Chicago police arrest man for driving 'unauthorized vehicle' on NASCAR street course

Chicagoans are excited about the NASCAR Street Race on Sunday, but one resident got a little too eager late Saturday night.

Chicago police have arrested a man for driving an “unauthorized vehicle” on the course, as NBC 5 is reporting a 46-year-old man was taken into custody after driving on the track on the eve of the inaugural event.

“Chicago police arrested one person late Saturday after driving what they called an ‘unauthorized vehicle’ onto the NASCAR street race track, authorities said,” wrote Matt Stefanski of NBC 5. “At around 9:01 p.m., a 46-year-old man was taken into custody in the 1200 block of South DuSable Lake Shore Drive after driving on the track, which he is believed to have accessed by breaking through a barrier, authorities said. 

“The track was not in use at the time of the incident. As of Saturday night, charges against the individual were pending.”

NASCAR wants their supporters to come out to the track and support the history-making event, but maybe not in that way. Fans may want to keep their butts in their seats as opposed to trying to get on the track if they’re to have a good time on Sunday.

Nevertheless, it makes for a fascinating story. When the Chicago Street Race does in fact kick off on Sunday, expect all the vehicles involved to be authorized, with no surprise contenders making their way into the grid.

NASCAR announces new start time for Chicago’s Grant Park 220

Moreover, NASCAR is in Chicago, but Mother Nature is causing problems. Lightning has been in the area, causing for events to be pushed back to Sunday. That includes the Grant Park 220, which now has a new start time in the Windy City.

The green flag for the Grant Park 220 will take place at 4:05 CT/5:05 ET. The same broadcasters will carry the race, with NBC and Peacock being the destination on television. Hopefully, the weather will stay away and allow the race to be completed.

“UPDATE: Sunday’s green flag for the #GrantPark220 has been moved up to 5:05 PM ET on NBC, Peacock, @MRNRadio and @SiriusXMNASCAR Radio,” the tweet from NASCAR read.

FOX Sports NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass pointed out the timeline from NASCAR has been moved up by an hour. NBC will be getting on the air around the same time, only having about five minutes of pre-race coverage.

When the race does get underway, Danny Hamlin will have pole position for the Grant Park 220. He was able to beat out Shane van Gisbergen on Saturday morning, winning the Chicago Street Race Course. A major victory for Hamlin as he will have the advantage once things get underway on Sunday afternoon.

Hopefully, the weather will be able to stay away as well. If so, Chicago will be the hub of NASCAR for the entire day. Some great events should be able to take place, including the Grant Park 220.