Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
- Historic district
- In Ridgely, Illinois
- 0.2 mi from Route 66
- National Register of Historic Places
Known to racing fans as the Springfield Mile, this one-mile clay oval sits on the state fairgrounds in Springfield, IL, less than a mile off the old road. Cars have raced here since 1910, which puts it among the oldest speedways in the country. It is listed on the National Register as a historic district and holds a proud place in American dirt-track racing.
What is Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack?
The track is a full mile around, surfaced with clay rather than pavement, and set inside the state fairgrounds. It has a reputation for speed: five world records for auto racing have been set here, and it is counted among the fastest dirt tracks anywhere. The Springfield Mile nickname is used so widely that many fans know the track by that name alone.
Its National Register listing treats it as a historic district, part of the larger fairgrounds complex.
History of Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
The oval first took shape in the late 1800s and was rebuilt in 1927. Auto racing began here in 1910, and no other track has hosted national championship dirt-track racing without a break for as long. Since 1993 the venue has been run by Track Enterprises, the company of Bob Sargent. That long, unbroken run means cars were racing here well before Route 66 itself was laid out in 1926.
Visiting Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack: tips
The track sits on the fairgrounds rather than on the old road itself, a short detour of about 1.5 miles. Check the fairgrounds' event schedule for race dates before you plan around it. Allow a few minutes for a look from outside on a quiet day, or a full evening if you catch a race. The grounds are wheelchair accessible.
Two old-road stops are close by: the Lazy A Motel, a retro roadside motel building, is about 0.3 mile away, and Shea's Gas Station Museum is about 0.5 mile off. Together they make an easy short loop.
Practical info
- Address
- 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
- Phone
- +1 217-782-2172
- Hours
- Open 24 h
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
All diners on Route 66 →
On the map
Full mapIllinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack with the 6 closest stops and places to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
Tap a dot to see that stop here.
Stops near Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
All of Illinois
0.3 mi from Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
0.5 mi from Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
1.4 mi from Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
1.4 mi from Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
1.4 mi from Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
1.5 mi from Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
Questions about Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack
Why is it called the Springfield Mile?
The nickname comes from the track's one-mile length and its home in Springfield, IL.
How old is the track?
It dates from the late 1800s, was rebuilt in 1927 and has hosted car racing since 1910.
Own or run Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack? Send us a photo or a correction.