There's a Classic Car Cruise-In. Attendees who show up in antique autos, 1979 or older, can buy entrée to the event for only $20 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

5. The Red Carpet parade begins at 7 p.m.

6. Opening night ceremonies start at 7:10 p.m. and Grudge Match racing kicks off at 8 p.m. There are slated to be six races involving public officials from Joliet and Will County versus Morris and Grundy County.

7. Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk squares off against Morris Mayor Dick Kopczick, Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton against Morris Police Chief John Severson, Joliet Fire Chief Joe Formhals versus Morris Fire Chief Tracey Steffes.

8. Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley opposes Grundy County Sheriff Kevin Callahan, Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow versus Grundy County State's Attorney Jason Helland and Will County Executive Larry Walsh against Grundy County Executive Chris Balkema.

9. D'Arcy Buick GMC is furnishing the vehicles for the race which raises money for local charities.

10. Last year's Grudge Matches raised more than $21,000 that has ultimately distributed to 11 community organizations.

Here's where to go to find out more information about ticket prices.

Images via Route 66 Raceway