Chicago street race sparks mixed feelings among residents

The NASCAR Cup Series will be held in Chicago on July 1, 2025, for the third consecutive year, with the Grant Park 165 race attracting international fans and generating significant economic impact. In 2024, the event resulted in $128 million in economic benefits, a 17.5% increase from the previous year, driven by nearly 40,000 hotel room bookings. However, this resurgence has not come without controversy; local residents have voiced their frustrations regarding street closures and traffic disruptions caused by the race. Diane Sibon and Phelan Larsh, among others, expressed that the inconveniences outweigh the economic advantages, portraying the event as a nuisance rather than a boon to the community. Chicago Sports Commission's Executive Director, Kara Bachman, defended the race, emphasizing that the area now sees NASCAR fans from over 26 countries attending. According to her statement, events like these help promote Chicago, highlighting the duality of the race's impact - both as a significant tourist draw and as a source of irritation for locals who feel their daily lives are disrupted.