Joliet's Racetracks Will Be Hopping With Activity This Weekend

JOLIET, IL - The Chicagoland Speedway and the Route 66 Raceway will be buzzing with activity this weekend as both Joliet racing tracks are hosting big events.

On Saturday, NASCAR next driver Ruben Garcia from Mexico City will visit the Speedway as part of a special event in conjunction with NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Program in a partnership with the Association of Latin Professionals For America. The two-hour meeting concludes at 1 p.m. with Garcia giving ALPFA members pace car laps around the Chicagoland Speedway.

Denny Hartwig, director of communications at Chicagoland Speedway, said Saturday's private event is geared toward promoting more diversity within NASCAR to encourage more non-white drivers. To learn more about Ruben Garcia go here.

"So we're working with them to showcase racing to the Hispanic business community," Hartwig said Thursday. "In Joliet and in Chicago, there are a lot of Hispanics. We're taking whatever steps we need to showcase this world-class facility and the greatness this speedway."

Meanwhile, the grandstands at the Route 66 Raceway are expected to draw thousands of racing fans, Friday through Sunday for the NMRA and NMCA competition. The drag-strip track hosts the 12th annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street-Legal Drag Racing.

"This is the only event where the NMRA and NMCA compete against each other for the ultimate bragging rights!" proclaims the Route 66 Raceway.

Why head to Route 66 Raceway this weekend?

Here's a half dozen suggestions, courtesy of Route 66 Raceway:

1. The ONLY event where the NMRA and NMCA compete against each other for the Nitto Tire Diamond Tree Rings.

2. Wild, wheels up, heads up drag racing on quarter- and eighth-mile.

3. Over 30 race classes filled with all kinds of awesome Detroit iron.

4. Huge car show on Saturday and Sunday.

5. Manufacturers’ midway & swap meet.

6. Children 12 & under are free.

For more information about this weekend's drag-strip racing competition in Joliet, please go here.

Image via NMRADigital.com

Image of Ruben Garcia via NASCAR Media