Preparations for the 2024 NASCAR Street Race in Chicago will begin shortly, with the first street closures expected to begin in less than two weeks.
According to the timeline provided by Chicago officials, Ida B. Wells Drive will close between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive on the evening of June 10, allowing construction of the circuit’s main grandstand to begin.
Parking restrictions will also begin along southbound Columbus Drive between Jackson Drive and Balbo Drive, according to CDOT officials.
The closures come as Chicago officials tout a shortened preparation period for the race, reducing it to 19 days from 25 the year before.
Additional closures will begin June 19, with the bulk of closures beginning June 27, according to officials.
By the time the race arrives on July 6-7, Columbus Drive, Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive will all experience significant closures, with officials aiming to reopen those roads by 6 a.m. on July 8.
Last year’s race was the first on the 2.2-mile circuit, with rain cutting off Loop 121 and Grant Park 220. The Xfinity Series race was won by Cole Custer, who led all 25 laps before the race is canceled due to bad weather.
The Cup Series race was won by Shane van Gisbergen, who took the victory in overtime as the race was stopped due to darkness.
A complete list of street closures for this year’s edition of the race is available on the NBC Chicago website. The NASCAR race teardown is expected to be completed by July 18.
NBC Chicago
