NASCAR in Chicago: What to know about the 2024 street race
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The NASCAR Chicago Street Race in 2023. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
This weekend's second Chicago Street Race is a chance for NASCAR to deliver on what it planned last year before torrential rain disrupted the event.
The big picture: The 2.2-mile course that weaves through Grant Park was a tough sell to a city not as consumed with racing as other sports, but NASCAR is using it to attract a wider, more diverse fan base.
Friction point: Even before last year's event was disrupted by rain, commuters were mad about street closures in the Loop, downtown residents and alders complained about noise and pollution, and Taste of Chicago fans were frustrated the event lost its summertime Chi slot.
Between the lines: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot brokered the city's contract with NASCAR, which runs through 2025, so some thought Mayor Brandon Johnson would wave it goodbye once he took office in 2023.
- The agreement can be terminated with at least 180 days' notice without compensation or damages.
Reality check: He didn't. But NASCAR and the city negotiated for six fewer days of race set-up and breakdown — from 25 to 19 — for this year's race.
What they're saying: "Our unparalleled skyline provides a stunning backdrop for NASCAR's television and streaming audiences, and that's to say nothing of the economic benefits that come with the event," Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Lavin told Axios in a statement.
Zoom in: Saturday's line-up includes The Loop 110 (50 laps), performances by Buddy Guy, the Black Keys and the Chainsmokers, and Q&As with drivers.
- The big race, Grant Park 165 (75 laps), is Sunday at 3:30pm with performances by Lauren Alaina and Keith Urban earlier in the afternoon.
- NBC will also broadcast the races.
If you go: Two-day tickets start at $269 and go up to more than $3,000 for hospitality suites.
- New this year is a general admission one-day ticket for $150, with kids free on Saturday and $45 on Sunday (alongside an adult ticket).
- Metra has also announced more trains will be running for the event.