NASCAR comes to town in Chicago

A track will be laid out along the shores of Lake Michigan and Grant Park to accommodate, in addition to the Next Gen, a round ofIMSA.

After the Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum and the entry by Hendrick Motorsports of a Next Gen to the 24 Hours of Le Mans 20223 is a new major first for the Series which is continuing its development strategy. It should be noted that this route already exists in NASCAR racing series, the very popular virtual racing championship which was the heyday of competition during the Covid-19 confinement.

12 turns make up this 8-way layout with a total development of 2,2 miles (3,54 km). The start/finish line and pit lane will be located along South Columbus Drive in front of Buckingham Fountain. A large part of the route follows the paths of Grant Park, a cultural hotspot in the largest city in Illinois, the third largest metropolis in the United States.

See what the drivers are in for on the new @NASCARChicago Street Race Weekend racing. 👇 pic.twitter.com/xB1ch2RUtK

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 19, 2022

The cars will run along the end of Soldier Field, a 60-seat sports venue that hosts the Chicago Bears and hosted several auto races in the 000s to 30s, including a NASCAR round on July 60, 21.

NASCAR in Chicago in 1956 © Getty

La course NASCAR Cup aura lieu le dimanche 2 juillet 2023 et sera précédée d’une manche IMSA, le samedi 1er juillet 2023. La série devrait communiquer ultérieurement sur les voitures admises et le format de l’épreuve. Bubba Wallace était présent lors de l’annonce et à pu effectuer quelques runs au volant de sa Toyota Camry.

Bubba Wallace poses in front of Soldier Field, 66 years after Nascar last came to Chicago © Getty

With numerous 90 degree turns the sporting interest of this event remains questionable, but the opportunity to organize a big festive weekend in the metropolis obviously takes precedence over the athlete at a time when the discipline is seeking to rejuvenate its audience. and bring spectators back to the circuits.

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