Sycamore Speedway

 

6

35

Hailey H.

Chicago, IL

I ain't gonna lie.
I grew up in the burbs.
Not too proud of it but it is what it is.
But the one thing I LOVED about the burbs was Friday nights in the summer and the amazingness that is spectator racing at Sycamore Speedway.

It was still a good 30-45 min drive further west from my folks house, but it is worth it to pull up, park on the grass, grab your blankets, pay $12 (higher than the $9 I remember but hey, inflation), fill out your raffle card, and claim a spot on the most rickety, rusty bleachers this side of Kentucky.

This past fourth of July weekend, after a 5 or 6 year hiatus, I revisited one of my favorite childhood destinations.
Years later, EVERYTHING was the same.  Down to the figure 8 race and the street car drag race (bring your helmet and sign a waiver and you too can race your car on the track.)

Of course, now that I'm of age, I was able to enjoy the $2 (YES! 2 DOLLARS!) draft Miller Lights (or high life or genuine draft.)  I crunched on crappy (yet somehow awesome) nachos as the cars crunched in the 25 car, 25 lap race.

Of course, the highlight of the night, beside the hope that a car will flip over or start on fire (with a driver who has escaped unharmed, mind you) is the demolition derby.  While in my memory it was at least 20 cars smashing into each other, this night I only saw 6 lined up back to back and then smashing into each other until the last car that was still running and could move would win.

With powderpuff (women) racing, the figure 8, demo derby, and a drag race between two tow trucks, there is no better way to spend a cool summer night outside Chicago.

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Elite '08

52

239

Adrian W.

Chicago, IL

"If there's no dirt in your beer, you're not at the Speedway."
How true, how true.
I guess I would add that if your hair doesn't smell like exhaust, you've steered clear from the Speedway.

Thankfully, we were here when it was moderately wet, thus making not much dirt in my 2 dollar drafts. We sat on wooden bleachers (up and in is the way to be) that amazingly hold up most mulleted racing enthusiasts. Various races are held - 18 under, Powderpuff, Men's, dragstrips and (the main reason why I showed up) Demolition Derby.
The demo derby was at the end but what I sat through was very entertaining. 25 laps/25 cars was the most fun since the potential for carnage was high. Only 12 finished but it was great watching 28, the 'sold' Honda CRV, being a cocksmoke to nearly everyone. Accidents? Yes. And that's why we were entertained. The Figure 8 race was subpar since it was a race and not so much a mash up, but I guess it's a race.
The Demolition Derby was great. Waiting for the Derby to begin you can see over the horizon the fireworks from Elgin and St Charles and other towns near by, but the real fireworks was on the track. Having the station wagon gain enough steam, about 40 mph and plow into the expecting 88 Chevy Caprice Classic was great.

Again, for twelve bucks, you see about two hours worth of car destruction or racing ahead of you. I don't think that's a bad deal. Just peeing in the horse troughs is.

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