Published 03/23/2023, 12:46 PM EDT
MARTINSVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 29: Bubba Wallace 45 23XI Racing Leidos Toyota being interviewed during media availability for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Playoff Xfinity 500 on October 29, 2022 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: OCT 29 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff – Xfinity 500 Icon2210294244500
It’s official. NASCAR welcomes McDonald’s as a founding partner of the Chicago Street Race weekend. Reportedly, owing to the partnership, the governing body has granted the Chicago-headquartered fast-food chain the official presenting, marketing, and promotional rights for the races during the 4th of July weekend.
McDonald’s already sponsors the 23XI Racing team and its driver Bubba Wallace. However, now, the multi-billion-dollar conglomerate will be partnering up directly with the organization for the Cup Series‘ Grant Park 220 and Xfinity Series’ The Loop 121 races in downtown Chicago.
NASCAR fans joke about the “broken ice cream machine”
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McDonald’s partnership with the organization is definitely an exciting one. In fact, as reported by NASCAR.com, the Chicago Street Race president Julie Giese stated, “McDonald’s is an iconic global brand with roots in Chicago, so it is the perfect founding partner for one of the most anticipated sporting events in NASCAR’s 75-year history, the Chicago Street Race.”
via Imago July 19, 2022: NASCAR Cup Series cars of Bubba Wallace 23, Chase Briscoe 14 and Ross Chastain 1 lined up in Chicago ahead of the announcement that NASCAR will run a street race in the city in 2023. – ZUMAm67_ 20220719_zaf_m67_008 Copyright: xAlexxZietlowx
However, despite the geographical and financial relevance of this partnership, fans could not stop themselves from mentioning the long-standing McDonald’s ice cream machine joke.
McDonald’s ice cream machines are broken so often that there is literally a website dedicated to the cause. The official website mcbroken.com informs customers about the status of broken ice cream machines in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
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Keeping the broken ice cream machine tradition going, a fan wrote on Reddit,
Fans welcome McDonald’s to Chicago Street Race in their uniquely funny way
Well, the age-old broken ice cream machine joke was not the only thing that the fans shared. Several other McDonald’s-related witty remarks made it to the comment section.
While some fans tried preparing their McD orders based on their favorite car numbers, others joked about how the street race should have a drive-through lane.
Whereas, a few others simply hoped for a new sponsorship war. Wondering if the fast-food chain Wendy’s will be sponsoring Noah Gragson during the Chicago race, a few fans wondered if they will get to see some other McDonald’s rivals on the track.
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With an aim to create a positive impact and expand their reach, NASCAR and McDonald’s are enthusiastic about putting up a successful event. Being the founding partner, the fast-food chain is expected to have a visible presence throughout the Chicago Street Race weekend.