Chicago City Wire

Chicago is gearing up for the city’s two-day NASCAR Cup Series event this summer. It is expected to pump more than $113 million into the local economy as 100,000 are predicted to converge on the city for it.

“For us, being in Chicago is incredibly important,” NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese told the Sun-Times Editorial Board. The race course will cover a 2.2-mile route in the city. By using city streets instead of a dedicated track, speeds are expected to top out around 100 mph.

The boost in tourism should translate to improved business for downtown hotels, restaurants and other businesses, many of which are still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 epidemic, Tuesday’s editorial said. 

NASCAR officials note that Chicago ranks third in terms of interest in the motor sport, the article said. They added that they hope the two-day event that kicks off on July 1, will serve as a springboard in attracting even more fans and eyeballs to the growing sport. 

NASCAR said it is investing more than $50 million in the Chicago race, which was announced as part of a three-year deal last July with Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Since making the announcement, Lightfoot has faced criticism from some local officials charging that they were shut out of having a voice in the process. 

Giese said the event will be good for the city. “(It is) a great opportunity to showcase the city as well as NASCAR,” she said.