Last summer, the inaugural NASCAR Chicago Street Race, The Grant Park 165, took the city by storm with its unique street course set against the backdrop of Grant Park. This thrilling event transforms the park into a racing and entertainment hub, featuring NASCAR Village with live music, museum displays, Chicago’s finest food vendors, and more. As we gear up for the second annual race, the excitement is even bigger and better than in 2023. Here’s everything you need to know about the weekend’s events.
Pre-Race Events
Kick off NASCAR weekend in Chicago on Friday, July 5, with a series of exciting pre-race events:
- NASCAR Celebrity Golf Tournament: Hosted by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett at Harborside International Golf Center in South Deering, this charity tournament benefits Special Olympics Illinois and the NASCAR Foundation. Sponsorships and foursome packages are available, starting at $3,000. Visit the event’s website for more details.
- NASCAR Day at the Chicago Cubs: Enjoy a day at Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs take on the Los Angeles Angels at 1:20 p.m. Each ticket comes with a limited edition collectible Cubs checkered racing flag.
- Bubba’s Block Party: Head over to Douglass Park in North Lawndale from 5-9 p.m. for Bubba Wallace’s nationwide block party initiative. This free, ticketed event features DJs, live music, and a headlining performance by Chicago’s own 90s rapper, Twista.
Saturday Entry and Racing
On Saturday, July 6, NASCAR Village at Butler Field opens its gates at 8:45 a.m. This year, NASCAR introduces youth ticket pricing: fans 12 and under can receive free tickets for Saturday and $45 for Sunday when purchased with an adult ticket.
The day’s racing schedule includes:
- Practice and Qualifying Sessions: Starting at 9:00 a.m. and continuing with the NASCAR Cup Series at 11:30 a.m.
- The Loop 110 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race: Driver introductions begin at 2:00 p.m., with the 50-lap race kicking off at 2:30 p.m.
- Driver Reveal: At 7:00 p.m. on the DraftKings Stage, meet the drivers participating in the weekend’s races.
Saturday Music
Saturday’s musical lineup on the DraftKings Stage features:
- House Music 40 Showcase: From 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., enjoy performances by 13 house artists celebrating Chicago’s rich house music history.
- Performance from “SIX”: A 15-minute performance from the Tony Award-winning musical at 11 a.m.
- Buddy Guy: Chicago Blues legend Buddy Guy performs from 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- The Black Keys: The alternative rock duo takes the stage from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- The Chainsmokers: The electronic duo headlines from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday Entry and Racing
On Sunday, July 7, gates open at 9:00 a.m. for the main event: The Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series. The race starts at 3:30 p.m., with driver introductions at 3:10 p.m. The day concludes with the Mobil 1 Victory Lane Celebration at approximately 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Music
Sunday’s musical acts on the DraftKings Stage include:
- Lauren Alaina: The country singer-songwriter performs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Keith Urban: The Grammy-winning country artist takes the stage from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Other Events
Don’t miss the Monster FMX Shows on both Saturday and Sunday, featuring thrilling stunt performances at various times throughout the day.
The 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race promises an unforgettable weekend filled with high-speed action, live music, and endless entertainment. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the excitement at Grant Park! For more information, visit the official website.
