The GOOD, The BAD, and the UGLY of the 2023 Chicago Street Race

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NASCAR's Chicago Street Race has been a high profile event since it was announced back in the summer of 2022. Since then a lot has changed but on this past Sunday we finally got to see the first NASCAR Cup Series street race ever in action. Even with a ton of good and some crazy storylines on and off of the track the future may be unsure for the unique event. So today we go over all angles of this historic race. The good, the bad, and the ugly of the 2023 Chicago Street Race...
Video Credits:
ABC 7 Chicago
CBS Chicago
David Robidoux
FOX Sports
Motorsports on NBC
NASCAR
NASCAR on FOX
NASCAR Productions
NascarAllOut
NBC Chicago
NBC Sports
Skewcar
Turner Sports
WGN News
13 WREX
Thumbnail Credits:
Getty Images
NASCAR
NASCAR Images
Sean Gardner
Outro Song:
Strange Animal (Crowder Remix) by Gowan
Songs:
Thunder (NASCAR Theme) by David Robidoux
#motorsports #racing #nascar

[@TheIceberg]

Add this to the VERY GOOD. NASCAR scored a 2.52 rating and 4.632 million viewers. The most watched NBC race since Dale Jr’s last race in 2017.

[@BeastOfMetal1989]

Not gonna lie, a part of me was worried the opposite would happen. Good to see the hype translated to the national audience.

[@naparacingfan9275]

That's a fantastic rating. I didn't think it get that much of a bump. That's about 1.5 million more viewers than Nashville the previous week.

[@S.K.R.E.Inc.]

Dale Jr carrying the booth

[@rcdyer]

Ratings sure the hell didn't make it a good race weekend, though..

[@eoincassin4265]

My guy you left out THE most important part!!! This EQUALLED the Indy 500!! When was the last time a non Daytona 500 race do that? Incredible from NASCAR

[@johnvandeventer8668]

Personally, this race was a lot better than I thought. I’m still considering this one of the greatest victories in NASCAR history

[@timechanger9162]

Depends on what you mean by it. There was a lot of luck in his victory and skill. If they didn’t shorten the race the guys who pitted wouldn’t have been as aggressive causin bell truex reddick to spin and make mistakes. Plus multiple fast guys got screwed in that pile up. He also had the best tires of the top 3-4 which is why he was flying past them. It was a great victory but I wouldn’t say one of the greatest. The greatest victory has to be truex at charlotte leading all but 4-6 laps. And this was isn’t even close. Eliot at the roval I’m 2019 screwing up half way and then driving past every single car under green. Yes there were cautions but he was on the same strat and tires as everyone else. Jeff Gordon going from 3 laps down to the win at martinsville. Dale Earnhardt from the back or middle pack to the win in 3 laps(forgot Daytona or talladega). I think you understand what hat I mean

[@fordaith]

@@timechanger9162 Dont forget Bill Elliott coming back from two laps down under green to win the 1985 Winston 500.

[@timechanger9162]

@@fordaith holy crap I completely forgot about that thank you. He definitely was the best before restrictor plates were put in

[@tmthylthm]

@@timechanger9162 Elliott got saved by a caution in that 2019 race. Others hit the same wall with no caution but as soon as Elliott hits it by himself, he gets a caution to catch up. Without it, he doesn't win that race.

[@timechanger9162]

@@tmthylthm lol what?🤣 anytime someone goes straight there’s a caution. They were calling it just for spins from start to finish. But Elliot going head on into the tires doesn’t require one? Lol I get your a hater but get help

[@JackLikesTrackhouse]

This was a fantastic race. The wet conditions really shook things up at the start, and honestly it seems like there was a lot of passing yesterday. The durability of the Next Gens also showed off really well. The fact there was a bunch of people in the tire packs yet no DNF’s occurred because of them is a testament to the car’s strength. Overall, I think the track deserves a few more years.

[@RBMapleLeaf]

Well except Austin Dillion but that was because he hit like the end of the tire barrier and then into the concrete wall. About the winner in Shane Van Gisbergen. Also here in the V8 Supercars series particularly as the series comes to my home track in Townsville in North Queensland for the halfway point it usually is of the season. Which is another street circuit. We set the track like that with concrete walls and tire barriers. I know why NASCAR doesn't use these concrete walls. (Mainly on the ovals after the loss of Sale Earnhardt) but yeah here Chicago I thought yeah it's okay to have the concrete walls here since for the most part the cars aren't necessarily going that fast and paddle them with tire barriers. But yeah usually if you hit the wall in the V8 Supercars and it's a concrete one usually. You're pretty much out and your day is for a good possibility is done.

[@MLGProSwag69]

Crazy how this race which served the same market as Chicagoland actually had a respectable in-person audience despite the once in a generation rainfall that nearly postponed the event. It’s almost as if there’s a reason they killed off the track in the middle of nowhere for a reason.

[@TheIceberg]

To a degree I agree but a lot had to do with the exceptional marketing of NASCAR and NBC.

[@pahwraith]

Lived in Chicago my whole life, I had no idea they ran races here before. They had way better marketing for this.

[@derekbernhard9191]

​@@pahwraiththats because what they called the chicagoland speedway was almost an hour from downtown. It was on the southern edge of Joliet.

[@trentonkingsley9422]

I don’t know why they call Chicagoland in the middle of no where. Cause it’s an hour away from Chicago? There’s civilianization all around the track. Don’t make no sense

[@ClassicNortheastAutoRacing]

@@trentonkingsley9422 Naming racetracks after a nearby city or metro area is nothing new. Atlanta Motor Speedway isn't in Atlanta -- it's in Hampton, 20 miles south of Atlanta. Charlotte Motor Speedway isn't in Charlotte -- it's in Concord, 13 miles away from downtown Charlotte. And Martinsville Speedway isn't in Martinsville -- it's in Ridgeway, which is just south of Martinsville. But we doubt "Hampton Motor Speedway" would have the same cache and name recognition as "Atlanta Motor Speedway."

[@JediMasterIsaac24]

Regardless of whatever we think, I think we can agree seeing Shane Van Gisbergen win in his inaugural NASCAR start is completely badass!

[@rcdyer]

It was really the only good thing about the whole damn weekend..

[@josephpenn1115]

@SenseOrShip To give you a bit of insight into how cup drivers compare to actual road racers, IMSA Amateur driver Ben Keating who was 49 at the time and didn't start racing until after he was 35 was faster than Chase Elliott at the Rolex 24 while he was driving lesser equipment.

[@kpegc]

As a lifelong road racing fan, I am so proud that SVG was able to show just how talented drivers in this discipline really are! Congrats to Shane van Gisbergen! He is proof that the age of the ringers is NOT dead! Hopefully this opens the door for other touring/sports car racers like Nick Tandy, Antonio Garcia, Renger van der Zande, Bill Auberlen, Nicky Catsburg, and Richard Westbrook among countless others to get a proper chance in NASCAR as well. Imagine who the successors to the road course ringer class of Ron Fellows, Boris Said, Brian Simo, Scott Pruett, Dorsey Schroeder, etc. could be.

[@Phonixrmf]

@SenseOrShip well the regulars did well here, i think, it's just that SVG is a god on any race cars and raced in street and road courses a lot in Supercars. And it was a wet/damp track, something nascar almost never races on

[@shepleonard8695]

​@kpegc NOPE! Ringers is just stupid. If a team starts a season with a driver(s) they must use only that driver and can't bring in ringers. This is how it should be.

[@run045]

If we continue doing these road courses, I’d love to see lights on the car.

[@craigstephenson7676]

Race cars do need headlights because the track is not always lit

[@angelogarcia2189]

The Le Mans car had lights

[@camdog2520]

@@angelogarcia2189well this ain’t Le Mans is it

[@angelogarcia2189]

​@camdog2520 u didn't see the garage 56 car?

[@camdog2520]

@@angelogarcia2189 garage 56 race in the cup last night?

[@thecheetosnfl]

I have been begging NASCAR for years to come to my hometown, and once it happened, all my relatives came into town and came together at an apartment to watch it together. ❤

[@larrelllewis9407]

I personally had fun watching this race and I hope NASCAR comes back next year and the weather will cooperate

[@S.K.R.E.Inc.]

And NOT make this the 4th of July race

[@robertlynn4435]

@@S.K.R.E.Inc. 2nd Daytona Date race return to 4th of July Weekends become Daytona Road Course Night Race

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

@@robertlynn4435 no not the Daytona Road course as a night race. Pass.

[@racegrubb2152]

​@@robertlynn4435 Daytona doesn't want it back 4th of July. Don't think it will happen

[@3vilClayton]

I'm somewhere between casual and avid nascar fan, and this was the most entertained I've been from a race start to finish in a LONG time. It's great to see them race in rain, and the strategy of going back to slicks. My inner Gran Turismo player loved the city course. A lot of fans barrier to entry with this series is how incredibly long the races are, and shortening them could be good (although a heavily unpopular opinion with long time fans). I feel it was a complete success and would love to see it again. These are all opinions, feel free to disagree. Thanks for the video!

[@kevinmeyer5485]

As a kid growing up in the Chicagoland area... I think total success. It proved to a lot of people that nascar drivers have evolved.

[@saltydalty0240]

It delivered, plain & simple. It’s the best race with this package that this car has put on so far, along with an amazing story book ending. I still think that this race can be drastically improved by next year, with the package, the weather, & already having momentum behind the first one.

[@SavagexRaccoon]

For me as a Chicago resident it was a one in a life time experience seeing a professional street race on the roads I take to work and back and not to mention the atmosphere and people it brought it even with the rain it was such a blast I really hope nascar keeps experimenting with other cities or comes back to Chicago again it was so much fun I’m now a fan for sure 😎

[@mikemoloney7196]

Shane's drive was sheer brilliance. Not a scratch on the car and he didn't need a double door van to fit his head in. I think the humility of the guy speaks volumes. The commentary team didn't even see it coming and hardly mentioned him until the last few laps. A job well done and the most entertaining race I've watched in years. Well done well driven and well a deserved win.

[@TheAdidasKnifer]

Bring that track back and I'm happy for SVG getting the dub yesterday hope we see more opportunities of him in the near future. More road courses next season

[@nameless1873]

Now imagine how much better and faster Shane could be if they were allowed to cater to his dominant side and custom built a car for him with a right hand side steering wheel with stick shift on his left side? he would have been more beast and at the very least another couple of seconds faster. Not to mention he said it himself he ''left a lot on the table'' as he wasn't fully comfortable with the brake pedal set up as well as other aspects of the car he couldn't have as he would have wanted.

[@jamesblunt1915]

​@nameless1873 Did Super Car build a left drive car for the Americans that tried it?

[@chrisbell8271]

@@jamesblunt1915 Did they win and show how quick they were in the wrong side of the car firstup?

[@SiVlog1989]

I have huge respect for NASCAR trying something different different, resurrecting the vision envisaged by the proposal in the 1980's for the LR car (it was proposed for exactly this type of racing: Street courses and road courses, but never raced). From an outsiders perspective, it was cool to watch NASCAR racing on city streets. The weather played a part in how entertaining it was, it'll be interesting to see how a dry race compares, but it's a promising start

[@markhormann]

As an Aussie it was great to see SVG win & the respect paid to him by the other drivers... yes he was in his 'street element' vs Nascar drivers first time, but he was also driving on the opposite side of the car & changing gear with his right hand (compared to RHD Australian cars)!

[@Me-zt8gy]

I preferred this to Chicagoland. It was awesome to see a first time driver win the race. That said, the lack of passing in the first half kind of bored me.

[@kpegc]

Sometimes that'll happen with a new track and drivers trying to get a feel for how the tires will wear. Then there was the fact that the track was still damp, so the drivers were also trying to see just where the most grip actually was.

[@grfnprjx]

I live close to Grant Park.. and it was awesome to see it being setup and how well they executed it for the first street race they had. My friend group and i haven’t thought much of nascar before, but now I would say must of us are looking forward to next year and looking into what nascar is all about. I was also appreciative about how nascar tried to ingrain itself into the fabric of the sports scene here. I thought they put on a great show, and happy it happened, and look forward to it in the future!

[@rmg_2771]

I thought NASCAR’s first street race was a success, despite all the weather challenges. I think it should be held at Chicago at least one more year, maybe they’ll get great weather and everything that was scheduled, concerts and racing, will gone on without delays or cancellations and be an improvement from this year. Then they can try a new city because I think the demand from other cities will be there. But just one street race per year, don’t ruin a special thing

[@johnsonbat77]

I’ve never been to America but Chicago made an amazing looking back drop. I’m keen to see races in different cities.

[@Elminator666]

I was at the track and it was very good. I think a part of the ugly was the miss communication between Nascar and the city of Chicago when the race was on a lightning hold. Nascar rules says 30 minutes, but the City of Chicago's policy is to evacuate and close the park. There weren't too many places to shelter. Chicago police said to evacuate and the race was cancelled, but Nascar didn't say anything like that on any social media, so we were all confused. The rain was something. Havent seen it rain like that since Chicagoland 2019 and some hurricanes when I used to live in Florida.

[@Lazlo.]

Funny how that works huh, two consecutive Cup races in northern Illinois (four years apart) burdened by heavy rain. I was at the Chicagoland '19 race too.

[@sammycampbell1654]

I liked it. I also liked the way they just kinda pushed them out on the wet track and said "go figure it out boys!" And everybody pretty much rose to that challenge. Dennys was figuring out how to slide on the pre reace pace laps. Other drivers were also using the slick track to their advantage when navigating some turns... it looked fun.... it looked like they were having fun, which made it more fun to watch. Wouldn't mind seeing a true road course like this every year on some kind of rotation maybe?

[@castandblast1852]

I am getting fat on humble pie lol. This was a cool event. I think let’s keep just 1-2 street courses. Don’t need to add anymore road courses to the schedule and focus on the biggest flaw with nascar right now: the short track package. I love the next gen car, but for short tracks especially it just needs more horsepower. Open this engine up a little will go a long way. Let’s not chase more new fans and forget about what nascar does best- ovals. Our intermediate tracks are doing awesome with this car. Invest in fixing the short track package before chasing casual fans who will not always be there.

[@fordaith]

Another thing I wanna add....This had the same feel as like when NASCAR went to Suzuka for the first time. "Here is this absolutely shiny new thing we've never done" and it had a very different vibe. I definitely wouldn't put more than two on the schedule, and 1 is probably ideal, but street racing can work for NASCAR, and overall this was a win

[@loganfindlay8223]

Being Australian and obviously supporting SVG, here in the Supercars Series there was talks of turning our Gold Coast 600 into a night race. Due to covid happening shutting down all racing it ultimately ended up not happening. But seeing the street lights on for the last 10ish laps was really stunning and beautiful. Should be something NASCAR consider for the future if they end up getting more street races on the calendar.

[@Maverick33]

A street circuit night race would be difficult to do. If a road course night race was to happen, the Charlotte or Daytona Rovals would be the safest choices

[@bremCZ]

They need much brighter lights than the street lights, the light would drown out the street lights.

[@RyanMcCarvill]

Look at some of the F1 races that run at night, pretty spectacular

[@dangerzone24]

I'm ok admitting I was wrong and that the race was very entertaining. That said, I think this should move to a different city each year, that way it gives more fans a chance to see this kind of racing, and keeps things interesting for viewers and drivers as well.

[@mikewillard34]

As someone from the outskirts of Chicago, I selfishly disagree. I hope they do this for years to come. I went with 4 people, it was all our first live NASCAR event and we had a blast. While I agree they should showcase other cities, I really hope they do this again in Chicago.

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

This is still not the future NASCAR sorry. The future is literally staring at them in face just bring back Chicagoland and Montreal while reviving Rockingham and the Milwaukee mile from literal extinction on the face of the earth.

[@JackCallSports]

Those stupid spotters on Twitter were laughing at NASCAR before this Well who’s laughing now

[@Dia_9]

Nobody was

[@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT]

It was actually Brett Griffin

[@lorddrac_dontaskmetodance]

I'm still laughing. The only redeeming quality of the race was fans sticking around through the bs and SVG winning.

[@JackCallSports]

@@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT and Joel Edmonds

[@JackCallSports]

@@lorddrac_dontaskmetodance what bs exactly dude?

[@sammycampbell1654]

The only thing I didn't care for was the coverage of SVG. For all the talk about how great NBC is about showing battles anywhere on the track, they missed this one. He was running top 5 all day. After stage 2, when the call came the race was going to be shortened, he got cycled back to 18. I was watching his progress because I was interested in him and though he was done. But for the last hour as he charged back there was no mention of him until the final 5 when he passed Elliot for 3rd. Feel like there could have been some attention paid to that charge before "oh look who came out of nowhere and is now in 3rd with 5 to go." The story was amazing. Ringer driver. Top of his racing class. Huge comeback. And just dominates down the stretch and runs away.

[@seen48]

Nice win for NASCAR. The race impressed me, and I was not looking forward to it. I thought there were going to be way more cautions, no passing etc. it was really cool. And yes promoting races like they did for Chicago should happen way more often, especially in big markets with attendance issues at races.

[@tylewis693]

I tune into the cup race every week. If it's an oval, I have it on in the background. If it's a road, I don't miss a lap. Thought it was great.

[@WSTILLIDIE]

The sports car sneaking in isn’t too ugly in my opinion. Yeah it’s a bad look if security sucks but people talking about a car sneaking into the track is meme-able moment and good for spreading the word about Nascar.

[@Snawsages]

I would have to agree, the car getting onto the track whould not be treated as being a huge deal at all and was swiftly taken care of too. If you know Chicago at all has a underground racing scene (evidence of that in the suburbs you see tuners or supercars in driveways or pretty much everyday during commute) and you put a professional racetrack, that is walled off, in Grant park, someone is going to take advantage of that to see what their tuner or Supercar can do, it's pretty much was a wet dream for any street racers in Chicago. That picture was the only one released, but apparently it was reported a group of 20 people got onto the race track that night.

[@skippingrhyme4386]

He was reaching hard the whole video on these bad and ugly segments, "its out of their Control But, They need to fix it"

[@HawaiianShirtz321]

Despite the rain it was fun being at this race. Although they only had one food spot open, Everything else seemed to run without any problems. They definitely had enough bathrooms. There was definitely some good standing spots in the GA area. As for the race it’s self it was awesome to hear these machines go by. As for the accidents and stack ups, the people at the race got a kick out of it. We all had a good laugh a Gragson. But for Xfinity it was tragic they had to cancel it, but there is no shot that the city would let them try and go Monday. And that car who snuck in track definitely had to be an inside job. I hope they come back next year and we have better weather. I can see more people coming out next year after seeing what it was like.

[@patrickkennedy2533]

The racer was better than I expected . I also liked the fact that it was later in the day . I'm really happy it turned out alright .

[@fordaith]

All things considered, this was a fantastic event. The racing was as good as it was going to be with the weather. The production was fantastic. The asthetic of street courses is just awesome. If they could, I would say make some minor tweaks to the layout, but overall, this was solid.

[@spurs4842]

Considering how the mantra of "If you want rain, bring NASCAR to your town" reared it's fangs again, could we petition NASCAR to bring a race to my area of Texarkana, AR / Shreveport, LA? I'm tired of all of these droughts every year 😅😅

[@dragonstooth4223]

I'm from down in New Zealand and love that an Aussie won this race. Great for us down here to see that happening

[@tedioussugar384]

SVG is also a Kiwi, mate. Don’t get me wrong, we Aussies are happy to claim him if you don’t, but he’s from New Zealand as well.

[@andywilliams298]

If you were a real kiwi you would know SVG is a kiwi not an Aussie

[@dragonstooth4223]

@@andywilliams298 I don't follow supercars. I also don't follow rugby ... does that make less? all I know about rugby is it has a ball that is oval shaped. Also cricket is that sport with a bat right? geez people like you make yourself look bad.

[@dragonstooth4223]

@@tedioussugar384 haha even better :) I just saw the article quickly at work and it said aussie wins Chicago. What a race for us downunder folk to win eh. But you aussies can keep daniel riccardo lol

[@TheAnimationStationYT]

What if we did “The Chicago Street Course Night Event” same course at night with tons of street lamps. More lights on the cars and the track is super lit

[@Matt_Wilson01]

As an Aussie fan of v8 Supercars it’s easy to say SVG is a phenom, Haley really impressed me tbh, to be able to even give SVG a run for his money in this style of racing is a feat in itself

[@joshuapboston1999]

I was heading into the race broadcast on the Motor Racing Network thinking that this is going to be a total joke. But my tune absolutely changed as the race went on. Now, I believe that this race has the potential to stay and even bring in some more markets who are interested. I would start with Denver (closest major city to me in Western Nebraska), and have that fill in Auto Club's spot on the schedule until something more permanent can be set up. Perhaps this could be a revival of Furniture Row Racing if the people there want to do it.

[@craigstephenson7676]

Or maybe like Long Beach or San Diego to cover the SoCal market

[@owen_som]

Having a race in Denver in February or March sounds like a winter disaster waiting to happen

[@S.K.R.E.Inc.]

Long Beach on the same weekend as the IndyCar and F1 races? Fans are gonna riot

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

@@S.K.R.E.Inc. yes for sure. It makes no sense why NASCAR fans are asking for Long Beach when the actual Next Gen can't turn very far like the old car used to either.

[@DreamstoRealityAutomotiveTV]

My daughter, 21, who isn’t a racing fan walks into the room and says, where are they, I said downtown Chicago. She said, they are racing there, yep. Wow that’s pretty cool. And me as a race fan, think it wasn’t terrible

[@iamapineapple5724]

With the conditions they had, they did the absolute best they could. If the conditions were right, i think the track has a lot of potential so i’d like to see it make a return

[@Mattgotsdagreenlight]

I was happy for the driver of the 91 getting his first victory on his first start. I went to Field museum when I was a kid. I would have to say let the Chicago street race run its course on its contract if the ugly stays in it or gets worse by the time it's the final race of the contract then you can scrap it and go back to Chicagoland. Also I agree on the fact that you should bring the Daytona race on the 4th of July weekend and have this race either come prior to Daytona or after Daytona

[@josephmatuszak3855]

It'd be nice for this race to be a yearly special. Despite the rain, was pretty epic.

[@kennethbrunette9056]

I believe they should rotate states for a street race every year. That way, it'll almost always get new eyes on the product NASCAR is going for

[@cito1101]

Fans before the race: BOOOOOOOOOO, WORST DECISION EVER NASCAR!!!!! This Is Gonna Suck!!!! Fans after the race: Uh, Can I change my opinion??? IMO, despite the chaotic beginning, the race was still a good one. Plus the fact we witnessed history in SVG getting his first win in his Cup debut, just caps it off!!

[@angelcx1866]

The race had a good ending once they shortened the race and flip the strategy. The race was just awful when the first three cars had like a 10 second lead on the field in TWO LAPS lol. Once the fastest cars got stuck back there and wrecked it made it interesting but at the end the third best car won.

[@RingsideCinema]

I guess the rain would have made this a non-factor but the fact they were starting the race so late and only giving themselves a small window before running out of daylight just shows again that earlier start times are the way to go. You can't run a street race so late that you have to shorten the race just so you can finish it, and NASCAR could have easily done something about it by not scheduling the race to start at 5pm in the first place. Again, I know rain played a role in delaying the race and it would have delayed it if it had an earlier start time, just pointing out how the original start time played a role in the race being shortened to begin with.

[@GoddamnManbat]

They were originally going for a 3pm start, btw.

[@jeffreydanilko6657]

I am a huge fan of road racing, NASCAR, and V8 Supercars. I feel the Chicago street race was the best example of it. I do find most of the road course races over last few years have become an embarrassment to road racing fans. Other series like V8 Supercars, GT racing, F1...... can manage to make it through starts and restarts respecting each other and track limits. The walls really helped keep that in check.

[@settz61]

In 2017 my home town of Newcastle hosted it's first V8 Supercars Street race. Street Racing is not new to V8 Supercars but is was new to Newcastle. It was a project that took many years to happen and it is hosted in the CBD and on streets I could not believe could be raced on. Once it happened I was there for the first ever weekend and as a man in my 50's it made my hair bristle like I was a teenager again. Watching these drivers qualify and race on these streets made me realise they have balls the size of coconuts. SVG is a legend and so are so many other circuit racers. I would say 'bring it on' you won't regret it. Watch Bathurst weekend and realise it's a road used by the public that would scare you at 60 kph (35 mph)!

[@rdlangston13]

Aside from the weather which you can’t control, the race was amazing. It was very very good on the track product once they got on the track. In the future if they have a late start on a track without lights maybe they should stipulate an end time. Like the race will be 100 laps or end at 8 pm, whatever comes first. Make this announcement ahead of time so the teams know what they’re up against.

[@tylerhernandez5234]

4:00 as a Midwestern, i can confirm that anytime a major event comes to town, no matter how long weve gone with or without rain, it will down pour and ruin your plans. Indiana Hoosiers hate the summer time ad it always ruins our Indiana Sprint weeks, local fairs, and our NASCAR race in August

[@mikewillard34]

I went to the race with 3 other people. It was our first live NASCAR event and as someone who attends a lot of Chicago sporting events, i gotta say this was one of my favorite ever. Even my wife who could care less about NASCAR stayed up to 1 AM re-watching highlights of the race. NASCAR's goal was to bring in a broader audience and i think they succeded. People around chicago are still talking about it today. Great job NASCAR, i went from being a casual viewer to a fan.

[@TheGomezIndustries]

As a Formula One fan, I honestly think that the race is magnificent. Those next gen Nascars handled the street course perfectly. It’s not like the cumbersome old oval machines. There’s been crashes but that’s purely on the drivers and this being a new track and wet conditions. This new Nascar rocks! SVG showed what these new cars can do.

[@gizzmo952]

I was at the race and it was the best fan experience ive ever had, i had regular reserved seats and walked past so many drivers and team members. Even Sunday morning while waiting for a friend under the cover of a subway entrance Logano walked by us heading to the track. The sound was something else and i dont think any track can replicate the echo off of skyscrapers from the cars. Plus the fact i was able to get a hotel, and parking on Michigan ave meant that i was a 10 maybe 15 minute walk to the track which was amazing. I cant wait to go next year if it happens.

[@Joey_Amirault]

I have an idea for shortening races. When the race starts at a track without lights, they start by going off of laps, but if the race won’t be able to be finished, they finish the race on the time, which will expire close to the time of sunset

[@TheIceberg]

What were your thoughts on the Chicago Street Race, and do you think NASCAR comes back next year and so on?

[@JackCallSports]

Just proved everybody wrong

[@AmericanRacer07]

It was good. I hope it comes back next year.

[@spiderbhyd3]

It was pretty good also rip Duane Tabinski

[@TheAdidasKnifer]

Bring it back

[@johnthefalcon2903]

I think they will at least finish the 3 year contract.

[@naparacingfan9275]

This race was really good and NASCAR should return next year. Loved seeing Project 91 and SVG win. I'd still like to see Chicagoland and Road America (for Cup) return to the schedule ASAP.

[@TheCloudCreation]

It's pretty annoying that no one else seems to be calling out NASCAR about the original start time. Even if there was no weather delay, the original start time was so late, that they wouldn't have been able to get the full race in with the amount of cautions we had. The only other person I saw point this out was Denny Hamlin briefly touching on it in his podcast. NASCAR planned a start time that BARELY fit in the sunlight window under optimal conditions and didn't have the foresight to set up lights. That's a huge blunder and they got lucky that they were able to blame the shortened race on the weather.

[@TheCloudCreation]

@@johnhaas2523 The race was scheduled to go green at 4:05pm Chicago time, Chicago has sunset at 8:29pm. They had at most 4 hours and 24 minutes of usable time before it would get too dark. The average NASCAR race lasts over 3 hours. Accounting for wrecks, protential red flags and other stuff, NASCAR was cutting it really close on time even under optimal conditions.

[@bonzomcdrumcat4989]

I think the only issue is that Van Gisbergen winning will get a ton more people to think that NASCAR is easy, because they choose to ignore the fact that SVG races similar cars at road courses every weekend, and this was NASCAR's first street race and it's 3rd time in the rain

[@HappyFeet1514]

He ran a street race like 2-3 months ago meanwhile most of these guys had never ran on a street circuit

[@skippingrhyme4386]

Thank you. I've been saying this and getting lambasted by SVGs new cult. they act like a Dirt racer came and whopped them on an oval THIS IS HIS ELEMENT and the cars that he drive are as close as you can get to a NASCAR besides xfinity

[@seannolan9857]

Racermetrics ranked SVG as the second best driver in the world last year behind only Verstappen. Combine that with a fast car and a style of racing he's more accustomed to, and you get this result.

[@troyandrade435]

Chase Elliott said a very similar thing. I did enjoy seeing Shane win, that was badass, but he was so much faster that it almost wasn't fair. The last few laps he was running somewhere around 1.2 seconds a lap faster than anyone else, even our best road course drivers. That's insanely fast. I am curious to see how he'd do on a road course, or even an oval.

[@peterhardy4517]

@@troyandrade435 watch a few telecasted Supercars races and you will get your answer.

[@joeymack8384]

I thought the racing was super boring. I know that the rain turned what was already a one lane track into an even tighter line but outside of SVG in the last few laps there was no action. I would much rather watch them race at Chicagoland next year than see them return to the Chicago Street course or any street course.

[@mrj3217]

This race for me was saved by SVG who out on a clinic with his driving.

[@rayraynod]

For someone like myself who was born and raised in Chicago I was very pleased with how the whole weekend went for both NASCAR and the city of Chicago.

[@kaindog1007]

As an Aussie that is a huge Supercars fan and SVG fan it didn’t surprise me that he was going to do well. He is ranked 4th in the world on the DriverDb top 100 rankings. All his driving is turning left and right not just left so he had a huge advantage. 80 Supercars wins including 3 with a broken a collarbone with pins in it and broken ribs. Plus all his racing in world events and classes. Watching him picking off other drivers coming through the field was classic Shane with his signature passes. Not only naturally talented but supremely dedicated.

[@crazyhorse2995]

Damn straight. Well said,from a Kiwi reading your post.🤘

[@MrRhino10]

Us Aussies and Kiwis knew he would win. I even put money on it. He did more for Nascar and Supercars winning this than both of then have done for themselves in a long time.

[@kaindog1007]

@@MrRhino10 exactly. Plenty of NASCAR fans will be curious about Supercars now with the exposure from this and vice versa. Great for both sports.

[@crazyhorse2995]

@@kaindog1007 yep. Betcha there would b some reverse schooling done if Shane was surrounded on the back straight of Talladega at 180mph. I would still b quietly confident,tho.😉🙃

[@zabaleta66]

Awesome race!!

[@Lego_Huracan_SuperTrofeo]

Noah Gragson trying his hardest to miss the barrier: Challenge Impossible

[@BaronOBeefDip]

There wasn't any design flaw in the track. Indycar has them on street circuits too. It's comes with those kinds of circuits. NASCAR drivers just aren't accustomed to racing on street circuits. One or two more races and all of these "problems" will sort themselves out. Everyone needs to calm down.

[@AllanSmith859]

I dont see how Nascar thought trading Road America for this was a good idea. I was glad to see Gisbergen win like that but the last 10 laps of that race will over shadow how bad this race was and noone will look at it like that.

[@bak4320]

Nbc/nascar/Chicago (everyone/anyone) deserve an Emmy nomination for the production

[@tobiojo6469]

The race was better than I thought it would be, I really enjoyed it and I hope NASCAR will continue racing on street circuits in the future.

[@nicestoriesnottherealstori3006]

Turn 6 needs to be reconfigured if they do it next year.

[@gr8scott198]

Great job, I tell ya! TY... I am in the middle somewhere... I loved the race for the lead between SVB & Haley.

[@walkerking3875]

thanks for showing a picture of the sports car that broke into the track Saturday night. Hilarious!

[@JakeFromFarm243jdbalXD0-2gNhsC]

I think what saved the cup race was the fact they didn't wave the caution when the stage ended, they kept the whole race green flag, until when a car either crashed jnto the barrier, or when the pileup happend

[@Leahi84]

I thought it was a pretty great race despite all the rain and controversy. I'd love to either see them rotate cities, or if they add another one, come near me and have a race in Denver!

[@revelare_xvii6269]

I think this is proof that Nascar should invest in more street courses going forward. It’s something unique, but there’s still a lot to improve upon. Like imagine street courses in NYC, Miami, or even Vegas.

[@johncodysealey830]

They need to do Chicago Street again, but afterwards go to a Chicagoland w a heavy marketing blitz to see how many of these fans are now willing to travel.

[@tylerkochman1007]

I think one of the problems with why the track flooding got so bad might have been the temporary walls cutting off the water from accessing some of the street drains. Not sure how you resolve that economically

[@Milton_Valenzuela]

I thought the race was great. I'm someone who's used to watching sportscars and open-wheel cars race on street tracks. Our expectations of what makes a good race is a just bit different. Hopefully NASCAR and Chicago get through all these growing pains quickly When NASCAR goes hybrid, I hope they don't infect their calendar with street tracks with the lack of noise those next gen engines will produce Also credit to Trackhouse Racing. They generated a major storyline with Shane Van Gisbergen winning on his NASCAR debut. Huge win for them, Project91, and NASCAR for blending their motorsport culture with Australian V8 SuperCars

[@InspectorQualityAdmin]

I have to agree, i didn't think it was that good in the beginning due to so little passing, as well as the cautions for the same drivers running into the wall. They need better lighting and possible some chicanes, could help with the passing

[@stormkelleh]

Garage 56 proved the concept we should be able to get head lights and tail lights on these cars. Led strips.

[@jmillz2144]

I do say I did enjoy the race alot hands down watching this and being something I had question about and wanting to see just made me happy and just awesome to see it done . I know rain was going to be something unavoidable and stuff but yeah I have enjoy this race all the way. I also know alot of negatives were going to be in this way ahead of time as well knowing the race at Chicago.....and as much I block it all out of my life...I think it is alright to listen about it and to see what changes it can come out of it. All and all still awesome racing.

[@benson_weaver]

You forgot to mention all of the concerts getting cancelled. That was a really bad thing for the non nascar fans there

[@SuperNASCARrocks]

I enjoyed it. It was something new and interesting.

[@DSHalfDemon]

Overall looking at the on track product I was very pleased and was actually really excited to see someone like SVG won. I loved what I saw and the product and I think nascar loved it too. I wouldn't mind seeing a few street races in different cities pop up. The ending had so much to showcase too. A powerhouse in chase Elliot showing why he's a road course expert, Justin Haley putting up a strong effort that we don't normally see from him, And SVG showing you don't have to be a good ol boy to hang with the good ol boys. Honestly loved the race.

[@pornhubhatesme]

great race

[@xNobodyOfConsequenceX]

I wasn't able to watch it live due to work but I caught the highlights. It seemed like a good race from what I saw.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Cars getting stuck under the tire barriers was a problem too. Hopefully they can be redesigned so that doesn't happen in the future

[@SevenFortyOne]

@@johnhaas2523 so you're saying you are a professional race car driver? Why not post a vid and show us how it's done 👍

[@mazdaroadster-mx5]

as an Australian who watched NASCAR for the first time that race, i was shocked how bad the broadcast is compared to Supercars. idk how you Americans put up with it

[@drskull9]

It was better than expected.. but if they're going to street race.. I'd rather see it in Vegas

[@JohnBaroshi]

I loved the rain!! We need to have more races in it. It shook up the field immensely.

[@NeverwascooL]

It's crazy how actually promoting your product seems to sell your product to everyone

[@Dragon-Zero365]

I watched this race with zero expectations and was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it. That said, I would love to see them alternate between Chicagoland and the street course, that way you kinda get the best of both worlds. Another idea, move the road course to different cities, like a rotation of 3, 4 or 5 cities. Example, instead of homestead, race the streets of Miami (racing is good there, I'm just using it as an example)

[@josephharrison5639]

If we continue street courses it should be at most two a year, don’t go overboard. And it needs to be a rotating schedule, they say take the race to the fans so let’s go to new markets. Seattle Denver Montreal all could host races and every two years we could switch which two we go to, one year it’s seattle and chicago, the next Montreal and seattle, Montreal Denver, Denver and chicago. I feel that rotation or something similar would work great and draw more fans in

[@Maverick33]

You're right about the politics. The politicians there will do and use everything imaginable to weasel out of the contract. Cause they clearly don't want this.

[@emons10]

I said I’d be happy to be wrong about the sentiments around this race and I’m so thrilled I am. I had a lot of friends trying to check out, more friends than usual asking about it. Simple truth is this level of engagement doesn’t happen at Chicagoland, Road America, etc. The truth is that series is suffering in the younger and non southern demographics. They hit on both and people showed genuine interest once it was here. They’ll need to make operational improvements should it return but NASCAR took a big swing and ultimately succeeded

[@thelittleowl1]

it won me over. it was absolutely amazing

[@davidhearrell5598]

Best part of the race was when JR'S mic was broken. One less screamer. Now, if we can get the same breakage for Burton an LeTarte. The whole race was a slot car race scene of years ago, but I enjoyed it. Bring it back.

[@jacksonyon5276]

I didn’t watch it cuz I’ve been on vacation but I’m glad it did as well as it did and the highlights made it look really good too

[@Matt_Wilson01]

Really need a proper in car camera view, we have had that since the 80s here in Australia, announcers even talk to the drivers as they are racing, camera turns on a swivel so can be on the driver or looking out the windscreen.

[@mpf1947]

NASCAR's rain problem comes from a stubborn refusal to observe yearly weather patterns when setting the schedule. Weather almanacs exist for a reason; use one.

[@Kenadams240]

This was a great race!