NASCAR Chicago as seen through the eyes of a new fan

Mind you, I’m no stranger to racing. As a matter of fact, I awarded the trophy at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix in 1980 to Australian Alan Jones, the first driver to win a Formula One World Championship with the Williams team, becoming the 1980 World Drivers’ Champion. This race was the 22^nd annual Toyota Grand Prix. I was there representing Playboy as its most recent centerfold along with Monique St. Pierre (also a Playmate and 1979 Playmate of the Year). We lounged in the celebrity trailer with the likes of legendary drivers Parnelli Jones and Johnny Rutherford and Gene Hackman, Paul Williams, Robert Hayes and others who were driving in the celebrity pro-am. But, as exciting as this event was, it didn’t compare with being in the pit for Chicago’s first ever NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

I won’t lie though; I was initially a naysayer. When I first heard the news that NASCAR was coming to Chicago, I thought what the hell. I didn’t think this city was the “right place” for this type of sport. I remember all the kids in my small hometown were huge fans but Chicago? The big, sophisticated city? Boy, was I ever wrong.

My first encounter with NASCAR was at Steak 48 last week, where a special event was hosted by the NASCAR Foundation and the restaurant to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. There, I had the privilege of interviewing four of the race’s stars: Rickey Stenhouse Jr, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain and Harrison Burton. After I quizzed these patient gentlemen, I acquired a newfound respect for the sport. I learned some of the intricate strategies that went into winning and how they started driving, one as young as 12. (Read interviews here) They spoke excitedly of their love for Chicago, and it made me see everything in a much clearer, brighter light. Their passion made me passionate too.

The following day, I attended my first NASCAR race. I proudly exhibited my media credentials at the Art Institute, where the media center was located, grabbed my photo vest and off I went into the unknown. I had watched another photog earlier sneak through a break in the gate to get to the viewing area easier so I followed his lead. I then overhead an official telling another reporter how to get to Pit Road, the holy grail, so, again, I followed this information too. It’s all about listening and watching to achieve your goals. I know asking works too, but I’m shy that way.

The first thing about the event that struck me was how respectful everyone was. Even though there were great crowds, over 50,000 on Saturday, and oppressive heat, there were big smiles everywhere I looked. It was so nice to see Chicagoans so happy after all we’ve been through. As I crossed the McDonald’s pedestrian bridge, you could see and hear the cars going through qualifying below. It made your heart race, in a good way.

The Saturday race, the Xfinity Series is NASCAR’s second-tier circuit. It has the Loop 121, a 121 mile race with 55-laps around a 2.2 mile course. The main event was to occur on Sunday but rain delayed the start. This one is the Cup Series Grant Park 220, a 220 mile race with 100 laps on the same course. The seven 90-degree turns were a worry for all the drivers with some crashes and scrapes as they tried to hug the walls which were closer than in any other race.

Anyway, let’s talk about the “pit experience.” It’s like you’ve walked onto a different planet. Each pit team works as one, their moves are synchronized, and they know what the driver is thinking before he even says it. It was breathtaking to see all the devotion and dedication that each team goes into trying to make their driver the winner.  The shaking of heads when a lap wasn’t going well, the agony of a scrape, worrying about the tires which had to be switched out after the rain began—all the worries and planning was like watching a master chess game. I even saw the legendary Jeff Gordon, who is considered one of the best and most influential drivers in NASCAR history, offering advice in his role as vice chairman for Hendrick Motorsports (who had four drivers in the race).

The sounds… I asked veteran racer Kyle Busch what to watch for as a first-time viewer and he said, the “rumble of the ground as the cars move onto the racetrack.” And he is so right…..you feel it all through your body. You become a part of the experience in a very visceral way.

Right now, I’m waiting for a green light that probably won’t come today to signal the start of the big race. The day here in Chicago looks like night and the rain is pounding against the windows. I can’t imagine what the waiting must do for the drivers who has their adrenaline at a fever pitch. As I left the grounds yesterday, all the cars looked like they were sleeping. Each carefully tucked into a little cocoon-covering with a roof tenderly placed above. I hope they won’t have long to rest. Chicago is excited, ready and waiting! 

Breaking update:

Cole Custer has just been declared the winner of the Xfinity Series race. “With standing water and flooding a significant issue at the racetrack 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.” – NASCAR

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