Group could bypass township for access to former Meadowdale track

Like motorists taking an alternate route to bypass a traffic jam, local auto enthusiasts are maneuvering around a roadblock that's slowing down plans to hold a car show this summer at a former Carpentersville racetrack.

Meadowdale International Raceways Preservation Association members say they are now working with Kane County Board members to find another way onto the partially intact remains of the 3.27-mile racetrack after Dundee Township trustees earlier this month denied the group access to the site via township land. The group plans to hold a car show in September, similar to last fall's 50th anniversary for the track. The association, however, was not responsible for that event.

"We have not given up just yet," said Linda Daro, an association co-founder and spokeswoman.

Daro said she has approached Kane County Board members, including John Fahy of East Dundee, who also serves as a forest preserve commissioner.

"I am in favor of the event," Fahy said.

He said he received an e-mail from Daro, but had not spoken to her directly. "It was a great show last time. It is non-disruptive and honors the history of the property."

Fahy added that there are other entrances to the racetrack - such as a forest preserve gateway on Route 31 - but the Huntley Road access is the safest.

The 122-acre property is designated open space known as Raceway Woods. Both the township and the forest preserve district oversee the property. Though the track itself falls under the forest preserve district's jurisdiction, the township controls a main access point off Huntley Road and the gravel and wood chip access road leading to the track that the association planned to use.

The township board refused the association's request to use the road to transport vehicles to the track, citing an agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that prohibits the use of motorized vehicles for recreational purposes on the site. Dundee Township Supervisor Sue Harney told those at the May 19 meeting that any violation of the easement would jeopardize funding for the area.

Fahy said he was disappointed with the supervisor's interpretation.

"The residents are the ones who paid for this land and this is what they want," Fahy said. "I think the county is going to make it happen."