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
Bobby Jenks, 2-time All-Star and former White Sox closer, dies at 44

Former White Sox Closer and Two-Time All-Star Bobby Jenks Passes Away at 44

He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while…
South Philly shooting today: At least 8 wounded in mass shooting inside 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA

Mass Shooting at 7 Elements in South Philly: 8 Injured

PHILADELPHIA — At least eight people were wounded in a mass shooting…
Body found in search for Brian Tarrence in Turks and Caicos

A Body Discovered During Search for Brian Tarrence in Turks and Caicos

A decomposed body has been discovered amid the search efforts for a…
American veterans attacked, injured while distributing aid in Gaza with US-backed group

US-backed group distributing aid in Gaza reports assault and injuries to American veterans

Two American war veterans involved with the U.S.- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian…
CCSO clears hundreds of teens from Orange Park Mall after 'disturbances'

CCSO Evacuates Hundreds of Teens from Orange Park Mall Following Incidents

A spokesperson for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said there were no…
Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance

Texas Officer Shot Near ICE Facility Amid Trump’s Zero Tolerance Policy

In response to a Texas police officer being shot outside a U.S.…
Chicago-area priest Father Curtis Lambert accused of sexual abuse of a minor at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park: Archdiocese

Chicago Priest Father Curtis Lambert Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor at Melrose Park’s Sacred Heart Parish: Archdiocese Reveals

MELROSE PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A priest with service history at several…
Parents desperately seeking answers on missing campers after Texas flood

Identities Released of Three Campers Who Died as Texas Flood Death Toll Increases

Three young girls were found dead after a devastating flood swept through…
James McMurdock, Reform UK MP, at the House of Commons.

Reform MP James McMurdock Takes Leave from Party Due to ‘Business Conduct During Pandemic’ Concerns

REFORM MP James McMurdock has voluntarily removed the party whip from himself.…
Chicago NASCAR race today: NASCAR Xfinity Series race The Loop 110 to take off in Grant Park Saturday; Cup Series happening Sunday

Chicago NASCAR Race Update: Xfinity Series ‘The Loop 110’ Hits Grant Park Saturday; Cup Series Scheduled for Sunday

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third NASCAR Street Race will get underway on…
Mexico President Sheinbaum hopes deported boxer Chávez Jr. will serve time in Mexico

Mexican President Sheinbaum Wishes for Deported Boxer Chávez Jr. to Face Justice in Mexico

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico stated on Friday that…
Two girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, at Texas Christian camp found dead

Two Young Girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, Discovered Deceased at Texas Christian Camp

Two girls from Camp Mystic, who were missing, were discovered deceased during…