NASCAR reveals objectives behind Chicago Street Race

NASCAR's first street race attracts attention.

NASCAR reveals objectives behind Chicago Street Race

NASCAR's Chicago Street Race

NASCAR is all set to make its street circuit debut this year. NASCAR confirmed in 2022 its intentions to host a one-of-it’s-kind street circuit race in Chicago during the 4th of July festivities. The IMSA race will occur on the 1st of July, and the Cup Series race on the 2nd.

The addition of the one-off event came as a surprise. Traditionally, stock car racing has been held at oval circuits with banked corners. In contrast, open-wheel racing series such as IndyCar and Formula One have predominantly utilized street circuits. Notably, this will be the first NASCAR event on a street circuit.

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This event is part of an ongoing endeavor by NASCAR to increase the exposure of stock racing and engage a new audience. Hence the first street race was decided to be held in downtown Chicago, thus enabling an extensive metropolitan market to get involved in the race. Similarly, NASCAR holds an annual pre-season event at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

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In an interview with NBC, NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese expressed the reasons behind NASCAR’s desire to race in the ‘windy city’. “Racing in downtown Chicago gives us the opportunity to introduce NASCAR to a whole new audience and to teach them about what we do and why we do it.” He said. “We did an event at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum this past weekend and last year for the very first time in 70% of the attendees were attending their very first NASCAR race.” Giese continued.

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Track President shares details about Jimmie Johnson’s race entry

CGI of Chicago Street Circuit
CGI of Chicago Street Circuit

The President of the course then went on to talk about the closure of certain public areas owing to race. “That’s something we’re working on right now, we’re working very closely with the Park District to make sure that that window is as tight as possible. We’ve committed already that we will take care of that. We’re going to leave, whether it’s the park or the streets, in as good a condition, if not better, honestly, than when we got there.” He said.

Giese then talked about star driver Jimmie Johnson’s participation in the race. “He loves the experience, the atmosphere that goes along with that and the fact that it’s in downtown Chicago,”. He said. “To be able to have our 75th anniversary and run the very first street race in our sport’s history here in the city of Chicago, it’s pretty special,”. The president concluded.

The Chicago street race will mark the first NASCAR event on a street circuit. Fans are ecstatic to witness the pinnacle of stock car racing in all its glory in a never-seen-before format. NASCAR is undoubtedly looking to secure a new fanbase through its continued efforts to make the sport accessible to all regions of the country.

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