NASCAR’s Chicago Street Course Weekend is gearing up with more than just high-speed action. On Thursday, July 3, the spotlight shifts to Washington Park, where NASCAR will host the inaugural Speed and Sound Fest at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. This free, community-driven event blends the rich culture of Chicago with the energy of NASCAR, offering food, music, games, and a powerful conversation about racing and Black history.
Key Highlights
Speed and Sound Fest takes place July 3 from 5–8 p.m. at the DuSable Museum
Features DJ set, food trucks, racing simulators, and giveaways
Shermann “Dilla” Thomas joins NASCAR drivers for a live discussion
Event aims to connect NASCAR with all of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods
Follows early road closures caused by extreme heat near the race circuit
A Fusion of Speed, Sound, and South Side Pride
The Speed and Sound Fest marks a milestone in NASCAR’s effort to build deeper ties with Chicago’s diverse communities. Designed as a pre-race celebration ahead of the July 5–6 Chicago Street Race, the event brings together cultural icons, racing talent, and family-focused fun in the heart of the city.
The night’s featured conversation will highlight local historian and social media personality Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, who will be joined by Rajah Caruth, a rising NASCAR Cup Series driver, along with Cassidy Keitt and Lavar Scott, two up-and-coming talents from Rev Racing.
Julie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, said the event’s mission is clear: “The entire concept of the Chicago Street Race is for NASCAR to introduce our sport to an entirely new generation of fans by bringing NASCAR to all of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.”
The DuSable Museum, located in Washington Park, has partnered with NASCAR since the inaugural Chicago Street Race in 2023. The Speed and Sound Fest deepens that relationship with a wide-reaching program: from interactive racing exhibits to DJ performances and giveaways, the event aims to merge NASCAR’s energy with the city’s creative pulse.
More Than Racing: Food, Fun, and Family Activities
Beyond driver conversations, Speed and Sound Fest will be filled with sights and sounds for attendees of all ages. Highlights include:
Live DJ set to keep the vibe festive and upbeat
Food trucks serving local favorites
Car displays and photo ops with the official Chicago Street Race trophy
Racing simulators and RC cars for fans to test their skills
Coloring stations, books, and giveaways tailored for younger guests
📘 A special exhibit of the new NASCAR-themed book by Sightseeing with Sandy authors
The family-friendly format reflects NASCAR’s growing push to engage new audiences through accessible, inclusive, and localized events. The organization has steadily expanded its cultural footprint in Chicago—not just through race days, but also through educational outreach, local partnerships, and multi-day community activations.
As Shermann Thomas put it, “This is a unique opportunity to celebrate that shared history in a fun way that brings the best of Summertime Chi and the best of NASCAR together on the eve of Independence Day Weekend.”
Track Troubles and Road Closures Add Urgency to the Festivities
Even as fans gear up for a week of celebration, Chicago’s rising temperatures have complicated pre-race preparations. A heat dome that blanketed the city last weekend caused buckling pavement near Grant Park—forcing the early closure of portions of Columbus Drive and Balbo Drive for emergency repairs.
While these roads were scheduled to close later in the week, extreme temperatures—reaching 95°F on Monday—prompted city crews to act quickly. The Chicago Department of Transportation confirmed that portions of the race route were closed ahead of schedule, including:
Columbus (Jackson to Roosevelt): closed earlier than the planned June 30 date
Balbo (Michigan to Columbus): closed prior to its June 27 closure date
Ida B. Wells: closed June 24 from Michigan Avenue to Columbus
Additional closures will ramp up as race weekend approaches:
June 30: Full closure of Columbus Drive
July 2 (10 p.m.): Roosevelt closes from Michigan to DuSable Lake Shore Drive
July 3 (12:01 a.m.): Southbound DuSable LSD closes from Randolph to McFetridge
July 3 (10 p.m.): Northbound LSD closes in the same stretch
Despite the challenges, NASCAR reports that course construction is more efficient than in past years. Since 2023, setup time has dropped by 42%, with the duration of full street closures down 28%—showing both growth and improved coordination with city officials.
News in Brief: NASCAR Celebrates Chicago Culture
The Speed and Sound Fest is more than a warm-up act for a high-speed weekend—it’s part of NASCAR’s larger goal to connect with communities that haven’t traditionally seen themselves in the sport. From conversations with drivers and historians to live music, art, and family activities, the festival blends the spirit of Chicago with the heart of racing.
And with city streets already shifting to race-ready mode, the countdown to NASCAR’s return to Grant Park is officially on
ALSO READ: NASCAR Chicago Street Race 2024: Return, Renewal, and Racing Spectacle in the City
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Will Chicago host NASCAR in 2025?
A. Road closures begin this week ahead of the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, scheduled for July 5–6 in Grant Park.
Q. What weekend is NASCAR in Chicago?
A. NASCAR’s only street race returns to Chicago on July 5–6, 2025! Be part of the action—secure your tickets now and experience the excitement in Grant Park.
