NASCAR Chicago Street Race can't escape the rain
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Rain once again created roadblocks for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Why it matters: After torrential rain shortened races and canceled concerts last year, NASCAR and city officials were eager to deliver on their mission to grow racing culture in Chicago and build a more diverse fan base.
Driving the news: Saturday delivered sunny skies and warm temps to fans. But Sunday started to feel a little like Groundhog Day, as NBC broadcaster Brad Daugherty called it, when rain pushed back the 3:30pm start of the Grant Park 165.
- The green flag came out about 4:20pm, but drivers were forced off the course over the next few hours as water pooled and made driving conditions unsafe.
Catch up quick: According to the three-year contract negotiated by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2022, this year NASCAR paid the Chicago Park District a $550,000 permit fee, $2 per ticket and 20% commission on concessions and merchandise to host the two-day event in Grant Park and Butler Field.
State of play: NASCAR doesn't release ticket sales, but a spokesperson told Axios that fans came from 23 countries, and Choose Chicago's Rich Gamble said he'd heard from some hotels that they were full or close to capacity.
- Chicago Street Race president Julie Giese told Axios on Saturday that in addition to shaving six days off the prep and post-race schedule, organizers added three pedestrian bridges to the course to help with spectator congestion, and kids under 12 got in free on Saturday.
- This year, racegoers did get to take in some music with performances from The Chainsmokers, Buddy Guy and Keith Urban.
Friction point: Some business owners downtown, like Exile in Bookville, told the Tribune and other outlets they had to close for the weekend because the noise was too distracting for customers.
The intrigue: NASCAR unveiled its first electric car Saturday as part of a partnership with Swedish-Swiss tech company ABB.
- NASCAR officials said the car represents its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint to net-zero operating emissions by 2035.
- NASCAR is also committing to 100% renewable electricity by 2028.
Yes, but: The $1.5 million prototype built with Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota won't be replacing traditional race cars anytime soon.
Winners: New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen won Saturday's Xfinity Series' The Loop, his second win in Chicago.
- Alex Bowman won Sunday's Grant Park 165.
What they're saying: "Not only am I a NASCAR fan, I drive a 2016 Dodge Hellcat, so I love the roaring of the engines and the pipes. I'm really a car girl," Lynne Turner, who came in from Flossmoor, told Axios.
- "Coming here for the first time is actually mind-blowing," Brandon Vannettie said Saturday. "From the music to the people that you meet, the city skyline, the noise and just watching everywhere you can go … it's just unbelievable."
What's next: Mayor Brandon Johnson has said he will continue to assess NASCAR's relationship with the city, but the mayor attended the race Sunday, calling Chicago "the greatest sports city in the world."
- Chicago and NASCAR can terminate their agreement with at least 180 days' notice prior to the event without compensation or damages.