Blue Island's Raceway Park

If you grew up in the Chicago area, there's a good chance you saw your first auto racing at Raceway Park, a short paved oval located in Blue Island, on the city's South Side.

Raceway Park, the 'World's Busiest Track' officially opened its doors to Midget racing on September 24, 1938 and operated for more than 60 years. The first race was won by Harry McQuinn, who went on to compete at Indianapolis, ultimately becoming the Speedway's Chief Pit Steward.

In 1948, 'The World Famous Motordrome' added Stock Car races to its regular program. The track became a popular attraction in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, with race programs scheduled 3 or 4 nights a week.

After falling on hard times, Raceway closed in 2000 and was torn down the following year but has not been forgotten.

Kalwasinski and Beck have put together an excellent tribute to the glory days of short track racing in Chicago.

Paperback / 128 pages / 200 B&W photos