Chicago prepares for second NASCAR Street Race

Chicago will soon again play host to a NASCAR event—the Grant Park 165. It is the second annual NASCAR Cup Series race held on the Chicago Street Course. The city plays host to many signature events in the summertime, and last year’s inaugural event saw severe weather, extended road closures, and an ambiguous reception in the city. The Harris Poll recently surveyed Chicago area residents about their feelings regarding the upcoming event, and below are the key findings.

Four in 10 (39%) Chicagoans think the city hosting events like the NASCAR Street Race is good for the city. That said about a third (32%) expect to be inconvenienced by the NASCAR Street Race, and fewer (24%) think the event being hosted in Chicago is good for Chicago residents. One in five (21%) city residents are interested in attending the race.

This research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll among 1,006 Chicagoland adults (i.e., Cook County, IL residents), ages 18+ from June 7-14, 2024. Figures have been weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions within the local population. Respondents for this survey were selected from a pool of potential respondents who have agreed to participate in The Harris Poll’s online research.