Downtown Chicago businesses have mixed feelings about NASCAR again

The third NASCAR Chicago Street Race revs up this weekend, once again sparking mixed feelings about the event’s economic impact and who benefits.

For the past two years, the event has brought tens of thousands to downtown Chicago and was televised to millions of viewers. But some locals and business owners near the Loop racecourse say disruptive street closures, blockades and noise drive customers away during what should be a bustling holiday weekend.

Some businesses benefit. This year, Chicago-based sports caterer Levy is bringing 20 local eateries to a festival for NASCAR ticketholders in Grant Park over the weekend. They include Mr. Beef, Josephine's Southern Cooking, Bronzeville Winery and Cloud Cookie, as well as two Levy restaurants, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap and River Roast.

This weekend, NASCAR is also partnering with the Chicago Loop Alliance to bring free live music, puppets and other entertainment to Monroe Street.

The race “has been a highly successful addition to our city's dynamic summer programming, and we anticipate millions of dollars in direct economic impact to the Loop,” said Ariella Gibson, marketing director of Loop Alliance.

Last year’s Chicago Street Race generated an estimated $128 million in local economic impact — a 17% increase compared to 2023. Last year, more than 53,000 unique visitors attended, up from 47,405 in 2023, thanks partly to the introduction of single-day tickets.

But after the first race weekend in 2023, critics pointed out that the city shouldered more costs than NASCAR was paying. Expenses included an estimated $3.5 million in police overtime and road construction. Meanwhile, NASCAR paid $620,000 to the Chicago Park District. For the 2024 race, the city negotiated with NASCAR, which paid $2 million to cover extra costs.

Some local businesses welcome NASCAR. Miller’s Pub, 134 S. Wabash Ave. in the Loop, is used to the city hosting many large events throughout the year, said co-owner Andrew Gallios. “We believe the inconveniences they may cause are more than worth it for the financial value and exposure they provide for the businesses and the city itself.”

Mindworks, 224 S. Michigan Ave., a science exhibition space located along the racecourse, also welcomes the race. “We are interested in bringing different audiences to Mindworks, and NASCAR engages new groups to explore the Loop,” said Amy Boonstra, Mindworks executive director.

But other businesses near the heart of the racecourse lose out. Exile in Bookville, 410 S. Michigan Ave. in the Fine Arts Building, will close Saturday and Sunday, as it did last year. Again, the bookstore is not holding any author events the week before or after the race during teardown.

“Navigating downtown with street closures presents too many challenges for both authors and customers alike,” said co-owner Kristin Gilbert. “It is very unfortunate that we have to close, as the Fourth of July weekend is a big tourist weekend for Chicago as a whole, and Exile in particular.”

Next door, Osaka Sushi & Fresh Fruit Smoothies at 400 S. Michigan Ave. will close for the third year for NASCAR from Friday to Monday. Much of its business is delivery, and Michigan Avenue will be blocked off to Uber Eats drivers and customers during the race, said manager Barry Cheung. But he added that his daughter likes the closure because he takes time off from his long workdays.

Surrounding street closures began in late June earlier than scheduled because pavement near Grant Park buckled during the recent heat wave.

This year could be the last Chicago Street Race as NASCAR’s three-year deal with the city expires after this season. However, the deal includes options to continue the event.

Gilbert hopes this is the last year. “Every day counts for small businesses, and bookstores in particular rely on certain parts of the year to carry them through slower times,” she said.

“I can appreciate the city trying to bring in new demographics of tourists, to bring something ‘unique’ to downtown, but I just don't think NASCAR is the right fit.”