Workers start to tear down the NASCAR course and seating in downtown Chicago on July 3, 2023. (WTTW News)
Mayor Brandon Johnson stopped well short on Monday of welcoming NASCAR back to Chicago for the next two years, promising to review the contract inked by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot that transformed much of downtown into a racetrack.
Johnson said he was pleased that the race was able to take place late Sunday after a massive rainstorm canceled most of the events off the track — including concerts by the Chainsmokers and Miranda Lambert — and shortened both the Xfinity series race on Saturday and the Cup Series race on Sunday.
“Like everything I inherited, I’m a teacher, I will assess and grade it," Johnson said, promising an “open process where other folks get a chance to weigh in.”
A spokesperson for NASCAR did not immediately respond to a request for comment from WTTW News.
The race took place largely without incident, despite the inclement weather that flooded pit road and made an already tough course treacherous for drivers. One man was arrested Saturday night after breaking through a barrier and driving the course, police said.
NASCAR and the Chicago Park District, whose leaders are appointed by Johnson, can terminate the agreement without a penalty before the end of December.
NASCAR can cancel the event by the end of March, but would have to pay the Chicago Park District a $250,000 termination fee, according to the agreement.
If the race moves forward in 2024, NASCAR will pay the city a $550,000 permit fee, up from $500,000 this year, according to the contract. In addition, NASCAR will once again pay the Park District a $2 fee per admission ticket, and a 15% commission on food, beverage and merchandise sales at the event.
Workers start to tear down the NASCAR course and seating in downtown Chicago on July 3, 2023. (WTTW News)
Lightfoot approved plans for the first-ever NASCAR street race before she left office — without asking the Chicago City Council to sign off on the event. Only after Johnson took office did NASCAR officials face questions from Chicago City Council members.
The race faced intense criticism from Chicagoans furious that the race forced Taste of Chicago to be postponed until Labor Day weekend and closed streets throughout downtown, snarling traffic.
Others objected to the city’s decision to turn over public streets and public parks to a private company without significant benefit to the people of Chicago.
NASCAR officials promised the race would add $113 million to Chicago’s economy while showcasing the city’s attributes on national television, but it was unclear Monday whether those estimates proved accurate.
NASCAR officials said the Chicago races gave them a chance to reach potential new fans in cities like Chicago by enthralling them with the spectacle of an urban downtown transformed into a NASCAR racetrack. It was unclear Monday whether NASCAR officials believed their bet had paid off.
Contact Heather Cherone: @heathercherone | (773) 569-1863 | hcherone@wttw.com
