CHICAGO: Even following a soggy debut at Chicago Street Course last year, the Grant Park 165 remained one of the most anticipated events on the 2024 NASCAR Cup schedule.
Just the venue alone opens itself to a race unlike any other. From the time the drivers take the green flag to the first turn with a glimpse of Buckingham Fountain on the left, to Turn 2 with the fastest chute on the circuit down iconic Lake Shore Drive with views of Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum straight ahead, the contrast to any other track is stark.
But as the skyline comes into view rounding Turn 5, up Columbus Drive around Balbo Drive and onto Michigan Avenue, looping in and out of Congress Plaza Drive and back onto Michigan through Turns 7-11, it’s still mind-blowing to think that NASCAR pulled off an event of this magnitude.
“I’ll be honest, I was on the skeptical side last year before we came here,” said NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney. “It’s like, how are we going to make this work and something new and you’re always kind of nervous with new things and how it’s going to go. I remember Gianna (Tulio, fiancee) and I were having lunch last year before practice right outside our hotel right by the racetrack.
“And I’m like, this is super cool that we’re having lunch and I’m about to go walk over a block and go practice in a city like this and Lake Michigan is right behind you’ve got the high-rises right here and it’s weird going down the straightaways kind of the back stretch and the front stretch if you will, just looking at the museums and buildings. I try not to try not to focus on that too much like I got to pay attention to what I’m doing, but It is neat. I think It took me that day to kind of grasp it.”
Despite additional storms on Sunday, the crowds remained strong in year two of the NASCAR Cup/Xfinity Series doubleheader.
While half of the attendees will come from outside of the Windy City and Metro-Chicago area, Julie Giese, president of the NASCAR Chicago Street Course, remains steadfast in her mission of being a good neighbor. Following the backlash from city residents and businesses who were inconvenienced during the inaugural event, Giese’s number one priority was keeping build times to a minimum.
“The biggest things was taking six days off of the build schedule,” Giese said. “Tightening that window has been very well-received locally. It’s something that we’ve heard not only from a street closure perspective but from a park build perspective.
“Our team has been stopped in the park by residents that are thanking us—and it’s noticeable. I’d say that’s truly our biggest change.”
Giese’s wide-range marketing attracted fans from more than 23 countries—up from 15 last year—60-percent who are new NASCAR attendees.
“It’s a nice blend,” Giese said. “We know how important driving tourism is to Chicago.
“Our relationship with the city is fantastic. We work really great with the entire city and the city agencies. This is a city that knows how to put on big events. They have been amazing partners with us as we build this course as we work through the planning. I’m excited just to have this opportunity to collectively showcase Chicago.”
Outside of the U.S., the country with the greatest growth of visitors came from New Zealand, home of last year’s breakout Cup winner Shane van Gisbergen. The Aucklander won Saturday’s The Loop 110 Xfinity Series race as well.
But it was SVG’s dramatic debut last season that launched the three-time Australian Supercars champ’s career in NASCAR. van Gisbergen, 35, now leads the Xfinity Series with three wins this season and is expected to transition to Cup full-time in 2025.
Although he made an early exit on Sunday following contact with Chase Briscoe, SVG presence continues to bring new eyes to the sport.
“I miss New Zealand a lot, for sure,” van Gisbergen said. “But I love it here. I really enjoy racing. I love racing every week. I love having a routine and knowing what I’m doing pretty much every day until November.. that’s exciting. I have three weeks off in August and I have no idea what I’m going to do. It’s a weird feeling. I love this style of racing; the atmosphere, the people and the schedule.
“Yeah, I’m loving every moment. I definitely think I made the right choice. I feel like it’s a really cool place for me; being welcomed by everyone, whether it’s team people, drivers and the fans. It’s been really cool to see how welcoming everyone is and I’m really enjoying it.
“It’s been a huge 180 for me, my life and my career. But yeah, I’m having the time of my life.”
Follow Lee Spencer on Twitter @CandiceSpencer or email her at: [email protected].
