As the engines rev up for another high-octane NASCAR Chicago Street Race this weekend, businesses in the city are experiencing a range of emotions. The race, which will take place on July 6 and 7, promises to bring excitement and substantial foot traffic to downtown Chicago, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. However, not all local establishments are enthused about the disruptions caused by the street closures and construction necessary to host the event.
While businesses such as The Gage and Kilwins look forward to the potential boost in sales, as the "significant increase in foot traffic" last year brought a bustling atmosphere and vibrant sales, other establishments like Exile in Bookville and Studebaker Theater are preparing to shut their doors during the race. Kristin Gilbert, co-owner of Exile in Bookville, stated, "With our street being closed, and noise levels at such an extreme, a bookstore cannot operate." Despite organizers taking steps to reduce the course set-up and breakdown time and working to include as many Chicago-based businesses in the event festivities, the weekend is proving to be a balancing act between celebration and survival for local shops and eateries.
The event itself spans two days and features two separate races, an Xfinity series called The Loop 110, and a Cup series race known as The Grant Park 165, according to WGN-TV. Race organizers have made efforts to cater to fans and families, with the inclusion of children under 12 for free on Saturday's race, and an all-star lineup of live music featuring performers like The Chainsmokers and Buddy Guy.
NASCAR and local businesses are not the only ones looking to benefit from the event. The city of Chicago and its mainstream image are also set to receive a boost. Last year's race, despite weather setbacks, generated a $108.9 million economic impact and drove nearly 30,000 hotel bookings, while also bringing in more than $8.3 million in tax revenue. Moreover, media coverage was worth $23.6 million in "media value" for the city. With the event being the most-watched race last year other than the Daytona 500, with nearly 6 million viewers tuning in, the eyes of the racing world—and potential tourists—will once again be on the city.
Yet, not every calculation has come up as a net positive. Some small business owners remain skeptical, as they weigh the costs of shutting down during a peak sales period against the purported city-wide windfalls. "When the city is not making the money they said they were going to make, when small businesses have to close or lose typical business as a result of the race, it is a decision I do not support," Gilbert told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Therefore, while the NASCAR Chicago Street Race stands as a marquee event designed to revitalize downtown Chicago and immerse fans in a festival atmosphere, the story on ground level for some local stakeholders is one of adaptation, with mixed feelings and financial gambles showcasing the variance in impacts such monstrous events can have on a bustling urban ecosystem.
