In a press conference on Wednesday, May 24, at Navy Pier, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and SailGP’s Lake Michigan Race came together to announce an exciting collaboration to kick off the summer.
Both organizations — represented by the U.S.A. SailGP team athlete Cooper Dressler and NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese — accepted the ‘Water to Wheels’ crossover challenge in an official helmet swap ceremony behind the pier’s infamous Centennial Wheel. Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission Kara Bachman joined the two on stage for photos after a short speech. Other speakers included SailGP Event Director Tod Reynolds and Navy Pier President & CEO Marilynn Gardner.
“On behalf of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, we accept SailGP and Cooper’s challenge. Let the racing begin!” Giese responded in her acceptance speech. “And make no mistake: no matter who crosses the finish line first, the city of Chicago itself will be the star of the show.”
U.S.A. SailGP Team athlete Cooper Dressler holds a NASCAR Chicago Street Race helmet to accept the crossover challenge. | Courtesy of @angel_ashlea
‘Water to Wheels’ will allow world-class athletes from these two high-speed races to test out each other’s sports and determine which is the most fast and furious — flying across Lake Michigan in a SailGP turbo-charged, hydrofoiling F50 speed boat up to 60 mph or whipping through downtown Chicago in a NASCAR stock car on the simulator.
In an exclusive interview with Chicago Star Media, Dressler commented on his anticipation for the NASCAR collaboration saying, “We’ve thrown the challenge to have NASCAR drivers sail with us, and I think they’re going to be really surprised at getting on a sailboat that can go these speeds.” Speaking on the upcoming SailGP race, he added, “Navy Pier is just a perfect setup for this race. It’s such a cool summer spot here and the crowds are awesome. People have come out before in droves, so I think this is just a city of hardcore sports fans. Even if someone doesn’t know anything about sailing, you’ll want to come check it out.”
SailGP Event Director Tod Reynolds speaks at the 'Water to Wheels' press conference. | Courtesy of @angel_ashlea
The challenge will take place on June 15, which is also training day for the Rolex United States Sail Grand Prix. Participants in ‘Water to Wheels’ will include the U.S.A. SailGP team and Parker Kligerman, a NASCAR Xfinity Series driver and NBC Sports analyst.
SailGP will take place on June 16-17, and fans can watch from Navy Pier. This prime location will include live music, DJs, food and beverages, fan shops, and fireworks. View all tickets and packages online, including their “bring your own boat” premium experience.
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will occur just down the road at Grant Park on July 1-2 for Fourth of July Weekend. This first-ever high-speed race includes concerts by The Chainsmokers, Miranda Lambert, The Black Crowes, and Charley Crockett. View general admission and VIP ticket options on their website.
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