The NASCAR Cup Series at the Chicago Street Course has the worst luck! However, should we chance that luck one more time in 2025?
The weather in Chicago on Friday and Saturday was gorgeous! Not only that, but the battles between Kyle Larson and Shane Van Gisbergen during The Loop 110 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series were spectacular. That Saturday night, fans enjoyed several great concerts from artists like Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina. As opposed to the grim inaugural race from last year, all was looking up.
Unfortunately, the party stopped as soon as the Grant Park 165 was about to go green on Sunday when the weather moved into the area. Plus, with weather hindering the start time of the race, NASCAR announced the race needed to end by 8:20 p.m. CT.
From there, teams had to contemplate tire strategy and get reacquainted with racing in the wet on the 2.14-mile track. Then the caution came on lap 25 for an incident involving defending race winner, Shane Van Gisbergen. Right after that, the red flag came due to heavy rain and it was shades of 2023 all over again.
Chase Briscoe slid into Shane van Gisbergen, causing SVG to hit the wall.
The defending Chicago winner is done for the day. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/0hjB8YFi8A
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) July 7, 2024
When the cars got back on track, it was clear they would be racing the clock. Some drivers, like Alex Bowman and Joey Hand, elected to stay on the track in wet weather tires while the leaders went to pit road. As time ticked away, the caution came out with 12 minutes to go when Josh Berry hit the wall. Right before that caution, the No. 48 Ally Camaro took the lead from the Stage 60 entry.
When the clock struck 8:20 p.m. CT, the white flag flew and Alex Bowman was able to crush an 80-race winless streak.
With the rain shaking up the success of the Chicago Street Course yet again, does it deserve a second date? Plus, what was some of the drama after the race between Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman? Tune in to this episode of Above The Yellow Line to analyze the Grant Park 165!
