With just days left for NASCAR’s debut on the streets of Chicago, concerns regarding the track’s surface keep piling up. Over the month, prominent NASCAR figures have voiced their opinions regarding the controversial street circuit’s addition to NASCAR’s calendar. It’s no surprise that the street circuit’s surface is not quite like most ovals. Accustomed to the fast-flowing tracks of NASCAR, drivers will need to quickly adapt to the bumpy, slippery, and manhole-ridden street circuit.

With debates raging regarding the Chicago Street Circuit, Hendrick Motorsports VP of Competition has dropped a major bombshell, adding to the growing concerns.

Chad Knaus shares alarming concerns regarding the Chicago Street Course 

Slated to host the Grant Park 220 Cup Series and The Loop 121 Xfinity Series races on July 1st and 2nd, respectively, the streets of Chicago will test drivers’ perseverance and adaptability. With just a 50-minute window for practice before qualifying, drivers will have limited time to familiarize themselves with the street circuit’s uncharted terrain.

As teams and drivers have gone through rigorous sim-testing for better track adaptability, the initial feedback isn’t promising. HMS VP of Competition, Chad Knaus, recently appeared on the NASCAR Race Hub. Sharing his thoughts on the Chicago Street Circuit, Knaus dropped an alarming bombshell.

As Jimmie Johnson‘s former crew chief who took him to Victory Lane 81 times, Knaus has vast knowledge and experience in tackling various circuits. Revealing his impression of the track as experienced on the simulators, Chad Knaus said, “It’s amazing how little grip is predicted to be at this racetrack. I don’t know what you guys have seen in your tools, but in ours, it looks like it’s going to be really really slick. And the track is so ridiculously narrow.”

Further adding how things could easily turn sideways in a matter of seconds, the HMS VP said, “There’s going to be situations where you’re coming off of a corner, somebody’s gonna bounce off the wall, get into somebody else. The track could literally be blocked in a matter of a millisecond of everybody in front of you. It’s going to be really really treacherous.”

As Chad Knaus dropped the concerning bombshell, his words echoed the concerns highlighted by another legendary crew chief, Steve Letarte. 

Watch This Story: Worrying Roadblocks To NASCAR’ $113 Million Worth Chicago Street Race Dream

Steve Letarte warns drivers of the perils of being too ambitious

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Hours before Chad Knaus discussed his Chicago track impressions, former HMS crew chief-turned-commentator, Steve Letarte, sent out a scary warning to drivers. Appearing on the Dirty Mo Dough podcast, the HMS legend said he was wary of cars getting piled up as drivers are likely to get overly ambitious with each passing lap toward the end of the race.

Expressing his concerns, Letarte said, “We are going to show Chicago what a NASCAR big issue looks, and we’re gonna have one big stuff job. Somebody’s going to block and he’s going to get stuffed. […] I think there’s gonna be a big moment in one of these races.” 

Nerve-racking as it may be, the Chicago Street Course will surely test the mettle of both man and machine. Which driver do you think will capture the Chicago crown? Let us know in the comments.

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