August 25, 2022: NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace drives through Grant Park on Tuesday July 19, 2022, in Chicago after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will host a NASCAR street race next year. – ZUMAm67_ 20220825_zaf_m67_027 Copyright: xArmandoxL.xSanchezx
NASCAR has had to face enormous criticism in recent times. Their latest venture is likely to witness the sporting body cough up $50 million and establish a new race circuit with a unique twist. With the announcement already on the official website, the Chicago Street Race comes to fruition this July.
The street race adds an element to the Cup Series that provides a unique challenge and includes popular landmarks like Buckingham Fountain and Michigan Avenue. Unfortunately for NASCAR, the announcement has received mixed reviews from the fanbase, and many of them have shown their displeasure against the race.
Fans Raise Concerns Amid Calls of The Project Being “A Disaster”
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The implications of the Chicago Street Race have upset the fans. Displacement of public travel, accumulation of crowds, and a general concern of closing off busy roads for construction of pavements are among a platter of issues that have surfaced.
“Took me an hour and 45 minutes to drive 35 miles into downtown Chicago this morning. Chicago NASCAR street race road resurfacing. Can’t even begin to envision the impact the event itself will have on traffic,” an annoyed fan commented
Another frustrated fan stated, “Waste of time and money! But the people that drive those roads will be happy after. Sorry, but I hope it fails.”
Despite the backlash, NASCAR authorities have maintained their stance on the project. NASCAR Senior Vice President, Ben Kennedy described his vision for the Chicago event as an ‘unprecedented’ and incredible opportunity.
Fans also credit NASCAR race for Chicago’s development
At the same time, many people also showed their interest in the race project as it gives out better infrastructure for the streets of Chicago.
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“In my 32 years of living in Chicago, I have never seen streets look as nice and smooth as they’re going to for the race. The city even threw new curbs and sidewalks up around there,” a pro-Chicago street race fan declared.
Another impressed fan added, “That’s like the 1st road repair in decades, well done”
via Getty Credits: Getty Images
Among a host of concerns, what remains to be seen is how the race actually turns out to be. There are no doubts about the diversity it would bring to the already challenging Cup Series calendar. And since it is a first-of-a-kind street race, NASCAR has a great opportunity to attract more fans & revive the sport. Whatever course of events takes place, Chicago Street Race Weekend certainly shows promise for NASCAR.
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Watch This Story: $50 Million NASCAR Street Race Set to Cause Major Disruptions in Chicago City Ahead of The Racing Event