A complete guide to NASCAR’s 2024 Chicago Street Race
CHICAGO — NASCAR will again take over Grant Park and its surrounding streets for a Chicago summer weekend.
It was announced in October that NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race would return to the city for a second consecutive year, featuring two races, concerts and entertainment throughout the weekend after the Fourth of July.
Despite being significantly affected by rain, the inaugural Chicago Street Race last summer generated nearly $109 million in economic impact to the city, according to Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism arm, per a Chicago Tribune report.
When NASCAR announced that the Street Race would return to Chicago in 2024, Mayor Brandon Johnson touted that his office had secured a “better” deal for the people of Chicago.
Report: Chicago may get extra $2M from NASCAR for hosting 2024 Street Race
“NASCAR has agreed to shorten the event’s set-up and tear-down windows, reducing travel disruption for impacted communities and other residents,” the Mayor’s Office said in a statement upon the announcement. “NASCAR has also committed to addressing costs incurred by city departments and agencies in facilitating and securing the event as consistent with other large-scale events.
“This is a win for Chicago taxpayers, as the original agreement did not include provisions for such costs.”
With that said, here’s what you need to know to get ready for the 2024 Chicago Street Race (details and maps are from NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race website, nascarchicago.com):
When and where
Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7, at Grant Park.
The races
Like last year, two NASCAR races are scheduled, one for each day. But they are each scheduled to be shorter than last year’s originally scheduled races.
The Xfinity Series The Loop 110 begins at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. That’s a 50-lap race over 110 miles, a little shorter than the 55 laps and 121 miles the race was scheduled for last year.
Cole Custer was declared the winner of the weather-shortened 2023 Xfinity Race after just 25 laps and 55 miles.
The Cup Series Grant Park 165, the main event of the weekend, begins at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. That’s a 75-lap race over 165 miles, shorter than the 100 laps and 220 miles the Cup Series race was scheduled for last year.
The 2023 Cup Series race was also shortened to 78 laps due to darkness after starting late once the rain broke. Australian road course specialist Shane van Gisbergen got the victory in his first NASCAR start.
The course
The 12-turn race footprint from 2023 will remain the same. It’s a 2.2-mile track, with the start/finish line on Columbus Drive in front of Buckingham Fountain.
The course will include sections of streets that surround and are adjacent to Grant Park, specifically Columbus Drive, Jackson Boulevard, Michigan Avenue, Roosevelt Road, Balbo Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Click HERE for a zoomable course map.
Parking and traffic
There are a number of options for single day or multi-day parking, starting at $40.
Click HERE for a Millennium Garages parking map and more parking information.
There is no on-site camping, and NASCAR strongly encourages the use of Chicago Public Transportation to get to and from the event.
NASCAR says it has worked closely with the City of Chicago to develop a traffic plan that maximizes safety and minimizes street closures. All businesses and residences will remain accessible throughout the event weekend, according to NASCAR.
A detailed street closure plan will be shared closer to the event, according to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race website.
The concerts
Once again, concerts and entertainment are a big part of the Chicago Street Race, highlighted by two major acts each day at the Concert Stage, located at the south end of Festival Field between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
The Black Keys will perform Saturday at the Concert Stage, following the Xfinity Series The Loop 110, from approximately 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. The Chainsmokers are then scheduled to perform at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday, in conjunction with a Cup Series driver event.
On Sunday, two big acts are scheduled to perform before the Cup Series Grant Park 165. First up is Lauren Alaina from noon to 1 p.m., then country music legend Keith Urban hits the stage from 1:30 to 3 p.m., right before the weekend’s main race.
Additional music acts include a Chicago music showcase featuring notable Chicago musicians and a special celebration to mark the 40th anniversary of Chicago House Music.
Details on those events will be announced soon, according to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race website
All entertainment is included with a two-day admission.
The tickets
There are many options at a variety of price ranges, all featuring different views of the racetrack and the city, benefits, food and beverage options and access to special areas and events.
It can get confusing trying to figure out all the ticket options, so here’s a detailed look, from cheapest to most expensive:
GENERAL ADMISSION: Located on Festival Field, GA ticket holders will get access to trackside views during the races, as well as to the Concert Stage, driver appearances and more. GA tickets come in a variety of options at different prices (all prices include tax):
2-day general admission ($269): Admission for both days.
Single-day admissions ($150): Attend the race and surrounding events for the day of your choosing.
General Admission Plus ($398): Access to all GA amenities, plus access to GA+ lounge, with seating, full-service food and beverages and premium restroom access behind the Concert Stage.
Youth Admission (Saturday Experience FREE; Sunday and Weekend Experience $45): Youth pricing for GA is new for 2024.
RESERVED SEATS: These offer a more exclusive vantage point, with views of the Chicago skyline and reserved flip-down trackside seating for both days of racing. Like GA, there are several Reserved options at various prices (all prices include tax):
Field Reserved (starting at $587):
Located on Balbo Drive between Turns 1 and 2. Includes views of the Chicago skyline, trackside seating, reserved flip-down seat and access to all concerts. Also centrally located near Fan Plaza and Festival Grounds.
Turn 9 Reserved (starting at $587):
Formerly known as Wells Reserved, features views of Turns 8, 9 and 10. Includes views of the Chicago Skyline, reserved flip-down seat and access to all concerts.
Congress Reserved (starting at $465):
Formerly known as East Michigan Reserved, features views of cars coming off Turn 9 and racing toward Turn 10 and Michigan Avenue. Includes reserved flip-down seat and access to all concerts.
Michigan Reserved (starting at $587):
Formerly known as West Michigan Reserved, located on Michigan Avenue between Turns 10 and 11. Offers vantage points to see cars come off Congress Circle and race toward Jackson Drive. Includes reserved flip-down seat and access to all concerts.
Pit Row Reserved (starting at $784):
Trackside seating behind Pit Road on Columbus Drive, with views of the start/finish line. Includes reserved flip-down seat, access to all concerts and great views of Pit Road. (NOTE: This package does not include access to Pit Road.)
Frontstretch Reserved (starting at $728):
Located near the start/finish line, with views of the frontstretch and Pit Road. Includes reserved flip-down seat and access to all concerts. Also centrally located near Fan Plaza and features views of pre- and post-race celebrations.
Turn 12 Reserved (starting at $672):
Located on Columbus Drive, features views of the start/finish line and of drivers accelerating out of Turn 12 to race down the frontstretch. Includes reserved flip-down seat and access to all concerts. Also centrally located near Fan Plaza.
HOSPITALITY CLUBS: These feature all-inclusive food and beverage packages and reserved seating, positioned with access to an exclusive club space and panoramic views. All Hospitality Clubs are sold as two-day packages. Again, there are several options for Hospitality Clubs. One, the Lakefront Club, is already sold out (all prices include tax):
Fountain Club (starting at $1,559):
Includes a reserved seat at the start/finish line, in front of Buckingham Fountain, and access to an air-conditioned hospitality club behind the reserved seats. Includes reserved flip-down seat, buffet and snacks, complimentary beverages, restrooms, access to all concerts and views of pre- and post-race celebrations.
Turn 1 Club (starting at $952):
Formerly known as the Balbo Club, located on the corner of Columbus and Balbo drives. Includes access to a hospitality club and a choice between two reserved viewing areas, Turn 1 Reserved ($1,064) and Balbo Reserved ($952), with views of drivers racing down the homestretch to Turn 1 and setting up for Turn 2. Also includes reserved flip-down seat, buffet and snacks, complimentary beverages, access to all concerts and restrooms.
Plaza Club (starting at $857):
Formerly known as East Plaza Club and West Plaza Club, located on the corner of Balbo Drive and Michigan Avenue, between Turns 7 and 8. Includes access to a hospitality club and a choice between two reserved seating areas, Turn 7 Patios ($857) and Turn 8 Reserved ($857). Also includes views of the Chicago skyline, buffet and snacks, complimentary beverages, restrooms, access to all concerts and access to Plaza Club.
Lakefront Club (SOLD OUT):
On the corner of Balbo Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, features views of Turn 2 and access to a hospitality club behind reserved seats. Includes access to the Lakefront Club, buffet and snacks, complimentary beverages, restrooms and access to all concerts.
PREMIER HOSPITALITY CLUBS: Located in The Skyline, situated over Pit Road, these are a notch above the Regular Hospitality Clubs. Providing a bird’s-eye view into the pit boxes and including premium beverages, gourmet food, exclusive lounge space and panoramic views of much of the racecourse, there are two options for Premier Hospitality Clubs (all prices include tax):
Founder’s Club (starting at $3,360):
Located on the first level of The Skyline, directly over Pit Road, situated on the start/finish line. Includes dedicated entrances, access to all concerts, premium food and beverages, restrooms and access to air-conditioned lounge area with TVs.
President’s Club (starting at $1,900 for 1 day, $3,136 for weekend):
Open-air and located on the third level of The Skyline, provides views of the races, the Chicago Skyline, Buckingham Fountain and Lake Michigan. Includes views of Pit Road and the start/finish line, access to all concerts, premium food and beverages, restrooms and access to air-conditioned lounge area with TVs.
HOSPITALITY SUITES: Finally, there are two Hospitality Suite options for large groups. No prices are listed online. You can click THIS LINK to book or discuss more with NASCAR:
Harbor Suites:
Located along DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline and the races from above Turns 2 and 3. Includes a party suite, access to pre-race activities, premium food and beverages, restrooms and exclusive concert viewing.
Skyline Suites:
Elevated above the tree line and situated over Pit Road, providing a direct look into the pit boxes and a panoramic view of most of the racecourse. Includes an indoor air-conditioned space, tiered outdoor seating, views of the start/finish line, premium food and beverages, access to pre-race activities, restrooms and access to all concerts.
Visit HERE on NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race website to purchase tickets, for updates or for more ticketing information.
The schedule
JULY 6 (SATURDAY):
9 a.m.: Gates open
9:30-11:30 a.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series practice/qualifying sessions
Noon-1 p.m.: More info to come
1:30 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 (50 laps)
3:15-4:45 p.m.: The Black Keys (Concert Stage)
5-7 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series practice/qualifying sessions
5-7:15 p.m.: More info to come
7:15 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series driver event/The Chainsmokers (Concert Stage)
JULY 7 (SUNDAY):
9 a.m.: Gates open
Noon-1 p.m.: Lauren Alaina (Concert Stage)
1:30-3 p.m.: Keith Urban (Concert Stage)
3:30-7 p.m.: NASCAR Cup Series The Grant Park 165 (75 laps)
7 p.m.: Victory Lane celebration
What else?
Like last year, Taste of Chicago at Grant Park will be held in September to make way for the Street Race. Traditionally held around the Fourth of July holiday, before the Street Race came to town, Taste of Chicago 2024 is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 6, through Sunday, Sept. 8, the weekend after Labor Day.
NASCAR is once again offering travel and experience packages in conjunction with the Street Race, including meet-and-greets, Pit Road walks and behind-the-scenes tours. Visit Chicago NASCAR Experience to learn more.
A raceday viewing location directory, featuring Chicago bars and restaurants, is available on NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race website.
As part of the Street Race, NASCAR says it’s committed to working with the local community beyond race weekend. HERE are some details on community impact via NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race website.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
