The D’Arcy Buick GMC Route 66 Classic on August 18, 2018 will once again pay homage to the early drag racing and hot rod culture while presenting the ultimate trip down memory lane. Fans will be treated to a blast from the past as they walk through the gates of the World’s First True Stadium of Drag Racing and leave the world of 2018 behind perusing vintage-style art, grab a drink at the Sneaky Tiki Bar and grab some grub from the Route 66 Diner.
“We witnessed incredible success with the D’Arcy Buick GMC Route 66 Classic in 2017, highlighted by ideal weather, exciting racing action and unparalleled midway content that only Route 66 Raceway can deliver,” said Scott Paddock, President of Route 66 Raceway. “We look forward to building upon that momentum in 2018 with an enhanced spectator displays and supreme racing during the event.”
On-Track Content
Unlike any other event at Route 66 Raceway, the D’Arcy Buick GMC Route 66 Classic will solely feature nostalgia match drag racing. This means that Funny Cars, Altereds, Pro Stocks, Super Stocks and over 150 other vehicles, all 1979 and older, will have the chance to take a pass during the event. Tom Motry’s Drastic Plastic Nostalgia Nitro-Altered Funny Car will face off against John Lawson and the Runaway Nitro Funny Car in a can’t-miss battle. Route 66 Raceway will also offer a Runn Tuff Eliminator competition which was made famous at US-30 Dragstrip and Oswego Dragway as well as a Test & Tune. New for 2018, an on-track Cacklefest and the crowning of the new Miss Classic will take place prior to the evening program. Capping off the event will be a jet car finale by Barry Richter’s Hypersonic Jet Funny Car.
Classic Car Cruise-In
Last year, Route 66 Raceway witnessed an outpour of vintage vehicles with interest in participating in the Classic Car Cruise-In. To accommodate the number of vehicles wishing to attend, the Classic Car Cruise-In footprint has been enlarged for 2018. With an increased Cruise-In parking footprint, Route 66 Raceway is calling all classic car owners to attend the D’Arcy Buick GMC Route 66 Classic and display as a part of the Classic Car Cruise-In. Attendees who pull up in an antique automobile, 1979 and older, can purchase entry for the event for only $20 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Miss Classic Pin-Up Contest
The crowd will be privy to the second-annual pin-up contest featuring a flock of lovely ladies who rock the iconic look in hopes of becoming “Miss Classic.” Contestants will perform in front of a live audience and panel of judges in two sessions, highlighting both their vintage-inspired fashions and a brief Q&A. The winner will be crowned by 2018 Miss Classic Tonya Maria and receive a substantial prize basket, including beauty and fashion products. As part of the contest, the ladies will be challenged to enter the racer pits and solicit donations benefitting Pits for Patriots. The contestant that earns the most in donations will be crowned the Queen of Hearts.
Pits for Patriots rescues and trains pit bulls as service dogs for veterans and first responders with physical and emotional needs. The organization works fervently to alter the negative public opinion surrounding the pit bull breed while simultaneously delivering veterans and first responders with the support they require. Pits for Patriots provides a trained animal to the recipient for no cost.
Cultural District
Wedged within the vendor midway, event attendees can explore an area showcasing the artistic components of hot rod culture. The Cultural District will feature live airbrushing and pinstriping by the Chicago Brushmasters, who are known for their presence at the World of Wheels Car Show in Rosemont, Illinois. Pieces created by the 20-plus artists in attendance will be auctioned off throughout the day to benefit Route 66 Raceway’s charitable entity, Racing Advocates for Community Enrichment (R.A.C.E.) and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. Brushmasters will showcase a Musical Panel Jam as well. Five artists are set up with five panels to paint, each with a different color. A 45 RPM record is played and once the song is over, each artist moves onto the next panel and so on until all five colors are on and done. In addition, event attendees can get their hair and make-up done in vintage pin-up or greaser style for free by the students of Professionals Choice Hair Design Academy.
Entertainment
Real Live Retro Chicago Rock and Roll will be provided by Pearls Mahone. Pearls Mahone is a tribute to Pure Vintage Americana, with a voice like the solid gold stars of yesteryear, bring nostalgic sounds to modern times. Join her and the band from 3:15-5 p.m. on the main stage.
Throwback Grub
Be sure to come hungry and grab some throwback fare! Route 66 Raceway will be serving up classic diner favorites, including Mom’s Meatloaf Sandwiches, loaded mac and cheese and Mega Milkshakes. The Sneaky Tiki Bar will also be dishing out mai tai’s, zombies, painkillers and other tropical drinks!
Grudge Matches
Attendees can watch as counties clash on the quarter-mile during the Third Annual Will County vs. Grundy County Grudge Matches. Once again, the event will feature the return of Will and Grundy County officials who will duke it out on the dragstrip. Local officials with be equipped with vehicles provided by D’Arcy Buick GMC, and will select a local charity to benefit from their participation in the event. That stakes have been raised for this year’s event as each official will be fundraising prior to their race with R.A.C.E. matching the dollars they earn. In 2017, R.A.C.E. donated $21,000 to 12 community organizations as a result to the Route 66 Classic Grudge Matches.
To purchase tickets to the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, or any of the other 2018 Route 66 Raceway events, visit us online at www.Route66Raceway.com, call 888-629-RACE, download the Route 66 Raceway mobile app, visit the Route 66 Raceway Administrative office or stop by the box office on the day of the event.