The Loop 121 NASCAR Xfinity Series race underway in downtown Chicago
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is officially underway after nearly a year of anticipation, with The Loop 121 Xfinity Series race taking place through the streets of downtown.
Hours earlier, drivers participated in the qualifying race, braving the 2.2-mile course loaded with tight turns in on-and-off rain.On the drastically different pavement of city streets, drivers have navigated speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour for much of the course, while reaching in excess of 100 miles per hour on the course's straightaways.
The top five drivers in a field of 20 in each group advanced to the Xfinity Series race, which began at around 4 p.m.Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weeklyWhile drivers have been able to avoid direct collisions, contract with the race's barriers and maneuvering to avoid crashes has led to numerous spinouts, effectively ending the chances of qualification for some drivers.
Near the end of the final qualifying race for the Xfinity Series, Sheldon Creed, was in second place at the time, hit a bump near the course's barrier at a high speed, causing a crash with another course barrier following his next turn. Denny Hamlin won the pole for Sunday’s inaugural Cup race, calling it the “probably my single best day at the racetrack in all my career.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Full closure of DuSable Lake Shore Drive coming for NASCAR Chicago Street RaceIf you’re hoping to take a drive along the lake this holiday weekend, be prepared to take detours and navigate road closures as big chunk of DuSable Lake Shore Drive will soon close in both directions ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race planned for July 1 and 2.
Read more »
Road closures, excitement around Grant Park ahead of NASCAR Chicago Street RaceTwo days before race weekend, there was still traffic on the track where just hours later, only racecars will be seen.
Read more »
NASCAR Chicago race triggers citywide street closures, commuters brace for impactWith just over a day away from the start of NASCAR's Chicago Street Race, preparations are in full swing.
Read more »
Crashes, laps, speed and more: The NASCAR Chicago Street Race explainedChicago is days away from seeing dozens of drivers speeding through downtown streets for an historic street race never-before seen in the city or in NASCAR.
Read more »
As Chicago NASCAR Weekend Nears, Residents and Workers Weigh InIt’s almost go time for NASCAR in Chicago. The 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course will run on Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue and South Columbus Drive. People are feeling all sorts of emotions — from excitement to curiosity to concern.
Read more »
NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Schedule, course layout, concerts, festival and moreNASCAR's brings its first-ever street race to Chicago this weekend.
Read more »