Martin Truex Jr. 'optimistic' for Chicago Street Race

This is a big weekend for NASCAR as the Chicago Street Race inches closer. Martin Truex Jr. has a feeling that things will go well. With some optimism for the race and the fan experience, Truex Jr. is ready to give it his best shot on the streets of the Windy City.

Coming off his road course win at Sonoma Raceway, Martin Truex Jr. is considered one of the favorites for the Chicago race. The only thing is, Truex Jr., has never raced on the streets in any kind of series, let alone NASCAR.

So, with a lot of expectations and no clear picture on what those expectations look like (is it about the race, the event, expanding the sport, or a combination?) Truex Jr. is hoping for a good weekend all around.

“I think it’s a good idea, I’ve just never done street racing before,” Truex Jr. said, via NASCAR. “I’m optimistic that it’s going to be a good time and it’s going to go off well. I have no idea the logistics involved. I can’t even imagine what goes into it. It’s going to be interesting to see a street course with these cars, what the grip level might be in each corner. You just wonder what the difference is in each turn — that’s the competitor side of me thinking.

“On the fan side, it seems like it’s going to be cool, so we will see how it goes. Hopefully, it’s a good turnout and it goes off well. I enjoy tracks that are unique and challenging and it’s always a good challenge to learn a new place.”

So, what should we expect? For some reason, I bet Martin Truex Jr. will be in the mix.

Martin Truex Jr. among four favorites for Sunday

Before practice and qualifying on Saturday, the odds in Las Vegas have four drivers tied as the favorites. Truex Jr. is among the four drivers. He is joined by Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and Tyler Reddick at 7-1 odds to win.

Those four drivers are likely the four best road course drivers in the Cup Series. So, it makes sense why Vegas would have them so close together. Of course, if one of them excels or does poorly on Saturday before the race, those odds will move around.

Part of me thinks that Reddick is going to be the pole winner. He has a way of hitting road course turns so well, goes deep into them, and keeps the car under him in the process. However, he does take risks that could cost him with his aggressive style.

Then you have Martin Truex Jr. who is a veteran on a hot streak. He’s had a super fast Toyota Camry the last six weeks of the season. Especially on the road, as his Sonoma win showed. So, it’s hard to say, Reddick’s aggression or Truex’s old-school consistency. Either way, we’re likely to get a show on Sunday.