New details emerge into death of NASCAR contractor working to set up Chicago Street Race

A contractor died Friday setting up for NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race this weekend, Ben Bradley of WGN Investigates reported.

The 53-year-old man who died after being electrocuted has been identified as Duane Tabinski, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner. Tabinski, the founder of design, staging and lighting firm DUANE, had been hired to install audio equipment for the race.

The company confirmed his death on Twitter.

“The DUANE team is shocked and saddened to inform you of Duane Tabinski’s passing earlier today,” the statement read. “He was busy doing what he loved, providing a top-of-the-line audio experience for the enjoyment of others. A very giving and caring soul, Duane will be missed. Updates to come.”

NASCAR previously issued a statement that a worker had “suffered a fatal medical emergency.”

“On Friday afternoon, a contractor suffered a fatal medical emergency,” the statement read. “We are coordinating with local authorities on this tragic incident. We share our condolences to the family and their loved ones.”

Tabinski suffered the injury at about 11:28 p.m. in the 500 block of South Columbus Drive near Buckingham Fountain, Kasey Chronis of FOX 32 Chicago reported. He was pronounced dead after being transported to Northwestern Hospital.

Shane van Gisbergen wins Grant Park 220 Chicago Street Race in NASCAR Cup Series debut

Making his NASCAR Cup Series debut, Shane van Gisbergen conquered the 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course to pick up the win in the Grant Park 220. The New Zealand native chased down Chase Elliott and Justin Haley in the final laps on a rainy Sunday evening to become the first driver to win his Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford in the second qualifying race at Daytona in 1963.

van Gisbergen chuckled when asked if he thought victory in the Chicago Street Race was possible.

“No, of course not, but you always dream of it,” he said, via Reid Spencer of NASCAR.com. “Thank you so much to the Trackhouse team and [sponsor] Enhance Health, Project 91. What an experience in the crowd out here. This was so cool. This is what you dream of. Hopefully, I can come and do more.”