NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Alex Bowman wins shortened Grant Park Cup Series race after rain delay on second day of weekend

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sunday was the second day of the NASCAR Street Race weekend in downtown Chicago.

After a long rain delay, NASCAR driver Alex Bowman took the win in the Grant Park Cup Series race at the second annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Tyler Reddick, who drives for Michael Jordan’s 23XI racing team, attempted a comeback on the final lap.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The big race took place on Sunday afternoon around the Chicago Loop, following a successful Xfinity Series race on Saturday.

Sunday’s Cup Series race was marred by several rain interruptions. Reigning champion Shane van Gisbergen was thrown out of the race after being involved in a collision on lap 25 as rain came down, creating slippery and wet track conditions. Pole winner Kyle Larson was also thrown out of the race on lap 34 after hitting the wall.

Cars raced through the city’s main streets such as Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive with the famous skyline in the background.

SEE ALSO | NASCAR Chicago Street Race 2024: Live Updates

However, many fans braved the weather and stayed until the checkered flag was waved and Bowman won the race.

“I knew it was going to be a great ending… it was really close, so I just had to hang on,” said Chicago-based James Chaplin.

Fans quickly adapted to the weather with ponchos and rain gear, saying the atmosphere was worth it.

“It’s raining, but that’s the energy, it doesn’t matter… the energy is fantastic… people are happy and we are here in Chicago and we love NASCAR,” said Chicago resident Jorge Azpeitia.

Although rain affected the race for two consecutive years, fans said it was a great weekend and they hope NASCAR will continue to bring one to Chicago.

“We had great food… great talent playing… great racing… great city. I hope this happens again soon,” said Cam Arnold of Nashville.

The race cars reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour on the fast straightaways. Drivers told ABC7 that the track, with its many twists and turns, was much more difficult to navigate than the typical oval tracks usually seen in NASCAR races. To create this insane street course, 2,000 concrete barriers were set up that took drivers on a tour of the downtown area.

Chicago streets to reopen on Monday, July 8

Following the conclusion of the event, certain roads will be reopened. All road closures are expected to remain in place while the track wall, fencing and spectator structures are dismantled.

The Chicago OEMC has issued the following schedule for reopening streets:

• The northern section of DuSable Lake Shore Drive is scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. on Monday, July 8.

• The southern section of DuSable Lake Shore Drive is scheduled to reopen at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9.

• Northbound and southbound Michigan Avenue between Roosevelt Road and Monroe Street is scheduled to reopen around noon on Monday, July 8. Northbound between Van Buren and Jackson will have one lane closed.

READ MORE | NASCAR Chicago Road Closures and Reopenings Guide

The streets of particular importance for the reopening are DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.

Other road closures remain in effect while the track wall, fence and viewing platforms are dismantled.

The reopening of northbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. will begin at 6 a.m. Monday, July 8. All NASCAR-related demobilization activities are expected to be completed by the end of the day on July 18.

Streets with local traffic are intended exclusively for residents, businesses and their employees.

NASCAR fans enjoy a weekend full of events

Gates opened at 9am on Sunday to get in on all the action. Big name headliners like Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina performed on Sunday before the race.

“It’s actually pretty cool to see the big names here… and the Chainsmokers yesterday, that was an amazing concert,” said NASCAR fan Jennifer Decker.

Fans across the city embraced the excitement.

“Electric vibes…I love it,” said Aurora resident Ryne Polko. “I’m excited to see Kyle Larson drive…my favorite racer.”

There was plenty of action for fans all day long. The festivities kicked off with Laura Alaina’s concert. Keith Urban took over Grant Park with a concert of his own, which some fans were more excited about than the race itself.

“I’m a huge Keith Urban fan, so we get a little bit of both worlds here,” said Katie Polko, who lives in Aurora. “It’s so exciting. Chicago is putting on a great show… ready to rock.”

As if all this entertainment wasn’t enough, there were also some tricks and flips to be seen at a special motocross event.

“Live music…motocross…backflips, frontflips…seat grabs…your heart will stop when you see it,” said Chicago resident Jason Ballinger.

After last year’s celebrations were interrupted by heavy rain, this year’s event had a great atmosphere despite isolated rain showers.

“It seems like the planning was better,” said Pam Schoeffling of Milwaukee. “Of course, you always learn something the first time, but it must have been busy enough that the city took it on, so I’m glad to be here… I love that there are screens everywhere at the concerts, so you don’t feel like you’re stuck in this sunny spot where you get burned… so I love that atmosphere.”

Protesters arrested near a street racing track

Two men are in custody after being arrested at Sunday’s NASCAR street race, Chicago police said.

The protest occurred at around 4:15 p.m., shortly before the start of the race. Apparently the men had locked themselves in the fence.

Police said charges had been filed for trespassing.