This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series will race for the first time ever on the streets in and around Grant Park in Chicago.

Sections of Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and select surrounding thoroughfares are being turned into a road course for the Grant Park 220. This will be a true “Wild Card” race for the teams and drivers this year. They have no notes from past races to rely on. They have no real-world experience to use to help them. Other than simulator time, they will have to learn as they race.

Here is what the drivers will be dealing with on the course and in the race.

Chicago Street Race Course Data:
Track Size: 2.2-miles
Number of Turns: 12
Track: City Streets Road Course

Grant Park 220 Data:
Season Race #: 18 of 36 (07-02-23)
Race Length: 100 laps / 220 miles
Stage 1 Length: 20 laps
Stage 2 Length: 25 laps
Final Stage Length: 55 laps

The drivers that are traditionally good on road courses will likely have the best chance at doing well this weekend. However, because of the nature of road course racing any driver and any team can be in position to win at the end. It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds with the Windy City as the backdrop and landscape of the race.

The Grant Park 220 starts at 4:30pm central time (5:30pm eastern time) from the road course in and around Grant Park in Chicago Sunday, July 2nd.

(Feature photo credit: YouTube)

By: Buck Stevens