Route 66 Raceway Hosts 20th Annual NHRA Nationals

JOLIET, IL - Starting today, several thousand people from around Will County, Chicago and other parts of country will flock to Joliet to be in the stands for one of the most noteworthy milestones in the history of Route 66 Raceway. The 20th annual NHRA Route 66 Nationals began on Thursday with qualifying competition. Several marketing and promotional events for drag-racing fans occurred throughout the evening including Nitro Nite, a street party with music, drinks and vendors in downtown Joliet that drew a steady crowd to Chicago Street.

Thursday's events helped build up momentum for this weekend's racing extravaganza. Several of the biggest names in drag-racing have returned to Joliet to celebrate the occasion including John Force, Antron Brown and Erica Enders. This weekend's races are being televised by FS1. And one of drag-racing's legendary stars, Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen, will also be out at Route 66 Raceway throughout the weekend.

"The NHRA represents the fastest form of motor sports on the planet," said Scott Paddock, president of Route 66 Raceway. "You get to see top fuel dragsters in funny cars go from zero to 33o-mph plus in under four seconds."

For those of you who might be on the fence about attending your first drag-racing event at Route 66 Raceway, Paddock said the next few days offer plenty of thrills and excitement that you simply won't find anywhere else. Not only is Route 66 Raceway regarded as a world-class racing facility, Paddock said, but fans and families are encouraged to mingle with the racing teams. Every ticket is considered a pit pass.

"This sport is all about access, and these are the most fan-friendly professional athletes you will ever meet," Paddock said. "This is a full-body sensory experience to watch cars go this speed. It's all about the experience, the access, and you can't get that on your living room couch."

Denny Hartwig, director of communications, Chicagoland Speedway & Route 66 Raceway, agreed. "We have the premier drag-racing facility in the world," he said. "It's the first true stadium of drag racing."

The themes of this weekend's racing schedule are: "Friday Night on Fire," "All-Star Saturday" and the finale, "Championship Sunday."

Admission costs vary depending on the day. Gates open for spectators at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Route 66 Raceway is near I-80 along Route 53.

Images via Route 66 Raceway