Okay, Let’s Try this Again NASCAR

Chicago hosted the first ever street car race in NASCAR history over the 4th of July weekend. Despite some logistical and weather challenges, the race itself was a success. Photo courtesy of NASCAR

We have gotten rid of our idiot ex-mayor. Perhaps we can get better weather next time. More communication to the citizens would help tremendously, add more of Bubba’s Block Parties and I think we might be onto something here NASCAR.

When it was first announced last year that Chicago was getting a NASCAR race, I was excited as hell. I mean when else do you get to drive 140 mph through downtown streets without the speed cameras giving you a ticket. Of course, one citizen, a 46-year-old man couldn’t resist and got arrested for crashing through the barriers and driving his personal vehicle onto the track the night before the race. That aside, Chicagoans in general who watched the race on TV or in person, actually did like it. So here are my recommendations going forward if we’re going to do this together NASCAR.

1.   Change the Date of the Race

We simply can’t have NASCAR interfering with Taste of Chicago and all of our traditional July 4th weekend celebrations. People are already coming to Chicago during this holiday because it is the biggest holiday of the summer for us. Bringing NASCAR on this weekend makes absolutely no sense and a true Chicagoan would have told you that. We like our fireworks shows, bar-b-ques, concerts, activities on Lake Michigan, and coming back home to see our family and friends during this holiday. Traffic is already bad enough during this time and your race made it worse. I would suggest sometime later in July, but allowing for enough time for the city to setup for Lollapalooza, which is the first week in August. You could also try sometime in June, but anything other than the 4th of July holiday weekend will work.

2.   Get All the Stakeholders Involved

Bubba Wallace, met with fans in the Black community during Bubba’s Block Party in Washington Park. Wallace’s event was a huge success as he was able to educate many in the community about NASCAR. Photo courtesy of NASCAR and Bubba Wallace.

You have to work WITH our city council members, labor unions, police and fire services, citizens, hotel and restaurant agents, in addition to the Mayor’s Office. Lori always wanted to do it all herself, which is why she is no longer our mayor.

Brandon Johnson is a pretty open guy and I’m sure he would be willing to work with NASCAR. Our aldermen, like them or not, do represent our city. It is 50 of them, so good luck with that, but you must involve those in which NASCAR events will be taking place in their wards

We also have a lot of local celebrities. Get more of them involved in promoting the race. You did good with the community involvement in terms of reaching out to some communities to host events. Keep doing that. I would also suggest adding some educational components about the physics of racing. S.T.E.M. courses are taught in our public schools. I couldn’t think of a better way for our Chicago Public School students to learn more about the S.T.E.M. careers than by hands-on events at our schools, involving our students and your experts.  

3.   Start the Race Earlier in the Day

Shortening a race because it’s getting dark? What is this Wrigley Field in the early 80’s? No, no, no, no, we not doing this. As much as you are charging for tickets, people want to see a full race, not half of one. Start the Xfnity Race at 10 a.m. Start the Cup Series race no later than 2 p.m.

4.   Build a Relationship with the Chicago Media

I know I personally reached out to your rep on at least two occasions and never heard back. You want to reach the Black community, then reach out to Black reporters and publishers. I would have loved to speak with Brad Daugherty. I would have loved to interview Brehanna Daniels and the “herstory” she is making. NASCAR has stories that can appeal to our audience, but you have to help us tell those stories while also educating us on your sport. I learned a lot about the rules by watching the race and listening to your announcers, but some of this could have been mitigated had you just talked to us beforehand.

5.   Get the Street Racing Culture Involved

Perhaps you could do something similar to what the NHL does when they do their Stadium Series. They allow general members of the public to come skate on the ice in the days before the game.

Chicago has a large street racing culture, something our politicians and police don’t like to admit. Make some time for them to get some time on the track. Hell, charge them $100 for a couple of laps. You will make a ton of money and it will reduce the chances of people trying to crash their way onto the track for the experience. Make them sign a wavier releasing you from all liability. Plus, you might actually find some new talent. I have seen some stuff on the Dan Ryan Expressway that makes what you guys are doing on the track look like kindergarteners.

6.   Build More Seating at Reduced Prices

You charged a lot of money for this event. It was too rich for many people. Build some more seating or remake the course that will allow from more viewing positions and watch what happens. That said, you have laid a foundation somewhat, albeit on shaky ground.  Well we can help you shore it up. Build it and we will come. I promise.