About

Midwest Racing Preservation Association

(formerly known as  Meadowdale International Raceways Preservation Association)

Our organization is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of  the history of the track as well as that of all national motorsports and motorsport resources. In 2008, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Raceway. We were inspired to find that Meadowdale holds such a place of import in the hearts and memories of so many. Drivers, crew and workers from the days of the track were all in attendance. Many dug out old trophies, programs, photos and most of all long since filed away memories of a special time.

Meadowdale International Raceway is located within Raceway Woods near the corners of Route 31 and Huntley Road in the far Northwest Corner of Carpentersville, Illinois. Meadowdale Raceway was a 3.27 mile road course racetrack which opened for its first race on September 14, 1958.  Interestingly, only six months elapsed from the time construction permits were issued until the running of the first race.

Meadowdale Raceways was the dream of Leonard W. Besinger who was a developer of commercial and residential properties in that locale. Leonard's vision was to make the track a destination in the national racing community thereby bringing people to the area to live, work and relax.

The majority of the asphalt from the track still remains. The silo, which once displayed the Pure Oil logo, was on the verge of demolition but has now been completely restored and stands at the Route 31 entrance as a notable symbol of what once was. Unfortunately all other buildings that were on the track course have been removed. In addition to the silo, one steel structure that was an overpass across the track allowing pedestrian access to the infield also remains.