Route 66 NHRA Nationals

Fancy a summer RV holiday? The flags are down, and the Route 66 NHRA Nationals are underway! Don’t miss a chance to travel to Joliet, Illinois.

Event information

Following the spectacular success of the 25th anniversary celebration in 2025—where Tony Stewart claimed victory and took the Top Fuel points lead—the Route 66 NHRA Nationals returns to Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois for 2026. While official dates await announcement, the event typically takes place in mid-May, continuing the tradition that has made this one of the Midwest's premier motorsports destinations. This NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event features Top Fuel dragsters exceeding 300 mph, Funny Car battles, Pro Stock competition, and Pro Stock Motorcycle racing across three high-octane days. The 2025 event proved that Route 66 Raceway remains a world-class venue, with challenging crosswinds up to 28 mph adding drama to the competition and packed grandstands celebrating the track's quarter-century of NHRA racing. For RV travelers, the Joliet location offers exceptional camping opportunities within minutes of the track, plus easy access to Chicago's attractions and Illinois's natural wonders—making your drag racing weekend the perfect launching point for an extended Midwest adventure.

What is the Route 66 NHRA Nationals?

The Route 66 NHRA Nationals stands as one of the most prestigious events on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar, building on a legacy that reached a spectacular milestone in 2025 with its 25th anniversary celebration. This three-day spectacle showcases the planet's fastest accelerating vehicles, with Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars launching from 0 to over 300 mph in under four seconds across the legendary quarter-mile strip.

Located at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois—just 45 minutes southwest of Chicago—the event consistently delivers world-class motorsports drama. The 2025 25th anniversary event exemplified this excellence, with Tony Stewart capturing his second Top Fuel victory and claiming the points lead for the first time in his career, while Jack Beckman returned to Chicago for the first time since 2019 to claim Funny Car honors. Gaige Herrera extended his perfect record at Route 66 Raceway, winning his third consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle title at the facility despite challenging crosswinds that reached 28 mph during qualifying.

The event features qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday, followed by elimination rounds culminating in Sunday's championship finals across four professional categories: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Beyond the professional racing, the weekend includes the NHRA Nitro Alley fan experience, autograph sessions with legendary drivers, and pit access that puts you mere feet from 10,000-horsepower machines.

For those planning to attend with an RV, explore Chicago RV rentals for the ultimate motorsports weekend experience, or consider Joliet RV rentals to stay even closer to the racing action.

When and Where is the Route 66 NHRA Nationals Held?

  • Projected 2026 Dates: Mid-May 2026 (official dates to be announced by NHRA)
  • Location: Route 66 Raceway, 3200 S. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60433
  • Typical Schedule: Friday-Saturday qualifying rounds (typically 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM), Sunday eliminations (11 AM)
  • Historical context: The 2025 event (May 16-18) marked the 25th anniversary with record-setting performances
  • Expected attendance: 40,000+ motorsports fans based on previous years

RESEARCH NEEDED: Official 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule release for confirmed dates.

Tickets

While 2026 ticket pricing awaits official announcement, the 2025 Route 66 NHRA Nationals tickets ranged from approximately $56 for general admission to $117 for premium seating experiences, providing a reliable guide for budgeting your 2026 motorsports weekend. Single-day passes typically start around $54, while three-day weekend packages offer the best value for dedicated drag racing fans wanting to catch all the qualifying action and elimination rounds.

Premium experiences include tower seating with elevated views of the entire quarter-mile, VIP packages with pit access and driver meet-and-greets, and club-level amenities. Children 12 and under continue to receive free general admission when accompanied by a paying adult—making this an incredibly family-friendly motorsports experience.

Tickets will be available through NHRA.com/tickets once the 2026 schedule is announced, or at the gate during race weekend. Given the track's proven popularity following the successful 25th anniversary celebration in 2025, advance purchase ensures availability and often provides modest savings.

RESEARCH NEEDED: 2026 specific pricing tiers and VIP package details once officially announced.

How Do I Rent an RV Near Joliet for the NHRA Nationals?

The Joliet-Chicago corridor provides outstanding RV rental accessibility, positioning you perfectly for both the racing weekend and extended Illinois exploration. Most rental locations offer everything from nimble Class B motorhomes perfect for navigating Chicago traffic to spacious Class A motorhomes ideal for group gatherings and race weekend hospitality.

Chicago-area RV rental facilities typically sit 20-40 minutes from Route 66 Raceway via I-55 and I-80, with convenient pickup locations near both Midway and O'Hare airports. This strategic positioning means you can fly in, collect your RV, and reach the dragstrip within 90 minutes of landing.

Explore Route 66 NHRA Nationals RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

Route 66 Raceway sits conveniently accessible via major interstates, with primary access from I-55 to Route 53 (Chicago Street) southbound. From Chicago, expect a 45-60 minute drive depending on traffic conditions. The facility provides ample paved and grass parking accommodating vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs and motorhomes.

Spectator entry utilizes Gate 11 off Route 53 (historic Route 66). Arrive early for optimal parking positioning, especially with larger rigs, as weekend parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Track officials recommend downloading traffic apps like Inrix or IDOT for real-time construction and delay updates.

Parking areas

While Route 66 Raceway doesn't offer overnight RV parking on-site, the facility accommodates RV day parking in designated grass lots with easy walking access to grandstand areas. Most RV campers choose nearby campgrounds for overnight stays, then drive to the track each day—typically a 5-15 minute commute from area RV parks.

Public Transportation

If you don’t feel confident to park your RV in the parking lot of the raceway, then it could be worth looking at the available public transportation instead. You can then leave your RV at your accommodation and have someone bring you to the racing each day.

Some accommodation providers also offer shuttle services. A regular bus route runs the length of IL-53, so make sure you check the bus schedule to see if aligns with when you want to be at the race track. Private ride service providers are an excellent option, as are taxis.

Where to stay

Onsite

Those who have been looking for somewhere to stay with an RV in Illinois may wish that Route 66 Raceway offered onsite camping. However, since that is not an option, you can easily look nearby. As the racetrack is conveniently close to the Chicagoland Speedway, there are plenty of options in the general area to cater for those who prefer service hookups or primitive RV camping.

Nearby

Top RV Parks for NHRA Weekend:

Race View Farms offers the premier motorsports camping experience, situated directly adjacent to Route 66 Raceway with walking access to the dragstrip. This 160-acre family-owned operation has served racing fans for decades, providing full hookup sites, primitive camping options, and an authentic motorsports atmosphere. The campground's proximity means you're literally 2,000 feet from your grandstand seat.

Hollywood Casino Joliet RV Park combines gaming excitement with quality RV amenities for guests 21 and older. Open seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, the park provides full hookups, laundry facilities, and shuttle service to the casino. Located approximately 10 minutes from Route 66 Raceway, it offers upscale amenities with adult-oriented entertainment.

Martin's Camping Ground provides excellent value for racing families, featuring level sites, modern bathhouse facilities, and a pet-friendly environment. Despite its I-80 proximity, guests consistently praise the park's quietness and professional management under Brenda Garcia's leadership.

LaSalle/Peru KOA offers a premium camping experience just 30 minutes from the track, combining convenience with recreational amenities like a heated pool, dog park, and game facilities. The park's location provides easy access to both the racing action and natural attractions like Starved Rock State Park.

Kankakee River Campground provides a peaceful alternative for those seeking a more rustic NHRA Nationals experience. Located in Kankakee County, this Kankakee River Campground offers electric hookups and accommodates RVs of all sizes while maintaining a secluded, tranquil atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding after high-octane race days. Though it feels miles away from civilization, you're still within easy reach of Chicago and the racing action.

For budget-conscious travelers, several Illinois state parks within 45 minutes of the track offer more rustic camping experiences at significantly lower costs.

Getting around

What to pack

Clothing

The Route 66 NHRA Nationals are held in one of the best months of the year for brilliant weather. The sun is often shining, the air is warm, and blue skies blanket Joliet throughout most of the day. Visitors to the area can be confident in packing their summer attire, such as dresses, t-shirts, and shorts. However, make sure you pair these with comfortable walking footwear. A few warmer layers may be required as nighttime temperatures drop.

Gear

Route 66 Raceway is a busy facility, which means that the less you carry, the more comfortable you may be. You may bring a clear backpack or a small bag full of the necessities you require for each day. If you bring a camera, scanner, radio, binoculars, or similar, these must be in your primary bag without their cases on.

You can also bring a seat cushion for comfort. However, leave your hard-sided coolers, outside food and beverages, backpacks, umbrellas, weapons, and any other bulky items back in your RV or at home. There is an ATM for cash withdrawal along the south side of the grandstand, or you can bring cash, debit, and credit cards with you.

Health & Safety

With beautiful summery weather comes the need to protect your skin. After all, you will be outside and exposed to the elements for the duration of your visit to Route 66 Raceway. Don’t forget your sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, sunglasses, and a sunhat. You can also purchase water to remain hydrated once you’re in the facility. For peace of mind, bring along your first aid kit in your RV as well as toiletries and any medical supplies you might require.

Where to eat

Cooking

RV camping and cooking rules can differ from one accommodation provider to the next, which means how you cook each day can depend on what’s allowed there. Check if there’s a fire ban before you light a campfire, and be courteous of other campers if you are using a charcoal grill. If you can’t indulge in flame cooking, then at least you can use your onboard RV kitchen appliances. You can also stock up on supplies along IL-53 within a few short miles of Route 66 Raceway.

Restaurants

You’re on vacation, so why not splurge and treat yourself? While cooking in an RV can be a novelty, there’s no harm in checking out the high-quality dining establishments that Joliet has to offer. Enjoy deli sandwiches, fish and chicken, bars and grills, and much, much more. Joliet is a vast city, which means you never have to travel all too far to find something to tantalize your taste buds.

Vendors

If you don’t fancy driving away from Route 66 Raceway and missing out on all the drag racing action, then don’t. The many vendors along the south reserved side of the grandstand are ready and waiting to serve you delicious food and snacks. Given that you are not allowed to bring your own food and beverages, you can rely on these establishments not to disappoint. Bring both cash and a debit or credit card to ensure you have the correct payment type.

Safety

Security

All those who enter Route 66 Raceway will be met with the smiling faces of security personnel who will check tickets and bags before allowing entry. Remember, the less you bring, the faster you can get into the grandstands and check out what’s going on. Guests who carry no bags will be able to enter the express area. Feel free to approach a security official if you have any concerns. Otherwise, there is also a police station for any other issues within a seven-mile drive of the facility.

Weather

It’s not uncommon for Joliet to experience some beautiful weather in July, with average highs of 84 degrees and average lows of 64. You won’t need to pack all too many extra blankets, but you may like to open your vents for ventilation in your RV during the day. Don’t forget to make sure your AC unit is in tip-top condition before you hit the road.

Medical

No one ever wants to find themselves with an injury or illness, but you’re in the right place if that happens. At Route 66 Raceway, there are two first aid areas with trained professionals ready to help with any minor problems you might have. If you have a medical emergency, dial 9-11. There is also a hospital within 12 miles of the race track for peace of mind, and a pharmacy within six miles.