NASCAR Will Take Over Chi-Town

Patrick: I’m excited, fellas. NASCAR is bringing hot wheels to the Windy City! We’re hosting NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race Weekend in 2023, July 1-2.

Russ: I’m hyped, too. I mean, I know it’ll probably bring about a different crowd, one that perhaps may not be as fond of me as of others, but I’m really excited.

Patrick: Yeah, I just talked with someone who mentioned this was a worry—that there will be race issues that could get all caught up in the mix. I can see that, but just a lil’ bit. I imagine everyone will feel the way I do: that this is some new, exciting stuff. Something we want to experience over and over.

John: Well, I’ll say this: I do feel that any business coming to Chicago—in this case, NAS- CAR—is a good idea…except for the back-to-back timing of Lollapalooza’s and NASCAR’s weekend.

Donald: Chicago’s so full of activities during the summer, it’s probably tough to figure out a good time to schedule anything. If Chicago’s leaders feel they can manage these events, then so be it. Let’s let them get at it; shoot, see what’s really going on, right?

Russ: What’s getting me most about the event is that it’s a street race, so it’s going to look like what we see on the video games—not the regular oval we always see. And it’s set for three years. I’m really excited. The first street race in NAS- CAR history…and it’s on its 75th anniversary.

Donald: And this is the first time with NASCAR’s national series that it’ll be brought to a street course. I mean, think about it: fast cars zooming around the city of Chicago—

John: Well, not so sure that’s a fun thought! What with some of the local issues we’ve been having.

Donald: True. But, for the moment, I want to live off of the joy and excitement that we’re sure to have when the event’s here. Also, I read there’ll be music, live entertainment, food….

Russ: Now, let’s not forget that the City Council is about to crack down on drag racing and something called drifting. If passed, the ordinance gives police the power to impound cars that drivers raced or drifted, using videos as evidence. It would also increase fines for car owners. $2,000 fine or impoundment. The penalty is already $5,000 - $10,000, plus a $500 fee for towing, so to add $2,000 to that isn’t a small thing.

Donald: Before we go too much further, what’s drifting?

John: It’s relatively new; it’s when drivers drive with the car’s rear end “sideways” as much as possible around every turn.

Patrick: Oh, yeah, that sounds cool. I’ve definitely seen that… well, at least on the Fast & Furious series.

Russ: Right!

Patrick: By the way, fellas, before we finish up, here’s a quote on how the race’s route’ll twist: “The 2.2-mile, 12-turn course will include Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and surrounding streets with the start/finish line and pit road along South Columbus Drive in front of Buckingham Fountain. The course will pass through Grant Park and approach the northern edge of Soldier Field.” So, any last words, fellas?

Russ: Well, if NASCAR’s looking for a new audience, they’ll find it here next year.

John: Another reason I’m not good with the timing is that we need people to get back— now—to working downtown.

Donald: Agreed. We need people to come back. Another need of mine? NASCAR for those couple of days in July 2023. This could be hot.

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