via Getty
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Wheaties Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Wise Power 400 at Auto Club Speedway on February 27, 2022 in Fontana, California. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
via Getty
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 Wheaties Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Wise Power 400 at Auto Club Speedway on February 27, 2022 in Fontana, California. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
After the official announcement regarding the Chicago street race was confirmed, 23XI driver, Bubba Wallace, was called up to speak as the face of the official event.
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Bubba said, “This is big. I think you lot at how representation matters a lot to these young kids and the youth coming up in sports. Bringing a race here to the downtown streets of Chicago is really cool and I’ll get to experience that first hand.”
Adding, “Congrats to NASCAR and thanks to the city of Chicago. You’re gonna get that next Bubba Wallace that’s sitting in the stands saying he wants to do this someday.”
Wallace seemed positive and upbeat about the new track and hoped that it would introduce NASCAR to an entirely new demographic.
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While it could be true that NASCAR could find a new fanbase by bringing the race closer to the audience. It is still speculative as to how impactful this decision would be.
Fan reaction to the tweet of Bubba Wallace regarding the upcoming Chicago Street race
Bubba Wallace put out a tweet saying, “Chicago shall we race?!” Further added that the NASCAR street course will be coming on July 2nd, 2023.
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 19: Bubba Wallace gets into his car before driving around downtown Chicago in promotion of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race announcement on July 19, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Some Fans reacted in a positive light, welcoming the event. While others were quick to point out that there were perfectly good tracks already in existence that could have been used. Some even asked if 23XI would bring in a Micheal Jordan-themed car since he co-owns the team. Chicago is the home of the iconic Chicago Bulls, which the Legendary, Michael Jordan was a part of.
That actually brings up a good point: how cool would it be in this race to see Bubba rocking a Chicago Bulls car with the 23 done up like MJ’s uniform back in the day? You could do Kurt Busch’s car the same way too with the 45.@iRacing painters, do your thing.
— Elliot (@elliot2383) July 20, 2022
Definitely going to have to come out and watch ❤️
— Brody | Bubba Wallace (@b_23xi) July 19, 2022
There was a good place there to do it, but they want street racing, let's hope it goes alright
— Augusto 1️⃣8️⃣🇧🇷 (@improblywrong) July 19, 2022
Also have McDonalds HQ. Probably McDs on the 23 & Jumpman on the 45.
— derdejoh (@derdejoh) July 19, 2022
There were also fans that did not approve of the idea of a street race.
I respect you 100% . But street racing doesn't make sound right . I'm sorry my friend.
— Standing on the moon (@shadygrove1973) July 19, 2022
Some even criticized the city’s infrastructure and crime rate.
All I have to say is you better bring two bulletproof vest because you’re gonna need them praying to God not but it is Chicago after all
— nascar _ idiot_fan_2418 (@MartinBallew4) July 20, 2022
Good luck avoiding this crap. pic.twitter.com/g4NLU0wdjF
— John Peacock (@JJPeacockIV) July 19, 2022
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Bubba!! Very excited for a race here in Chicago. 👏👏👏👏👏
— Marco Solis Martinez 🖖 (@Jedi_Marcos) July 19, 2022
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Let us know what do you think about this new format of tracks being introduced to the world of NASCAR? Will it help in growing the fanbase?
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