Meadowdale Raceway, IL - Gone But Not Forgotten
 

I had heard about this long unused track. Back on a winter day back in the 1980's a friend and I were both unemployed. We went out to walk this track that hadn't had a race in over 15 yrs. The Monza Wall is long gone. There is a deep trench across the start/finish straight. Water covers part of the track. It is surrounded by shopping centers and houses, but all most all the track is still there.
I just recieved this email message about the track.

Sunday, October 2, 2005
Meadowdale Raceway Re-Dedication
Features the Track's Racing History

A new park entrance, signage showing the racing heritage of the track, and a walking trail around the old race course will be dedicated Sunday, October 2 at 2 PM. Meadowdale International Raceway was a major 3.27 mile road racing course in Carpentersville, IL. It operated from 1958 until 1969.

The property has been purchased by local park and forest preserve districts as open space in the now bustling suburbia surrounding the track property. While we won't be hearing the thunder of Scarabs and the shriek of Ferraris again at Meadowdale, it is good to see attention paid to its racing history by the park guardians.

The dedication is expected to run from 2 to 4 PM. The new parking and entrance to Meadowdale is about 2 miles west of IL route 31 on Huntley Rd. Huntley Rd is at the stoplight just south of the track on Rte 31, about 4 miles north of the I-90 tollway, about 1.75 miles north of IL Hwy 72.

I'd hope to meet some other veterans who raced, worked or watched at Meadowdale Raceway on October 2. Of course, all those with an interest in Meadowdale are welcome.

Regards,

Ross Fosbender
www.meadowdaleraceway.homestead.com

Interesting... so they are not tearing it down? could the track be fixed?

Sadly no. There is now housing and a shopping center built very close to the track surface. Noise problems alone would kill any plan to reserect the track. Real estate values (possible local tax income) on the land make this prime for development. This area was once in the boonies but due to urban sprall it is surrounded by development.

well now thats a sad story...

Im wish I can go on any track now hehe thanks for the feedback Al

There is still access to the track and a chilly winter day is a good time to take a walk there. As long as you got the right clothing on, there isn't any wind and the ground is frozen so you can walk without sinking into mud or getting your feet wet.

An other old racetrack is Willmont Raceway, now known as Willmont Mountain Ski Resort. Some of the old racetrack makes up the parking area and support roads. This was mainly a club track and I don't think it had any professional races.

^ ive skied there!!