Chicago Street Course Leaders See Big-Time Dollars Connected To July Race

What’s Happening?

Chicago’s leadership for the upcoming July street race, worked to create a positive vibe this week, citing the amount of revenue that will come in from the unique road course. It also said that it will work hard on trying to soften the noise that comes from a typical NASCAR race.

This comes at about the same time as city leaders have mentioned that residents and visitors of/to the giant midwestern city will need to be patient as the street course is prepared with more than 2,000 barriers, with road closures and traffic headaches to be expected.

It will be interesting to see if the positive spin helps with the perception of this street course race:

• The race will have 12 turns and a 2.2-mile length. Parts of southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed for about a week beginning June 28, and pre-race preparations in some parts will begin as soon as June 2.
• NASCAR representatives answered questions this week about accessibility, safety, and noise concerns. Mufflers for this particular race are being tested currently.
• Some have been cynical about the Chicago Street Race anyway, and it’ll be an uphill battle to see if the positives of a revenue boost change their minds, or the minds of local residents who may not even pay attention to the race. The reaction to trying out this venue was somewhat mixed, as can be seen below.

On Your Screen

Rapid Water put a Tweet out that expressed enthusiasm for the street course race.

Glsgirl1031 Tweeted that the street course should be removed from the schedule, and gave her version of the reason why.

NASCARWoman doesn’t get a good feeling about July’s race.

Ouch! Dee Tweeted a dire prediction for the Chicago Street Race.

Bo Mac Tweeted “cautious optimism”, he said.

Kyle Funderburk sees more problems in continuing in this location if there is actual traction with holding this race. If it actually works and attracts new followers, can it sustain itself — because he sees logistical issues with the venue.

From the Pressbox