Autobahn Country Club South Circuit
The Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, 30 miles southwest of Chicago, is the first-ever racing club of its kind founded in the United States. As the name suggests, this motorsports complex operates as a country club for motorsports fans on a membership basis. Members can race their cars on the track, attend third-party racing events in the club and even build their garages and condos in the complex. The road course opened its doors in October 2004, following a design by the South African track architect Alan Wilson. Autobahn Country Club is available year-round, hosting local competitions among its members and events for SCCA, PCA, NASA, etc.
There are two independent tracks, the 1.45-mile North Circuit and the 2.09-mile South Circuit, which combine to form the 3.56-mile Full Circuit. The average speed is very similar for the three possible configurations, floating around 75-80 mph. The club also offers a skidpad and a half-mile kart track. The road course consists of several straight segments and a majority of sharp turns, with plenty of overtaking spots, heavy braking zones, and fast acceleration segments, which contribute to an exciting layout for high-profile racing.
Autobahn Country Club's South Circuit configuration delivers 3.380 kilometers of Chicago-area's fastest club racing challenge through 15 turns featuring nine right-handers and six lefts, operating as the facility's longer independent track with 79 mph average speeds and 564-meter main straight enabling 290+ kph top speeds for performance vehicles. Located in Joliet, 48 kilometers southwest of Chicago, this clockwise layout emphasizes sustained high-speed flow over tight technical sections, creating 1:35-1:40 lap times for most vehicles across the highest average-speed configuration among Autobahn's multiple layout options. The South Circuit's 12-meter width accommodates multiple racing lines while the 564-meter front straight rewards aerodynamic efficiency and power, making this layout preferred for faster vehicle classes and experienced drivers seeking speed-oriented challenge rather than the North Circuit's tighter technical character.
The South Circuit's defining character emerges from corner geometry favoring momentum preservation and brave high-speed commitment. The 15-turn layout balances right-hand and left-hand corners (9R/6L) creating varied direction changes, but corner radii generally allow higher minimum speeds than North Circuit's tighter sections. The 564-meter straight—facility's longest—enables sustained acceleration rewarding horsepower and slipstream drafting during club racing, while 12-meter width provides overtaking opportunities through corners where multiple lines remain viable. Illinois continental climate creates dramatic seasonal variation from summer heat exceeding 35°C to winter track days operating near freezing, though Autobahn's membership-focused business model emphasizes spring-fall prime season. The facility's dual independent circuits (North and South can operate simultaneously) make Autobahn unique among Midwest venues, allowing large multi-group events and varied skill-level accommodation. South Circuit particularly attracts faster vehicles and experienced drivers seeking the 79 mph average speed challenge, while beginner and intermediate groups often start on North Circuit's tighter 73 mph layout. Located within Chicago metropolitan area's 9.6 million population, Autobahn South Circuit provides Illinois's premier high-speed club racing venue where sustained momentum and brave corner commitment matter more than tight technical precision.
