Meadowdale Raceways
By Philip A. Aleo
In July of 1968 I was fortunate to attend a round of the SCCA’s Trans-Am series at Meadowdale Raceways, won, as most Trans-Ams were that year, by Mark Donohue in Roger Penske’s Sunoco Camaro. It was the final professional road race at the undulating circuit in Chicago’s far western suburbs, constructed a decade before with the intention of being “the racing capital of the world.”
Built in 103 days during the summer of 1958, Meadowdale’s challenging 3.27-mile layout encompassed 12 turns including the infamous Monza Wall, a broad, rough, 180-degree bowl banked at a steep 45 degrees (gone by ’68), and spectator parking areas said to hold 100,000 cars. VIP guests were accommodated in the Grand Prix Club atop the Main Control Tower, and for competitors there were 78 enclosed pit stalls, all with electricity, running water and designated parking areas.
Although Meadowdale hosted SCCA and USAC road racing, stock cars, NHRA drag racing, AMA motorcycles, karts and even snowmobiles, builder Leonard Besinger’s ambitions turned out to be unachievable, as the marketplace had not yet developed fully. This book showcases excellent archival photography, and is a compelling read for anyone interested in American road racing history. Available for US$49.95 at amazon.com or direct from the publisher at www.aleopublications.com or (847) 507-8311.
