Denny Hamlin explains what will make Chicago Street Race a success

NASCAR is traveling to parts (somewhat) unknown this weekend in Chicago. Although the sport has hosted races in the Windy City before, the street race on Sunday will be the first in the area.

It’s part of NASCAR’s new and innovative plan to create more interest among fans and draw in wider audiences. Drivers prepare for the Grant Park 220, with the green flag dropping at 5:30 p.m. ET.

When new events like this hit the schedule, it’s a toss-up as to whether or not they’ll be successful. So, FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass asked veteran driver Denny Hamlin how he’d measure success from the Chicago street race.

“Ratings is one thing, right? NASCAR is spending a significant amount to bring in new fans and bring the race to the city,” Hamlin said. “So, you wanna see the crowd to be good at the racetrack and you want to see the ratings have a bump.”

Denny Hamlin said he will look at ratings and exposing the sport to new fans in determining whether Chicago is a success. He also likes the restart zone prior to the turn on the main straightaway. pic.twitter.com/JrR4zvTSix

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 26, 2023

NASCAR has incorporated more road courses into its regular season schedule in an effort to expand its reach. This should be an interesting experiment for the league.

And Hamlin is right, the best way to measure success for a sports league is by viewership and attendance. If NASCAR sees a significant bump in both, it might consider more street races in other cities.

From 2001-19, NASCAR hosted a regular Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway, located in Joliet, Ill. So, the sport does have some roots in the Windy City. But this will be a new venture in the realm of street races.

Tyler Reddick facing ‘good pressure’ in NASCAR’s trip to Chicago

NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick faces a unique challenge heading to Chicago this weekend. He drives for Michael Jordan’s 23XI team and the “Air Man” is a legend in the Windy City.

Does Reddick feel nervous about representing Jordan and the team in the same city in which the living legend won six NBA titles? Not necessarily.

“Good pressure,” Reddick responded, asked by FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass about the pressure. “Honestly. McDonald’s is headquartered there, here in the United States.

“It’s a big race for a lot of big brands that are a part of 23XI. So going there and running well is going to be very important for 23XI, for sure.”

Reddick has represented 23XI Racing pretty well this season. He currently sits No. 13 in the Cup Series points standings, taking one checkered flag and posting seven finishes in the top-10.

It would be quite the accomplishment if he got his second win of the regular season in the same city in which Jordan became a legend.