Recognition for a Historic Event
On May 23, 2024, NASCAR proudly accepted the ‘Event of the Year’ award for its inaugural Chicago Street Race at the 2024 Sports Business Awards. This prestigious event, hosted by Sports Business Journal in New York City, honors the best achievements in sports business over the past year.
A Groundbreaking Achievement
The Chicago Street Race, held for the first time in NASCAR’s 75-year history, featured stock cars racing through city streets. This two-day event captivated fans, with over 80% of ticket buyers attending their first NASCAR event. It was the most-watched Cup Series race on NBC in six years and generated an economic impact exceeding $108.9 million for Chicago.
“We’re incredibly proud of the Chicago Street Race and grateful to Sports Business Journal for this honor,” said Steve Phelps, President of NASCAR. “This event, led by Ben Kennedy and Julie Giese, showcased our sport in a new and exciting way, and we look forward to its return in July.”
Community Engagement and Investment
NASCAR’s commitment to Chicago went beyond the race. The organization partnered with local groups such as Chicago Public Schools and Special Olympics of Illinois, investing nearly $2 million in community initiatives. NASCAR also opened a permanent Chicago office in November 2022, headed by Julie Giese, employing nearly 20 full-time local staff.
Upcoming Events
The Chicago Street Race will return on July 6-7, 2024, featuring the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and performances by artists like Keith Urban and The Chainsmokers. Ticket options range from single-day tickets at $150 to two-day reserved tickets starting at $465. For more details, visit NASCARChicago.com.
Finalists and Additional Honors
Other finalists for the ‘Event of the Year’ included the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII. NASCAR was also a finalist for ‘League of the Year’ and its media rights deal was nominated for ‘Deal of the Year’.
About the Chicago Street Race
The Chicago Street Race is a premier NASCAR event, racing through downtown Chicago’s iconic landmarks. The 2024 race will take place on July 6-7, featuring top musical performances and unparalleled fan experiences. Learn more at NASCARChicago.com.
