Natalia Chi
DOWNTOWN — Chicago’s first-ever NASCAR road race will span two days and feature performances by The Chainsmokers, Miranda Lambert, The Black Crowes and Charley Crockett, officials announced Thursday.
Chicago Street Race weekend is July 1-2, depending on the event website.
The event kicks off with time for the racers to train and qualify for the following day’s NASCAR Cup Series. The Black Crowes will perform in the afternoon; then, the racers will compete in the Xfinity Series Race. The Chainsmokers will conclude the evening with a full-length concert.
On July 2, Charley Crockett and Miranda Lambert will perform during the day before the NASCAR Cup Series Race that afternoon. After the race, attendees can look forward to a victory lane celebration.
The running track it is approximately 2.2 miles long and extends through DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive, Balbo Drive and Jackson Drive. Drivers pass through Grant Park and run within the block of Soldier Field, spotting other famous Chicago landmarks along the way.
General admission tickets will cost approximately $269 and go on sale February 2. You can register for presale access here or purchase premium tickets that cost $415-$3,015 here.
Tickets give access to the races and concerts on both days. General admission tickets get you a seat near the start/finish line at Buckingham Fountain, 301 S. Columbus Drive, while more expensive tickets offer elevated views that allow fans to see nearly the entire course and pits.
Premium tickets include high-end food and beverages, up-close views of the concerts, access to a club space and an open-air covered deck, plus pre-race driver introductions, according to the website.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the event last July, but she rejection received from Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), who said he had failed to communicate with the aldermen whose wards will be affected.
Transportation advocates have also raised questions on a vision to promote great downtown racing as the number of pedestrians and cyclists killed by drivers in the area continues to rise and street racing has become a significant problem throughout the city.
“This is a huge, huge sports city…the opportunity to bring something as unique as NASCAR to the city of Chicago, I think is going to be one of the most iconic race courses maybe ever,” Lightfoot said when announcing the tender in July. “We could not pass up this opportunity.”
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