Concerts canceled at NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend due to weather

Mother Nature is not being kind to NASCAR during their inaugural Chicago Street Race weekend, or their musical acts.

Persistent rain has been in the area all weekend, and it’s hit a peak on Sunday. As excitement grew for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, NASCAR scheduled some pre-race concerts for their fans.

Well, those aren’t going to be happening anymore. Apparently the rain has been so bad that the area is beginning to flood, and the concerts have been cancelled.

CONCERT UPDATE: Today’s concerts have been canceled due to flooding in Lower Hutchison Field. NASCAR will continue to share updates on today’s on-track schedule as available. pic.twitter.com/Q2S4zWcI28

— NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend (@NASCARChicago) July 2, 2023

“CONCERT UPDATE: Today’s concerts have been canceled due to flooding in Lower Hutchison Field,” tweeted NASCAR Chicago. “NASCAR will continue to share updates on today’s on-track schedule as available.”

That’s immensely disappointing, as this weekend’s entire event was one of the most anticipated of the entire season. Evidently, Mother Nature doesn’t share the sport’s enthusiasm.

Nevertheless, there’s still a chance the Cup Series goes racing on Sunday. The fans may not get to see a concert, but the roar of the cars would more than make up for it.

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.