Indoor racing in the 'burbs: Strip mall meets drag strip

Picture this: You are fully suited up in a one-piece jumpsuit, helmet on with fire resistant gear underneath. You hear your name and number called and jump into your car. Someone comes by, starts your engine and off you go. The only sound you can really hear is your breathing under the visor as you go around one lap as a warm up. You suddenly hear the roar of all the engines as the lights turn green and cars peel out before trying to brake around the first sharp corner together. You might think I am talking about how Dario Franchitti or Danica Patrick feel as they start their race at the Indy 500, but it's not. It's you as you gear up full speed ahead at Chicago Indoor Racing.

Chicago Indoor Racing just opened a new facility in Addison, and they are ready to let you sweat it out behind the driver's seat. With the original facility in Buffalo Grove celebrating its fifth anniversary, Tony Stewart, CEO of Chicago Indoor Racing, has added another one that is guaranteed to mesmerize you. Not only can you race your heart out in a real car, but Stewart has collaborated with the three Whirleyball facilities in Chicago to create virtual racing, called CyberSport.

"Very few people have had the opportunity to drive on the edge," Stewart said. "This is the opportunity to get people in a safe environment where if you turn too fast or spin, you can correct it. We encourage people to go up and over the limit (in CyberSport) because you are free of consequences."

On the real track, you are definitely free of physical consequences during your race, but just like the real thing, you can receive warnings and penalties if you don't slow down when the yellow lights and flags go up.

You also won't need to be hopping on the treadmill after this workout. While in the car your whole body is twisting and turning with the car and your arms definitely feel the burn. Once you get out of the car, you feel the sweat flowing.

"The intensity of it is a workout in itself," Stewart said. "There is no suspension on the cars, so its like being on a Stair Master. It is an adrenaline rush chasing the person in front of you and defending yourself from the car behind you."

Flying around the winding track at high speeds of up to 35 mph, it is hard not too spin out at times, but boy is it fun to be sliding around and knowing that if you accidentally nudged the person in front of you, you won't get into a head-on collision.

Be forewarned, if you get too crazy and blow off the rules, you could end up spending time in the penalty box.

Each race lasts 15 laps and includes about eight drivers. Afterward, you can run up to the counter to get your stats sheet to see where you placed in that race.

"It's a great thing to forget about everything else," Stewart said. "Unlike a sport, such as golf, it's hard to think much about anything and you have the opportunity to lose yourself in the game."

Stewart, who was once a racer himself, kind of fell into indoor racing by accident when he helped someone design a track in Boston. He then brought the genius concept to Chicago.

If you're not into the smell of rubber, you can try the CyberSport at the track. Similar to Whirleyball, there is a ball and racquet type contraption equipped with a pocket so that the ball is easily caught. Unlike Whirleyball, the cars are very modern and you use a joystick to steer. "The high density foam ball is gentler and the cars are easier to turn," Stewart said. "The car is like sitting on a quad bike and there is no rattling on the inside."

If you think there's no exercise involved with CyberSport, you're dead wrong! Your arms and upper body are moving back and forth as you are catching and throwing the ball as quickly as you can. There are five people on a team and you are trying to score the most points in the basket to win. To add some complications to the game, there are penalties where you can lose points.

Both of these activities come with a debriefing so you know what you are getting into.

It's an experience you'll never forget. You may be competing with others for the "W," but there's a sense of camaraderie involved, and CyberSport brings out the team-building skills.

And if you're not into racing, tag along and watch. Both facilities offer a bar with casual American fare. Just don't expect to have a beer and then go racing. When you check in, you'll get a wristband saying you're going to drive and not drink. And if employees suspect you've broken the rules, expect to have to take a breathalyzer before being allowed to drive (and their .00 policy is harsher than the state's .08).

Chicago Indoor Racing

You must be 18 and have a valid driver's license (if you're 16 or 17 and have a valid license, you can race with a parental waiver).

Equipment: Chicago Indoor Racing provides you with a driver's suit, helmet and neck brace. You need to wear closed-toe shoes.

Tracks: 2318 Army Trail Road, Addison; 301 Hastings Drive, Buffalo Grove

Average cost: $70 for full day of racing and license; about $25 an hour for CyberSport

Info: chicagoindoorracing.com or (847) 941-9400