![Fans cheer along Columbus Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Fans cheer along Columbus Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![Shane Van Gisbergen of the #91 car wins the Chicago...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Shane Van Gisbergen of the #91 car wins the Chicago Street Race in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![Driver Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Driver Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series on Columbus Drive in Grant Park in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![Drivers race down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Cup...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Drivers race down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series in Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
![Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action after they tear down a tarp blocking the view as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023.
![Crew members for driver Erik Jones wait out the rain...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Crew members for driver Erik Jones wait out the rain in pit road while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed at Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
![Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023
![Cars compete during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Cars compete during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
![Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson walks through pit road on Columbus...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson walks through pit road on Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain in Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
![Drivers race along Congress Plaza during the NASCAR Cup Series...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Drivers race along Congress Plaza during the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![Fans watch the start of the NASCAR Cup Series race...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Fans watch the start of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago after heavy rain had delayed the race.
![Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023.
![Brandon, right, and Reagan Eggers wait underneath the Paddock Club...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Brandon, right, and Reagan Eggers wait underneath the Paddock Club bridge along Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain in Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
![Driver Bubba Wallace greets fans near pit road along Columbus...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Driver Bubba Wallace greets fans near pit road along Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain on July 2, 2023.
![Josh Bilicki's No. 78 car, right, and other cars race...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Josh Bilicki's No. 78 car, right, and other cars race on Congress Plaza during Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
#91 Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates victory in his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![Fans cheer along Columbus Drive as the NASCAR Cup Series...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Fans cheer along Columbus Drive as the NASCAR Cup Series begins after being delayed due to rain in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action through an opening in the fence as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023.
![Fans watch the No. 20 car of Christopher Bell during...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Fans watch the No. 20 car of Christopher Bell during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![The No. 47 car of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. negotiates a...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
The No. 47 car of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. negotiates a turn during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![The No. 1 car of Ross Chastain turns onto Michigan...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
The No. 1 car of Ross Chastain turns onto Michigan Avenue during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![Cars including the No. 45 of Tyler Reddick compete during...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Cars including the No. 45 of Tyler Reddick compete during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action under the fence as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023, in Grant Park.
![Ryan Blaney's No. 12 car negotiates a turn onto Michigan...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Ryan Blaney's No. 12 car negotiates a turn onto Michigan Avenue during Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![Daniel Suárez is introduced near pit road along Columbus Drive...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Daniel Suárez is introduced near pit road along Columbus Drive before the NASCAR Cup Series on July 2, 2023.
![Fans watch Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Fans watch Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago. Heavy rain delayed the race.
![Fans watch Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Fans watch Stage 1 of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago. Heavy rain delayed the race.
![Crew members clear the water from pit road after the...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Crew members clear the water from pit road after the NASCAR Cup Series was delayed due to rain in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![People walk along a flooded pit road on Columbus Drive...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
People walk along a flooded pit road on Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain in Chicago on Sunday, July 2, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
![A view down pit road is seen during the NASCAR...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
A view down pit road is seen during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![Rain falls on pit road before the NASCAR Cup Series...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Rain falls on pit road before the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is introduced near pit road along Columbus...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is introduced near pit road along Columbus Drive before the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![Jenson Button stands in pit road along Columbus Drive while...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Jenson Button stands in pit road along Columbus Drive while the NASCAR Cup Series is delayed due to rain in Chicago on July 2, 2023. Button won the Formula One world championship in 2009.
![Fans enter and exit the gates during a rain delay...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans enter and exit the gates during a rain delay on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![Fans and staff put up with constant rain on the...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Fans and staff put up with constant rain on the day of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Grant Park on July 2, 2023, in Chicago.
![Fans along South Michigan Avenue walk in the rain as...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans along South Michigan Avenue walk in the rain as a few people find their seats in the grandstand before the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway on July 2, 2023, in Grant Park.
![People find shelter from the rain in a CTA "L"...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
People find shelter from the rain in a CTA "L" staircase on Wabash Avenue in the Loop on July 2, 2023, before the gates open for NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![The NASCAR racecourse is seen from Michigan Avenue on on...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
The NASCAR racecourse is seen from Michigan Avenue on on July 2, 2023, before the gates open for NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans along South Michigan Avenue try to catch a glimpse of the action as the NASCAR Cup Series race gets underway July 2, 2023, in Grant Park.
![Race fans protected by trash bags walk along a rainy...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Race fans protected by trash bags walk along a rainy Ida B. Wells Drive after the NASCAR Xfinity Series race was called due to rain in Grant Park in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![Fans Jennifer Smith, from left, Ryan Deiotte, Sarah Hylton and...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans Jennifer Smith, from left, Ryan Deiotte, Sarah Hylton and Peggy Malave, of Valparaiso, Indiana, wait out the rain delay by tailgating in a Loop parking garage on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![Crew members move cars and equipment out of the pit...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Crew members move cars and equipment out of the pit road on Columbus Drive after Cole Custer was declared the winner of the NASCAR Xfinity Series due to weather in Grant Park on July 2, 2023.
![People wait underneath the Paddock Club on Ida B. Wells...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
People wait underneath the Paddock Club on Ida B. Wells Drive as the NASCAR Xfinity Series is delayed due to rain in Grant Park in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![Samantha, 11, and Scott Trybula, of Evergreen Park, head out...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Samantha, 11, and Scott Trybula, of Evergreen Park, head out from the Congress Plaza Hotel to the racecourse during a rain delay on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![Cars are covered as the NASCAR Xfinity Series is delayed...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Cars are covered as the NASCAR Xfinity Series is delayed due to rain in Grant Park in Chicago on July 2, 2023.
![Fans wait out a rain delay near the Art Institute...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Fans wait out a rain delay near the Art Institute on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![A couple of NASCAR fans take their seats in a...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
A couple of NASCAR fans take their seats in a grandstand along Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before planned street race events in Grant Park.
![Firefighter Corey Mehlebacher looks over race cars as they wait...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Firefighter Corey Mehlebacher looks over race cars as they wait for the NASCAR Xfinity Series in the rain on July 2, 2023.
![NASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2,...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
NASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before scheduled street race events in Grant Park.
![NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ryan Sieg's car sits in the...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ryan Sieg's car sits in the rain on July 2, 2023, after the gates open for planned street race events in Grant Park.
![NASCAR fans shelter along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2,...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
NASCAR fans shelter along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before planned NASCAR street race events.
![NASCAR fans arrive in rain ponchos after gates opened on...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
NASCAR fans arrive in rain ponchos after gates opened on July 2, 2023, for planned street race events in Grant Park.
![Heavy rains fall along Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023,...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
Heavy rains fall along Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before the gates open for NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![An umbrella collapses along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2,...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
An umbrella collapses along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, ahead of scheduled NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![A family shelters along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2,...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
A family shelters along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![People walk along Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023.]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
People walk along Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023.
![NASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2,...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
NASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before street race events in Grant Park.
![People find shelter from the rain in a CTA "L"...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
People find shelter from the rain in a CTA "L" staircase on Wabash Avenue in the Loop on July 2, 2023, near NASCAR street race events in Grant Park.
![NASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2,...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
NASCAR fans walk along rainy Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before gates open for street race events in Grant Park.
![The NASCAR racecourse is seen from Michigan Avenue on July...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
The NASCAR racecourse is seen from Michigan Avenue on July 2, 2023, before the gates open for NASCAR street race events.
![People wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
People wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive because of a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![The DGM Racing crew pushes Josh Williams back toward the...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
The DGM Racing crew pushes Josh Williams back toward the racecourse after working on his car during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Driver Brennan Poole, right, races down Congress Plaza Drive during...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Driver Brennan Poole, right, races down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Bubba Wallace drives along Columbus Drive during qualifying for the...]()
Peter Tsai/Chicago Tribune
Bubba Wallace drives along Columbus Drive during qualifying for the inaugural Chicago NASCAR street race on July 1, 2023.
![Driver Kyle Busch, of Richard Childress Racing, signs a shirt...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Driver Kyle Busch, of Richard Childress Racing, signs a shirt for Collins Overturf, right, along Columbus Drive in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Piper Traer, 10, and her brother Oliver Traer, 7, watch...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Piper Traer, 10, and her brother Oliver Traer, 7, watch the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Cars navigate turn 12 in racing traffic onto Columbus Drive...]()
Peter Tsai/Chicago Tribune
Cars navigate turn 12 in racing traffic onto Columbus Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![People wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
People wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive because of a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Roman Banks sings the national anthem before the NASCAR Xfinity...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Roman Banks sings the national anthem before the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![The No. 14 car of Chase Briscoe is worked on...]()
Peter Tsai/Chicago Tribune
The No. 14 car of Chase Briscoe is worked on in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023. Removed is the muffler used to reduce noise in the city.
![Weston Lovejoy, a DGM Racing tire changer for driver Josh...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Weston Lovejoy, a DGM Racing tire changer for driver Josh Williams, waits out a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Driver John Hunter Nemechek races down Congress Plaza Drive during...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Driver John Hunter Nemechek races down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![The AM Racing pit crew members wait out a lightning...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
The AM Racing pit crew members wait out a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Drivers Joey Gace, left, and Joe Graf Jr. race down...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Drivers Joey Gace, left, and Joe Graf Jr. race down Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Cars, including with the car of driver Blaine Perkins, left,...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Cars, including with the car of driver Blaine Perkins, left, turn onto Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Chicago's Grant Park on July 1, 2023.
![People wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
People wait to cross a pedestrian bridge over Columbus Drive because of a lightning delay during the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Grant Park in Chicago on July 1, 2023.
![Driver Kevin Harvick's car moves west on East Balbo Drive...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Driver Kevin Harvick's car moves west on East Balbo Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![Fans cheer during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race on July...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Fans cheer during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![Driver Parker Chase enters his car for the NASCAR Xfinity...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Driver Parker Chase enters his car for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![Fans watch the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race on July 1,...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Fans watch the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![Dean Sanderson, from left, his father, Richard Sanderson, and son,...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Dean Sanderson, from left, his father, Richard Sanderson, and son, Steven Sanderson, watch cars race on July 1, 2023, to qualify for the Nascar Cup Series.
![Two people on South Michigan Avenue climb a pole to...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Two people on South Michigan Avenue climb a pole to view the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![Cars lined up before the NASCAR Cup Series Race qualifier...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Cars lined up before the NASCAR Cup Series Race qualifier on July 1, 2023.
![Fans watch cars race to qualify for the Nascar Cup...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Fans watch cars race to qualify for the Nascar Cup Series on July 1, 2023 in Chicago.
![Attendees stand on a trailer roof to watch the NASCAR...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Attendees stand on a trailer roof to watch the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![A car driven by Alex Bowman moves north on East...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
A car driven by Alex Bowman moves north on East Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Cup Series Race qualifying on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![A promotion crew poses for pictures during the NASCAR Cup...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
A promotion crew poses for pictures during the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![People enter the Butler Field grounds to attend the NASCAR...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
People enter the Butler Field grounds to attend the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
![Brooklyn Perez walks through Grant Park with her mother during...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
Brooklyn Perez walks through Grant Park with her mother during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
![A race official surveys damage to a wall during the...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
A race official surveys damage to a wall during the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023.
![A person wearing hearing protection watches the race during day...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
A person wearing hearing protection watches the race during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
![Cars race down the track during day one of the...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
Cars race down the track during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
![Brian Ross and his daughter Kaylee Ross eat lunch on...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Brian Ross and his daughter Kaylee Ross eat lunch on the East Ida B. Wells Drive Bridge during the NASCAR Cup Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![A stage and ferris wheel in Grant Park during day...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
A stage and ferris wheel in Grant Park during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
![Attendees wait in line to ascend a pedestrian bridge above...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Attendees wait in line to ascend a pedestrian bridge above East Jackson Drive during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race events on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![People walk through Grant Park during day one of the...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
People walk through Grant Park during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race on July 1, 2023.
![Jessica Holecek waves checkered flags at Buckingham fountain during day...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
Jessica Holecek waves checkered flags at Buckingham fountain during day one of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race activities on July 1, 2023.
![Race cars maneuver north on East Congress Plaza Drive during...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Race cars maneuver north on East Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race practice on July 1, 2023.
![Fans enter the grounds at Monroe Street to attend NASCAR...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Fans enter the grounds at Monroe Street to attend NASCAR Chicago Street Race events on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![Crews check their cars before the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Crews check their cars before the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race practice on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
![Race cars move north on East Congress Plaza Drive during...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Race cars move north on East Congress Plaza Drive during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race practice on July 1, 2023, in Chicago.
![A police sergeant uses ear protection during her patrol of...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
A police sergeant uses ear protection during her patrol of Butler Field during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race events, July 1, 2023.
![Fans start to fill a grandstand on South Michigan Avenue...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Fans start to fill a grandstand on South Michigan Avenue to watch the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race practice, July 1, 2023.
![David Bowles and McKenna Bowles get set for the Chicago...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
David Bowles and McKenna Bowles get set for the Chicago Street Race with their daughter Geannine from outside the racecourse, July 1, 2023.
![A person spray paints a car at the NASCAR Chicago...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
A person spray paints a car at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, July 1, 2023.
![Pedestrians watch the NASCAR Chicago Street Race from outside racecourse,...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
Pedestrians watch the NASCAR Chicago Street Race from outside racecourse, July 1, 2023.
![A race fan poses inside a race car cutout during...]()
Shanna Madison/Chicago Tribune
A race fan poses inside a race car cutout during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race activities on July 1, 2023.
![Logos are painted on the ground at the start/finish line...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Logos are painted on the ground at the start/finish line in the 500 block of South Columbus Drive for NASCAR Chicago Street Race events on June 30, 2023.
![Crew members finish working under the hood of a NASCAR...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Crew members finish working under the hood of a NASCAR Cup Series car in the garage area on June 30, 2023.
![A pit crew member jogs past fuel cans for a...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
A pit crew member jogs past fuel cans for a NASCAR Cup Series car in the garage area for Sunday's race on June 30, 2023.
![A crew pushes a Ryan Preece NASCAR Cup Series car...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
A crew pushes a Ryan Preece NASCAR Cup Series car through the garage area for Sunday's race Friday, June 30, 2023.
![Crew members work inside wheel wells for a Kyle Larson...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Crew members work inside wheel wells for a Kyle Larson NASCAR Cup Series car in the garage area, June 30, 2023.
![Driver Chandler Smith's car is pushed for inspection at Lake...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Driver Chandler Smith's car is pushed for inspection at Lake Shore Drive as preparations ahead of NASCAR street races in Chicago, June 30, 2023.
![A man works on a catch fence along Michigan Avenue...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
A man works on a catch fence along Michigan Avenue ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, June 30, 2023.
![Race car tires are prepared as preparations continue ahead of...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Race car tires are prepared as preparations continue ahead of NASCAR street races in Grant Park, June 30, 2023.
![Blaine Perkin's race car is pushed for inspection, June 30,...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Blaine Perkin's race car is pushed for inspection, June 30, 2023, ahead of NASCAR street races in Chicago's Grant Park.
![Cars are unloaded ahead of NASCAR races in Grant Park...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Cars are unloaded ahead of NASCAR races in Grant Park on June 30, 2023.
![People check out a Michael Jordan-themed race car to be...]()
Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune
People check out a Michael Jordan-themed race car to be driven by Bubba Wallace that is parked outside DraftKings Sportsbook and Wrigley Field before a game between the Chicago Cubsa and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 29, 2023.
![Construction continues on the racecourse on East Congress Plaza Drive...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Construction continues on the racecourse on East Congress Plaza Drive on June 27, 2023, ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
![A concrete barrier is moved at the corner of East...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
A concrete barrier is moved at the corner of East Jackson Drive and South Columbus Drive near Turn 12 on June 27, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
![The hazy Chicago skyline backdrops the racecourse along South Columbus...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
The hazy Chicago skyline backdrops the racecourse along South Columbus Drive on June 27, 2023, ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
![NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace meets fans and poses for photos...]()
Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace meets fans and poses for photos at Bubba's Block Party at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago on June 28, 2023. The event was promoting the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
![Cardboard racing helmets were given to children at Bubba's Block...]()
Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune
Cardboard racing helmets were given to children at Bubba's Block Party, hosted by 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace, at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, June 28, 2023.
![Oliver Ballentine, a Formula 1 racing fan, shows his daughters,...]()
Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune
Oliver Ballentine, a Formula 1 racing fan, shows his daughters, Zuri, age 3, and Maxxwell, age 6, a race car at Bubba's Block Party at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, June 28, 2023.
![Driver Bubba Wallace talks to fans from a stage at...]()
Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune
Driver Bubba Wallace talks to fans from a stage at Bubba's Block Party event ahead of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
![Construction continues on the Paddock Club on South Columbus Drive...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Construction continues on the Paddock Club on South Columbus Drive on June 26, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
![A gear tent located near Buckingham Fountain on June 26,...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
A gear tent located near Buckingham Fountain on June 26, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
![Construction continues on South Columbus Drive, June 26, 2023, for...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Construction continues on South Columbus Drive, June 26, 2023, for the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
![A decorated Ford Mustang NASCAR-sponsored car drives in the 52nd...]()
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
A decorated Ford Mustang NASCAR-sponsored car drives in the 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade on June 25, 2023.
![Chicago Street Race seating rises near Grant Park foliage on...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
Chicago Street Race seating rises near Grant Park foliage on June 16, 2023.
![Workers build a platform in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago...]()
Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune
Workers build a platform in preparation for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race at the corner of Columbus and Ida B. Wells drives on June 13, 2023.
![Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. exits an SUV on...]()
John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune
Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. exits an SUV on May 31, 2023, in Chicago after viewing the course layout for the July 2 Grant Park 220 race. The nationally televised Cup Series race on July 2 will feature a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course.
![A worker resurfaces Columbus Drive in Grant Park in advance...]()
Eileen T. Meslar / Chicago Tribune
A worker resurfaces Columbus Drive in Grant Park in advance of the summer NASCAR race on May 3, 2023.
![NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace climbs into a race car after...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace climbs into a race car after driving through Grant Park after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will host a street race next year.
![NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace stands on a race car on...]()
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace stands on a race car on July 19, 2022, after driving through Grant Park. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has announced the city will host a street race in 2023.
![NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace takes his race car on a...]()
Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace takes his race car on a spin through downtown Chicago on July 19, 2022.
![Mayor Lori Lightfoot greets Bubba Wallace at Cityfront Plaza in...]()
Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune
Mayor Lori Lightfoot greets Bubba Wallace at Cityfront Plaza in Chicago during a press event to announce NASCAR's street-course race in 2023. Wallace's racing team is funded by all-time Bulls great Michael Jordan.
![A bicyclist with a face mask is reflected in a...]()
Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune
A bicyclist with a face mask is reflected in a car mirror as cyclists ride down Milwaukee Avenue on June 28, 2023, during a second straight day of poor air quality and hazy conditions in Chicago.
National Weather Service officials were expecting the haze and fog that has blanketed the area to dissipate in portions of north-central and northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana, as scattered thunderstorms were expected to move into the area beginning Friday afternoon.
The storms could affect spectators planning to attend Saturday’s NASCAR event downtown.
Officials cautioned that a few storms moving through the area on Friday could be severe, mostly south of Interstate 80, with damaging wind and large hail. Other storms could affect the evening hours, increasing after midnight, officials said.
Also, there was an excessive heat risk as temperatures reached 88 degrees Friday afternoon at both of Chicago’s airports.
Meteorologists are watching a front carrying severe thunderstorms and heavy rain moving east from the Central Plains to the Ohio Valley in the coming days. The strongest storms are expected to shift farther east and are expected to hit the Great Lakes by Sunday morning, officials said.
Those watching the NASCAR event Saturday may have to deal with scattered thunderstorms after 4 p.m. A high of 79 degrees is expected with a 60% chance of rain.
There is a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday night, officials said.
Sunday’s forecast includes showers and possibly a thunderstorm, with a high around 72.
The forecast for the Fourth of July holiday, Tuesday, is sunny with a high of 84. A chance of showers returns Wednesday.
