NASCAR has stirred excitement as Ryan Blaney, along with fellow drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ty Dillon, headlined a Chicago street race-themed short film styled after FX’s hit series ‘The Bear.’ The film coincides with the annual NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago, fueling a surge in online reactions ahead of the much-anticipated event and keeping the spotlight on the Ryan Blaney NASCAR Chicago street race narrative.
Fans Embrace ‘The Bear’-Inspired Short Film Featuring NASCAR Stars
In the lead-up to the Chicago street race, NASCAR released a short film featuring Ryan Blaney, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Ty Dillon, capturing the spirit of FX’s ‘The Bear.’ Drawing parallels to the show’s protagonist Carmen Berzatto, the production resonates with a Chicago roots storyline. The homage quickly went viral, connecting with NASCAR fans who shared their endorsements on social media.
A strong reaction on X greeted the film’s debut. One viewer called the drivers‘ performances cinematic, while heartfelt enthusiasm poured in from many quarters. Several fans highlighted the film’s entertainment value and called on NASCAR to embrace more personality from its drivers during race weekends.
“Holy sh*t, this is great!” one X user commented.
“Hey @NASCAR, this is f**king outstanding, now can you let the drivers show personality in and out of the car on a race weekend without penalizing or fining them? Clearly, you think this is entertaining, so give the fans what they are clearly enjoying with this,” another argued.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ty Dillon’s on-screen camaraderie resonated especially well, but some moments poked fun at real-life drivers. A playful jab was directed at Carson Hocevar, reflecting recent on-track tensions with Stenhouse Jr. The line delivered in the film echoed the drivers’ competitive spirits and dynamic relationships.
You ain’t cooking. This is a f**king demolition derby. You’d think Carson was here.
“Carson caught a stray 😭,” one fan shared.
“The Carson dig 😂,” another X user wrote.
The film’s reception underscored fans’ appetite for personality-driven content from the NASCAR Cup Series, especially as the race returns for its third consecutive year in Chicago. Social chatter and direct feedback suggested that viewers appreciate the entertainment and storytelling that stretched beyond the confines of the racetrack.
Spotlight on the Grant Park 165 and Driver Lineup
This weekend marks the next chapter of the NASCAR Cup Series’ efforts to diversify its racing portfolio through road course events, with the Chicago street race as a central fixture. The Grant Park 165 will start Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET, set against Chicago’s iconic cityscape. Ryan Blaney is slated to begin the race in 17th position, while Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ty Dillon will start 32nd and 36th, respectively. These placements set the stage for a dramatic contest among star drivers, all familiar faces both on the track and in fan-favorite video features.
NASCAR’s Future in Chicago Uncertain as Contract Nears End
Looking beyond this weekend, the future of the NASCAR Chicago street race remains unsettled. With the initial three-year agreement soon expiring, event president Julie Giese has expressed hope, referencing options for renewal and highlighting productive discussions with city officials. Giese explained that the main priority is this year’s event, but options remain for extending NASCAR’s presence in the city.
“We’ve had great conversations with the city. I think right now, our focus is on this year’s event. We’re a week away, so we’re focused on hosting the best NASCAR Chicago Street Race yet. We have those two option years, and we’ll continue those conversations coming out of the event weekend.” —Julie Giese, Chicago Street Race President
The street race first launched in 2023 with Shane van Gisbergen earning a notable victory. In 2024, Alex Bowman won after unpredictable weather cut the proceedings short. While the event has delivered economic benefits to Chicago, frustrations have surfaced among locals regarding road closures and noise disruptions. Reports suggest that NASCAR may evaluate alternative venues, such as possible options in the San Diego area, placing additional uncertainty on the event’s future in the current city.
NASCAR’s fusion of sports and entertainment, through events like the Chicago street race and creative projects involving stars like Ryan Blaney, may ultimately shape its growth and relationship with fans, city leaders, and local communities. The outcome of the ongoing contract negotiations and continued fan engagement with initiatives like the FX-inspired short film will likely influence NASCAR’s next steps for urban races moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney secured eighth place at the Charlotte Roval, allowing him to move on to the Round of 12. He then claimed victory at the Talladega fall race by a tiny 0.007-second lead over Ryan Newman, progressing to the Round of 8. This triumph came despite an earlier spin that caused a pit road delay.
Q. Has Ryan Blaney won at Talladega?
A. Blaney claimed victory at the Talladega fall race by finishing just 0.007 seconds ahead of Ryan Newman. Even with an early spin onto pit road, he progressed to the Round of 8.
