Catchfence

(Joliet, Ill. – Aug. 9, 2010) – Chicagoland Speedway will celebrate its 10^th year of operation in undisputed style – square in the national media spotlight as the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Chicagoland Speedway’s NASCAR weekend, historically held in early July, will now take place in the fall – Sept. 16-18, 2011.  The move places Chicago front and center as the world’s best drivers compete for the most coveted championship in professional motorsports.

“We could not be more excited,” said Craig Rust, president of Chicagoland Speedway. “I don’t think there’s a better location to kick off the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup than in Chicago. It’s the best sports town in the country. Every race in the Chase plays a key role in determining the championship and we’re thrilled that our fans can be part of the excitement.”

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Audio: Chicagoland Speedway Announces Being Host to First Race of The Chase in 2011

Next year also marks the return of Pole Day, the qualifying day popular among families with young children. Qualifying is scheduled for Friday of race weekend. The Nationwide Series will compete on Saturday, with the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup during the day scheduled on Sunday.

Chicagoland Speedway President Craig Rust and Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O’Donnell, of NASCAR, were joined by NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers who have special connections to Chicagoland – Kevin Harvick and David Reutimann – at the official announcement in downtown Chicago.

Harvick won the first two NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Chicagoland, while Reutimann cruised to Gatorade Victory Lane in July.

“At the end of the day, we think Chicagoland Speedway being the first race of the chase is a tremendous opportunity for the sport and the fans in the Midwest,” O’Donnell said. “It’s a fast track that’ll give us more diversity in the Chase. We’re excited about working with the staff at Chicagoland.”

Chicagoland Speedway® and Route 66 Raceway®: Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway are wholly-owned by International Speedway Corporation (“ISC”), a leading promoter of motorsports activities.  ISC owns and/or operates 13 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway (home of the Daytona 500), as well as owns or has interest in a number of other motorsports-related businesses.

- Chicagoland Speedway, Press Release