NASCAR's 2024 Street Race in Chicago: Track Configuration Revealed
NASCAR has announced the track configuration for its second annual street race in Chicago, set to take place in 2024. The 2.2-mile circuit will pass by iconic landmarks and notable streets in the city, providing an exciting and challenging race for drivers and fans. Here is a breakdown of the track layout and turns that drivers will navigate during the event.
Front Straightaway
The front straightaway and pit road will be located on South Columbus Drive, stretching over a two-block section. This segment of the track will pass by the iconic Buckingham Fountain, adding a scenic element to the race.
Drivers will then turn left onto East Balbo Drive, heading towards the picturesque Lake Michigan.
Turns Two through Five
After completing Turn One, drivers will make a right turn onto the southbound lanes of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. They will race alongside the Museum Campus, with the Field Museum and Grant Park's softball fields in view.
The slow right-hand curve in front of the Field Museum will mark the third turn on the track.
A 90-degree turn onto East Roosevelt Road will follow as drivers reach the southernmost point of the circuit.
They will then turn back onto South Columbus Drive, continuing northward along a long straightaway.
Turns Six through Twelve
At Turn Six, drivers will navigate a left turn onto East Balbo Drive, near where Turn One is located.
A right-hand turn onto South Michigan Avenue will lead the drivers back northward, heading into a challenging chicane.
Drivers will follow the curve of Congress Plaza to the right, crossing Ida B. Wells Drive.
Turn Nine will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain, redirecting drivers towards Michigan Avenue and another quick right-hand turn.
This turn will briefly take drivers back onto Michigan Avenue, before heading northward and making another quick right-hand turn.
Turn Eleven represents the most northerly portion of the course, with drivers hanging another right onto East Jackson Drive. The famous lions of the Art Institute of Chicago will also be nearby this turn.
Turn Twelve will bring drivers back onto the front straightaway, sending them to the right and down Columbus Drive for a long stretch.
