Road Course
★★★★☆
In Joliet, Illinois, drivers test their skills on the twisting closed circuit of Team Stradale. This road course is driven in both directions, challenging even the most seasoned competitors. Spectators can watch as cars navigate the turns, a true test of strategy and skill. With numerous tracks in the area, Team Stradale is a great place for first-timers to get a feel for the sport.
Know Before You Go
- Gear requirements
- Track-day organizers typically require a Snell SA-2020 helmet (or newer), long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Many tracks have rental helmets for first-timers.
- Run groups
- Drivers are slotted into novice, intermediate, or advanced run groups based on pace and instructor sign-off. Group-jumping isn't permitted — you build up over time.
- Tech inspection
- Expect a pre-event tech form plus a visual gate check. Brake-fluid age, throttle return, battery tie-down, and seatbelt condition are the most common flags.
- Cost expectations
- HPDE / open-track days typically run $200-450 per day with 4-6 on-track sessions of 20-25 minutes each. Memberships at private clubs are substantially more.
- First-timer tip
- Most clubs require novices to ride with an instructor for the first day before being released solo. Sign up for instruction in advance — slots fill weeks ahead.