The weekend will be filled with not only two races and their respective sessions on Saturday and Sunday, but countless fun activities such as concerts await fans. This has prompted NASCAR, as well as city officials, to reveal their security plans for upcoming events.
With the 220-mile race also coinciding with Fourth of July celebrations, the city’s Emergency Management Agency has contracted 900 private security guards along with many other employees.
With 100,000 people expected to show up for a NASCAR race as well as the fireworks display at Navy Pier over the weekend, Chicago police as well as the fire department and paramedics will stand by for any emergencies.
Four Leaf Productions, an agency with more than 20 years of experience planning major events like Lollapalooza, will be assisting the committee over the weekend as well.
NASCAR visits to the Windy City over the years
The NASCAR Chicago City Street Race wouldn’t be the first time the sport has taken to the Windy City to showcase motorsport action. With a long history of visits to Chicago dating back to 1954, there is certainly an appetite for stock car racing in the area.
The sport first appeared in Chicago in 1954, with drivers racing around Santa Fe Speedway. Located 20 miles from the city, the venue saw Dick Rathman win the race. After a year’s absence in 1956 and 1957, three races were held at Chicago’s famous Soldier Field.
2000-01 saw another visit to the Windy City as the sport headed to Chicago Motor Speedway in Cicero, hosting two Craftsman Truck Series races. After 2001, NASCAR was a regular at Chicagoland Speedway with the Cup Series continuing to race at the 1.5-mile track until the facility was dropped for the 2020 season.
The Grant Park 220 marks the return of the sport to the city after a two-year absence. The event goes live on Sunday, July 3, 2023 at 5:30 PM ET.
Sankalp Srivastava