NASCAR was considering making a move that would allow them to race in the streets of Chicago. Now that the city has given the go-ahead and is moving toward signing a contract with NASCAR, the question is how much money will the city make from it, given the current state of the city’s finances.
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NASCAR has proposed for the city to host three races from 2023 to 2025 under the contract. According to the Chicago Suntimes, the city should receive a cut that would help with its financial troubles. After seeing the Tweet from Adam Stern regarding the financial prospect, fans had a lot to say. Some supported the idea of a street race, while others were critical of racing in the historic city.
.@SunTimes editorial board: "As the mayor’s office moves toward signing a contract with [@NASCAR], we’re waving the caution flag. Given Chicago’s precarious financial state, the city must make some money out of this deal." https://t.co/3D3J66YsAZ
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) July 15, 2022
Peculiar to me that’s what the editorial board is focusing on. They’d be bringing a crowd into a city and spending money who probably wouldn’t otherwise be. That’s what’s important, right? And what would the tone be if F1 decided they wanted to roll into town?
— Blake Harms (@wxblakeharms) July 15, 2022
I mean I’m racing, street races can cost the host a lot. Also, in a dense city like Chicago, you don’t know how much new visitors will be offset by residents leaving the area to avoid the area that weekend. It’s why a lot of street venues cease to exist quickly outside F1 events
— Neal Lawson (@Imfoolsgold) July 15, 2022
It’s a disaster in the making. Probably the most unsafe place in the US. I have a big “I told you so” ready if they decide to go ahead with this idea. Good luck getting an Uber after your rental car is stolen 🤷♀️
— Vicki VanderHorn (@annticki) July 15, 2022
Applaud this being looked at from all sides, but the exposure and biz for the city is worth the investment.
— Ryan Eichler (@eiksbmr) July 15, 2022
Chicago has more important things to worry about…..actually no they don’t….let’s talk nascar…..
— Kevin Moynihan (@kevinmoynihan3) July 15, 2022
I just can’t help but think Chicago has other things to worry about. 🤔
— Sean Disbro (@sdisbro18) July 15, 2022
Good. Please, let the idea die completely
— The Last Rebel 🇱🇺 (@leslie_jr1992) July 15, 2022
Knowing nascar, Chicago won’t see shit
— M (@dogfan182022) July 15, 2022
3 hours down the road there’s a great short track you could go to instead of adding more boring road racing.
— Mikey D (@SpotterMikeyD) July 15, 2022
Even if the race takes place, it might not suit the Next-Gen cars of NASCAR.
Chase Elliott thinks that the Chicago street race could end up like the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, there is concern that new cars might not be suited for a street circuit format. However, this type of event could bring in variety to generate a newfound interest in the sport for both current and new fans.
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Talking about the street race, Chase Elliott said, “We need to make sure it is a good event. The drivers may not like the track. It might not be ideal for us or whatever.”
“But when you are in the middle of a city, and you have the ability to draw that kind of crowd out to your race, you better make sure it’s put on well and done at a very high level, people have good spots to watch the race from, things to go do.”
“Just make it an event. That’s what it needs to be. It needs to be an event. I think as long as it’s that, and it’s done well, it will be a success whether the drivers like the track or not.”
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Let us know your thoughts regarding NASCAR pushing for a street race in Chicago.
