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
If you’ve got a need for speed and a passion for petrol power, then the Route 66 NHRA Nationals is going to be a must-attend for your family. This four-day summer event in July is an opportunity for the finest drag racers in the country to show the crowds what they are made of at the world’s premier drag racing facility.
The Route 66 NHRA Nationals are held at Route 66 Raceway, 3200 S. Chicago Street in Joliet, Illinois. All those who attend will be treated to some of the world’s best racers, such as Jack Beckman, Steve Torrence, and Brittany Force.
If the 10,000 HP machines with speeds of over 300 miles per hour are not enough to get the adrenaline levels rising, then the venue itself, and the action-packed schedule of events at it surely will.
Over the four days of the Route 66 NHRA Nationals, spectators are treated to Pro Mod and Nitro qualifying, more than 350 vehicles, and nights of nitro under the lights. There are also plenty of opportunities to view the racing action from the grandstands and wander around the facility to get a bite to eat as well.
After four days of drag racing drama, you can then venture off in your RV to check out what the rest of Joliet has to offer, and you won’t be disappointed. Route 66 Raceway is proximate to Chicagoland Speedway, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie nature reserve, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Those who love nature can also go hiking at the Forest Preserve District of Will County.
Not only will the Route 66 NHRA Nationals lure you to Joliet, Illinois, but so too will all the fun vacation activities. It might be time to prepare your motorhome for a summer adventure without delay.
Tickets
If you’re looking for a summer adventure, then it could be time to purchase your tickets for the Route 66 NHRA Nationals. These go on sale online within a few months leading up to the event and sell out fast. Your ticket entitles you to general admission into the grandstand, but you can also pay extra for package deals and special seating. Don’t be afraid to be the early bird, as you increase your chances of not missing out on the best seats.
Explore Route 66 NHRA Nationals RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Driving into Joliet, Illinois, requires your full concentration, especially when navigating a big rig. Joliet is an expansive city with many main routes and roads to lead you to your destination. IL-53 is the most direct route to Route 66 Raceway and brings you from the direction of Preston Heights.
According to Route 66 Raceway officials, highway and interstate construction projects in the area can cause significant delays. Allow plenty of time for travel and be aware of these delays by downloading an Illinois traffic app such as Inrix and IDOT. Upon arriving at Route 66 Raceway, spectator entry is off IL-53.
Parking areas
Once you arrive at Route 66 Raceway, entry into the parking area is via Gate 11 off Route 53, the historic Route 66. There are plenty of paved and grass parking lots for a range of vehicles of varying sizes. You may like to arrive early to ensure you get the best spot for your big rig or campervan. Otherwise, consider making use of public transportation and park your RV at your accommodation for the duration of the event.
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
Within a 20-mile radius, many different providers take their shot at being the best place for RV camping. Some have water, sewer, and electricity hookups, while others promote primitive RV camping. The beauty of RV camping in Joliet, Illinois, is that you are never too far from all the racing action. Most of the available RV parks and resorts are accessible with a large RV.
Getting around
Upon parking in either the paved or grass lot for the day, you can wander over to the grandstand area on foot without too much hassle. Given the seamless layout of Route 66 Raceway, there will be no need for scooters, bikes, golf carts, or similar. Officials would prefer that you don’t bring these at all. The grandstand areas of both the oval and drag strip are well-appointed to the racing action, as well as the vendor area where you can grab a bite to eat.
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 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 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 cases on them.
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 for remaining 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.
