NASCAR facing lawsuit for construction worker’s death ahead of 2023 Chicago Street Races

A Chicago law firm has filed a lawsuit against NASCAR and the Chicago Park District regarding the death of an electrician in 2023. Duane Tabinski, 53, was hired as a contractor to set up audio for the Chicago Street Race weekend and died after being electrocuted.

During the setup for the inaugural Chicago Street Race, Tabinski was hired by NASCAR as a contractor. He was hired to work the race stage and track. He set up speakers and microphones near Buckingham Fountain.

Filed on March 19, the lawsuit from Clifford Law Offices claims that NASCAR, as well as the Chicago Park District, were negligent regarding worker safety in the case of Tabinkski. The lawsuit was filed by Kristian Tabinski, Duane’s widow.

“This was a horrible tragedy for the Tabinski family. What happened last summer in the course of the setting up of the NASCAR race in Chicago was entirely preventable and it cannot happen again,” attorney Kevin P. Durkin said. “There was a terrible lapse in safety that led to the unfortunate death of Duane Tabinski.”

Also named in the lawsuit: United Rentals who provided the electrical equipment, Four Lead Productions, Malo Communications Services, and McGuire Scenic. Chicago Park District is listed in the suit for failing to make sure NASCAR and Four Lead provided a safe and proper work area.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race is returning for 2024

Of course, NASCAR is going to run in the streets of Chicago again this year. There were complaints from local residents and politicians for disruptions. The city itself wanted NASCAR to help out more with the setup and tear down.

However, there is an agreement through 2025. This was a three-race deal when it started and this will be year two. The death of Duane Tabinski last year was a dark cloud over the weekend’s events. It will be interesting to see how this lawsuit shakes out and whether or not NASCAR is held liable.

Last year there was torrential rainfall throughout the weekend. It was a record amount of precipitation that shortened both races. This year for the race there is a hope that the entire event can be held. It won’t just be a race, it will be a full music festival and party for three days.

NASCAR Chicago was a success from a race standpoint. Then you have the unfortunate reality of everything around the race. Of course, there is always more going on behind the scenes, and it is a tragedy that Tabinski died while setting up for the event.