The 2025 NASCAR Cup season is so close, that people can almost taste it. There is so much to look forward to, like the return of Bowman Gray, new drivers, returning drivers, drivers in new teams, and more. Among them is NASCAR first and only street race, at the Chicago Street Course. Ahead of the 2025 season, Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace sat down with Fox Sports to preview the campaign.

Among other topics, the Hendrick Motorsports driver and 23XI Racing driver spoke about Chicago. Now, it has been two years since the Chicago Street Course has been featured on the calendar. Shane van Gisbergen had the honor of being the first winner, with Alex Bowman winning last year’s edition.

What did Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott like about the event?

Both Wallace and Elliott talked about what they liked about visiting the Chicago Street Course. It was a valid question because this was the first time NASCAR was attempting a street race. For much of its history, the sport was known for racing on ovals, but in later years began competing on road courses. It was only from 2023 onwards, that NASCAR decided to go bold and try the street track route.

As it turned out, both of their answers aligned. Bubba Wallace told Cassie Carlson, “I would just say the atmosphere, the vibe is totally different. I said this earlier in an interview, and usually we fly into whatever city it is, then drive to the race track. For that weekend, you fly into the city, and the race track’s there. It’s actually really, really fun, you walk to everything. There’s a lot of walking, you definitely get your steps in for sure, everywhere in the city. It makes me appreciate driving for a living. Just the vibe, the fans actually have a really good time.” It is very true. Street track routes are raw and fans watch it up close. The fans are wilder than stadiums and seems like the entire city is up celebrating racing like a festival.

Elliott also echoed the #23 driver’s sentiments, pointing out that the experience is hugely different. He admitted that most of the tracks they visit are located outside a big city. However, the Chicago Street Course is right within the city limits. The #9 driver confessed that it was strange to walk out of a hotel and already reach the track. He even acknowledged that some of his friends who watched the race live truly enjoyed themselves. It is not something regular and so, it’s exciting.

The bottom line is that it is nice to have something different that isn’t typically seen every week. Both drivers enjoyed the track and felt that the atmosphere was fantastic. Of course, they will be hoping that the street track will stay on the NASCAR Cup calendar for a long time.

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The 23XI Racing driver spoke about the live experience

When asked if he had advice about attending the race, Bubba Wallace had this to say. He declared, “What are you scared of? I don’t know, just from bringing in something new and exciting. Everybody gets hooked on sights and sounds of different things. You got that all in one punch with NASCAR. The sounds are deafening, it’s cool to be a part of. It’s just something different you can bring out. The street course provides so many different vantage points to watch from. So purchase a ticket, come hang out in the infield and have a good time.” In short, Wallace was saying that being at the Chicago Street Course, was a heck of an experience. Besides the main race itself, there are so many things to do during the weekend. Also, words are flying by that Bubba Wallace has a new event coming up.

He further added, “It’s also cool, showing up the next day at the track and you see a lot of Bubba’s Block Party shirts.” This was an initiative started by him, in collaboration with 23XI Racing and NASCAR. It is one-day festival free for all fans of the sport in cities near the race venues. The idea is to promote diversity and representation and bring NASCAR closer to the fans.