By David G. Firestone
Starting next week, I will be on sabbatical for all of July. This is my summer vacation I take every year. But before I go, I will discuss my thoughts on the 2024 Chicago Street Races.
I liked the idea of a street race, but I was always trepidacious about it being in Chicago. I was of the opinion that if this was to work, it should be done in a city with a much bigger NASCAR fan base, like Charlotte, or Daytona Beach. That said, it did work in 2023, with minimal issues, unlike The Las Vegas Grand Prix.
That said, this year, I think this is a do or die moment for Chicago and NASCAR. If the Chicago Street Race deal is to be renewed, this year’s race has to go perfectly, in terms of stuff the organizers can control. Weather is out of the control of anyone. If the race goes well, this could get the Chicago Street Race renewed. Key word here: Could.
Given how good the TV ratings last year’s races did, NBC and NASCAR want the street races to continue. It was one of the highest rated races for both NASCAR, and NBC. However, the local population is still not happy that the race is happening, given all the disruptions downtown. Many city leaders do NOT want this to happen, let alone renewed. Even with the millions of dollars this generated for Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois, many don’t like the Street Races.
In the event that the Street Races don’t get renewed, what happens with NASCAR and Chicago? In my mind, probably nothing. Chicago has never been a big racing city. Chicagoland Speedway is more than likely out, since the racing there was mediocre at best. Maybe a suburb would try and host, but there are other options on NASCAR’s table.
Other cities have expressed interest in holding a NASCAR street race. If this deal falls through, the other cities would be willing to hold a street race. Realistically, Chicago doesn’t really need NASCAR, and NASCAR doesn’t really need Chicago. Again, Chicago isn’t a major racing market, not for a lack of trying. Between the temporary loss of the Route 66 NHRA Nationals, and the lack of events at Chicagoland, the Chicago area has proven to be a lukewarm racing market.
The addition of a series of concerts is a smart move. Formula 1 did this at Circuit of The Americas, and it has proven effective. This will bring in fans, but could it keep the Street Race in Chicago? Maybe it could. But realistically, Chicago already has Lollapalooza, so it might not.
I would like to see the Chicago Street Race renewed, but I’m not holding my breath.
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