Great backdrop for sure, but by almost any measure, the lap-by-lap racing on the Chicago Street Circuit was lacking.
didn’t get much better. Only five drivers led, including rookie Ty Gibbs, who led one lap when everyone else was pitting. Combined, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Justin Haley led all but 18 of the 78 laps; pole-winner Denny Hamlin didn’t lead even one., a NASCAR newbie from New Zealand driving a one-off for Trackside Racing's Project 91, led lap 25 during pit cycles, then the final eight after easily passing Haley. It was the race’s fourth and final green-flag pass for the lead.
And it would be easier to list those who DID NOT crash than those who did. Even running 22 laps fewer than the scheduled 100, the race was slowed by nine yellow flags for 21 laps. There were a handful of other incidents that probably warranted the caution, but didn’t get it because the driver escaped the tire walls and drove away. Granted, most of those incidents were dampness-related, perhaps understandable because Cup drivers are unaccustomed to enduring such damp-to-dry conditions.
“I think our drivers performed incredibly today,” chief operating officer Steve O’Donnell said afterward. “ one of the best events I’ve seen.” Ben Kennedy, the driving force behind the event and vice president of Racing Development, was more complimentary of the city. “I certainly think it was a remarkable weekend, a historic weekend for us,” the great grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France said. “A huge thank you to the city of Chicago.
Still, despite everything that went wrong, the first street “event” in NASCAR’s 75-year history was a rousing success. On-site observers said the crucial “festival/party vibe” was in the air all weekend. Teams and city officials reportedly were optimistic and patient and confident even as conditions were miserable. Curious onlookers without tickets pressed against fencing, hoping to get a look at what was going on. For once, the city’s appalling gun-violence statistics weren’t mentioned.
In summary: what teams, officials, NASCAR leadership, and Chicago organizers pulled off was truly remarkable. They got it done at a time when humiliating failure was just another downpour away. It’s hard to imagine overcoming a situation as bleak as the one they faced mid-afternoon Sunday.The race featured a lot of conservative single-file racing and a few too many run-ins with tire barriers as some drivers had trouble keeping their cars between the barriers.
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.
The Chosen Few have cracked the code for the perfect Chicago music festival - Chicago ReaderTo do the Chosen Few Picnic right, you have to soak in the atmosphere that all the DJs, singers, dancers, and grill masters create.
Read more »
Chicago-style magic is ready for its close-up again - Chicago ReaderMagical thinking is both bane and balm. Without a little bit of belief in the possibility of miraculous transformation, I’d probably never get out of bed (especially lately). Yet amid the toxic noise of resolute anti-vaxxers-and-maskers and QAnon, it’s obvious that obdurate faith in the impossible against the tide of science, facts, and reality carries […]
Read more »
NASCAR Chicago Street Race continues Sunday with delaysThe gates opened for the NASCAR's Chicago Street Race at 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning after a brief delay.
Read more »
NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Flash flood warning delays openingsNASCAR Street Race delayed: Northeast Cook County is under a flash flood warning until 3:15 p.m., with officials advising to avoid non-essential travel until water recedes.
Read more »