After $50 Million Gamble Left the Sport Divided, Jeff Burton Claims NASCAR Has “Unfinished Business” in Chicago

The maiden Chicago Street Race was undoubtedly a success. The ambitious project of NASCAR stood up to the expectations of the racing community in its totality. With the 11th-hour rush, a two-day deluge, and endless roadblocks, the debut race was a spectacle for the eyes of its fans. 

But the question that hovers at this juncture is whether NASCAR will be able to conduct another street racing in the Windy City or if it will open other avenues for other cities for the future conducting of street racing. Nevertheless, the veteran driver Jeff Burton believes that stock car racing will have another stint with Chicago. 

Jeff Burton Is Optimistic About the Future of Chicago Street Racing

The 2.14-mile track that ran through the artery of Chicago seemed to have posses a challenge for the daily commuters for Chicago residents. The makeshift track had forced the closures of the road and has been a headache for everyone alike. But nothing could mar the enthusiasm of witnessing stock cars speeding through the city as nearly 100,000 people were estimated to watch it. 

The inaugural race for which NASCAR had poured in $50 million into the city was nothing less than a success and has raised the expectations for the future course of NASCAR. Moreover, fans are hopeful that NASCAR shall return to the city, to complete the other two years left in the contract that was signed between the two authorities. Even the former Cup Series driver Jeff Burton echoes the same though, while speaking to Nate Ryan on NASCAR on NBC podcast.

When asked by Ryan if Chicago maintains its three-year contract, or what are the possibilities of street car racing, Jeff Burton retorted, “I do believe there is an opportunity in many parts of the country and not just in Chicago. I can imagine Chicago reviewing and saying that wasn’t good for us, I can imagine that happening.”

“So where does street racing fit, in our schedule? And I think the great thing about the new NASCAR is, we don’t have to know where it fits in two years from now. They have to be working on it because things certainly do not happen overnight with all logistics and everything has to happen. But you don’t have to be committed to it or against it. You have to have a willing city for sure, but if for whatever reason the fans love it and its very productive, find ways to do it[…]”

“I think we should go back to Chicago next year for sure.”

“I just don’t know why we wouldn’t, the city greeted us well, all the fans greeted us well, and we have unfinished business, to be honest. They didn’t see the best of us, they got a version of us. I want this city the best version of us. I want the whole weekend to happen, and I want the concerts to happen that got canceled due to the weather. I want a weekend in Chicago that is uninterrupted by the weather and all the chaos it was created because of the record-setting rain.”

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Amidst Uncertainty Over Returning of Street Racing in Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson Provides Reassurance

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While there have been muffled speculations on the uncertainty over the possible return of NASCAR’s street racing to Chicago, even after its remarkable success, however, amidst all speculations the Mayor of the city seemed to provide some reassurance.

While speaking to media after the culmination of the race, Mayor Brandon Johnson stated, “So very grateful that despite the extreme weather, NASCAR was able to deliver with minimal disruption and there were some dynamics had to consider. I am grateful to the people of Chicago who made that adjustment, and the people who came in to visit. Like everything that I inherited, I am a teacher so I will asses it and it would be an open process, where other folks would weigh in.”

“So, obviously […] folks demonstrated positions around NASCAR, I am confident that the people of Chicago and our administration would come up with a way for the best interest of the people,” the Mayor added.

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If the assessment turns out to be a positive one, the NASCAR community will be in for a much bigger treat. This also shall open gateways to NASCAR for treading the unchartered lands and making the dwindling community grow.