Location Cicero, Illinois Closed 2003 Former names Sportsman's Park Capacity 67,000 | Broke ground 1997 Construction cost $70 million USD Length 1,656 m Opened 1999 | |
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Owner Charles W. Bidwill III and Chip Ganassi Major event American Speed Association | ||
The Chicago Motor Speedway at Sportsman's Park located in Cicero, Illinois, just outside Chicago, was built in 1999 by a group including Chip Ganassi, owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. In 2002 the 1.029-mile (1.656 km) oval shaped track suspended operations due to financial conditions in the motorsports industry. The track was also the site of horse races, when the track was called "Sportsman's Park". The track was one of two racetracks that hosted both auto and horse races (the other is Dover International Speedway).
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History
Before 1999, the Sportsman's Park was one of the premier locations for horse racing in the area. Hawthorne Race Course, located right across the street to the south from the track, is the current host of the Illinois Derby. The two tracks operated together for decades.
In 1999, after the final season of the old Sportsman's Park, the main grandstand and infield were completely demolished to make way for the massive grandstand that was to follow. It was regarded as one of Chicago's most fateful days, as the end of the once grand racetrack drew near.
The track held CART races from 1999–2002, the Toyota Atlantic Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races in 2000 and 2001. Chicago Motor Speedway also held American Speed Association (ASA) races. Traditional horse races remained; this time as dirt was brought in over the racing surface. Problems with the hard surface led to several scratches by trainers and races being cancelled.
In 2001, Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet was built in the hopes of attracting more racing fans and upper-level races; all Cicero races were subsequently moved to Joliet and the track closed. The few remaining horse races were transferred to Hawthorne.
Portions of the motion picture Driven were shot at Chicago Motor Speedway.
In 2003 the town of Cicero purchased the track for $18 million. During 2005 the main grandstands were torn down but the track itself remained.
On October 31, 2008 it was reported that contracts for the demolition of the remaining structures and track had been awarded.
Demolition of the remaining Sportsman's Park structures and the track itself began January 5, 2009.
The western portion of the site is now a Wirtz Beverage Group distribution center, while the eastern portion is home to a Walmart supercenter effectively removing any last remains of the track.