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NASCAR
MAKES SUMMER DEBUT IN CHICAGO
Credit: Patrick McDermott
Chicago has a long-standing reputation as a world-class sporting destination. Over the years, the city has hosted a diverse array of major events ranging from the Special Olympics, Laver Cup and the NBA All-Star game to NCAA college championships, the annual Chicago Marathon, and the upcoming Rolex U.S. Sail Grand Prix. This summer, Chicago will add a new chapter to its illustrious sports history when the sights, sounds and speed of NASCAR make their debut against the backdrop of the city’s famed Grant Park and Lake Michigan.
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Over Fourth of July Weekend, a NASCAR Cup Series Street Race will take over the streets of downtown Chicago for the first time ever in what has been hailed as “a first-of-its-kind two-day sports and entertainment event in the 75-year history of NASCAR.” While the Grant Park 220 NASCAR Cup Series race is slated to take place on July 2, 2023, it will be preceded by The Loop 121 NASCAR Xfinity Series race, which will run on July 1, 2023.
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In preparation for the event, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and select surrounding thoroughfares will be transformed into a 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course, with the start-finish line and pit road located along South Columbus Drive directly in front of Buckingham Fountain.
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The course will pass through Grant Park, as well as approach the northern edge of Soldier Field, one of the most notable and recognizable sports venues in the country — and the site of the only other Cup Series race to take place in downtown Chicago, in 1956.
As an additional bonus for racing fans, both races will be surrounded by a festival showcasing music and entertainment options for all ages. To kick things off, on Saturday, July 1, the Chicago Street Race will feature Xfinity Series and Cup Series practice and qualifying followed by a concert headlined by The Black Crowes full-length concert to close the first day. Meanwhile, on Sunday, July 2, the good times will continue to roll as Charley Crockett will open with Grammy Award-winning country music superstar Miranda Lambert headlining a full-length concert in advance of the first-ever Cup Series Street Race.
Tickets are currently on sale at NASCARChicago.com, and a variety of premium experiences are available. The President‘s Paddock Club is elevated above the tree line and situated above Pit Road, giving patrons a direct view into the pit boxes and a panoramic view of nearly the entire course, along with premium food and beverage, pre-race and driver introductions, and access to exclusive premium club spaces.