The Grant Park 220 Chicago Street Race had all the bells and whistles needed for a fantastic event. Sadly, the rain put a damper on the whole entire event.

However, before the first raindrop washed away the dreams of so many, this was one of the most exciting things to take place in Chicago.

No, seriously…

I had a damn great time at this event! It was exciting, thrilling, and a thrill of a lifetime to see an actual NASCAR race in downtown Chicago. The biggest and fastest muscle cars in the world, flexing their engines was simply, awesome. The echos alone of the cavernous downtown buildings provided something that felt like a Transformers movie. This was truly the most unique experience in NASCAR history.

Not to mention the entertainment. The Chainsmokers, The Black Crowes, Miranda Lambert, and Charley Crockett were the plan for the non-stop entertainment that matched the RPM’s on the race track.

Did the rain suck? Hell yes, it did.

That’s not NASCAR or Chicago’s fault. So knock it off and act like an adult and stop crapping all over it. It rains and shit happens.

As far as I remember, the 10th inning of the 2016 World Series had some rain show up and that event still turned out fine. We’re Chicago, we’ll take it on the chin, come back and kick your ass next year.

Just. Watch. Us.

The partnership between NASCAR and the city will see races held over the next three years on a course starting in Grant Park. The first races will be July 1-2, 2023.

The 2.2-mile, 12-turn course will include Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and surrounding streets with the start/finish line and pit road along South Columbus Drive in front of Buckingham Fountain. The course will pass through Grant Park near the lakefront and approach the northern edge of Soldier Field, according to city officials.

“Like the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, we seized an incredible opportunity to add an unprecedented element to our schedule and take center stage in the heart of another major metropolitan market,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing development and strategy.

Find the latest news on this event here.

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