Up to 6 inches of rain had nearly flooded suburban Cicero and Berwyn by midday, according to the National Weather Service website. The downpour was termed as “life-threatening.” Wherever one looked, one could see water-clogged roads, countless overflowing creeks, and flooded basements. However, it didn’t stop NASCAR from hosting the highly anticipated street circuit race in the heart of downtown Chicago for the very first time.

Nevertheless, the duration of the Grant Park 220 was changed midway. Several drivers felt it was NASCAR’s decision to cut the race short by 25 laps that took away their chances of winning the race. For the likes of Christopher Bell, who won both stages, the late-race decision came like a bolt of thunder. But why did everyone hate this decision even though NASCAR apparently did it for the benefit of the drivers?

NASCAR’s 2023 decision was a boon for some and a curse for others

The decision that NASCAR made just halfway through the race totally altered the course of the competition that day. The Chicago sun didn’t shine too bright. The officials decided that continuing the race much further could possibly lead to a disaster. After all, they had to take into account the narrow, acute turns, the drivers’ inexperience on such a track, and the looming sundown.

For drivers who had pitted earlier, it was beneficial. They could capitalize on their fresh tires and full tanks to gain positions. However, it wasn’t the case for Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell. He pitted after winning both the stages only to get hurled back at P12, never to make his way back to the lead. Even after leading 37 laps, the #20 speedster was forced to settle for an 18th-place finish.

Needless to say, Trackhouse Racing‘s international recruit, Shane Van Gisbergen, won his debut NASCAR race and earned respect from seasoned drivers like Chase Elliott and Justin Haley. Even Haley (finishing 2nd) and Elliott (finishing 3rd) greatly benefitted from NASCAR’s decision. Pitting just moments prior to the call had them gain valuable spots. As a matter of fact, half of the top-10 finishers were beneficiaries of the controversial call.

Although it wasn’t the first time that NASCAR cut its race short, it was the delayed decision that received most of the criticism. According to motorsport.com, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell said, “At the time we made it, we waited as long as possible to see if we could get all 100 laps in. When we knew that wasn’t possible, we waited, we closed pit road. We wanted to make sure everybody knew what the race distance was going to be. Everyone had a chance to come in, pit the car, get fuel. We wanted to take fuel mileage out of it.”

Unfortunately, that decision has found its momentum in NASCAR’s Cup Series and Xfinity Series schedule for 2024. And the fans cannot take it anymore.

NASCAR updates the details of the 2024 Chicago Street Race

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For the upcoming season, NASCAR has reduced the length of the Grant Park 220 from 100 to 75 officially, and for the Xfinity Series from 55 to 50. This decision will allow NASCAR to continue its operations amidst unfavorable weather conditions and restrictions with daylight.

Watch this story: How Shane Van Gisbergen?s Chicago Victory Became an Embarrassing Nightmare for Cup Drivers?

The Cup Series drivers will now race 165 miles in total while the Xfinity Series contenders will run a total of 110 miles around the 2.20-mile course. However, NASCAR’s intention of ensuring a seamless race backfired as fans didn’t take this decision in good humor.

A fan did not hold back, saying, “What a way to f*ck the fans even more. Better off doing a white green checkered overtime for every race the way it is going.”
While someone else said, “These race lengths are a joke. Just start them earlier.”
Another user wrote, “Race length shortened but ticket prices will still be super high?”
A motorsport enthusiast breathed sarcasm as they typed, “Not a fan of shortning races but getting this one over and done with quicker is fine with me. Zero laps would be even better.”
“What the hell?! Why even go and tear up a city if you’re not even going to race 100 laps, ridiculous,” said another.

Meanwhile, someone expressed their disappointment and left these words in the comments section, “This will definitely be one I WILL miss. Hate gimmicks” What are your thoughts on NASCAR’s latest decision revolving around the street circuit of Chicago? Let us know what you think!

Read more: Should NASCAR Continue Running on Road Courses or Limit Itself to Oval Layouts?