NASCAR Chicago Street race update — The Loop 121 Xfinity race, postponed until Sunday morning
Attendees asked to find shelter because of lightening at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Anthony Vazquez
The Loop 121, the first race in the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, is postponed until Sunday, 10 a.m. CST.
The race, which was led by Cole Custer, was under a 30-minute weather delay around 5:05 p.m. on lap 26 of 55 because of lightning in the area.
The cars were brought onto Pit Road and drivers exited their cars. Video screens warned attendees of lightning in the area and asking them to clear the festival areas.
Around 6:35 p.m. NASCAR announced the race will resume Sunday at 10 a.m. CST and will be aired on the USA Network. Gates open at 9 a.m. for fans.
The evening concert headlined by The Chainsmokers is also canceled.
Lightning in the area at the Loop 121 — the cars have been brought onto Pit Road. Video screens are warning attendees of lightning in the area and asking them to clear the festival areas.
— ellery jones (@elleryrjones) July 1, 2023
Cole Custer, led all 25 laps before the red flag.
“I was honestly shocked we didn’t wreck more cars.” Custer told NBC during the delay. “Hats off to the field so far.”
Statement by NASCAR:
“Due to the potential for continued lightning strikes and in the interest of public safety and caution, the facility needed to be evacuated. NASCAR had hoped to resume activities, but not until city officials allowed fans to return to the grandstands. The forecast for lightning extends into the next several hours, forcing NASCAR to postpone the completion of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race until tomorrow morning.”