#United States #Joliet #Autobahn Country Club #North Track #Drive to 2035

Autobahn Country Club Expands North Track: A New Era in Motorsports

The Autobahn Country Club, known for pioneering the concept of private motorsports clubs, recently unveiled its ambitious expansion plan dubbed "Drive to 2035." This initiative aims to enhance the experience for its esteemed members over the next decade, starting with a nearly $3 million investment into the North Track.

Transforming the Motorsports Experience

Launched in Joliet, Illinois, Autobahn Country Club has been a haven for car enthusiasts since 2004. The latest expansion adds approximately half a mile to the North Track, introducing a variety of features including a 21-foot elevation change, an 11% grade, and a technical series of esses. With 12 turns now included, the track's total length reaches an impressive 1.5 miles, offering drivers more choices and challenges than ever before.

Mark Basso, co-founder of the Autobahn, reflects on the club's journey: "When we created Autobahn, the idea was simple but revolutionary – car enthusiasts deserved a community of their own. Today’s expansion underscores the evolution of that concept while maintaining the charm of our original track."

This strategic expansion is designed not only to improve driving experiences but also to preserve the essence of the original circuit, ensuring that longtime members can still feel at home. The North Track will now offer five distinct configurations, enhancing versatility for racing events, driver education, or leisure driving.

Innovation Meets Tradition

The design of the new section was carried out by Tilke Engineers & Architects, known for creating notable circuits around the world, including the Circuit of the Americas and Yas Marina Circuit. Their experience comes at a crucial time as the Autobahn looks to redefine what a motorsport club can be.

Manuel Rubow, Design Director of Tilke, remarked, "Creating a new area while honoring the club’s history was our primary goal. The new elevation and unique configurations will offer an entirely fresh experience for both new and seasoned drivers."

A Comprehensive Automotive Destination

Autobahn Country Club is not just about track racing; it's a full-fledged automotive destination that encompasses various driving experiences. The club currently features more than 560 active members who engage in a rich variety of activities. The addition of new training programs, especially those powered by Toyota such as the Driver Academy, aims to offer comprehensive development opportunities for all ages.

Toyota's involvement is particularly noteworthy, enabling guests to experience the full performance of their vehicles in a safe, challenging environment. Shane Sizemore, General Manager of Toyota Chicago Region, highlighted the importance of events at Autobahn: "The facility allows our vehicles to shine in real-world conditions, emphasizing Toyota's capabilities in performance and safety."

Looking Ahead

The North Track will be officially unveiled at a special event on October 7, 2026, coinciding with the OktoberFast weekend scheduled for October 16-18. This marks just the beginning of Autobahn's ambitious vision for the future.

As the club prepares for this significant milestone, the collective excitement among members is palpable. Tom Herb, co-owner and Chief Strategy Officer of the Autobahn, sums it up well: “Our North Track expansion and range of new experiences foster community engagement and collective growth, building on what makes Autobahn special while propelling us into the future.”

For those interested in motorsports and community engagement, the Autobahn offers an unparalleled opportunity to come together, grow as drivers, and enjoy the thrill of motorsports. To find out more about the Autobahn Country Club and the Drive to 2035 initiative, visit autobahncc.com.