With NASCAR headed towards the streets of Chicago, Illinois, the anticipation and excitement among fans and drivers are palpable. The Grant Park 220, set to take place this weekend, marks the Cup Series’ first-ever street-course race. The city streets have been transformed into a challenging track, presenting a unique experience for both competitors and spectators. However, not everyone shares the same sentiment about this ambitious venture.

Tony Stewart, Stewart Haas Racing Co-owner and three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming event.

Tony Stewart Expresses Relief Over Avoiding the Race Track at Chicago

In a recent episode of NASCAR Live featuring Team owners Tony Stewart and Justin Marks, they expressed their thoughts and apprehensions going into the upcoming race weekend.

When asked about his thoughts on the street race in Chicago, Stewart’s feelings were clear as he said, “I’m glad I’m not driving a race car there.” But, from there on, Stewart talked about the popularity boost that this opportunity may provide, “I think it’s a great opportunity for the sport, it’s a great market obviously and a great opportunity to just try a street circuit. With NASCAR racing, street circuits always have their challenges” 

While the street circuit has its own set of challenges which several drivers have been vocal about, Stewart believes that there’s a ray of hope amidst this as he drew a comparison with IndyCar Racing, “We’ve seen in IndyCar but it can be done & IndyCar’s done a great job of showing that street races can be successful so I’m excited that NASCAR’s taken the leap to branch out and do this but I’m also glad I’m not in a seat this weekend and that I get to watch it.” 

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Tony Stewart’s Driver Kevin Harvick Shares His Thoughts Ahead of the Chicago Race

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Kevin Harvick, Stewart Haas Racing driver and the 2014 Cup Series champion, echoed Stewart’s enthusiasm for the event as he presented his own thoughts ahead of the upcoming race. In a recent interview, Harvick drew a comparison between Chicago and Coliseum and said, “I look back at the Busch Clash last year at the L.A. Coliseum and, before we left for that race, everybody thought it was going to be a complete joke and we thought we were going to look like complete fools, but it was probably the best event of last year.” 

Talking about his personal feelings going into the race weekend, Harvick added, “Chicago’s obviously a huge market for anything with all the people and eyeballs, and I’m all for events, great events – I love great events – and Chicago is going to be an event. It’s in a great setting, and I think everybody’s looking forward to the challenge of the course and trying to do everything we need to do to put on a good show.” 

As we await the chequered flag at Grant Park 220, the excitement and apprehension surrounding NASCAR’s first street-course race continues to grow. With high expectations and the potential for surprises all around, all eyes will be on the race to witness NASCAR’s ambitious Chicago dream come to life.

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