Route 66 Raceway is a premier drag racing facility located in Joliet, Illinois. The raceway has been a major draw for fans of the sport for over two decades, and is a favorite of professional racers. But lately, rumors have been circulating that the raceway might be up for sale. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of the raceway, the current status of the sale, and what it could mean for the future of the facility.
History of Route 66 Raceway
Route 66 Raceway was opened in 1999, and has since become one of the premier drag racing facilities in the United States. It has hosted many NHRA National Events, including the U.S. Nationals, and is home to the popular National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Drag Racing Series. The raceway is also the host of the annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.
The facility has undergone several expansions over the years to accommodate larger crowds and more events. In 2009, the track underwent a $20 million expansion project that included new grandstands, a new drag racing strip, and a new tower for timing and scoring.
Current Status of Route 66 Raceway
As of 2021, the status of Route 66 Raceway is uncertain. There has been speculation that the raceway is up for sale, although no official announcement has been made.
Rumors of a Sale
Rumors of a sale have been circulating since late 2020, when it was reported that the owners of the raceway were considering selling the facility. Since then, there have been reports of a number of potential buyers expressing interest in the property.
No Official Announcement
Despite the rumors, there has been no official announcement from the owners of Route 66 Raceway regarding a sale. The owners have not commented on the rumors and have not made any public statements about the potential sale.
Potential Impact of a Sale
If Route 66 Raceway is indeed put up for sale, it could have a major impact on the future of drag racing in the United States. Here are some of the potential impacts a sale could have:
Impact on Professional Racers
One of the biggest impacts of a sale would be on the professional racers who rely on the facility for their livelihoods. If the raceway is sold to a new owner, there is no telling what changes they might make to the facility. This could include changes to the track layout, changes to the schedule of events, or even the closure of the facility altogether.
Impact on Local Economy
Route 66 Raceway is a major source of revenue for the local economy in Joliet, Illinois. The raceway brings in thousands of visitors each year and supports many local businesses. If the raceway is sold and the new owner makes changes to the facility, it could have a major impact on the local economy.
Impact on Fans
Finally, a sale of the raceway could have a major impact on the fans of the sport. Many fans have grown to love the facility over the years, and a sale could mean major changes to the facility that could potentially impact their experience.
Conclusion
At this time, the status of Route 66 Raceway remains uncertain. Rumors of a sale have been circulating for some time, but there has been no official announcement from the owners of the raceway. If the raceway is indeed put up for sale, it could have a major impact on the future of drag racing in the United States, as well as the local economy and the fans of the sport.
FAQs
Is Route 66 Raceway for sale?
At this time, there has been no official announcement from the owners of the raceway regarding a sale.
What impact could a sale of the raceway have?
If the raceway is sold, it could have a major impact on the future of drag racing in the United States, as well as the local economy and the fans of the sport.
What changes could the new owner make to the facility?
If the raceway is sold to a new owner, there is no telling what changes they might make to the facility. This could include changes to the track layout, changes to the schedule of events, or even the closure of the facility altogether.
Final Thoughts
Only time will tell if Route 66 Raceway is indeed up for sale. In the meantime, fans of the sport can only speculate about the potential impacts of a sale and hope for the best.