Fans Speak Out On
Gateway International Raceway
Track actually located in Madison, Illinois
©1996 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.
Several fans have responded to the October 3, 1996, news article regarding Chris Pook's new track in East St. Louis, Illinois.
For one thing, the track is actually located in Madison, Illinois, just off of I-70.
Sue Liberski expressed apprehension: I know nothing about East St. Louis and if what is said is true I'd be worried. Although I would love to have another race close by. It will be interesting to see what others have to say that have been to the area.
Here's your answers, Sue:
One fan writes: Actually, Madison is nothing more than a large industrial complex, an ideal place for a race track since there are no residential neighbors to bother with the noise and traffic.
The track is easy to find. Ingress/egress is a piece of cake from any direction. If you do get lost and you don't want to turn around in ESL just go a few exits and you will be in either suburban heaven or St. Louis proper.
Most of the hotels are in Collinsville and Fairview Hieghts, just minutes from the track but again, in suburban heaven.
I first went to Gateway this spring when I rented my Formula Ford to a friend. The folks in the St. Louis Region SCCA impressed me enough with their kindness and helpfulness that even though I am 180 miles away, I elected St. Louis Region as my region of record.
They normally put on 10 to 12 events at Gateway throughout a typical year and have forged a strong relationship with Pook and his bunch to the point that some were volunteering to build grandstands and man concession booths for the first Drag Race at the facility in September.
Another fan writes: The track is not actually in East St. Louis, but it is only three minutes away. As far as a "good" section of East St. Louis, I wasn't aware that there was one.
I was in East St. Louis once, I had a flat tire, and exited off I-70 to get it fixed. It was a very paranoid experience, I have felt safer in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan.
One point in the track's favor, however, is that it is right off I-70, so you do not have to drive through East St. Louis.
Another fan comments: If attending I would suggest staying east of the track in Collinsville, as getting across the river into St. Louis at times can be impossible when traffic is heavy.
But, if you like good Italian restuarants, then by all means go to "hill" section of St. Louis.
This town should be an ideal spot of a CART race. I was at Cleveland this past June and it was great to see a 3 day festival built around IndyCar racing. St. Louis could do this as well as it has many other attractions to compliment the race.
A special thanks to those who have responded with very favorable comments about this new track.
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