In the immortal words of Ricky Bobby: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” And pulling into victory lane means winning traditions.
Most often, drivers smoke their tires during burnouts, then grab the checkered flag and drive the opposite way (so the driver faces the stands) along the front stretch of the track to salute the fans.
Afterward, the winner heads to victory lane to celebrate with the team and receive the trophy, and some are cooler than others. Martinsville Speedway winners receive a grandfather clock. At Texas Motor Speedway, they get a wooden boot, and at Nashville Superspeedway, it’s a guitar.
Since Chicagoland Speedway opened in 2001, NASCAR’s top series has visited the track every year, but there’s no unique tradition or special trophy for the winner. That needs to change.
So for the Chicagoland trophy designers, here are a few ideas.
1. A 5-foot-long relief in the shape of the Chicago skyline
Go big or go home, right? Plus, what’s more beautiful than the city’s skyline?
2. A rustic-looking Ferris wheel-shaped trophy that actually revolves
Navy Pier’s 150-foot Ferris wheel is a must-see for tourists, and now for racers too. And yes, having it revolve is non-negotiable.
3. Their very own Bean
Formally known as Cloud Gate, the Bean in Millennium Park reflects the Chicago skyline. There are two options here: either a bean-shaped trophy with the skyline painted on it to reflect the view the Bean casts, or the winner gets his or her very own Bean, reflection and all.
4. A Willis Tower replica
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The second tallest building in North America has represented Chicago since 1978. It was the tallest building in the country until this year. Race winners should get a reminder of this, so how about a 10-foot scale model?
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