NASCAR is Back in Chicago

That's right. NASCAR is running on the streets of Chicago.

The three year partnership between NASCAR and Chicago begins July 1st/2nd of 2023.

A 12 turn 2.2 mile circuit that cuts through the heart of the city, will include several iconic Chicago hotspots:

a start finish line in front of Buckingham Fountain,  cutting by Grant Park and Solider Field, with turns on Michigan Ave, and Lake Shore Drive

Here's what the track will (probably) look like:

And here's what it looks like on iRacing:

WOWOWOWOW NASCAR DID IT AGAIN

In case you missed it, this season's NASCAR schedule started with a brand new exhibition race called the Busch Clash that they ran at the LA Coliseum (yes you read that right). 

Given starting the season in completely unfamiliar next gen cars, and on a completely new track, the event was a massive risk yet a massive success.

70% YES SEVENTY PERCENT of those in attendance were first time race goers while nearly another 5 million fans tuned in from home. Following the success NASCAR has wisely extended their time in LA:

NASCAR is doubling down on that game plan with today's news and I LOVE IT. A fresh innovative track, in a large and exciting market. 

As a relatively new fan myself I appreciate NASCAR's efforts in reaching new audiences and new markets. Getting new fans into the sport is the name of the game and recurring events in big time markets like LA and Chicago seem to be like a winning formula.

Plus it's 4th of July weekend? I know where I'll be celebrating our independence from next year.

But if you're not excited yet take it from one of Chicago's own:

See y'all for the race