Route 66 Raceway Gets New Welcome Sign

Submitted by Chicagoland Speedway

Route 66, the historic “Mother Road” known for its landmarks from Chicago to California, will be adding a new attraction just in time for the Lucas Oil Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by General Tires, July 9-12. Route 66 Raceway and Chicagoland Speedway today debuted a 25-foot high road sign, showcasing the iconic “Christmas Tree” found on the starting lines of drag strips across the nation.

The welcome sign, located on the west side of the drag strip along Route 66 (now called Route 53), is just north of another classic Route 66 attraction. The Gemini Giant, located in Wilmington, Ill., was built as an advertisement in the 1960’s, and is approximately 15 minutes away from the new Route 66 Raceway sign.

“Historic Route 66 is quintessential Americana representing freedom, adventure and community and since Route 66 Raceway’s creation, we’ve made a concerted effort to embrace the facility’s namesake and all that it stands for by creating opportunities for fans of history and racing alike to experience all we have to offer,” said Scott Paddock, Route 66 Raceway president. “Whether you’re cruising the ‘Mother Road’ and looking to make a stop, or you’re a guest looking for a photo opportunity during a memorable day at the race track, we are hopeful everyone has a chance to visit the latest Route 66 landmark.”

The sign makes its debut in time for the 2015 Lucas Oil Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by General Tires, July 9-12. Once a year, the biggest stars in drag racing roar down the drag strip at the Route 66 Raceway Nationals while reaching speeds of over 300 MPH. The NHRA is world-renowned for the access at its races, where every ticket serves as a pit pass. That means in addition to viewing races from the grandstands, race fans can also stand within feet of the crew chiefs to smell the nitro as they rebuild engines, or get an up-close look at their favorite driver for some autographs.

The Route 66 NHRA Nationals officially kicks off on Thursday, July 9th with Nitro Night in Downtown Joliet. Nitro Night is an exhilarating event that will give you the chance to meet NHRA drivers, enjoy vendors, hot food, live music by Soul Motion, and ice-cold beverages. The event is free of charge, and takes place on Chicago Street in Downtown Joliet from 5:00-10:00 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the Lucas Oil Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by General Tires, visit us online at www.Route66Raceway.com, call 888-629-RACE, download the Route 66 Raceway mobile app, visit the Route 66 Raceway Administrative office Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or stop by box office the day of the event.

The remaining 2015 schedule at Route 66 Raceway is as follows:

Date Event

July 9-12 Lucas Oil Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by General Tires

July 17 Test & Tune/Friday Nights at 66

July 18 Rockett Brand Racing Fuel ET Bracket Series – Race 6

Junior Dragsters – 4

July 24 Test & Tune/Friday Nights at 66

July 30 – Aug 2 10th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing

August 7 Test & Tune/Friday Nights at 66

August 9 Rockett Brand Racing Fuel ET Bracket Series – Race 7

August 15 Route 66 Classic

August 16 Rockett Brand Racing Fuel ET Bracket Series – Race 8

August 21 Test & Tune/Friday Nights at 66

August 22 Junior Dragsters – 5

August 23 Rockett Brand Racing Fuel ET Bracket Series – Race 9

August 28 Test & Tune/Friday Nights at 66

September 11 Test & Tune/Friday Nights at 66

September 25 Test & Tune/Friday Nights at 66

October 4 Route 66 Raceway Swap Meet

For the latest event details and information stay connected on Twitter and Facebook or by visiting www.Route66Raceway.com.