NASCAR Chicago Street Course: NASCAR’s 75th-anniversary celebrations offered a unique mix of track innovations and thrilling off-road adventures. Among these exciting endeavors, the NASCAR Cup Series witnessed an unprecedented street race, marking a monumental first in the sport’s history. Recently, this groundbreaking event in Illinois received special recognition for the 2024 season.
The race at the Chicago Street Course made an impressive mark by becoming the most-watched Cup Series race on NBC in the past six years, garnering a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 4.795 million viewers. Despite facing adverse weather conditions, the race showcased promising signs for future events.
Shane van Gisbergen etched his name in history during the Cup Series’ inaugural street race by clinching victory in his NASCAR debut, a feat unseen in the modern era. As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, NASCAR has injected fresh excitement. According to reports, the governing body has updated its tentative 2024 schedule, extending practice sessions at the Chicago Street Course. Additionally, Cup Series practice and qualifying will follow the Xfinity Series race on that specific Saturday.
The truncated racereduced from 100 to 75 laps due to inclement weatherpresented challenges for drivers to familiarize themselves with the unconventional track layout. NASCAR’s decision to extend practice time serves the dual purpose of aiding drivers while enticing fans for what promises to be an action-packed Grant Park 220.
Adapting to the unorthodox street course posed a learning curve for drivers. Lead changes were abundant, yet the tight 90-degree turn often snatched away hard-earned advantages. Despite initial skepticism, the Chicago Street Course sparked unexpected reactions, even prompting NASCAR President Steve Phelps to acknowledge the surprise, albeit at a financial cost.
Despite the substantial commercial loss incurred, Phelps defended the innovative move, emphasizing the race’s value. “Having a calculated risk like the Chicago Street Race was necessary. We incurred significant financial losses, but it was worth it,” Phelps remarked. He added, “It ranked as the second-highest-rated race of the year.”
Phelps underscored the impact of local fan engagement, stating, “People were intrigued to witness the action, particularly the casual fans. Our loyal fan base remains unparalleled, but it’s the casual fans that bolster those numbers.”
While acknowledging the positive aspects, Phelps emphasized the need for improvement and hinted at the potential for street courses in NASCAR’s future. “I’m not suggesting multiple street races, but foresee the possibility of one, maybe two,” Phelps explained optimistically.
His positive outlook hints at exciting prospects on the horizon, contingent upon the outcome of the Chicago Street Course race next year. Here’s hoping for an uninterrupted 100-lap spectacle, devoid of weather disruptions.
ASLO READ: NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Reshaping City Events
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the route of the Nascar Chicago street race?
The Grant Park circuit spans 2.2 miles (3.5 km) and takes you on a loop through the park. The starting and ending point is Columbus Drive, right in front of the iconic Buckingham Fountain. The route includes stretches of Columbus Drive, Balbo Drive, Lake Shore Drive, Roosevelt Road, Michigan Avenue, Congress Plaza Drive, and Jackson Drive. Get ready to take in some stunning views and experience the beauty of Grant Park on this circuit.
How long is the Chicago Street Course for NASCAR?
The Cup Series drivers are set to race a total of 165 miles, while the Xfinity Series will cover 110 miles around the 2.20-mile course. This decision could be attributed to the new deal with the City of Chicago, as government officials aimed to minimize setup and tear-down times that previously caused traffic problems.
Is NASCAR going to race in the streets of Chicago?
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled weekend as NASCAR makes its way back to the streets of Chicago in 2024. Experience two days of heart-pumping racing and immerse yourself in a festival-like atmosphere. The 2024 Chicago Street Race promises to be the highlight of the summer with a lineup of global music headliners. Don’t miss out on the most talked-about event of the season!
Where is the street race in Chicago?
The upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race ’23 is set to take place in Grant Park, which unfortunately does not provide any parking options within its premises. However, there are multiple parking facilities available nearby, located off of S. Michigan Ave. So, visitors can easily park their vehicles and enjoy the thrilling race without any hassle.
