Mayor Brandon Johnson has made the controversial decision to bring a NASCAR road race back to downtown Chicago, despite the event falling short of predicted economic impact and costing the city millions of dollars. The city spent at least $3.5 million on police overtime and construction for the event, while NASCAR paid just $620,000 to transform the streets surrounding Grant Park into a racetrack. A recent economic impact report revealed that the race drew fewer attendees and generated less revenue than projected. However, Mayor Johnson remains committed to bringing the race back next year, stating that a better deal has been negotiated for the 2024 race. NASCAR will be responsible for reimbursing the city for police and emergency management staffing costs. While some aldermen are skeptical about the benefits of the race, claiming that the city did not benefit financially, others believe that the race has the potential for growth and will provide exposure for the city.
Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.