Don’t Miss Out: Why NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race is a Beloved Favorite for Drivers

CHICAGO — NASCAR is set to race through the streets of Chicago one last time this Sunday. This is how a three-year contract, filled with ups and downs, may come to an end. Unfortunately, the weather seems to be spoiling the fun yet again, with rain predicted for the third consecutive year.

Despite being an ambitious venture, the race has been costly for NASCAR. They spent over $50 million on the inaugural event in 2023, and attendance didn’t meet expectations. This year, they’ve scaled back grandstands and hospitality areas due to these challenges. There’s talk of a new street race in San Diego next year, raising questions about the future of the Chicago race.

But the drivers aren’t upset about the potential end. Kyle Larson, a top driver, called the Chicago race his favorite event in NASCAR. “I mean, name a better one,” he challenged. Larson appreciates the city’s vibrant atmosphere, great food, and easy access to the racetrack.

Before the first race in 2023, many were skeptical. Residents voiced concerns over traffic and safety. And on the first race day, lightning forced an evacuation, canceling planned concerts. It looked like a disaster, but when the skies cleared, Shane van Gisbergen won the race in his debut, giving NASCAR its highest viewership in years. The event even snagged “Event of the Year” at the Sports Business Awards.

Yet, nature continued to rain on the parade. Last year saw more delays, and forecasters predict yet another wet race this weekend. Still, many in the NASCAR community remain optimistic. Michael McDowell noted the race persevered despite the challenges, successfully bringing the excitement of NASCAR to a broader audience.

Julie Giese, the event president, shared that more than 80% of ticket buyers in the first year had never attended a NASCAR race before. This number dipped but remained strong. The excitement around the event reflects a shift in NASCAR’s approach, aiming for a younger, more urban audience.

Driver Denny Hamlin observed that conversations in the city often revolved around the race, proving its role in engaging new fans. “These are younger people who are not going to travel to Chicagoland Speedway,” he said. “You have to have it right here.”

However, it poses a dilemma for NASCAR. Unlike F1, which focuses on street circuits, NASCAR has limited experiences outside of its traditional ovals. Chicago, while a great way to attract new fans, doesn’t fully represent the NASCAR product. Chase Elliott advocates for more short track races, emphasizing that they capture the true essence of NASCAR.

Despite these uncertainties, NASCAR has shown a willingness to evolve. They’ve experimented with different formats, even racing inside the L.A. Coliseum. The Chicago race, with its logistical challenges, proved that NASCAR could tackle uncharted territory.

Even with the rain, the legacy of the Chicago Street Course is likely to be a positive one. Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup champion, noted the boldness of trying something new. “It’s been really good NASCAR decided to do this. It was a win,” he added.

The future might be cloudy, but the legacy of this street race will leave a mark, setting the stage for more street racing in the years to come.

For more on this topic, you can read about the economic impact of such events on NASCAR’s official website.

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Motorsports, NASCAR