The inaugural NASCAR Chicago Street Race, held in 2023, has been overwhelmingly voted by fans as the best race of the season. The event, a groundbreaking addition to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, saw Shane van Gisbergen claim a stunning victory in his very first Cup Series start. The race weekend generated significant economic and media impact for the city of Chicago.
Van Gisbergen’s Historic Win
Shane van Gisbergen’s triumph on , was nothing short of remarkable. He became the first driver in 60 years to win their NASCAR Cup Series debut, adding his name to the history books and securing a victory for Trackhouse Racing. He also became the first New Zealander to ever win a Cup race. The race, run on the Chicago street course, presented unique challenges for drivers accustomed to oval tracks, and van Gisbergen navigated those challenges with exceptional skill.
A Race Shortened by the Elements
The Grant Park 220, as the race was officially known, was significantly impacted by inclement weather. Record rainfall throughout the day forced NASCAR officials to shorten the race from its scheduled 100 laps to 75 laps due to darkness. Despite the challenging conditions, the event provided plenty of action, transitioning from wet to dry racing surfaces and featuring numerous lead changes.
Close Finish and Key Performances
The final laps of the race were particularly dramatic, with van Gisbergen overtaking Justin Haley for the lead in Turn 4 with just five laps remaining. Haley ultimately finished second, a remarkable result for Kaulig Racing. Christopher Bell led a race-high 37 laps and won both stages, but his strategy was compromised by the race being shortened, forcing a pit stop at an unfavorable time. Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson also finished in the top five.
Economic and Media Impact for Chicago
Beyond the on-track excitement, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race delivered substantial economic benefits to the city. A study conducted by the Sports Industry Research Center at Temple University revealed a total economic impact of $108.9 million for Chicago. This figure places the event as the second most impactful event hosted by the Chicago Sports Commission, surpassed only by the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.
The race also generated $23.6 million in total media value for the city, based on analysis of television broadcasts, online coverage, print media, social media activity, and event promotion. The event supported 750 jobs and generated $8.3 million in local and state taxes.
Attendance and Visitor Spending
The event attracted a total of 47,405 unique attendees, with 24,781 (52%) traveling to Chicago specifically or primarily for the NASCAR race weekend. These visitors spent an average of $684 per day, significantly exceeding the typical domestic traveler’s spending of $484. The race generated 29,532 total hotel room nights, including accommodations for NASCAR teams, staff, and vendors.
Fan Sentiment and Season Highlight
The overwhelming fan vote solidifies the Chicago Street Race’s place as a standout moment in the 2023 NASCAR season. The combination of a first-time winner, challenging weather conditions, and a unique street course setting created a compelling and memorable event for fans. The race’s success has undoubtedly sparked conversations about the potential for future street course races within the NASCAR schedule.
The event’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Choose Chicago and the Chicago Sports Commission, who worked diligently to bring the race to fruition and maximize its positive impact on the city. The reports released today demonstrate the significant return on investment for Chicago, both economically and in terms of media exposure.
As of , the legacy of the 2023 Chicago Street Race continues to resonate within the NASCAR community and the city of Chicago, marking it as a pivotal moment in the sport’s evolution and a resounding success for all involved.
