Chicago Conditions NASCAR Street Race Extension on Moving Off July 4 Weekend

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration said it is willing to extend the NASCAR Chicago Street Race for up to two additional years, but only if the event can be moved away from the July 4 weekend. Senior adviser Jason Lee told the Chicago Sun-Times that the holiday creates competing demands on police, emergency services and public space around Grant Park, where the 2.2-mile course is laid out. NASCAR has 90 days to request a contract renewal from the Chicago Park District now that its original three-year agreement has expired. Julie Giese, president of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, confirmed that discussions on alternative dates are under way and that the series remains interested in staying. Several downtown alderpersons want the race’s footprint further reduced, setup and takedown time shortened beyond the 42% cut already achieved, and a richer financial package. Johnson extracted an extra $2 million payment for the 2024 edition after critics said the city’s initial deal under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was too weak. NASCAR puts the race’s economic impact at more than $230 million, a figure that will be scrutinised in upcoming negotiations.