Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace poses for cameras on July 19 near Buckingham Fountain in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiShane Van Gisbergen of the #91 car wins the Chicago Street Race in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDriver Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series on Columbus Drive in Grant Park in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDrivers race down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series in Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action after they tear down a tarp blocking the view as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiCrew members for driver Erik Jones wait out the rain in pit road while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed at Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiCars compete during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiChicago Mayor Brandon Johnson walks through pit road on Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain in Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDrivers race along Congress Plaza during the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiFans watch the start of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago after heavy rain had delayed the race.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiBrandon, right, and Reagan Eggers wait underneath the Paddock Club bridge along Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain in Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDriver Bubba Wallace greets fans near pit road along Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiJosh Bilicki's No. 78 car, right, and other cars race on Congress Plaza during Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Antonio Perez/baiduhai#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Antonio Perez/baiduhai#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Antonio Perez/baiduhai#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiFans cheer along Columbus Drive as the NASCAR Cup Series begins after being delayed due to rain in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action through an opening in the fence as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiFans watch the No. 20 car of Christopher Bell during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiThe No. 47 car of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. negotiates a turn during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiThe No. 1 car of Ross Chastain turns onto Michigan Avenue during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiCars including the No. 45 of Tyler Reddick compete during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action under the fence as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023, in Grant Park.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiRyan Blaney's No. 12 car negotiates a turn onto Michigan Avenue during Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDaniel Suárez is introduced near pit road along Columbus Drive before the NASCAR Cup Series on July 2, 2023.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiFans watch Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago. Heavy rain delayed the race.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiFans watch Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago. Heavy rain delayed the race.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiCrew members clear the water from pit road after the NASCAR Cup Series was delayed due to rain in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiPeople walk along a flooded pit road on Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain in Chicago on Sunday, July 2, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiA view down pit road is seen during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiRain falls on pit road before the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiRicky Stenhouse Jr. is introduced near pit road along Columbus Drive before the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiJenson Button stands in pit road along Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain in Chicago on July 2, 2023. Button won the Formula One world championship in 2009.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans enter and exit the gates during a rain delay on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiFans and staff put up with constant rain on the day of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans along South Michigan Avenue walk in the rain as a few people find their seats in the grandstand before the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023, in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiPeople find shelter from the rain in a CTA "L" staircase on Wabash Avenue in the Loop on July 2, 2023, before the gates open for NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiThe NASCAR racecourse is seen from Michigan Avenue on on July 2, 2023, before the gates open for NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway July 2, 2023, in Grant Park.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiRace fans protected by trash bags walk along a rainy Ida B. Wells Drive after the NASCAR Xfinity Series race was called due to rain in Grant Park in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans Jennifer Smith, from left, Ryan Deiotte, Sarah Hylton and Peggy Malave, of Valparaiso, Indiana, wait out the rain delay by tailgating in a Loop parking garage on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiCrew members move cars and equipment out of the pit road on Columbus Drive after Cole Custer was declared the winner of the NASCAR Xfinity Series due to weather in Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiPeople wait underneath the Paddock Club on Ida B. Wells Drive as the NASCAR Xfinity Series is delayed due to rain in Grant Park in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiSamantha, 11, and Scott Trybula, of Evergreen Park, head out from the Congress Plaza Hotel to the racecourse during a rain delay on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiCars are covered as the NASCAR Xfinity Series is delayed due to rain in Grant Park in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiFans wait out a rain delay near the Art Institute on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiA couple of NASCAR fans take their seats in a grandstand along Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before planned street race events in Grant Park.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiFirefighter Corey Mehlebacher looks over race cars as they wait for the NASCAR Xfinity Series in the rain on July 2, 2023.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiNASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before scheduled street race events in Grant Park.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiNASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ryan Sieg's car sits in the rain on July 2, 2023, after the gates open for planned street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiNASCAR fans shelter along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before planned NASCAR street race events.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiNASCAR fans arrive in rain ponchos after gates opened on July 2, 2023, for planned street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiHeavy rains fall along Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before the gates open for NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiAn umbrella collapses along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, ahead of scheduled NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiA family shelters along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiPeople walk along Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiNASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiPeople find shelter from the rain in a CTA "L" staircase on Wabash Avenue in the Loop on July 2, 2023, near NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiNASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before gates open for street race events in Grant Park.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiThe NASCAR racecourse is seen from Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before the gates open for NASCAR street race events.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiPeople wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive because of a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiThe DGM Racing crew pushes Josh Williams back toward the racecourse after working on his car during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDriver Brennan Poole, right, races down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Peter Tsai/baiduhaiBubba Wallace drives along Columbus Drive during qualifying for the inaugural Chicago NASCAR street race on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDriver Kyle Busch, of Richard Childress Racing, signs a shirt for Collins Overturf, right, along Columbus Drive in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiPiper Traer, 10, and her brother Oliver Traer, 7, watch the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Peter Tsai/baiduhaiCars navigate turn 12 in racing traffic onto Columbus Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiPeople wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive because of a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiRoman Banks sings the national anthem before the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Peter Tsai/baiduhaiThe No. 14 car of Chase Briscoe is worked on in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023. Removed is the muffler used to reduce noise in the city.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiWeston Lovejoy, a DGM Racing tire changer for driver Josh Williams, waits out a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDriver John Hunter Nemechek races down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiThe AM Racing pit crew members wait out a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDrivers Joey Gace, left, and Joe Graf Jr. race down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiCars, including with the car of driver Blaine Perkins, left, turn onto Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Chicago's Grant Park on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiPeople wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive because of a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiDriver Kevin Harvick's car moves west on East Balbo Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiFans cheer during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiDriver Parker Chase enters his car for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiFans watch the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiDean Sanderson, from left, his father, Richard Sanderson, and son, Steven Sanderson, watch cars race on July 1, 2023, to qualify for the Nascar Cup Series.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiTwo people on South Michigan Avenue climb a pole to view the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiCars lined up before the NASCAR Cup Series Race qualifier on July 1, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiFans watch cars race to qualify for the Nascar Cup Series on July 1, 2023 in Chicago.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiAttendees stand on a trailer roof to watch the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiA car driven by Alex Bowman moves north on East Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series Race qualifying on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiA promotion crew poses for pictures during the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiPeople enter the Butler Field grounds to attend the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiBrooklyn Perez walks through Grant Park with her mother during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiA race official surveys damage to a wall during the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiA person wearing hearing protection watches the race during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiCars race down the track during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiBrian Ross and his daughter Kaylee Ross eat lunch on the East Ida B. Wells Drive Bridge during the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiA stage and ferris wheel in Grant Park during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiAttendees wait in line to ascend a pedestrian bridge above East Jackson Drive during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race events on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiPeople walk through Grant Park during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiJessica Holecek waves checkered flags at Buckingham fountain during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race activities on July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiRace cars maneuver north on East Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race practice on July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiFans enter the grounds at Monroe Street to attend NASCAR Chicago Street Race events on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiCrews check their cars before the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race practice on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiRace cars move north on East Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiA police sergeant uses ear protection during her patrol of Butler Field during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race events, July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiFans start to fill a grandstand on South Michigan Avenue to watch the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race practice, July 1, 2023.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiDavid Bowles and McKenna Bowles get set for the Chicago Street Race with their daughter Geannine from outside the racecourse, July 1, 2023.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiA person spray paints a car at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, July 1, 2023.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiPedestrians watch the NASCAR Chicago Street Race from outside racecourse, July 1, 2023.
Shanna Madison/baiduhaiA race fan poses inside a race car cutout during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race activities on July 1, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiLogos are painted on the ground at the start/finish line in the 500 block of South Columbus Drive for NASCAR Chicago Street Race events on June 30, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiCrew members finish working under the hood of a NASCAR Cup Series car in the garage area on June 30, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiA pit crew member jogs past fuel cans for a NASCAR Cup Series car in the garage area for Sunday's race on June 30, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiA crew pushes a Ryan Preece NASCAR Cup Series car through the garage area for Sunday's race Friday, June 30, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiCrew members work inside wheel wells for a Kyle Larson NASCAR Cup Series car in the garage area, June 30, 2023.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiDriver Chandler Smith's car is pushed for inspection at Lake Shore Drive as preparations ahead of NASCAR street races in Chicago, June 30, 2023.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiA man works on a catch fence along Michigan Avenue ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, June 30, 2023.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiRace car tires are prepared as preparations continue ahead of NASCAR street races in Grant Park, June 30, 2023.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiBlaine Perkin's race car is pushed for inspection, June 30, 2023, ahead of NASCAR street races in Chicago's Grant Park.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiCars are unloaded ahead of NASCAR races in Grant Park on June 30, 2023.
Chris Sweda/baiduhaiPeople check out a Michael Jordan-themed race car to be driven by Bubba Wallace that is parked outside DraftKings Sportsbook and Wrigley Field before a game between the Chicago Cubsa and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 29, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiConstruction continues on the racecourse on East Congress Plaza Drive on June 27, 2023, ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiA concrete barrier is moved at the corner of East Jackson Drive and South Columbus Drive near Turn 12 on June 27, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiThe hazy Chicago skyline backdrops the racecourse along South Columbus Drive on June 27, 2023, ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Terrence Antonio James/baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace meets fans and poses for photos at Bubba's Block Party at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago on June 28, 2023. The event was promoting the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Terrence Antonio James/baiduhaiCardboard racing helmets were given to children at Bubba's Block Party, hosted by 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace, at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, June 28, 2023.
Terrence Antonio James/baiduhaiOliver Ballentine, a Formula 1 racing fan, shows his daughters, Zuri, age 3, and Maxxwell, age 6, a race car at Bubba's Block Party at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, June 28, 2023.
Terrence Antonio James/baiduhaiDriver Bubba Wallace talks to fans from a stage at Bubba's Block Party event ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiConstruction continues on the Paddock Club on South Columbus Drive on June 26, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiA gear tent located near Buckingham Fountain on June 26, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiConstruction continues on South Columbus Drive, June 26, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiA decorated Ford Mustang NASCAR-sponsored car drives in the 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade on June 25, 2023.
Antonio Perez/baiduhaiChicago Street Race seating rises near Grant Park foliage on June 16, 2023.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiWorkers build a platform in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race at the corner of Columbus and Ida B. Wells drives on June 13, 2023.
John J. Kim/baiduhaiFormer NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. exits an SUV on May 31, 2023, in Chicago after viewing the course layout for the July 2 Grant Park 220 race. The nationally televised Cup Series race on July 2 will feature a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course.
Eileen T. Meslar / baiduhaiA worker resurfaces Columbus Drive in Grant Park in advance of the summer NASCAR race on May 3, 2023.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace climbs into a race car after driving through Grant Park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will host a street race next year.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace stands on a race car on July 19, 2022, after driving through Grant Park. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has announced the city will host a street race in 2023.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace takes his race car on a spin through downtown Chicago on July 19, 2022.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiMayor Lori Lightfoot greets Bubba Wallace at Cityfront Plaza in Chicago during a press event to announce NASCAR's street-course race in 2023. Wallace's racing team is funded by all-time Bulls great Michael Jordan.
Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhaiFans cheer along Columbus Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace takes his race car on a tour of downtown Chicago on July 19, 2022. Next year's race in Chicago will feature a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course, with drivers weaving through Grant Park on closed-off streets lined with temporary fences.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace drives through Chicago's Grant Park on July 19, 2022.
Eileen T. Meslar / baiduhaiA worker resurfaces Columbus Drive in Grant Park on May 3, 2023, in advance of the summer NASCAR race.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace near Buckingham Fountain in Chicago on July 19, 2022.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace poses on July 19, 2022, at Soldier Field during his promotion of a planned street race for Chicago in 2023.
NASCARNASCAR plans to host a street race in downtown Chicago next summer over Fourth of July weekend. The 2.2-mile course would include parts of South Lake Shore Drive and South Columbus Drive around Grant Park.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace drives through Grant Park after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will host a NASCAR street race in 2013.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace drives through Grant Park on July 19, 2022.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiPeople watch NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace take his race car on a tour of downtown Chicago.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace prepares for a tour of downtown Chicago on July 19, 2022.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiNASCAR driver Bubba Wallace drives through Grant Park on July 19, 2022, in Chicago. The city announced it will transform the Grant Park environs into the first-ever NASCAR street race for a weekend next summer.
Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen will run the Cup Series race on the streets of Chicago in July, becoming the latest acclaimed international driver to venture to NASCAR’s top series for Trackhouse Racing.
Van Gisbergen takes over in the No. 91 Chevrolet from former Formula One world champion Kimi Räikkönen, who was 37th a year ago at Watkins Glen and finished 27th at Circuit of the Americas in March.
“I can honestly say I have dreamed about an opportunity in NASCAR, but really never thought it would become a reality,” van Gisbergen said. “I can’t wait to get to the States to meet everyone and prepare for Chicago. It’s NASCAR’s first time on the streets of Chicago so in some ways everyone will be a rookie like me, but I don’t underestimate that it’s going to be a huge challenge.”
Another Formula One world champ, Jenson Button, is planning to run the Chicago race as part of a three-race deal with Rick Ware Racing. He also ran at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas and will race on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Trackhouse Racing, which fields the No. 1 car for Ross Chastain and No. 99 for Daniel Suárez in the Cup Series, began PROJECT91 with the idea of expanding the team’s global reach. Räikkönen created a buzz for NASCAR in his native Finland and elsewhere in Europe, while van Gisbergen, a New Zealander, hopes to do the same Down Under.
Van Gisbergen won his first Supercars championship in 2016 and added two more the past two years.
“I’ll concede the American racing fan might not be as familiar with Shane,” Trackhouse founder Justin Marks said, “but if you talk with anyone in Australia, New Zealand and that part of the world, they will tell you he is one of the most talented drivers on the planet. He’s used to street racing in heavy cars and I think everyone will be very impressed with his performance.”
Van Gisbergen will have Darian Grubb for a crew chief. He helped Tony Stewart win the Cup Series championship in 2011.
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The 33-year-old van Gisbergen, who finished second in the GTD class in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2015, plans to arrive in the U.S. in June and accompany the team to the Cup Series race June 24 at Nashville. He then will spend the week in the team shop before heading to Chicago.
“There is so much I have to learn about these cars and how the races run,” van Gisbergen said. “The learning curve will be quite steep, but I am ready for everything they will throw at me. I know a lot of Kiwis and Aussies will be watching and I’m honored to get this opportunity.”