The drivers told ABC7 that the course, with its many twists and turns, is much more difficult to navigate than the typical doughnut-shaped tracks normally seen in NASCAR.
Fans enjoy Sunday’s NASCAR street race despite the rain. Cars raced down major city streets like Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive with the iconic skyline as a backdrop.
Drivers in the Cup Series race fired up their engines Sunday afternoon to take their shot at the challenging circuit, a 75-lap course around Chicago’s Loop.
“Electric vibes… I love it,” said Aurora resident Ryne Polko. “I’m looking forward to seeing Kyle Larson race… my favorite racer.”
Fans were treated to plenty of action throughout the day, with Laura Alaina’s concert kicking off the festivities. Keith Urban also took over Grant Park with a concert of his own. Some fans were more excited about that than the race itself.
“I’m a huge Keith Urban fan, so we’re getting a little bit of both worlds here,” said Aurora resident Katie Polko. “It’s so exciting. Chicago is putting on a great show… ready to rock.”
As if all that entertainment wasn’t enough, people could also see tricks and somersaults during a special motocross event.
“Live music… motocross… backflips, frontflips… seat clamps… your heart drops when you see that,” said Chicago resident Jason Ballinger.
After last year’s festivities were marred by heavy rain, people said this year’s event is creating the perfect atmosphere.
“It seems like the planning was better,” said Pam Schoeffling of Milwaukee. “Of course, you always learn something the first time, but there must have been enough good going on that the city took it, so I’m glad to be here.”
View the full weather forecast from ABC7.
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race was affected by rain on Sunday as the drivers competed in the Cup Series.