Just 25 laps into the 55-lap ‘The Loop 121’ Xfinity Series race, lightning strikes in the area led NASCAR to postpone the Saturday race to Sunday. Two laps short of the halfway mark, NASCAR’s decision to postpone the race was marred by heavy rain that flooded the street circuit. Unable to commence the race under treacherous conditions, NASCAR opted to conclude the Chicago Xfinity Series and move on to the Cup Series Grant Park 220 race.

Releasing a statement regarding its decision to conclude the Xfinity Series and crowning the #00 Stewart-Haas Racing driver as the race winner, NASCAR faced heavy backlash for not meeting fan expectations.

NASCAR Opts Out of Returning on Monday for the Xfinity Series

As the street circuit was waterlogged by the constant rain on Sunday, the remainder of the postponed Xfinity Series was cut off from the schedule. There remained an option to return to the Chicago Street Course on Monday, but NASCAR chose to trot down a different path.

Much to the dismay of fans, NASCAR exercised its discretionary powers and opted out of resuming the Xfinity Series race operations on Monday. NASCAR then declared Cole Custer the winner of The Loop 121 after his Saturday’s 25-lap leading performance.

Standing firm on its decision, NASCAR released a statement on Twitter saying, “With standing water and flooding a significant issue at the race track and throughout the city, there was no option to return to racing prior to shifting to NASCAR Cup Series race operations. Throughout the entire planning process for the Chicago Street Race, our relationship with the City of Chicago has been strong and among the most valuable assets in reaching this historic weekend. In the spirit of that partnership, returning on Monday for the completion of a NASCAR Xfinity Series event two laps short of halfway was an option we chose not to employ. Based on several unprecedented circumstances, NASCAR has made the decision to declare Cole Custer the winner of the race.”

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Needless to say, fans weren’t pleased.

“A Slap in the Face”: NASCAR Faces Heavy Backlash From Fans

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NASCAR’s Chicago venture was an effort to pull in newer fans, but its decision to cut short the Xfinity race drew the ire of fans. NASCAR faced heavy backlash on Twitter after the release of its statement. Feeling cheated out of their money’s worth, infuriated fans had a lot to say regarding NASCAR’s decision.

Expressing their displeasure, some fans wrote, “This is a slap in the face to us fans. Monday would have been perfect.” and “Came all the way from Ireland for this just for a bit of rain and non existent lightning to stop it”. Here are some more comments from the fans.

“This was my first race. Worked 20 hours of overtime to buy the tickets, took 2 days off of work, thinking this may also be my last race.”

“If I paid $300 for GA tickets and only got to see 25 laps and no concerts, I would expect a refund or NEVER go to another race again.”

“Y’all really should refund the tickets for those folks. All of the concerts canceled. Xfinity called short of halfway. This was billed as much as a festival as a race and fans absolutely have not gotten what they paid for – even if the Cup race happens tonight.”

“No other sport simply makes up the rules as they go along like NASCAR.”

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With all the controversies surrounding the inaugural street race, one question crosses everyone’s mind. Was NASCAR’s Chicago foray a bust?