Latest news with #ChicagoStreetRace
CBS News
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
NASCAR prepares for 3rd annual street race in Grant Park; could it be the last in Chicago?
Is NASCAR crossing the finish line for the final time in Chicago? That's the big question as preparations begin for another professional street race through downtown next month. Several city streets will be affected over the next few weeks for the third year in a row as NASCAR prepares for the third Chicago Street Race through Grant Park. NASCAR and the city agreed to a three-year deal for the race, but representatives said they're continuing positive discussions with city leaders about keeping the event in Chicago beyond 2025. Soon, several sets of bleachers for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race will emerge in Grant Park, though spectators don't arrive for another 16 days for the two-day event on July 5 and 6. Ticket, schedule information for 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Andrew Shusterman watched the race from the bleachers last year, but he was underwhelmed. "You kind of just have to peek through some holes and barely see the turns, or you can just settle at looking at a straightaway, but then it gets really loud," he said. However, the city's tourism arm, Choose Chicago, has been pleased with the money the event has brought in for the city. They estimated NASCAR brought in $236 million for Chicago over the first two years of the race in 2023 and 2024, despite rain interrupting festivities both years. You can imagine the storm that might be swirling at City Hall with a recent report by The Athletic that NASCAR won't be extending its stay in Chicago and is in talks to bring a street race to San Diego instead. A spokesperson for that San Diego's mayor had no comment. Mayor Brandon Johnson's team did not respond to requests for comment on the future of the NASCAR race in Chicago, although city offices were closed Thursday for the Juneteenth holiday. NASCAR representatives were mum about talks with San Diego, but said a 2026 street race in Chicago isn't off the table. "This has got to be a top tier venue for a NASCAR race; like, a huge park in the middle of the city, surrounded by these beautiful buildings," Shusterman said. Professional street racing in Chicago might not be a thing of the past, even if NASCAR doesn't stay. CBS News Chicago has learned that, as of last month, Formula 1 racing officials have officially registered the trademark Formula 1 Grand Prix of Chicago. Formula One's media team did not respond to a request for comment on possible plans for a Chicago race. As for NASCAR, for now they're going full throttle on this year's street race. Keep an eye out for road closure signs downtown. They'll be multiplying in the coming days as the race draws near.
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Is NASCAR moving its street race from Chicago to sunny San Diego next year?
After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego? The Athletic reported Wednesday that NASCAR and the Southern California city's sports tourism commission are in negotiations to hold a race on the streets of San Diego in 2026. A NASCAR spokesperson declined to comment on the unconfirmed report, while the San Diego Sports Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Chicago is set to host the third annual street race July 5-6 on a pop-up course in and around Grant Park, completing an inaugural three-year agreement with NASCAR. The deal, struck during former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, includes a two-year renewal option. 'We continue to have positive conversations with the city of Chicago, and right now, we're focused on making 2025 the best event yet,' a NASCAR spokesperson said Thursday. A spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. The city, which had an annual 180-day exit clause after the first two races, committed to this year's event in August. Adding a San Diego street race next year does not necessarily affect the future of the Chicago Street Race. Most NASCAR tracks range from a quarter-mile to 2 ½-mile banked ovals, but the Florida-based sanctioning body for stock car racing holds several events at road courses, including Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, in Sonoma, California, and at Watkins Glen in New York. NASCAR might similarly be building its portfolio of urban street races, with Chicago paving the way. The Chicago Street Race has nonetheless had its challenges in the first two years, including pushback over the disruption and street closures to set up the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course through Grant Park, down DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue. This year, NASCAR has streamlined the buildout and reduced major street closings to 18 days, starting with the shutdown Thursday of Balbo Drive from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. All streets are scheduled to be reopened by July 14. But the biggest issue facing the first two street races was inclement weather. In 2023, the inaugural Fourth of July weekend event navigated record rainfall that curtailed races, canceled concerts and left fans soaked. The first Cup Series street race also garnered a huge national TV audience with Chicago as a rainy backdrop, averaging nearly 4.8 million viewers during a four-hour broadcast on NBC. While clear skies prevailed for last year's Xfinity Series race on Saturday, the nationally televised Cup Series race on Sunday was once again shortened when rain delays forced officials to call the race after 58 laps as darkness fell on the unlit street course. Last year's race generated $128 million in total economic impact and drew 53,036 unique visitors, according to a study commissioned by Choose Chicago, the city's tourism arm. This year, the Grant Park 165 main event on Sunday is scheduled to start at 1 p.m., 2 ½ hours earlier than last year, in hopes of finally getting the race to the finish line. The nationally televised broadcast is moving from NBC to cable channel TNT. If the San Diego Street Race comes to fruition for 2026, whether as a competitive event or supplanting Chicago, the forecast for a dry run is likely much brighter. San Diego, which is considered to have among the best year-round climates in the nation, averages less than 10 inches of annual rainfall, according to National Weather Service data. The Windy City is far wetter than Southern California. Chicago averages closer to 40 inches of annual precipitation, with a record 3 to 7 inches of rain hitting the city and flooding the street course during the first Cup Series race in 2023.
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Mr. Beef, Jake Melnick's, Lexington Betty to serve NASCAR Chicago Street Race fans
We don't know who will take the checkered flag at next month's NASCAR Chicago Street Race, but we do know who will be behind the checkered tablecloths. Chicago-based Levy was named Wednesday as the new food and beverage provider for the third annual pop–up race in Grant Park, bringing a refreshed lineup of restaurants to the July Fourth weekend event, from concessions to the premium hospitality clubs and suites. Levy replaces Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You, which handled food and beverages during the first two Chicago Street Races. 'We are thrilled to partner with another Chicago-based culinary powerhouse like Levy to ensure that we continue to shine a spotlight on the local Chicago food scene,' Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race president, said in a news release Wednesday. Launched 47 years ago from a Chicago delicatessen, Levy has evolved into a leading sports and entertainment hospitality company with more than 300 venues in North America. Chicago-area sports venues served by Levy include Wrigley Field, United Center, Rate Field and Now Arena in Hoffman Estates. Levy is no stranger to big sporting events. Last year it provided the food and beverage service for Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, its sixth Big Game appearance in the new millennium. It also handles the hospitality at NASCAR's marquee race, the Daytona 500. A unique event on the NASCAR calendar, the third annual Chicago Street Race features an Xfinity Series race on July 5, and the nationally televised Grant Park 165 Cup Series race on July 6. For this year's Chicago Street Race, Levy will debut new offerings throughout the Grant Park footprint, including from its own Chicago restaurants, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and River Roast. It will also bring a number of locally owned favorites to the race weekend, including Mr. Beef, Bronzeville Winery, Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Robinson's Ribs and Josephine's Southern Cooking. Review: Lexington Betty Smokehouse barbecue in Pullman is not only resilient, but resoundingly good'The NASCAR Chicago Street Race highlights our city and the sport in a totally unique way, and it's been incredible to see fans rally behind it,' Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy, said in the release. 'We're so excited to help elevate an already wonderful event with a new level of food, beverage and hometown hospitality.' The Chicago Street Race will once again feature a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course through Grant Park, down DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue, which will be closed off and lined with fences, grandstands and hospitality suites. But a relocated concert stage will replace the Skyline, a mammoth temporary structure along Columbus Drive that last year housed the most expensive suites overlooking the start/finish line at Buckingham Fountain. Southern rockers the Zac Brown Band, scheduled to perform after the Xfinity Series race, are the only musical headliners on the bill for year three. But NASCAR is planning to add a miniature golf course and other family-friendly activities to the festivities. Street closings will begin this week for Chicago's NASCAR street race. Here's what to street closings for the streamlined buildout have been reduced to 18 days. The first shutdown is set for Thursday — nine days later than last year — with Balbo Drive closing down from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. All streets are scheduled to be reopened by July 14. Single-day general admission passes start at $99 — a third less than last year — while premium grandstand reserved seats are priced at a nearly 50% reduction. Children 12 and under are free both days, with an accompanying adult. rchannick@
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Afternoon Briefing: Closures for NASCAR street race to begin
Good afternoon, Chicago. Are you ready for some racing? NASCAR is gearing up for a more streamlined Chicago Street Race weekend event on July 5-6, with an accelerated setup and breakdown schedule that is likely to reduce the frustration of the city's drivers. Here's what to know about street closings that start this week. And here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History The Chicago city clerk is suspending the online application portal to a municipal ID program recently subpoenaed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the latest defense from local officials grappling with the threat of mass deportations under Republican President Donald Trump. Read more here. More top news stories: After Wayfair's first and so far only 'in real life' store celebrated its first anniversary recently, both company officials and the village of Wilmette say they're happy with the results. Read more here. More top business stories:The Chicago Fire have announced plans for a new soccer-specific stadium, while the Stars are in planning mode for a move from Bridgeview. Read more here. More top sports stories: This probably isn't the Route 66 that most people imagine. Here, there are no restored 1950s diners or art deco gas stations-turned-gift shops. Here in Albuquerque, homeless encampments occupy an entire city block, and it is not uncommon to see people openly injecting drugs while sitting on a curb. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: It was 160 years ago that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed — after the Civil War's end and two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The resulting Juneteenth holiday — its name combining 'June' and 'nineteenth' — has only grown in one-and-a-half centuries. Read more here. More top stories from around the world:
CBS News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- CBS News
NASCAR 2025 Chicago Street Race street closures start Thursday, continue through July 4 weekend
Street closures for the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race start Thursday in and around Grant Park, with the big race just a few weekends away. The first set of street closures are in and around Grant Park specifically, as organizers will soon start building the festival apparatus and the racecourse. The first set of street closures go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, June 19. Balbo Drive will be completely closed from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive. There will also be "no parking" restrictions along both sides of Columbus Drive between Jackson and Balbo. Friday starting at 12:01 a.m., the curb lanes will close on both sides of Columbus Drive between Jackson and Balbo. Street closures will pick up in pace and frequency next week. Some street closures are temporary for only a few days; others will last until the NASCAR race and festival are over. Click here for our full guide to the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race and festival, from street closures to tickets to musical performances and more. Please note: The above video is from a previous report
