Chicago is now the home of the NASCAR Race.
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is a leading sanctioning and managing organization in the United States, specializing in stock car racing. Founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948, NASCAR has grown into a major sports entity under the leadership of CEO Jim France since August 2018. It has made stock-car racing a widely popular sport in the US, producing legendary racers like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Jimmie Johnson.
NASCAR oversees races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series), four international series, four regional series, and a local grassroots series. It also governs the premier U.S. sports car series through the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). NASCAR owns several major motorsports entertainment facilities, Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. With a headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida, and offices across North America, NASCAR sanctions over 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
With the company’s prominent success, many questioned its plans to leave Road America for Chicago.
Why NASCAR will leave Road America for Chicago
NASCAR has a rich history at Road America, a renowned road course located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The track, known for its challenging layout and scenic backdrop, has been a significant venue for various motorsport events, including NASCAR's Xfinity and Cup Series.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series made its debut at Road America in 2010, and since then, it has become a staple on the racing calendar, providing fans with exciting and unpredictable races. Each of the 13 Xfinity Series races at the track featured different winners, highlighting the competitive nature of the circuit. In 2021, the NASCAR Cup Series returned to Road America for the first time since 1956, with Chase Elliott taking the victory in a race that drew massive crowds and positive reviews from both fans and drivers.
However, NASCAR decided to leave Road America after the 2022 season. This was met with mixed reactions. Many drivers and fans expressed their disappointment, citing the track's unique challenges and the vibrant atmosphere of the races held there. Kevin Harvick, a prominent NASCAR driver, voiced his opposition to losing Road America, emphasizing the track's popularity and the support it received from the racing community.
Here are the specific reasons that NASCAR stated for their move to Chicago:
NASCAR wants to be bold and innovative with new venues
NASCAR's recent initiatives, including the Chicago Street race, signify a shift from traditional formats to more innovative and modern approaches. This change aims to explore new, cutting-edge locations that meet contemporary needs and utilize up-to-date equipment and supplies, providing the organization and its members with diverse experiences beyond their usual comfort zones.
The transition from Road America to an urban street race in Chicago exemplifies NASCAR's broader strategy to innovate and stay relevant in the evolving sports landscape. By introducing new formats and locations, NASCAR seeks to remain competitive and attract a broader audience, while also diversifying its fan base and engaging more with urban communities.
To explore new markets
NASCAR's move to host a race in downtown Chicago is part of a broader strategy to attract new fans by utilizing iconic urban settings. By transforming the city into a racetrack, NASCAR aims to showcase the sport to a diverse and potentially untapped audience. This event is intended to be more than just a race; it is designed to be a spectacle that captures the attention of those who might not traditionally follow NASCAR, similar to the success of the temporary track at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Chicago, known for its global innovation, is considered an ideal location for this bold initiative, providing a unique experience that NASCAR hopes to replicate.
Hosting races in major cities like Chicago offers greater potential to attract new fans and sponsors compared to rural settings like Road America. The increased media coverage and visibility that come with urban races are crucial for the sport's growth, helping NASCAR to engage with a broader audience and enhance its overall appeal.
Now let me show you more about the NASCAR Chicago events.
NASCAR partners with Chicago City Government to host races downtown
Starting in 2023, the Chicago Street Race is a unique two-day event that combines sports and entertainment in a festival-like atmosphere, offering a fan experience that brings attendees closer to the action than any other sport. Featuring top-tier musical performances from global headliners, the Chicago Street Race Weekend presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans of sports, music, and entertainment.
This event includes the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race in NASCAR's 75-year history, preceded by a NASCAR Xfinity Series race. Surrounded by music and entertainment options for all ages, the Chicago Street Race stands out as one of the year's signature sporting and entertainment events.
NASCAR Chicago Course
The Chicago Street Race will transform Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, and nearby streets into a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course. The start/finish line and pit road will be situated along South Columbus Drive, directly in front of Buckingham Fountain. The race will wind through iconic locations such as Grant Park and approach the northern edge of Soldier Field, revisiting the site of the only other Cup Series race held in Downtown Chicago in 1956.
The race will take competitors through many of Chicago's renowned downtown landmarks, including DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive, Balbo Drive, Michigan Avenue, and Jackson Drive.
NASCAR Take Over of Grant Park for Two Weeks
Per former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's agreement to bring NASCAR to Chicago's downtown streets, NASCAR will take over Grant Park for two weeks every year. For the three summers (2023-2025), Grant Park will host the first-ever street race of its kind, with the course covering both the streets and all of Grant Park from Roosevelt Road north to Randolph Street for race-related activities.
NASCAR's decision to hold a race in Chicago's Grant Park aims to tap into the urban environment's potential to attract a larger, more diverse audience. The location offers significant media exposure and showcases the sport in a dynamic metropolitan setting. By integrating the race into the city's downtown area, NASCAR aims to create a unique fan experience that combines high-speed racing with Chicago's iconic landmarks and vibrant cityscape.
During the NASCAR event, Grant Park transforms into a bustling hub of activities and entertainment for race fans. The primary attraction is the street race, with the course winding through downtown Chicago and incorporating the scenic park surroundings. Beyond the race, multiple entertainment zones include concerts, fan interaction areas, and food and beverage vendors, creating a festival-like atmosphere that blends high-speed racing with cultural and recreational activities.
In 2023, NASCAR named the Cup Series race the Grant Park 220 and the Xfinity Series race The Loop 121. The Grant Park 220 will be a 220-mile race with 100 laps, while The Loop 121 will cover 121 miles with 55 laps.
Here’s what happened in the 2023 and 2024 NASCAR Chicago races.
2023 NASCAR
The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago marked a significant milestone as it hosted the first-ever street race in the sport's history on July 1-2, 2023. This event brought a new level of excitement and challenge to NASCAR, with drivers navigating the tight turns and varied surfaces of the city's streets. The main race, the Grant Park 220, was originally scheduled for 100 laps but was shortened to 75 laps due to darkness and extended to 78 laps due to an overtime finish.
The 2023 Grant Park 220, held on July 2, 2023, was the 18th race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season and the first street race contested for the series. The race was won by reigning Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who made a historic NASCAR debut by winning in the No. 91 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program.
The race faced challenges due to heavy rain. The start was delayed, and several incidents on the wet track added complexity. However, once the weather cleared, the race proceeded smoothly, providing a thrilling spectacle for fans and drivers alike.
The event also included a music festival with performances by artists like The Chainsmokers and Miranda Lambert, enhancing its appeal and drawing diverse crowds. This blend of high-speed racing and entertainment created a unique and memorable experience for all attendees.
2024 NASCAR
In 2024, NASCAR conducted its events in Chicago from July 6-7, featuring the main races, the “Grant Park 165” on July 7 and the “The Loop 110” on July 6. The races were shorter than the previous year, with The Loop 110 covering 50 laps over 110 miles, and the Grant Park 165 covering 75 laps over 165 miles.
The Grant Park 165 marked only the second street course race in NASCAR’s 75-year history. Thanks to collaboration with iRacing, the 2-mile course winds through Chicago’s Grant Park area with 12 turns, including a front straight with views of Lake Michigan along Lake Shore Drive. The event also featured a music festival with performances by Keith Urban, The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Lauren Alaina, and Buddy Guy.
Alex Bowman emerged victorious in the 2024 Grant Park 165, breaking his 80-race winless streak. Shane van Gisbergen won the NASCAR Xfinity Series‘ The Loop 110 at the Chicago Street Course. Despite time constraints and the setting sun, the event was hailed as a success, showcasing the adaptability and skill of NASCAR drivers on an urban street course.
Aside from the main races, there were other exciting events. The NASCAR Family Fest at Navy Pier, held on July 2-3, offered family-friendly activities such as photo ops with NASCAR show cars, a live iRacing competition, a Kids Gaming Garage, and remote control car racing on a scaled replica of the Chicago Street Course.
Navy Pier’s Independence Day fireworks on July 3, sponsored by NASCAR and Choose Chicago, provided a spectacular conclusion to the Family Fest. Fans also enjoyed activities like the NASCAR Kids LEGO Build and Race Station, Kids Activity Station, and viewing NASCAR show cars on Navy Pier’s East End Plaza.
In addition, NASCAR Chicago partnered with the Chicago History Museum to feature a show car, and the pop-up experience expanded with photos, memorabilia, race facts, and gear from the inaugural Chicago Street Race. The lobby display, open from May 24 to July 7, 2024, includes visits from Bubba Wallace's 23XI 2024 NASCAR Cup Series McDonald’s Toyota Camry show car.
The Chicago Street Race Experience offers a comprehensive look into the past, present, and future of racing in Chicago, enhancing the anticipation and excitement for the Chicago Street Race Weekend in 2024.
Because of these consecutive successful runs of summer events, NASCAR received acclaim.
NASCAR wins Sports Event of the Year
NASCAR's Chicago Street Race won the 'Event of the Year' award at the 2024 Sports Business Awards, hosted by Sports Business Journal in New York City. The race outshone other major events, including the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, NHL Stadium Series, Super Bowl LVIII, U.S. Open Tennis Championships, and the World Baseball Classic.
This award recognized one of NASCAR's most ambitious events, marking the first time stock cars raced on city streets in the sport’s 75-year history. The Chicago Street Race generated extraordinary fan engagement, with over 80% of ticket buyers being first-time NASCAR attendees, becoming the most-watched Cup Series race on NBC in six years, and contributing over $108.9 million to the local Chicago economy.
Positive Impact of NASCAR
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race has brought significant positive impacts to the city, reinforcing its value beyond just a sporting event. Here's a detailed look at the benefits:
Economic Impact
The 2023 Chicago Street Race Weekend had a significant economic impact on Chicago, generating $108.9 million, according to an independent report by Choose Chicago and the Chicago Sports Commission. An additional $6.2 million came from attendees who considered the race as important as other attractions in their travel decisions.
The event led to the highest hotel revenue for the Fourth of July weekend since 2015, contributing over $8.3 million in state and local taxes and supporting 750 jobs. The economic impact report noted that 52% of racegoers traveled from outside the city, spending money on local businesses. Visitors from all 50 states and 15 countries overwhelmingly recommended Chicago as a travel destination, with 64% planning to return.
Despite being affected by rain, the inaugural race significantly boosted the local economy, though it fell short of NASCAR's initial $113.8 million projection. NASCAR paid the city $2.42 million, including $1.8 million in amusement taxes, and has committed to addressing costs incurred by city departments and agencies.
NASCAR, in 2024, has agreed to pay an additional $2 million flat fee to the city and reduce the race setup and takedown time by six days. This commitment ensures ongoing economic benefits and streamlined operations for future events.
STEAM Fest
NASCAR partnered with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to create the "STEAM Fest", a race helmet design challenge. The first STEAM Fest involved nearly 500 students from 43 STEM and STEAM schools and culminated in a championship round at the Field Museum on May 2, 2023. In 2024, the second annual STEAM Fest hosted more than 550 students at the Field Museum. The finalists interacted with NASCAR drivers, engineers, and STEM professionals, competing for a chance to attend the Chicago Street Race Weekend.
In addition to the STEAM Fest, CPS and NASCAR developed a new STEM curriculum for eighth-grade students. This NASCAR-themed curriculum, designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), focuses on fundamental science and engineering concepts within the sport. It was introduced in CPS middle schools during the 2023-2024 school year.
NASCAR and CPS aim to inspire students by showcasing career opportunities in motorsports and STEM fields. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and real-world connections, highlighting the dynamic partnership's role in engaging students and expanding their career visions.
All Kids Bike Program
NASCAR, in partnership with the All Kids Bike program, has donated over $48,000 in bikes, helmets, and training equipment to eight Chicago Public Schools. This initiative aims to teach young children how to ride bikes through a comprehensive Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten physical education program. This initiative emphasizes NASCAR's commitment to community health, wellness, and promoting physical activity among children.
As part of a long-term investment in the Chicago community, NASCAR's partnership with All Kids Bike provides a full Learn-to-Ride curriculum, teacher training, and resources to ensure the program's success. The initiative supports 24 Strider Balance Bikes, pedal-conversion kits, helmets, and ongoing support for the eight schools involved.
NASCAR President Julie Giese highlighted the organization's dedication to serving Chicago area students year-round. The program aims to instill a lifelong skill and promote positive motion, whether on two wheels or four. It provides a foundation for physical activity and engagement, creating a lasting impact on the next generation of riders in Chicago.
Partnership with GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY
In 2023, NASCAR partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a non-profit dedicated to ending hunger by providing healthy food and addressing the root causes of hunger. As part of NASCAR’s national IMPACT program, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race team participated in a service day, packing 6,250 lbs. of peppers for food-insecure families in the Chicagoland area.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race and The NASCAR Foundation also announced “Fueling the Fight to End Hunger,” a fundraising dinner at Steak 48 in Chicago. This event aimed to support the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Partnership with Chicago Park District
NASCAR has significantly contributed to the Chicago Park District, paying $550,000 this year and increasing the amount to $605,000 in 2025, plus a percentage of ticket and merchandise sales. These funds provide a substantial financial boost to the local parks system.
One major highlight of NASCAR's involvement is the sponsorship of summer camps. In honor of the Grant Park 220 race, NASCAR sponsored registrations for 220 children. These camps offered a racing-themed curriculum, including designing racetracks, learning the science behind racing, and participating in sports and arts programs.
NASCAR has also organized community events with the Chicago Park District to engage diverse audiences. The "Daniel’s Amigos" program, led by NASCAR driver Daniel Suárez, brought a family-friendly event to Harrison Park in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, featuring local Hispanic food vendors, musicians, and interactive activities promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport.
During the Chicago Street Race weekend, NASCAR expanded the NASCAR Village at Butler Field, providing a free public experience with dining options from local restaurants and retailers. This initiative aimed to support local businesses by offering them a platform to reach a broader audience, featuring interactive NASCAR experiences and driver appearances.
Partnership with Chicago Co-ed clubs
NASCAR has actively collaborated with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs to enhance community engagement and support youth programs. Their efforts focus on providing educational and career exploration opportunities to inspire young people in Chicago.
NASCAR's engagement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago included a visit to the Pedersen-McCormick Clubhouse by the NASCAR Chicago Street Race team. They brought unique NASCAR items, such as Daniel Suárez’s fire suit and a Chicago Street Race pace car, as part of a career exploration program aimed at showcasing diverse opportunities within the motorsports industry.
Similarly, NASCAR partnered with the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs to support their mission of helping young people reach their full potential. NASCAR's contributions in 2024 funded various activities and events, including summer camps and educational programs, benefiting over 15,000 youth served by the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs across Chicago.
During the Chicago Street Race weekend, NASCAR hosted community events in partnership with these clubs, featuring interactive activities and career-focused workshops. These events aimed to introduce young people to NASCAR, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at the sport and its career opportunities.
Partnerships with Chicago Colleges
NASCAR has forged strong partnerships with local colleges in Chicagoland to provide hands-on experiences for students in sports business. At DePaul University, NASCAR collaborates on class projects that integrate marketing and sponsorship efforts, particularly during the Chicago Street Race, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
Columbia College Chicago students have also benefited from NASCAR's presence. They developed a race-themed mobile app, "NASCAR Tracks," enhancing the fan experience during the Chicago Street Race and providing valuable experience in app development and project management.
NASCAR's internship programs, including the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program (NDIP), offer 10-week, paid internships targeting undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds. These internships expose students to various roles within the motorsports industry, such as marketing, engineering, and event management.
These partnerships and internships have given Chicago students unparalleled opportunities to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and develop skills within a major sports organization. NASCAR's educational initiatives have been instrumental in organizing and executing the Chicago Street Race, demonstrating their commitment to supporting local education and fostering future sports industry professionals.
Partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
NASCAR has partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) to promote community engagement and support health initiatives in Chicago, particularly during the Chicago Street Race Weekend. This partnership includes events and sponsorships aimed at enhancing health and wellness across the city.
NASCAR and BCBSIL sponsored several health-related activities and contributed to local hospitals. They participated in events at BCBSIL's Blue Door Neighborhood Centers, such as the annual block party at Morgan Park, offering free classes and workshops with NASCAR-themed activities like a remote-controlled car course and promotional giveaways.
During National Men’s Health Week, NASCAR and BCBSIL raised awareness about men’s health issues through the Blue Monday event, featuring health education and interactive NASCAR experiences to engage the community.
NASCAR, BCBSIL, and The NASCAR Foundation visited several hospitals, including Lurie Children’s Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Comer Children’s Hospital, delivering teddy bears and blankets to patients and making donations to support the hospitals' programs. These visits aimed to bring cheer to patients and provide crucial support to healthcare providers.
The partnership also supported safety-net hospitals like St. Bernard Hospital and Humboldt Park Health, which provide essential healthcare services to underserved communities in Chicago. NASCAR and BCBSIL's donations help enhance these hospitals' capabilities and services.
NASCAR and BCBSIL honored local heroes from various sectors, including police, fire, and sanitation departments, during the Hometown Hero event. This event celebrated their contributions to the community and featured special appearances by NASCAR personalities.
I hate to be a downer but NASCAR also has its cons in Chicago.
Issues with NASCAR Race
The 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race faced several issues despite its overall success and positive economic impact on the city.
Community and Political backlash
Many Chicago residents and local politicians have expressed frustration over the disruptions caused by the NASCAR race. Road closures and extensive setup and teardown times have significantly impacted daily life in downtown areas and around Grant Park, sparking protests from cyclists and other affected groups. Additionally, there are concerns about the race's environmental impact, particularly on air quality in an already polluted city.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who inherited the race agreement from former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, has been cautious about fully endorsing the event's continuation without a thorough review. Johnson is pushing for a more favorable deal for the city, including reduced setup and teardown times and additional financial contributions from NASCAR to cover city costs.
Mayor Johnson and several City Council members have called for greater scrutiny and community input regarding the event. The initial agreement, which did not require City Council approval, has been criticized for lacking transparency and public consultation. Johnson has promised an open review process to assess the race's impact and ensure it aligns with the city's interests and benefits its residents.
Logistical challenges
NASCAR frequently switches between events, requiring flawless logistics to move large pieces of equipment for nine consecutive months each year. The NASCAR races in Chicago in 2023 and 2024 faced significant logistical challenges due to the urban setting, weather-related delays, and the need for extensive infrastructure setup.
The urban setting of Chicago presented substantial hurdles, as the city streets lacked pre-existing infrastructure for racing. Constructing the 2.2-mile, 12-turn course from scratch involved setting up barriers, grandstands, safety features, and temporary facilities within a few days. These tasks were further complicated by heavy rain, which caused delays and additional challenges for setup and takedown.
Extensive street closures required for the race significantly disrupted normal traffic flow in downtown Chicago, affecting residents, businesses, and commuters. This disruption necessitated careful coordination with city authorities to manage detours and ensure access for emergency vehicles and public services. Additionally, the event raised environmental concerns among residents about noise and increased foot traffic in Grant Park and surrounding areas.
Coordinating with city services, securing necessary permits, and ensuring public safety were substantial challenges that required precise planning and execution. Protests by city workers, including firefighters, during the race highlighted the strain on public services, adding pressure on city officials to address grievances while maintaining the event's safety and smooth operation.
NASCAR deal is more disruptive and less lucrative than Lollapalooza
The city of Chicago was not fully transparent about the details of its three-year agreement with NASCAR for the annual July street race. While the agreement includes closing Grant Park for two weeks and financial charges nearly $500,000, plus 15% of net commissions on concession and merchandise sales, and $2 per entry ticket sold, it has not proven sufficient.
Financially, the NASCAR deal has sparked controversy, especially when compared to the Lollapalooza music festival. Lollapalooza has generated around $422 million in economic impact, significantly more than NASCAR's $109 million in 2023, highlighting a disparity in economic benefits.
The NASCAR event has faced criticism for its disruptive impact on the city. Extensive street closures and significant police overtime costs, exceeding $3.25 million, have raised concerns among residents and officials. These costs have outweighed the reported financial benefits of the event.
In contrast, Lollapalooza, despite causing some disruptions, is seen as less intrusive and more economically beneficial. The festival's longer history in Chicago and better-established logistical arrangements result in fewer complaints about its impact.
Overall, while both events attract attention and visitors to Chicago, the NASCAR race has been more controversial due to its lower economic return and higher disruption costs compared to Lollapalooza.
Controversy with drag racing and drifting in the city
Drag racing, a form of public road racing, is considered a misdemeanor in most states, including Illinois, where it has caused significant controversy in Chicago due to its dangers and disruptions.
Illegal street racing poses major public safety risks, leading to violent incidents such as shootings. For example, a street racing event in Brighton Park resulted in five people being shot, three fatally.
These activities also cause traffic disruptions, blocking intersections and creating significant congestion, which hampers the effectiveness of emergency services. The economic impact is negative as well, with local businesses and residents affected by noise, property damage, and disorder.
Despite heavy fines and vehicle impoundments imposed by city ordinances, enforcement remains challenging for Chicago police, who struggle to manage these spontaneous and large-scale events. This ongoing issue has led to controversy and backlash against racing events like NASCAR, which faces criticism as the city attempts to address and mitigate the problems associated with illegal street racing.
Conclusion
Chicago is one of the few American cities that hosts teams from all five major professional sports (baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer), and has been named "Best Sports City" three times by Sporting News in 1993, 2006, and 2010. This strong sports culture makes Chicago an ideal venue for the 2023 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, further cementing its status as a premier sports destination and generating significant revenue for the city and local businesses.
Chicago's commitment to expanding its sports venues and hosting new events is crucial for maintaining its reputation as a top sports city. This approach not only enhances the city's sports infrastructure but also promotes innovation and business growth, making Chicago a great place to invest in real estate
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