Police arrest a man for driving an ‘unauthorized vehicle’ onto NASCAR’s Chicago street track ahead of the race

Charges against the man arrested for driving onto the Chicago Street race track were pending on Saturday.

Police arrest a man for driving an ‘unauthorized vehicle’ onto NASCAR’s Chicago street track ahead of the race

Chicago Street race (Credits: Yakima Herald)

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season has an exciting element with its first-ever street race in Chicago, the Grant Park 220. NASCAR drivers are gearing up for the race through the streets of the iconic city. They hope to secure solid points and make their mark on the track. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend the historic race. However, a problem was reported ahead of Grant Park 220. 

Chicago police arrested an individual for driving an “unauthorized vehicle” onto the street race track on Saturday. It was at night around 9:01 p.m., a 46-year-old man was taken into custody in the 1200 block of South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. As per the reports, the individual drove onto the track by breaking through a barrier. Thankfully, the track was empty and not in use when the incident occurred. 

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As per the latest information, the charges against the man were still pending. Police have not provided additional information regarding the incident. NASCAR and its organizers have not said anything regarding the same. It is understood that there was no damage to the track due to this incident. And the race will proceed as planned in the 2.2-mile 12-turn Street course in Chicago. 

Related: Shane van Gisbergen is in disbelief as he secures P3 in INTIMIDATING Chicago streets by outqualifying his Trackhouse teammates

There was another incident during the construction work for the NASCAR Chicago Street race

Chicago Street track (Credits: The Economic Times)
Chicago Street track (Credits: The Economic Times)

Only 24 days ago, there was another trouble along the Chicago street track. The crew had just started working on building the grandstands for the race, and an unknown individual broke into the area. A witness told the police officers that the offender stole two cart vehicles from the 500 block of South Columbus.

Ever since this incident, there has been additional security to monitor the site. Hence, it is unknown how an individual drove an “unauthorized vehicle” onto the Chicago Street race track. 

Meanwhile, the drivers are excited to go racing in NASCAR’s first-ever Chicago Street race. Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick gave the course a thumbs up by stating it is in a great setting. He believes everybody would look forward to the challenge and try to put on a good show.

Denny Hamlin won the provisional pole for the historic Cup Series race in Chicago. NASCAR fans will be glued to their seat to see the first winner of the inaugural Chicago race. Could Ross Chastain repeat his Ally 400 win, or could it be the pole-sitter Denny Hamlin, or perhaps Australian Supercars legend Shane van Gisbergen? Well, whoever wins the race will make a mark in NASCAR history. 

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