Tailgating: Chicagoland

Chicagoland Speedway, outside of Chicago in Joliet, Ill., offers NASCAR fans a chance to see some racing in America's heartland. Though the Windy City is an obvious tourist destination, don't overlook Joliet when it comes to planning your race weekend.

Getting There

From the South (I-55 Northbound): Exit on North River Road. Go east on River Road to Route 53 (Chicago Street). Go north on Route 53 to the track.

(I-57 Northbound): Go north on I-57 to Manhattan-Monee Road. Go west on Manhattan-Monee Road (through the town of Manhattan) to Route 53. Go north on Route 53 to the track.

From the North (I-55 Southbound): Go south on I-55 to the I-80 Interchange. Go East on I-80 to Route 53 (Chicago Street). Go south on Route 53 to the track.

From the West (I-80 Eastbound): Go east on I-80 to Route 53 (Chicago Street). Go south on Route 53 to the track.

From the East (I-80 Westbound): Go east on I-80 to Briggs Street. Turn south on Briggs Street to Laraway Road. Go west on Laraway Road to the track.

What to Bring

The following items are allowed into the grandstands at Chicagoland:

• One unopened factory-sealed plastic bottle of water per guest

• Cell phones and pagers, scanners and head-sets, cameras, binoculars

• Seat cushions, fanny packs, purses, backpacks, camera bags and other small bags are also permitted, but are subject to search at any time.

NOTE: Chicagoland Speedway reserves the right to disallow bags deemed to be too large.

NOT allowed: Coolers of any size (unless required to store prescribed medicine for guest), food or beverages

Parking and camping

Chicagoland Speedway has approximately 500 acres for parking adjacent to the speedway. Day parking on Chicagoland Speedway is always free.

There are thousands of camping and parking spots in private campgrounds within five miles of the speedway. Some are adjacent. They are on W. Schweitzer Rd., S. Cherry Hill Rd. and S. Chicago St.