Third time’s a charm and NASCAR is back in Chicago for another exciting racing extravaganza that brings the action to the streets. This summer, Chicago will host the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, a one-of-a-kind event that transforms downtown into a high-speed racecourse. Fans from all over the globe will gather on specialized seating and standing zones that are strategically placed to watch professional drivers navigate a scenic, yet challenging track shaped by skyscrapers, Grant Park, and Lake Michigan.
Whether you’ve already secured your tickets or thinking of planning a last-minute getaway to Chicago, this blog is your go-to guide for making the most of NASCAR race weekend. From the best vantage points to view the race to recommendations for what to see, eat, and experience while you’re in town—including an unforgettable journey into Chicago’s crime history. Read below for your complete guide to rev up your Chicago itinerary on the track and beyond.
- Where to Watch the Race & Best Viewing Spots
- Things to Do in Chicago Before & After the Race
- Best Places to Eat & Drink Near the NASCAR Chicago Track
- Where to Stay for the Ultimate NASCAR Weekend
- Chicago Crime History & NASCAR: A Surprising Connection?
- Final Tips for NASCAR Weekend in Chicago
Where to Watch the Race & Best Viewing Spots
Whether you want to watch the practice, qualifier or the big race, there are plenty of great seating options:
- The Ground Pass: It’s standing room only with this basic option. Kids 12 and under are free. The child must be present to obtain the kids pass at the box office during race weekend. This year, for the first time, chair rentals are available too!
- Course Reserved: There are several different parts of the course that offer reserved seating on a bench, stadium seat or elevated view. Choose your favorite stretch of track to decide the right option.
- Club and Premier Reserved: The club options offer a more exclusive experience for the serious NASCAR enthusiast. Available and limited options come with stadium seating, elevated views, reserved seating and some packages include start/finish line views.
The most exclusive experience may feature harbor suites, VIP concert passes, a post-race celebration or even a trip to the pit. Discover more luxury options when you reach out directly to NASCAR.
Watch the race at a bar, restaurant or beautiful vantage point.
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- Do a drive by along DuSable Lake Shore Drive on the lakeshore path. Ride a bike or go for a leisurely stroll by the lake to catch a glimpse of the action.
- Book early at Cindy’s! One of the most exclusive and delicious spots along the lakefront is at the top of the Chicago Athletic Hotel. Reservations fill up quickly, so book well in advance no matter what time of year you want to check out this unique and historic hotel and restaurant. Bonus: the game room on their second floor has lots of televisions and games like shuffleboard, pool, checkers and more!
- Book your stay at the Blackstone Hotel, which overlooks the track, and try their Catalonian-inspired restaurant called Mercat a la Planxa. The Spanish cuisine will inspire your palate and feed your soul.
- 5-30 minutes’ walk from the Chicago NASCAR racetrack are a variety of sports bars where you can find more fun during NASCAR weekend in Chicago, including:
Things to Do in Chicago Before & After the Race
Must-Visit Attractions for NASCAR Fans
Car & Racing-Themed Spots
- Visit the historic “Begin Route 66” sign at the northwest corner of Michigan Avenue and E Adams St.
- Roadhouse 66 Gas N’ Grill is a great restaurant in the Lakeview neighborhood on the northside of Chicago. The décor and theme commemorate the history of one of the country’s most historic roadways, Route 66.
- Visit the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum for a history lesson in cars, a vibrant collection of historic vehicles. Chicago’s premier auto museum has a cool giftshop, private parking and take a selfie with the Batmobile!
Best Places to Eat & Drink Near the NASCAR Chicago Track
Classic Chicago-Style Eats
- Pizzeria Uno is home to the original deep-dish pizza. The recipe has never been put in writing and the average tenure of their staff is 15 years. Try one of their specials or sit on the patio for an experience to remember in this historic landmark building.
- Portillo’s is a Chicago classic. Chicago eats are served hot daily including Italian beef, a Chicago Dog with all the fixings (but no ketchup) and you can’t leave without a cake shake. Ask about the secret ingredient in the chocolate cake.
- The Gage provides an intimate fine dining experience with world class cocktails. You will not be disappointed with any of their sister restaurants in the Gage Hospitality Group either.
Bars with a Racing or Sports Theme
Where to Stay for the Ultimate NASCAR Weekend
- The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
- The Blackstone Autograph Collection
- Le Meridien Essex Chicago
Advanced booking is highly recommended at these conveniently located hotels.
Chicago Crime History & NASCAR: A Surprising Connection?
Sports betting is a tale as old as time. From sword fighting duels of times of old to contemporary Chicago street racing of NASCAR, the illegal sports betting or sports bookies have been around for years. Today, there are legal sports betting sites like DraftKings or FanDuel. Before the internet and the casinos of Las Vegas, the Capone Gang ran many sports books out of their illegal bars also known as speakeasies.
Before Prohibition, vice lords ran different parts of Chicago. The southside gang’s “Diamond” Jim Colosimo ran several different illegal operations that also included illegal card games, slot machines and sports books.
Learn more about the south side gang, “Diamond” Jim Colosimo, Al Capone and more on the Chicago Crime Tour or Night Crimes Tour.
Final Tips for NASCAR Weekend in Chicago
- Pack your walking shoes! Walking is your best option. The sidewalks will be packed. Study the maps of where you want to go ahead of time. Book in advance and ask your hotel concierge when you need help with directions.
- The weather changes from one hour to the next. It could rain or the sun could shine. Pack an umbrella or rain jacket as well as a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Sunglasses are a nice addition, too!
- Head out for an early breakfast before the gates open at 9:30am and explore the some of the classic Chicago restaurants listed above in the evening after the race and live performance.
Whether you’re a NASCAR fan or want an excuse to experience Chicago in the full swing of summer, this city has everything you need for an unforgettable weekend. From iconic eats and skyline views to historic speakeasies and Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences, there’s no shortage of things to explore before and after the checkered flag waves.
Take some time to explore beyond the race and you’ll find that Chicago is alive and thriving. If you’re in the mood to shake things up between the adrenaline of the race, the Chicago Crime Tours and Night Crimes Tours are the perfect way to tap into the city’s legendary outlaw history.
