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

Glamorous ‘Goodnight Cinderella’ thief caught after seducing tourists and stealing £13k by drugging them

This captures the arrest of a thief nicknamed “Goodnight Cinderella,” who targeted…
Plane crash at an airport with emergency personnel and onlookers.

Haunting Audio Captures Russians Shooting Down Plane on Christmas, Killing 38, Aware It Wasn’t a Ukrainian Drone

A CHILLING audio clip has emerged revealing the moment Russians shot down…
My husband is bad at sex — how do I break the news?

How to Communicate Constructively with Your Partner About Improving Your Intimate Life

DEAR ABBY: After facing years of setbacks, I’ve finally met the ideal…
Woman holding a photo of a younger woman with a bird.

Virginia Giuffre’s Emotional Diary Sheds Light on Epstein Victim’s Troubling Last Months

VIRGINIA Giuffre’s diary leading up to her tragic suicide has shown just…
MS-13 leader in Trump’s crosshairs to be sentenced in racketeering case involving 8 Long Island murders

MS-13 Leader Targeted by Trump to Be Sentenced for Racketeering Tied to 8 Long Island Murders

An MS-13 gang leader from a New York City suburb is set…
Diddy trial: Jury in Sean Combs' sex trafficking trial to resume deliberations after reaching partial verdict

Diddy Court Case: Jury to Continue Deliberations After Partial Verdict in Sean Combs’ Sex Trafficking Trial

NEW YORK — The jury in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial…
Border crisis under Biden reveals shocking abuse of migrant children placed with unvetted sponsors: DHS

Biden’s Border Policies Under Fire: Disturbing Cases of Migrant Children Placed with Unverified Sponsors Revealed by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is revealing significant issues of mistreatment…
Politicians, pastors protest downtown Chicago as House gears up to vote on Trump's 'big beautiful bill,' citing Medicaid cut fears

Politicians and Pastors Protest in Downtown Chicago Over Concerns of Medicaid Cuts in Upcoming House Vote on Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”

CHICAGO (WLS) — Protesters in Chicago gathered on Wednesday to express their…
Anti-slavery document from 1847 reveals American Baptists' commitment to abolition

1847 Anti-Slavery Document Showcases American Baptists’ Dedication to Ending Slavery

In Groton, Massachusetts, Jennifer Cromack was sorting through the American Baptist archive…
American tourist vanishes in tropical paradise after early morning walk from vacation rental

American Tourist Disappears During Early Morning Walk in Tropical Paradise

A man from Monroe, New York, who was vacationing in Turks and…
Chris Drury's heaping praise on Vladislav Gavrikov gives look into Rangers' mindset

Chris Drury Praises Vladislav Gavrikov: Insight into the Rangers’ Strategy

Chris Drury is typically reserved in his expressions, but he made a…
14 injured after skydiving aircraft goes off runway at Cross Keys Airport in Gloucester County, New Jersey

14 Injured as Skydiving Plane Overruns Runway at Cross Keys Airport, New Jersey

WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J — Fourteen people were hospitalized after a single-engine skydiving plane…