We are into the July 4th weekend, and the thrilling moments are already coming. The Xfinity race in Chicago unfolded with a heated yet exciting rivalry between two great racers. Kyle Larson gave his best to topple road course lord Shane van Gisbergen, but could not prevail in the end.

However, the Kiwi speedster was not the only threat to Larson’s chances. The Chicago Street Course presents a slew of treacherous portions that are bound to jitter one’s car. And, clearly, things have barely improved after last year, and drivers may be headed toward a story of caution flags.

Kyle Larson reflects on the tricky Chicago track

NASCAR’s visit to the windy city hyped up people as the only annual street race kicked off. Two champion drivers dominated the Xfinity show, Kyle Larson and SVG, as they exchanged the lead 3–4 times in a single lap. However, polesitter SVG defended his spot in the end, despite the extremely bumpy track. He even appreciated Larson’s driving: “He was amazing on the brakes and on the bumps.”

Yet the aggressive bumps on the 12-turn, 2.14-mile circuit are a matter of worry for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. In a press briefing, Kyle Larson described the challenges. He said, “It’s really rough…usually coming around 3 and then brake into 4, and kind of like between 4 and 5, and exiting 5…nowhere else, really is that crazy bumpy, a little bit into 11.”

The HMS driver admitted that his No. 5 Chevrolet is adjusting to the second outing better. “My car seems to handle the bumps a bit better this year than it did last year.”

But the glaring bumps are a matter of concern for the double runner, who believes everybody except for SVG is in a tough spot. “Maybe not SVG, but I feel like the majority of us have not quite found the max through 4 and 5 because it’s so bumpy. And you feel like you’re hauling ass through there and by the time you get to the corner, you’re like ahh I’m going too slow. So it’s just a tough section.”

A wide variety of irregular track surfaces exist on the 12-turn circuit on the streets of Chicago. Some types include old and abrasive pavement, repaved stretches, and areas with elevation changes. Couple these treacherous conditions with cumbersome bumps, and drivers are cornered. So Kyle Larson is not alone in his apprehensions about the Cup Series’ Chicago Street Race.

Chicago is drumming up fears

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Joey Logano landed in the same spot in the Xfinity race as he did a year ago. Securing 8th place in the Chicago Street Race in Hailie’s car, the Team Penske driver is gearing up for a better showdown at the Cup race. But the street circuit is worrisome. Kyle Larson’s crew chief, Cliff Daniels, believes the Charlotte Roval is the bumpiest but admits nothing compares to Chicago. Hence, Logano oozed tension while describing the track.

“Headache in a bottle,” Logano said. “I mean, it’s just a tough one — lots of bumps, a very risky feeling. A lot of it’s just walls everywhere. There’s no runoff. So you overshoot a corner, as bumpy as it is, you lock up a tire, you slide, there’s no runoff, right?”

Like Larson, Joey Logano also believes only one person can enjoy this bumpy ride. When asked if Chicago’s unique challenge is fun, he replied, “Kind of, if you’re Shane. Everyone else in the field might not agree. I mean, it just fell right into his wheelhouse really, really well. And he’s just really good at clipping the corners right at the edge. I mean, he didn’t leave any room for error, and he can hit it really well.”

This year as well, the Chicago race is falling right on Shane van Gisbergen’s ballcourt, as he clinched his third Xfinity victory. Knowing that the competitors feel he’s got the track in his hands, everyone will be at the edge of their seats to see if the Kiwi can defend his Cup victory as well. Who do you think will win the Cup race?