The need for speed is something that is spoken about quite regularly, but unless you’re a racing fan or just someone who likes to go really fast on the Eisenhower, you might not fully understand that need.

Down at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, that need is quenched and then some. It is part of the grounds that also features the Chicagoland Motor Speedway where the annual NASCAR Nextel Cup Tropicana 400 is held, as well a small dirt track.

Though it’s a bit of a hike down I-55, the trip is a must for any race fan and anyone looking to fill their need for speed.

“I just always wanted to go fast,” said Bob Chase, a local racer and Lisle native who now lives in Plainfield. “I always liked cars and when I turned 16 I got into this. When they built this track, we started coming here a lot, made some friends and we got into the bracket series. It’s really a rush. Doing this really fuels that need for speed you always hear about.”

Chase is actually from a racing family which includes his father Bill and brother Bill. The two younger Chases race at several area tracks, as did their dad, at places like Oswego, Byron and Union Grove in Illinois and Great Lakes in Wisconsin.

“When they opened up this racetrack, it was so close and so nice,” the elder Bill said. “This place is state-of-the-art. This is a great track to race at and a great place to watch a race from.
“This is one of the best tracks, I would say, in the United States.”

The younger Bill Chase races in the Pro E.T. Bracket, while Bob Chase races in the Super Pro Bracket. Both are in the top 20 of their respective points brackets.

There are nine separate races to determine each bracket’s champion, with the eighth race having taken place July 27. The final race took place Aug. 2.

Though the points chase is now over, there are a few more non-points events coming up in the next few weeks.

While some fathers and sons play catch together or play a round of golf together, others work on cars together. That’s how the two younger Chases got involved in racing — through their dad.

“My dad used to race and we were always around him,” said the younger Bill, who is 27, three years younger than 30-year-old Bob. “He taught me almost everything I know. The first car I drove was a ‘68 Camaro. I just kind of took it from there.

“From that point on, you’re just looking to go faster and faster and faster. Then, you find yourself so far in that you just have to keep going with it. I just like that thrill.”

A trip to Joliet isn’t just for race fans, though. Any fan of classic cars would enjoy walking through the pits (which are open for the public to walk through) and checking out the many older model cars that the drivers modify themselves.

For example, the Chase brothers each drive a 1966 Chevy Nova. Bill drives a purple one and Bob an orange one.

“I used to race a car known as the Coca Nova and that was written on the side in Coca Cola lettering,” the elder Bill said. “I have a bunch of pictures of that and they seemed to like it, so we got another Nova.

“We put in a lot of hours (to modify the older cars), but it’s worth it.”

With the rest of the country feeling the heat when it comes to high gas prices, it would seemingly also affect those who race. However, the elder Bill said it hasn’t been too bad on he and his family.

“This is a 12-block Chevy with a four-barrel carburetor, so we’re all right,” he said. “It does affect us a little, though.”

According to the younger Bill, it costs $14 for a gallon of racing fuel as compared to the $4 or so consumers pay.

On top of having a need for speed, drivers also need a passion for what’s under the hood, as well. Leading up to a race, drivers will put in countless hours to make sure everything is in optimum shape.

“If there’s nothing broken, we’ll put in a late night the night before the race,” Bob Chase said. “However, if there’s a problem, we’re usually up every night that week fixing it.”

Where in the old days, it seemed like auto racing was a regional fad in the southeast, it has now exploded as there are NASCAR races in Watkins Glen, New York; Louden, New Hampshire, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Chicago.

“A lot of it is, it’s just fun,” the younger Bill said. “It’s a thrill and it gets your competitive juices flowing just like anything else will.”