NASCAR DRIVERS GET THEIR WISH WITH CHANGE MADE TO CHICAGO STREET COURSE
NASCAR has made adjustments to the Chicago Street Race ahead of the second staging of the event. The 2024 Chicago Street Race takes place on Sunday, and there have been some subtle changes made.
The choose zone in the Chicago Street Race has been moved to before Turn 6 which is a shift from last year's inaugural race when it came at Turn 9. The decision to alter the circuit came at the request of drivers, although the restart zone remains just before Turn 12.
The Chicago Street Course will be the host of the Grant Park 165, the 20th round of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The circuit has plenty of unique opportunities for drivers to showcase their skills, with practice and qualifying standing as important sessions.
The Cup Series event will see NASCAR drivers weave through the streets of the Windy City, with temporary fences and grandstands set up around Grant Park. Thousands of fans are expected to be in attendance while NASCAR estimates it could generate more than $3 million in tax revenue for the city of Chicago.
- Kelley Earnhardt explains why she never worked for her father and NASCAR legend
- NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports forced to abandon 'underperforming' Hooters
- Wood Brothers makes new driver announcement for 2025 NASCAR Cup Series
Back in July 2023, Shane van Gisbergen became the first driver in more than 60 years to win a Cup race on his debut when he sensationally captured the victory in the inaugural Chicago Street Race for Trackhouse Racing and he will be defending his title. The race was meant to go for 100 laps and over 220 miles in total, but darkness and weather saw the event shortened.
In October last year, NASCAR announced the 2024 race would be shortened to 75 laps and 165 miles, ensuring the event remains of similar length to the affected first one. The track features 12 turns, including a front straight that offers stunning views of Lake Michigan along Lake Shore Drive.
It will be intriguing to see how the drivers tackle the event given the unique test the race poses. With 17 races remaining in the Cup Series season, Kyle Larson leads the standings and the 26-time Cup race winner will hope to hold his lead for the remainder of the regular season.
Larson has three wins to his name, tied with Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and William Byron for the most in the 2024 season. Chase Elliott sits second in the standings with Hamlin rounding out the top three heading into Chicago.
Bubba Wallace, the second Black driver to win in the Cup Series, will be well-supported by the Chicago fans as he drives the No. 23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing, which is owned by Bulls legend Michael Jordan. Wallace currently sits 15th in the Cup Series standings.
Joey Logano will also look to continue his good form after winning in Nashville last week. The Chicago Street Race takes place on Sunday, July 7.
2024-07-05T03:53:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd