Before Bubba Wallace hits the track for the inaugural NASCAR Chicago Street Race this weekend, he’s throwing a giant block party at a Southside institution today — and the general public is welcome.
Wallace will host Bubba’s Block Party, a nationwide community initiative, at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. Hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco will close the event with a performance.
So what can patrons expect at a NASCAR-themed block party hosted by Wallace, one of the most successful African-American drivers in the history of his sport?
“Just a fun atmosphere, fun vibe,” said Wallace, who drives for the Michael Jordan-owned and operated 23XI Racing. “It gives everybody a chance to learn a little bit about our sport in the short amount of time that we’re there.”
This will be the third Bubba’s Block Party that Wallace has hosted. The whole idea behind the event is to engage the Black community in NASCAR by increasing awareness, access and engagement. Organizers also see the Block Party as a way to build excitement around the groundbreaking Chicago Street Race.
The decision to host the block party at the renowned DuSable Museum — an institution dedicated to the study and conservation of African-American history, culture, and art — is no coincidence.
“The DuSable is thrilled to partner with NASCAR and racing great Bubba Wallace to present this exciting community event. We are dedicated to teaching stories of Black excellence and so happy that Bubba and NASCAR are committed to expanding their reach to connect directly with our communities. We’re looking forward to a growing and impactful partnership with NASCAR in Chicago,” said Perri Irmer, President and CEO of The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Moreover, Bubba’s Block Party is an opportunity for newbies and enthusiasts alike to understand what it’s like being a NASCAR driver while learning about the other roles in the sport beyond the motorist.
“That’s what it’s been about since 2020. It’s exposing our sport to new audiences and bringing our life into their lives and vice versa,” Wallace said. “So it’s a perfect connection that we’re able to bring in and teach a little bit about our sport. We’re going to have a pit crew there doing some rehearsal drills, and pit stops to show there’s different avenues aside from driving.”
The free ticketed event will feature a Kids Zone, health & wellness activities and free haircuts. Guests will also be able to take laps on racing simulators and take in live pit stop demonstrations conducted by Wallace’s pit crew. The driver will also host a fireside chat on his career journey and NASCAR’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across the sport.
Thanks to NASCAR and Chicagoland’s RaimYah Consulting, there will be a food truck village for guests that will feature local Black-owned businesses, including Charmz Kitchen, Culture Food & Entertainment, One Plate at a Time, Reggie’s Ribs, Chicken/Beef Sausage, Ribs, Jerk Chicken Quesadilla, Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat, Mike’s Lemonade & Cheesesteaks, and Taste-E Cookies and Co.
For more information
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Entrance to this event will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. To get your free ticket, click the registration link to Bubba’s Block Party.
Event Details:
- Date and Time: Wednesday, June 28, 5-9 p.m.
- Location: The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
- Address: 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637
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