Racing to make a difference: NASCAR Chicago Street Race's impact on Chicago

The first event is always the most exciting because you just don’t know what to expect. The hype surrounding the very first street race in NASCAR’s 75-year history was daunting, making it seem impossible to live up to expectations. But they did it despite some glitches like rain and not enough pedestrian bridges. This year, the bridge situation was fixed but we couldn't stop the rain, which, in hindsight, made the race even MORE exciting!

For the first time, NASCAR was able to host a big stage presentation, that had to be dropped last year, that included exciting performances from Uniting Voices, a drum band, the National Anthem sung by Wayne Messmer and a patriotic honor guard. The presentation of drivers was so dramatic with fireballs shooting into the air and the drivers walking through fog to come onto the stage. The crowd went wild.

Alex Bowman, who last year came in last, claimed the eighth victory of his career driving the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet with a pass of sports car ace Joey Hand on Lap 51—moments before Josh Berry plowed into the tire barrier in Turn 2 of the 2.2-mile, 12-turn course to cause the fifth and final caution.

I've never been a big racing fan, but NASCAR Chicago has changed all that. Now, I love seeing the cars whizzing around the track and marvel at the drivers' courage and daring.

But perhaps, what has endeared me the most to this new Chicago sport is the NASCAR Foundation and its big heart. This organization is about so much more than racing; they truly strive to uplift the communities they inhabit and not just in the short run.

NASCAR president Steve Phelps said, “It was important for us to make sure we were giving back to the city, up front as well as a lasting legacy.”

Looking at the stats, they have done it in spades.

On July 3, at the second “Gear Up for Good” fundraiser hosted by Steak 48, the NASCAR Foundation presented a check for $100,000 to the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. Last year, the foundation donated $50,000 to the Chicago Food Depository.

The foundation has also donated over $150,000 to local area hospitals and $50,000 to the Chicago Park District to upgrade teen centers. They sponsored the July 4th fireworks at Navy Pier with Choose Chicago and were the sole sponsor for the Grant Park Independence Day Salute concert.

On July 1, the foundation partnered with Blue Cross/Blue Shield to donate a check for $30,000 to Family Focus Lawndale, a nonprofit that supports programs benefiting Illinois families.

Across the city, NASCAR presented free, family-friendly activations that included the Family Fest at Navy Pier, Bubba’s Block Party on the West Side and an event at Wrigley Field before the July 5 Cubs/LA game. At the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club on July 2, NASCAR offered an array of free themed activities, including a meet-and-greet with drivers.

To date, nearly $2 million has been donated to Chicago for community initiatives and, since the race was announced, members of the NASCAR team have participated in over 300 community events.

Oh yes, I’m a big fan.