Motorsports enthusiasts in the Midwest of the United States have a haven in Blackhawk Farms Raceway. Located in South Beloit, Illinois, the raceway has been a popular destination for racers and racing fans since its opening in 1967. The facility boasts a 1.95-mile road course with seven turns and an average width of 40 feet, which has been a challenge and a thrill for many racers over the years. In this article, we will delve into the history of Blackhawk Farms Raceway, its track layout, schedule, and other relevant information.
Blackhawk Farms Raceway was opened in 1967 by the late Dr. John and Mrs. Peggy Fornetti. Dr. Fornetti, a surgeon, was also an avid racer, and he started the track as a way of fulfilling his passion for motorsports. The track, situated on a 185-acre property, was originally a dirt track before being paved in the 1970s. It has since undergone several renovations, including the construction of a new control tower and the extension of its paddock area.
The track is a 1.95-mile road course with seven turns and an average width of 40 feet. The turns, in order, are as follows:
Turn 1: A right-hand turn that requires late braking and a smooth transition to the exit.
Turn 2: A sharp right-hand turn that requires a late apex.
Turn 3: A left-hand turn that leads onto a long straightaway.
Turn 4: A left-hand turn that requires drivers to brake hard and set up for Turn 5.
Turn 5: A right-hand turn that leads into a fast section of the track.
Turn 6: A left-hand turn that requires precision and late braking.
Turn 7: A right-hand turn that leads onto the front straightaway.
The track layout is known for being challenging due to the varying turns, high-speed sections, and the narrow width of the track. This makes Blackhawk Farms a popular destination for racers who are looking to improve their skills or for those who are seeking a challenge.
Blackhawk Farms Raceway has a packed schedule of events throughout the year. The track hosts a variety of events, including motorcycle and car racing, high-performance driver education events, and club races. The track also offers open track days, where enthusiasts can take their own cars onto the track and experience the thrill of driving on a professional circuit.
One of the most popular events held at Blackhawk Farms is the Vintage Motorcycle Days, which takes place annually in August. The event features vintage motorcycles and their riders from all over the country, and it is a celebration of the history of motorcycle racing. The event includes a swap meet, vendor booths, a bike show, and vintage motorcycle races on the track.
Another notable event held at Blackhawk Farms is the Midwestern Council of Sports Car Clubs (MCSCC) annual Blackhawktoberfest. The event brings together amateur racers from across the Midwest for two days of racing on the Blackhawk Farms track. The event includes a variety of classes, including formula cars, sedans, and sports racers.
In addition to these events, the track also hosts driving schools, including the Sports Car Club of America’s (SCCA) Regional Driver’s School and the Midwest Performance Drivers Club (MPDC) High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) program. These schools are designed to help drivers improve their skills, and they offer classroom instruction as well as on-track experience.
