2025 NASCAR news today: Kids enjoy car-related events at Navy Pier, in Pilsen ahead of Chicago street race as future unclear
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Kids were catching NASCAR fever as they maneuvered remote control race cars at Navy Pier Wednesday.

As the races prepare to take over downtown this weekend, they are giving kids a taste of the experience now.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“My son has enjoyed the sport for a number of years, and my wife and I saw it was here. And we wanted to bring him to share the experience,” Jamal Norman said. “It brings a different element to it. They have to have a lot of ability to shift and maneuver, which is a little different than driving on the oval.”

Kids at the Boys and Girls Club in Pilsen got an idea of what racing is like, as well.

They heard from drivers in a question and answer session.

NASCAR has also set up an array of activities, from LEGOs to virtual races: all designed to encourage potential racing team members of the future.

“I think it’s really fun that NASCAR is supporting the Boys and Girls Club with LEGOs and fun things for children,” Delayza Nillan said.

The pre-race events all lead up to the big weekend of racing. It’s the third year of a three-year contract for NASCAR.

They do have the right to extend the contract for two more years, and five downtown aldermen have signed a letter to NASCAR asking about their plans.

Alderman Brian Hopkins says the aldermen want to be at the bargaining table if the race continues in the city.

“Between the five aldermen who represent downtown, we have 250,000 residents. We’re responsible for airing their views and having their opinions heard. That didn’t happen last time. We’re going to make sure it happens this time,” 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins said.

NASCAR officials are a little preoccupied with the race this weekend, but they are still considering their options for the future.

They are also reportedly negotiating with the city of San Diego about holding a street race there.

“We’ll have those conversations. We’ve been having those conversations. We’ll handle that once we get through the weekend,” said Julie Giese, with NASCAR.

Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose will serve as grand marshal for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

He will give the famous “Drivers, start your engines” command in Grant Park.

NASCAR says Rose represents the heart of Chicago sports.

He called it an honor to be part of such a big event in his hometown.

NASCAR officials said they have no urgent deadline to determine whether they come back to Chicago next year, but they expect they will decide by early fall.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 landing.

Delta Pilot Arrested Post-Landing at SFO, Surprising Passengers on Minneapolis Flight

A DELTA co-pilot has been taken into custody, with officers allegedly seen…
Ian Brady and girlfriend Myra Hindley murdered five children between 1963-65

Who were the people targeted by Moors murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley?

The heinous acts committed by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley remain notorious…
DCPS substitute teacher arrested, accused of having guns, ammunition on campus

VP of Jacksonville Teachers’ Union to Admit Guilt in $1M Fraud Scheme

Ruby George, aged 81 and the retired executive vice president of Duval…
Tulsi Gabbard 'Is Lying' Says Ex-CIA Official Who Oversaw Russian Intelligence on the 2016 Elections

Ex-CIA Official Accuses Tulsi Gabbard of False Statements on Russian Intel Involvement in 2016 Election

Retired CIA counterintelligence chief Susan Miller has stepped up in defense of…
JSO: Woman shot, killed during party on Rover Drive hour after Fourth of July

Shootings in Jacksonville Result in One Fatality and Multiple Injuries Over the Weekend

A violent weekend in Jacksonville leaves one dead and several injured after…
Shooting outside Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada leaves multiple injured; suspect in custody

Several Injured in Reno Shooting Near Grand Sierra Resort; Suspect Apprehended

A gunman launched an attack near a casino in Reno, Nevada, on…
Multiple dead, including gunman in Manhattan skyscraper shooting: sources

Several Dead, Including Shooter, in Manhattan Skyscraper Incident: Sources

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (WPIX) – Authorities are responding to a report of an…
Boxer Dwight Muhammad Qawi dies at 72

Boxing Legend Dwight Muhammad Qawi Passes Away at Age 72

While serving a sentence for armed robbery, he participated in the boxing…
Romeoville teen Langston Britton from Community Christian Church remembered after Silver Birch Ranch drowning in White Lake, WI

Remembering Langston Britton, Romeoville Teen from Community Christian Church, After Tragic Drowning at Silver Birch Ranch in White Lake, WI

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — A planned five-day trip to a church camp…
Police identify multiple suspects in brutal Cincinnati street fight: 'Cruel and absolutely unacceptable'

Cincinnati Street Brawl: Police Name Several Suspects, Call Incident ‘Vicious and Entirely Unacceptable’

Authorities have identified at least four suspects in a violent brawl that…
Ghislaine Maxwell's family insists she received unfair trial in Jeffrey Epstein case

Ghislaine Maxwell Appeals to Supreme Court to Dismiss Conviction, Citing Epstein’s Immunity Agreement

Ghislaine Maxwell, who was previously in a romantic relationship and accused of…
Luigi Mangione’s lawyers slam ‘vague’ allegations, demand feds show their hand in ‘barebones’ CEO murder case

Lawyers for Luigi Mangione criticize unclear accusations, urge federal authorities to present evidence in ‘weak’ CEO murder case

Attorneys representing Luigi Mangione are alleging that the federal government is presenting…