Drag Racing in Illinois

[HoozyerdaddyC63]

I've been looking around for different places to go racing in Illinois. Does anyone on this board know of a good track to go to and what is required (i.e. helmet, roll cage, etc.)? My racing is currently limited to two iPad apps (CSR Racing and Nitro Drag Racing) and the occasional spirited drive on I-90.

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[PetroC63]

Byron Dragway.

http://www.byrondragway.com/Home.html

You definitely need a helmet and long pants to run. A roll bar is needed only if you are 11.49 or quicker.

[HoozyerdaddyC63]

Originally Posted by PetroC63

Byron Dragway.

http://www.byrondragway.com/Home.html

Thanks Petro. The site is pretty outdated and confusing. I can't tell if they have regular races or only leagues/point system.

I'm just looking for a regular 1/4 mile strip near Chicago that I can hit up on a casual basis to see where my car stands and practice my launches.

[dodger63]

Originally Posted by HoozyerdaddyC63

Thanks Petro. The site is pretty outdated and confusing. I can't tell if they have regular races or only leagues/point system.

I'm just looking for a regular 1/4 mile strip near Chicago that I can hit up on a casual basis to see where my car stands and practice my launches.

Most strips will do private rentals which is i nice way to meet fellow forum members and so on. And typically fet more for your money..

[cal1]

Depending upon where you live in Chi, greatlakes dragway just across the border in WI could be an option. It looks like they have test and tune (open for anyone) almost any night and every Wednesday for sure. Here is the link: http://www.greatlakesdragaway.com/

If you are interested, let me know. I have not been there, but would love to hit it with a group of MBW bros.

[VSmotorsports]

Great Lakes is the place to be, not the best track but not bad for what it is

[cal1]

I have not been there yet. I used to hit IRP in Indy and Muncie raceway pretty consistently. I might be able to get a few of my E55 buddies in Chi to go to. It would be a blast to role in with C63s, Es and SLs. We would definitely turn some heads if the people there are not used to seeing high horsepower MBs running down the track.

[HoozyerdaddyC63]

Originally Posted by cal1

I have not been there yet. I used to hit IRP in Indy and Muncie raceway pretty consistently. I might be able to get a few of my E55 buddies in Chi to go to. It would be a blast to role in with C63s, Es and SLs. We would definitely turn some heads if the people there are not used to seeing high horsepower MBs running down the track.

That would be pretty cool. This was the type of place I was looking for. Only thing I can't find are the rules about helmets and such.

[HoozyerdaddyC63]

Originally Posted by cal1

If you are interested, let me know. I have not been there, but would love to hit it with a group of MBW bros.

Originally Posted by pavelecwikl

I have not been there, but would love to hit it with a group of MBW bros.

I've hit it big time with this post. I now have a SPAM bot following and reusing what others have posted previously.

Can someone ban pavelecwikl?

[cal1]

Originally Posted by HoozyerdaddyC63

That would be pretty cool. This was the type of place I was looking for. Only thing I can't find are the rules about helmets and such.

I'm pretty sure helmets are required for any cars faster than 14 seconds so basically anyone with a AMG will need a helmet. Every track follows NHRA guidelines. Some are more strict than others. Long pants and long sleeve shirts are in the rules too if I remember right. I have not been to a track that actually makes the driver wear a long sleeve shirt though. I always wear long pants and take a long sleeve shirt just in case. The other rule that some of the modded guys could hit is faster than 11.5 technically requires a NHRA approved roll bar. I have seen tracks strict on this and not so much.

[cal1]

Here is a very nice "how -too" on drag racing for anyone who is new to it.

Drag Racing How-To

[HoozyerdaddyC63]

Originally Posted by cal1

Here is a very nice "how -too" on drag racing for anyone who is new to it.

Drag Racing How-To

Thanks Cal1! That thread has tons of good tips and info.

Now I just need to figure out when to go for a run.

[320 dreamer]

i have a great set of ccw drag wheels and tires for slae with c63 fitment if you want the most out of your car!! (shameless plug!)

[cal1]

Originally Posted by HoozyerdaddyC63

Thanks Cal1! That thread has tons of good tips and info.

Now I just need to figure out when to go for a run.

Two options, go now for fun or wait until it cools off a bit for better results. A lot of the 55k guys don't like to run in the heat because they know their times will be high because of their forced induction.

[Nachtsturm]

I go to Byron a lot, if you want you can head there with us next time. I prolly wont be going untill it cools off. Mostly because I don't like the heat. haha.

GLD I frequent as well. Track prep is not as good as byron, but usually run my fastest there because of night time temperatures. US41 is decent, but it a hike.

I don't bother with RT. 66 as the place is always redic packed, and in 6 hrs you get 2 runs. haha.

[HoozyerdaddyC63]

You guys are right, waiting for it to cool off would be a good idea. My car runs hot enough as it is in these conditions we're having.

Definitely post next time you guys are going. I'll keep an eye out on the forums or even post again later when the heat wave subsides.

In the mean time I have left a message with Speedriven today to see about getting some work done. Now I just need to decide if I want to keep my warranty or not. I really wish they would leak the final engine for the MY2015 already so I can decide.

[loungn14]

we should plan a track day as part of our normal chi meets...

[cal1]

^ absolutely! Maybe September or Oct time frame.

[HoozyerdaddyC63]

Originally Posted by cal1

^ absolutely! Maybe September or Oct time frame.

Definitely!