The largest stadium in Illinois could become a subdivision
In late 2019, NASCAR merged with International Speedway Corporation. This placed 12 active tracks under NASCAR’s own portfolio.
One of those tracks, is Chicagoland Speedway. The track is a 1.5-mile oval in Joilet, Illinois.
The $2 billion dollar merger gave NASCAR far more control of their schedule. However, the highly anticipated 2021 schedule has yet to be announced as NASCAR works diligently to form a modified schedule to complete the 2021 season.
Of note, Illinois has been one of the slowest states to re-open amid a pandemic. Sporting events of all kinds are completely on hold in Illinois as other states begin to open, mostly with social distancing limits in place.
Last week, it was announced that Chicagoland Speedway would drastically cut staff. Employee’s were notified personally.
Soon after, NASCAR announced that the event at Chicagoland Speedway would be canceled. The event was originally scheduled to run on June 21st, 2020.
Related: Three races cut from NASCAR schedule
NASCAR is set to restart their season on May 17th at Darlington Raceway. That will be followed be six more events held at just Darlington and Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Chicagoland, Richmond and Sonoma Raceway all lost races as a result of May’s schedule.
Have we seen the last race at Chicagoland Speedway?
That could be possible.
“The Chicagoland Speedway subdivision… The request is to table that item to July 16th. I do believe we had someone who was going to call on this. But, given that it’s going to be tabled. We can have staff, have that person call in on the 16th,” they read off during Joliet, Illinois Planning meeting.
What? “Chicagoland Speedway subdivision,” is what he said.
The race track doesn’t currently have a subdivision. So, what’s that all about? It appears they’re considering building one… directly through turn three and four of the race track.
A photo leaked to twitter apparently showing the currently unapproved plans for the new development.
On April 8th, a public hearing notice was sent out announcing the new discussion date of April 16th. The meeting is set to take place in the City Council Chambers of the Joliet Municipal Building.
The development plans are vague and under a title of “P-6-20.” The document stated, “To allow future development.
Public hearings are currently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NASCAR told reporters they had no comment.
We’ll find out on July 16th, 2020.
Chicagoland Speedway plans
Links
NASCAR | Darlington Raceway | Charlotte Motor Speedway | Chicagoland Speedway
