Why NASCAR Is Spending $50 Million to Race in Downtown Chicago

CHICAGO — Grant Park has seen its fair share of celebrations over the years.

“Chicago’s Front Yard” hosts the world-famous Lollapalooza music festival annually, serves as the start and finish of the Chicago Marathon, and has hosted championship victory parades for the Blackhawks, Bulls, and Cubs.

But it’s never seen anything like what NASCAR is bringing to town.

The promotion’s Chicago Street Race Weekend — which includes Saturday’s The Loop 121 (Xfinity Series) and Sunday’s Grant Park 220 (Cup Series) — will be the first street races in NASCAR’s 75-year history.