The Chicago Street Race was the first of its kind in NASCAR. Despite running a successful race weekend, there seems to be a big question mark on the future of this race. Initially, there had been a 3-year deal for NASCAR to race at the street circuit. However, as complications arise with the new political climate, things seem to be a little sketchy as we look into the future.
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Speaking about this confusing issue, spotter Brett Griffins shared his thoughts on that one thing that makes him angry about the Chicago race. He argued how NASCAR had spent so much money to make this even a reality and now the city remains unsure about hosting the race in the future.
Brett Griffin reveals his major issue with NASCAR regarding Chicago Street Race
During the podcast, Griffin stated, “It was a fun weekend man. I enjoyed watching Chicago on Television and there’s a lot of things I love about Chicago. I love Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, Lake Michigan. And honestly, NBC did a phenomenal job of showing just how pretty that part of the city is. Obviously, I have caught a lot of sh*t for talking a lot of sh*t, so here’s my biggest struggle. I think some of ya’ll with a brain will understand where I am coming from.”
“NASCAR signed a 3-year deal to go to Chicago. After they signed that 3-year deal, a new mayor got elected. That new mayor already has said that they don’t know if they want us back anymore. So NASCAR is coming in there with teams, with NBC and NASCAR is spending tens and millions of dollars. I have heard north of $40 Million to come in and put this show on.”
“So before we even start up a race car, Ben Kennedy with NASCAR is having to say he doesn’t know if he will be back next year. So when I look at my sport and my peers and my team owners and our TV partners, and I look at how they want to go in and invest gazillions of dollars into this community. And whether you like it or not. That’s what it is. It’s all about money. For you to say as a city, you don’t know if you want us back for the next two years. We can’t already be selling tickets and talking about it really pisses me off.”
Will the Chicago Race take place in the future?
Following a rather successful race weekend, the future of the NASCAR first-ever street circuit seems to fall in jeopardy. As per reports, the newly elected Major of Chicago does not seem too keen on continuing with the race. In a recent press interaction, Mayor Brandon Johnson stated, “Like everything else I inherited, I’m a teacher, so I will assess it and grade it and it will be an open process where other folks get a chance to weigh in.”
Apparently, the three-year contract that exists between the city and NASCAR happens to have several opt-out clauses. And if they wanted, they would be able to terminate the contract without much in the way. However, this conundrum has been on since the early days of the contract process.
In fact, there had been a lot of people who were against having the race in the first place. They believed that the deal was a bad one, and that adversity affected the community.
With growing concerns about the future of the event, one would have to wait and watch to see what decisions have been put forth. There was no doubt that the race was a success for NASCAR. But will the city consider it to be the same?
Only time will tell.
