Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor | Chicago Defender
100 laps. 220 miles. Downtown Chicago.
NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race is returning to Grant Park next Summer on July 6-7. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing released its 2024 Cup Series Schedule on Wednesday, confirming Mayor Brandon Johnson’s announcement about the event’s return to downtown Chicago.
In a statement, Mayor Johnson revealed that he had discussions with NASCAR officials, sharing concerns raised by “residents, alderpeople and other stakeholders” about the Street Race’s impact on the city’s economy and communities.
“As a result of these conversations, NASCAR has agreed to shorten the event’s set up and tear down windows, reducing travel disruption for impacted communities and other residents. NASCAR has also committed to addressing costs incurred by City departments and agencies in facilitating and securing the event as consistent with other large-scale events. This is a win for Chicago taxpayers, as the original agreement did not include provisions for such costs,” Johnson said.
The NASCAR Cup Series schedule, the league’s top racing series, begins on Feb. 18 with the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The regular season concludes on Labor Day Weekend on Sept. 1 with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina.
Back in Chicago, the Street Race is expected to be a boon to the local economy while remaining committed to inclusivity.
“Finally, NASCAR has committed to growing its impressive investments in Chicago communities and expanding opportunities for small-, minority- and women-owned businesses to participate as vendors in 2024,” Johnson said.
“The City looks forward to working with NASCAR and other stakeholders to deliver a successful Chicago Street Race weekend in 2024 that works for residents, fans and Chicago’s economy.”
https://x.com/NASCARChicago/status/1709656753917337927?s=20
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