"I think it's safe to say that all of us — competitors, officials and fans —
have looked forward to this week and next when the NASCAR Camping World Truck
Series visits a pair of new tracks.
"This schedule has been fairly consistent over the past few years so it's rare
to see a track for the first time, let alone two.
"We're pleased to be returning to the Chicago area. We ran two races in Cicero
in 2000-01, but going to Chicagoland Speedway is a big step up for our series.
Anytime we add a track that hosts a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is a very big
deal.
"And, we enjoy sharing the weekend with our friends at the Indy Racing League as
we do at Kansas Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.
"Chicago is famous for food so that's definitely on everyone's list of things to
do. Joliet, of course, is well-known for its setting in the classic 1980 "Blues
Brothers" film.
"If you fly into Midway Airport, you actually can have your picture taken with
life-size sculptures of John Belushi (Jake) and Dan Aykroyd (Elwood).
"This is a Friday night race so we look forward to another staple of Chicagoland
Speedway; some of the most vivid sunsets you'll ever see.
"One other thing. Our drivers are up on the wheel from green flag to checkered
but this week is special. You only get one chance to be the first winner at a
track.
"Expect some of the year's most intense competition. It should be a great show
for the fans and SPEED's viewing audience."
