Chicago Hosts Third Annual NASCAR Street Race

Chicago is hosting its third annual NASCAR Street Race weekend over July 4th, with the Xfinity Series' Loop 110 on Saturday and the Cup Series' Grant Park 165 on Sunday, both run on a 2.2-mile, 12-turn downtown course. The event has become a July 4th weekend tradition and plays a pivotal role in the Cup Series playoff race, as only a few spots remain for non-winners. Shane Van Gisbergen, the inaugural street race winner, returns as a top contender. This year, street closures and construction for the course have been reduced to just 18 days, down from 38 last year, to minimize disruption. The success of the Chicago race has spurred interest in expanding NASCAR street events to other cities. Rainy weather and the tight course continue to present significant challenges for drivers.