Chicago
Historic.
Racing on the streets of downtown Chicago.
Electricity was in the air (in a couple of ways) as fans poured into downtown Chicago for the Loop 121 Xfinity Series race.
“What and incredible event,” says Parker Kligerman. “The atmosphere, vibe and crowd is nothing like I have ever experienced at a NASCAR race.” Parker qualified P10 and was up to P9 when action was suspended.
The other “electricity” was lightning. It necessitated a caution and subsequent 30-minute hold at Lap 25, just short of the race’s halfway mark of Lap 28.
“Due to the potential for continued lightning strikes and in the interest of public safety and caution, the facility needed to be evacuated,” NASCAR said in a statement. “NASCAR had hoped to resume activities, but not until city officials allowed fans to return to the grandstands. The forecast for lightning extends into the next several hours, forcing NASCAR to postpone the NASCAR Xfinity Series race.”
The race was to continue Sunday, but after a lightning delay and standing water on the track with continued down pours, the race was called.
NASCAR issued a statement explaining the decision to curtail the race:
“With standing water and flooding a significant issue at the race track and throughout the city, there was no option to return to racing prior to shifting to NASCAR Cup Series race operations. Throughout the entire planning process for the Chicago Street Race, our relationship with the City of Chicago has been strong and among the most valuable assets in reaching this historic weekend. In the spirit of that partnership, returning on Monday for the completion of a NASCAR Xfinity Series event two laps short of halfway was an option we chose not to employ. Based on several unprecedented circumstances, NASCAR has made the decision to declare Cole Custer the winner of the race.”
Parker’s P9 finish meant he picked up 29 points. He is in 12th place, with a season total of 403 points.
Up next is the ALSCO Uniforms 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway Saturday July 8 at 8:00 pm. eastern.
Watch it on USA Network. Listen on Sirius XM Channel 90 and PRN affiliates nationwide. Find the station near you here.
Overview
The Chicago Street Race is the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race. Located in downtown Chicago, the event will take competitors past and through many of the city’s most renowned downtown landmarks on Michigan Avenue, South Columbus Drive, South Lake Shore Drive and the start-finish line near Buckingham Fountain.
”This Chicago street course is one of the most exciting events in NASCAR history and I am honored to have the chance to race in it,“ says Parker Kligerman. “After being able to check it out early with NBC, I saw first hand how big a moment this will be for NASCAR.
I also think this is a massive opportunity for our Big Machine Vodka Spiked Light Coolers team because it is a road course, which we have been so fast on. Plus it being a street course that, in the sim, seems to fit my driving style. I have wanted to race on a street course since I was nine, so I could not be more excited about this opportunity. We have been putting in great effort to be as prepared as possible for something so new for all of us. I can't wait for Saturday!”
Event: THE LOOP 121
Date: Saturday July 1, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm central
Location: Michigan Avenue, South Columbus Drive, South Lake Shore Drive and the start-finish line near Buckingham Fountain in Downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Layout: 12 turn 2.2 mile street course
Laps: 55
Miles: 121
Stage Lengths: Stage 1 ends on Lap 15, Stage 2 ends on Lap 30, Final Stage ends on Lap 55
TV: USA Network
Radio: Sirius XM Channel 90 and MRN affiliates nation wide. Click here for stations.