NASCAR holding special kid-friendly events ahead of Chicago Street Race

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team and John Garcia

Monday, July 1, 2024

NASCAR holding special kid-friendly events ahead of street race

As more NASCAR closures go into effect, the company is holding dozens of events ahead of the big street race.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's called a silent dance party.

The kids all wore headphones so they could hear the music without baring it throughout the neighborhood.

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It is one of the many programs sponsored by Family Focus, a social services organization dedicated to helping support the health and well-being of families.

Family Focus one of the organizations NASCAR and partner Blue Cross Blue Shield are supporting, delivering a $30,000 dollar check on Monday afternoon.

"Thirty-thousand dollars goes a very long way," said Family Focus Board member Francee Harrington.

It is race week in Chicago, which means NASCAR representatives have dozens of events on the calendar in addition to the weekend races. Representatives say charity events like this are part of NASCAR's commitment to the city.

"Really, just trying to bring NASCAR to the neighborhoods, educate them about NASCAR, then also make a positive impact on those neighborhoods as well," said NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese.

It is year two of NASCAR taking over downtown Chicago. Construction of the temporary grandstands is moving along quickly. The 2.2-mile course through the downtown streets is the same as last year.

NASCAR officials say they managed to cut six days off the set-up window they needed last year, reducing the time they need to close many streets and attempting to attract more political support for the race.

The Family Focus in North Lawndale is part of Alderwoman Monique Scott's 24th Ward.

"I'm not gonna make excuses. It's an inconvenience for some people. I appreciate the impact of what they have done for our community," Scott said.

The week of events includes numerous free attractions, including a NASCAR experience at Navy Pier, and NASCAR is even co-sponsoring the July 3 Fireworks show at the pier.

The Chicago Park District also teamed up with NASCAR for the Mandrake Park Pit Stop on Monday. Children, ages 6 to 13 were invited to learn about the race by getting up close to a pace car.

Kids also got a chance to see NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suárez's fire suit and a special panel of interns talking about their experience working the event.

"As we grow the race week schedule, we wanted a celebration of NASCAR in Chicago the entire week and to be able to give back and make a positive impact on the neighborhoods," Giese said.

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