The Chicago Journal

NASCAR Unveils 2024 Chicago Street Race Ticket Sales

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush as NASCAR announces the highly anticipated ticket sales for the annual Chicago Street Race in July 2024. In a spectacular two-day event set against the backdrop of downtown Chicago, racing enthusiasts are in for a treat with top-tier racing, star-studded concerts, and breathtaking views of the city skyline and lakefront.

Key Details:

1. Event Overview:

Buckle up for the 2024 Chicago Street Race, a thrilling spectacle unfolding on a 2.2-mile course in downtown Chicago on July 6 and July 7. The NASCAR Cup Series is returning to the city streets for the second time, promising an unparalleled experience for fans.

2. NASCAR Ticket Information:

Mark your calendars as tickets for this heart-pounding event go on sale starting Wednesday, Dec. 6. Prices start at a competitive $150 for single-day tickets. Families can rejoice, as children 12 and under enjoy free general admission for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race, also known as the Loop 110. Youth prices for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Race, the Grand Park 165, begin at an affordable $45.

3. Diverse Ticket Options:

Dive into a world of possibilities with various ticket options. Opt for the two-day general admission tickets, starting at $269, or elevate your experience with upgrade opportunities for reserved seating and premium experiences. Indulge in the pinnacle of racing luxury with two-day reserved tickets, offering exclusive suite seating options, private lounge access, and more, beginning at $398.

4. Race Schedule:

The action-packed weekend kicks off with the Xfinity Series race at 1:30 p.m. on July 6, followed by the highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series race at 3:30 p.m. Central on July 7. Race enthusiasts can expect the same thrilling course as the unforgettable 2023 edition.

5. Economic Impact:

The 2023 Chicago Street Race proved to be more than just a sporting event, generating over $8.3 million in state and local tax revenues. Notably, 52% of attendees traveled from out-of-state, underscoring the race’s regional and national appeal.

6. Broadcasting Success:

NBC witnessed unprecedented success in 2023, with the Chicago Street Race becoming its most-watched NASCAR event since 2017. The event also etched its name in history as the most-streamed race in NBC’s archives.

7. Weather Challenges:

Despite facing adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, the 2023 race was a spectacle to remember. The event concluded with Shane Van Gisbergen’s victorious NASCAR debut on the streets of Chicago.

8. Community Impact and Improvements:

Post-event, Mayor Brandon Johnson engaged in discussions with NASCAR to address concerns raised by residents, alderpeople, and stakeholders. Changes for the 2024 edition include shortened setup and teardown windows, reduced travel disruption for residents, and a comprehensive reevaluation of the financial burden on the city.

9. Contract Controversy and Positive Commitments:

The three-year contract, previously criticized for its secretive dealings, includes terms where NASCAR pays the city $2 per ticket sold, along with a percentage of net commissions on food and beverage sales. Mayor Johnson highlighted NASCAR’s commitment to expanding investments in Chicago communities and providing opportunities for small-, minority-, and women-owned businesses.

Takeaway:

Anticipation is reaching fever pitch for the 2024 Chicago Street Race, where NASCAR’s dedication to addressing past concerns and enhancing the overall experience promises an event that not only thrills racing fans but also contributes positively to the city’s economy and community.

NASCAR takes action, bans ‘hail melon’ in other races

NASCAR: While there are various methods to win in sports competition, some of them are risky or even immoral.

Typically, regulations are developed as a sport evolves.

After witnessing a professional driver try a stunt recently, NASCAR decided to add a new regulation to the rules.

The news

Professional racer Ross Chastain performed a reckless move in Martinsville last year, prompting authorities to take the necessary sanctions.

His use of the wall to qualify for the championship race has been outlawed, according to NASCAR, which announced this on Tuesday.

Chastain put his foot firmly on the gas pedal and drove to the wall to allow enough vehicles to pass on the last lap of the race.

He was granted admittance for the season finale, and as a result, he joined the other three drivers in the championship race.

The most recent NASCAR rule reads:

“Any violation deemed to compromise the safety of an event or otherwise pose a dangerous risk to the safety of competitors, officials, spectators, or others are treated with the highest degree of seriousness.”

“Safety violations will be handed on a case-by-case basis.”

What happened

During the 2022 preliminary round, Chastain made a smart move.

He was aware that Denny Hamlin held the last playoff slot and had more points than he did.

Conventional passes were challenging due to the gap with the other cars.

Chastain shifted up as a result, kept the gas pedal depressed, and drove his vehicle into a wall.

His lap was nearly two seconds quicker than the winner, Christopher Bell, as a result of the good move.

Ross Chastain moved up from tenth to fifth as a result, passing Hemlin on the final lap to gain valuable ranking.

Chastain recalled performing the same maneuver on a NASCAR video game when he was younger after the race.

He carefully tested it to see if it would succeed.

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Reception

The other racers enjoyed using the game’s “Hail Melon” maneuver.

Opponent Joey Logano remarked that everyone indulged in it when they were younger.

“We all did it in the video game. That’s how you made speed in the video game, that’s what you did,” he said.

“Something we all thought about at one point – at least, I thought about it a lot – but never really had the need to do it. Also kind of thought how many races I could have won here by doing that.”

“As spectacular as it was, as much as it worked, the problem is now the box is open right? That’s not good,” Logano continued.

“It was awesome, it was cool. It happened for the first time. There’s no rule against it. There needs to be a rule against this one because I don’t know if you want the whole field riding the wall coming to the checkered flag.”

Kyle Larson, meanwhile, described the situation as embarrassing and added, “It’s just a bad look.”

“I’m embarrassed that I did it at Darlington. Maybe if I didn’t do it last year, people wouldn’t think to do that, so I’m embarrassed myself and glad that I didn’t win that way.”

Aftermath

Because Ross Chastain’s strategy was so effective, NASCAR changed the rule as a result.

When Chastain mounted the wall in Martinsville, he established the record for the quickest Cup Series lap.

It caused NASCAR to consider how they might stop other drivers from using the tactic frequently.

The organization came to the conclusion that it ought to be banned given how successfully it was executed.

If other drivers make the same move, they will be given a time penalty.

It wasn’t a brand-new regulation, according to Elton Sawyer, vice president of competition for NASCAR.

“I think we all remember the last-lap move at Martinsville in the fall,” he said.

“Brought a great deal of excitement, a great deal of exposure to our sport. But it also came with some scrutiny.”