NASCAR Returns to Windy City in Final Year of Contract

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS—In the final year of a three-year contract, downtown Chicago was buzzing as the NASCAR Chicago Street Race made its return.

“Amazing, this is very amazing to see,” said Michael, a Chicago resident and racing fan. Michael recently immigrated here from Ukraine and could not believe the energy at the race in his new home town.

Though, unlike the last two years, the rain held back—the heat was tough to deal with. “It’s very, very hot today. But of course, this isn’t unusual for Chicago in July,” added Andrew, a Chicagoan who resides in Old Town.

The energy was thrilling, both inside the gates and outside. As thousands upon thousands of Chicagoans and tourists alike looked through the walls surrounding the track in the heart of downtown. Though the spectacle was surely something to be seen for the many racing fans flowing into the city, many spectators were just residents or tourists who happened to be in the area.

Saturday’s race is part of the Xfinity Series, its race is titled The Loop 110. Sunday’s race is the Cup Series’ Grant Park 165. For non-racing fans: the Xfinity Series is NASCAR’s second-tier circuit, while the Cup Series is its highest circuit.

Another group of bystanders stood along too—Chicago sports fans, many of whom arent’ otherwise NASCAR fans. Along the track stood a garden variety of jerseys that one might expect to see at just about any Chicago sporting event.

And of course in true Chicago fashion, NASCAR selected Gene Honda to serve as the Public Address announcer during the event. Of course, that’s the same Gene Honda who’s currently the PA announcer for the Chicago White Sox, and has held the same roles in the past for the Chicago Blackhawks, Fighting Illini, and even the Final Four.

Though the reception was strong and attendance appears impressive, it remains to be seen whether this will be the last time the streets of the magnificent mile are used by professional racers to travel the streets at well above one hundred miles an hour.

The initial contract was for three years and NASCAR has an option to renew for another two. Though recent reports indicate that NASCAR might be eying to move the street race to San Diego, only time will tell whether this race will be back to the streets of the Windy City.

In the end, it was Shane Van Gisbergen who won Saturday's street race. Narrowly beating out Connor Zilisch.