Despite Heavy Backlash Against NASCAR’s Chicago Ambition, HMS Star Advocates “Being Closer to Cities”

This coming weekend will be the judgment day for NASCAR. Finally, after their continuous efforts, NASCAR has managed to make the Chicago Street Race a reality. Although the event has had its fair share of controversy before the race, there’s an unparalleled excitement about it.

The first-of-its-kind event has not only excited the fans, but it has also got the drivers all pumped up too. Denny Hamlin is one of the drivers who has been waiting for the race to get started. Discussing the ultimate motive behind the project, Denny and Hendrick Motorsports point leader William Byron discuss Chicago.

“We Need More of That”- Byron Suggests What Could Improve the Experience of a Race

NASCAR has been exploring its options in recent times. While continuously pondering how they could make their races easier to watch and closer to access by the fans, NASCAR hasn’t found a definite solution. Hamlin wondered about the same on a recent podcast episode, ‘Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin’.

“You know, it’s definitely more about the event. We all know that and we’ve gotta lean into that it’s we’re taking the NASCAR cars and the racing to the town Chicago and I came from a team owner-counselor meeting where they said that a large percentage of the new fans are the fans that bought tickets for the Chicago or new first time fans. So, that’s what we did in L.A. right? When we went there, I think it was like 60 or 70 percent were new fans so hopefully, this is a success.”

Hamlin then informs that one of his friends from Chicago is a constant reminder to him about all the proceedings for the race. He disclosed his expectations from the race as he said, “Hopefully we have a good crowd, excited for that. It’s certainly from a driver’s perspective, it’s gonna be hard for us not to be critical, right? It’s just leaning into the advent itself and understanding it’s a historic event for our series to be on the first street course for the first time.”

William Byron has been one of the most consistent drivers on the grid this season. Adding to the conversation, Byron explains the advantage of being younger in this industry.

” I think being closer to cities is good. For just being younger, I think I get a lot more engagement from my friends when it’s around. You know closer markets like Nashville’s a lot closer to the city than most places so. Yeah, we need more of that. We need the crossover to get more fans engaged,” said the 25-year-old.

Great input from Byron, surely. NASCAR should look upon the points raised by Byron to make the venues more accessible.

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Considering it a NASCAR race first time in the city, the authorities had to devise large-scale changes necessary to accommodate the race as well as the common public commotion. The construction of an event track means there will be adjustments to the roadways, pavements, and routes will be closed as well. Not to forget, the massive shift in traffic, which is more prevalent for the residents of the city.

Combining all the factors, it’s safe to say many people in Chicago were unhappy about the decision. The Grant Park 220 track has also requested for provisions sightseeing for the audience and areas for events other than racing. This will require a huge amount of area and creating it will result in another hassle.

Another issue that has taken place in the last few days is the procedure of road closures. Since 25th June, the organization of road closures has been announced to complete the impending work for the renovation of the roads. Owing to so many changes in such a short time, it has taken many people away from the event rather than bringing them closer. One such groups are the cyclists of Chicago who held a protest outside the City Council due to the shift in traffic dynamics of the region which has increased the congestion.

Another major concern for NASCAR will be the management of the crowd. Chicago is already pretty crowded and with a large-scale event like this, it becomes unimaginable. With increasing crime rates in the city, there are questions about the safety of the people as well.

It remains to be seen how NASCAR will handle the event amidst these diversions.

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