NASCAR hires 900 private security guards for Chicago Street Race

NASCAR expects 70% new first-time visitors among the fans during the race day.

NASCAR hires 900 private security guards for Chicago Street Race

Bubba Wallaces's No:23 23XI Racing Toyota Camry (Credits: texarkanagazette.com)

The premier stock car racing sanctioning body has revealed that they have signed a deal with private security firm  Four Leaf Productions to provide additional security to the upcoming Chicago Street Race. It will debut street courses in NASCAR and one of the major undertakings by the sanctioning body in major cities such as Chicago.

The race tracks, most of which are owned and run by NASCAR, ensure the racing teams visit a safe event. Most often, this is done with the help of local law enforcement agencies. But Chicago is different from the sub-urban areas NASCAR usually races in as it’s more densely populated, and the sanctioning body expects an influx of new fans.

YouTube video

Controlling the crowd plays a major role in the success of any prominent event, and Chicago is a City that is also known for its crime rate. So, NASCAR has to take extra precautions. That’s why they have assigned security duties to 900 private guards who will work with the local police department to ensure a safe event.

Having Four Leaf Productions, an agency with more than 20 years of experience planning significant events such as the Lollapalooza, will help its cost. This will also help the police department have enough offers on the watch in neighborhoods where the police need to keep an eye.

Discover: Jimmie Johnson withdraws from Chicago Street Race following a HORRIFIC family tragedy

NASCAR legends Jimmie Johnson will not race in the event

Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson (Credits: @Legacymc/Twitter)

One of the major attractions for Chicago was seven times NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson’s entry. It was the perfect opportunity for fans to see a champion driver that embodies the sport’s legacy. He was scheduled to drive the No:84 Chevy Camaro ZL1 of LEGACY MC, a team he co-owns.

But the team decided to withdraw from the event following a tragedy in the Johnson family. In-laws of the former HMS diver were found dead after a suspected murder-suicide incident. JJ’s wife Chandra’s parents and 11-year-old grandson were shot dead in their house.

The tragic event deprived Jimmie Johnson of the opportunity to make his street course Cup race debut in the inaugural event itself. He had been very excited about the event since the announcement, and it was one of the first races he had in his race schedule when he announced the Cup return.

In case you missed it: