The year 2023 will be a significant year for the sport of NASCAR. It welcomes the first-ever race on the all-new Chicago Street Course. Many are excited about it, including Chicago’s sporting and cultural officials, but why? NASCAR has run street circuits before, so what’s so special about this year’s race in Chicago.
Like all Motorsports NASCAR places heavy emphasis on innovation and while this includes car modifications and race structure it also covers locations. A street race brings NASCAR into both IndyCar and Formula one territory and aims to bring NASCAR to a whole new audience.
In today’s article, we’re taking a closer look at this new Chicago Street circuit, its significance for the city, NASCAR and Motor racing as a whole.
Why is NASCAR Racing on the Chicago Street Circuit?
As with any major racing decision, there are many reasons for the move. Chiefly, NASCAR wants to connect with younger audiences, and create new spectacles for people to enjoy. It’s not good for any sport to keep things exactly the same year in year out. Furthermore, planning a NASCAR event in Chicago is not a sudden or new notion.
The 2.1-mile proposed circuit for the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series races is the same that was used in the 2021 eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series.
A new NASCAR event doesn’t just happen overnight, especially for a street circuit. It takes years of forward planning, as well as closer coordination and cooperation with local authorities.
Therefore, another reason for NASCAR using Chicago’s streets as one of its circuits is that the city government of Chicago is right behind it. Erin Harkey is the Commissioner at the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and he is on the record as having said to a NASAR senior VP:
“I am thrilled about the potential opportunity to host the NASCAR Street Course events here in Chicago…DCASE is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy, and our strong partnership with the Chicago Sports Commission ensures that NASCAR fans would be treated to a diverse and unforgettable experience.”
Erin Harkley in the Athletic
Clearly the city, in terms of its management at least, is behind the event, and the groundwork is already laid in every sense. The track route was planned long ago, and with the added backing of the city’s bureaucrats, it’s easy to see why it’s all going ahead.
Does Everyone Support the NASCAR Chicago Street Circuit?
Tying Up Grant Park
The fact is that not everyone is behind NASCAR’s plan to use Chicago as a venue for a street race. One reason is that the event is planned for the 4th of July weekend, which worries many in the city who are concerned about disruption to traffic and city services that residents and tourists alike will need.
On top of that, popular areas of the city such as Grant Park will have sections closed off before and after the race, limiting access and denying the city key revenue streams.
NBC News in Chicago obtained the contract 
(you can see ore on the link) between the Chicago Park District and NASCAR, which reveals that despite the regular agreement being closure of park areas nine days before the race and three days after, the section of Grant Park to the west of Buckingham Fountain will be closed for three weeks before the race, and up to 10 days after.
Financing
Another issue that people have raised is financing, which information reveals is very heavily lop-sided in NASCAR’s favor. In return for binding up much of the downtown area of Chicago, NASCAR is only having to pay the princely sum of $500,000 in 2023, and then $550,000 in 2024, and $605,000 in 2025.
In addition, they’re giving Chicago 15 percent commission on concessions (which goes up 5% per year moving forward), and $2 on every ticket sold. They also have an option to extend this agreement to 2027 if they want.
Some city officials have been quick to point out that these terms are far more generous to NASCAR than would need be, especially given the potential disruption to the downtown area while preparations are made.
They compare the NASCAR race to the music festival, Lollapalooza, which nets the city a fantastic $6 million each year just for the permit payments, something that NASCAR is getting for a steal at just $500,000.
The size of the security deposit also has some people worried. NASCAR has only had to pay $50,000 as a deposit against damages to city infrastructure.
Given the high speeds of NASCAR vehicles, levels of noise and other extreme conditions, people are worried that they are getting off cheap, all so the city officials can boast of a great spectacle.
What Are the Benefits of the NASCAR Chicago Street Circuit?
It’s plain to see that most of the benefits go to NASCAR, but they are also the ones investing the most in making everything happen, so on balance that is probably fair enough. Concerns over disruption to the downtown area and restrictions of access to certain parts of the city before and after the race are valid, but on the other hand we might be about to see something truly great emerge in the city of Chicago.
The Formula 1 race in Monaco is undoubtedly disruptive to the city’s everyday operation, but it doesn’t stop it from happening, and in fact has become an inseparable part of the city’s character, even part of its attraction for many.
Both Formula 1 and IndyCar have been unable to do a good-enough deal with the city of Chicago to get their own street races into the city, but NASCAR have presented a deal that the city likes.
If anything, it bodes well that this uniquely American motorsport should be the one to develop an iconic street race that rivals Monaco in one of the nation’s greatest cities.
The event could also be a key moment for NASCAR in boosting support from key young demographics. They are especially looking forward to seeing how Mexican driver Daniel Suarez will engage with Chicago’s large hispanic population. Could the sport find a new seam of fandom among the nation’s hispanic minority?
The Impact on the Local Economy
The inaugural NASCAR race on Chicago’s street circuit presents a unique economic opportunity for the city. With the influx of fans, teams, and media, there will be a surge in demand for accommodations, dining, and entertainment, which could be a windfall for local businesses.
Temporary jobs related to event management, security, and logistics will be created, offering a boost to the city’s employment rate. Even those not directly involved will see knock on financial benefits with such large numbers of people turning up for race weekend.
For context, similar events in other cities have significantly stimulated local economies. However, it’s essential to balance these benefits against the costs and potential disruptions to everyday life in the city.
City Infrastructure and Logistics
The conversion of Chicago’s city streets into a NASCAR racetrack poses significant infrastructural and logistical challenges. Necessary safety measures include installing barriers, rerouting traffic, and implementing noise control mechanisms. NASCAR race cars are both louder and faster than your everyday street traffic!
Managing waste generated by spectators and race teams is another logistical concern. Furthermore, the city has to devise plans to minimize disruptions to residents and businesses, requiring strategic planning and seamless execution.
These measures underline the considerable effort and expense required to host such a high-profile event.
Future of Street Circuit Racing in NASCAR
The Chicago Street Circuit could signal a new era for NASCAR. If successful, this event might encourage the inclusion of more street circuits in future NASCAR schedules, opening up opportunities for more cities to host races.
A positive response from fans, teams, and the general public could pave the way for a new, urban dimension of the sport.
Currently the agreement appears to be a 3+2 style with an agreement that the race is able to be held for 3 years, with increasing costs, and then an option for 2 more – or up to 2027. this will be judged on how well the race does this year and the following years if it is held of course.
However, challenges such as public sentiment, economic implications, and logistics need to be carefully evaluated for sustained success. Expert predictions and insights from NASCAR officials will be crucial in shaping this future direction.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Measures
As concerns for the environment and sustainability continue to grow, the potential environmental impact of the Chicago Street Circuit race cannot be overlooked.
NASCAR and the city need to mitigate carbon emissions, effectively manage waste, and ensure minimal disruption to local wildlife and green spaces. Measures may include using renewable energy sources, carbon offset initiatives, efficient waste management systems, and traffic control to reduce pollution.
Addressing these aspects is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about upholding a commitment to sustainability and setting a positive example for future street circuit races.
Conclusion
At the time of writing the inaugural NASCAR Chicago street race is a week away, and although we are excited to see NASCARs take on a street circuit it also comes with some concerns. Street circuits are often much less forgiving than purpose built race tracks. and there are safety concerns. Although by its nature a street curcuit is certainly less fast than an oval for example.
Whether the disruption to the everyday business of Chicago when weighed against the benefits a NASCAR race will bring is worth it wont be known till the cars have packed up and the trailers have moved on to the next track.
But one thing can be guaranteed – it will be a spectacle and we will be tuning in although with 100’s of million of others for a new way to celebrate on the July 4th weekend.
References
- https://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/nascar-permit-agreement-reveals-new-details-about-race-coming-to-chicago/2910896/
- https://theathletic.com/4169579/2022/07/06/city-of-chicago-endorses-nascar-race-for-3-year-stretch-beginning-in-2023/?redirected=1
- https://www.nascarchicago.com/
- https://abc7chicago.com/nascar-chicgao-2023-chicago-street-race-route/13407826/
- https://www.choosechicago.com/event/nascar-chicago-street-race-weekend/2023-07-01/
