NASCAR Return to Chicago May Not Be Set in Stone as the Racing Authority Portrayed

The idea of organizing a 2.2-mile race on the streets of a bustling city was both intriguing and outlandish at the same time. But NASCAR pulled off a thrilling spectacle in Chicago this year. The fact that debutant Shane Van Gisbergen emerged victorious added a touch of amazement to the backdrop of the city?s stunning skyline. Touting its success, the racing body included it in next year?s schedule. There is, however, a catch.

Chicago?s council aldermen had expressed reservations about the economic and logistical burden of the race after its conclusion. It would be reasonable to assume that NASCAR sought and was granted all necessary permissions prior to the announcement of that magnitude. Turns out, the reality is far more complex.

Did NASCAR jump the gun in confirming the 2024 Chicago Street Race?

The sight of racecars driving past spectators applauding beside city streets would be ingrained in the racing community for years to come. After months of mapping, planning, and organization, an innovative thought was successfully executed on a grand scale. The inaugural Chicago Street Race drove up ratings and drew international attention because of SVG’s victory. But at what cost? Contrary to NASCAR?s claim, the revenue generated by the city wasn?t sufficient to justify the investment of taxpayer dollars to boost the sport?s waning popularity.?

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, the city received $620,000 from NASCAR even though it had spent $3.5 million on the race. When Ald. Brian Hopkins, Ward 2, found out about it, his outrage was palpable in his response. ?That?s what we get? Are you kidding me?? Despite the racing authority?s assurance of covering next season?s expenditure, councilmen still reeling from last year?s bills were hesitant about its financial viability. The inconvenience caused by the closure of major areas was an additional headache.?

Once the 2024 schedule was released, many of them admitted they were not consulted prior to Mayor Brandon Johnson?s statement of approval. Ald. Bill Conway, Ward 34, expressed, ?It?s disappointing that the mayor renewed the deal without consulting City Council as promised or collaborating on a full cost-benefit analysis.? However, there is no confirmation on whether the new terms offered by NASCAR have actually been approved on paper.??

Watch this story: NASCAR’s 2024 Schedule: A New Chapter Begins

In fact, Chicago Business was informed by a city official that the information would have been revealed later if not for NASCAR?s urgency to release the full schedule. Although the current mayor is bound by the three-year contract signed by his predecessor Lori Lightfoot, the conditions imposing financial and ethical responsibilities on the racing organization have yet to be formally incorporated. Furthermore, the option of backing out 180 days before the race still holds true. Considering the massive losses that would incur for NASCAR, how likely is that possibility?

The city of Chicago could still resist permitting the controversial race next season

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The Mayor?s commitment to the race hinged upon substantial alterations in the original agreement. NASCAR had agreed to bear costs, shorten the number of days and the race duration, and ensure the growth of small, minority, and female-owned businesses. But a contract incorporating such an addendum is yet to be signed as per the Chicago Business.?

After the widespread publicity brought by the out-of-the-box concept, NASCAR will?want to ensure its continuance in the years to come. Project head Julie Giese had?hinted as much in a report by The Athletic. But the aldermen still hold considerable pull in the city?s decision-making.

Ald. Brendan Reilly, Ward 42, was quoted as objecting, ?If the administration has not yet signed the contract, which was not clear to any of us in the City Council, if that’s the case they need to take some more time and go through those numbers in more detail?to determine whether or not this is going to be a winner or a loser for the city.?

NASCAR has already started promoting the pi?ce de r?sistance of its next season. But the coming weeks will determine the exact position on when and if the changes to the previous contract will be ratified by both parties.?

Read More: NASCAR Wins Chicago & Loses Montreal in Massive Schedule Gamble for 2024: Unveiling the Dark Side