2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Live updates as race weekend wraps up in Grant Park

Crews picked up fencing and barriers this morning around Grant Park re-opening some roads after NASCAR took Chicago literally by storm.

Johnny Sha lives nearby. He likes to see the event come, but he's also glad to see it go.

"Sure I mean people like the event to be here, but we also like to see all this set up to be gone yeah," Sha said.

Chopper 7 showing northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive reopened Monday morning between McFetridge Drive and Randolph Street.

Meanwhile Michigan Avenue between Roosevelt and Jackson should re-open by noon.

While the event moves out, so are the fans. Roger Thomas from Cleveland said he had a great weekend.

"We goofed off and went to Wrigley Field and came back," Thomas said. "We took the bikes and zipped around. we stayed in the Congress Hotel and had a perfect view of the race. we didn't have to leave the hotel room."

Tyler Dawes came from Noblesville, Indiana for the race and headed home Monday morning with his rain poncho stuffed in his backpack, giving Chicago a big thumbs up.

"I thought it was great," Dawes said. "I thought it was great. Again I saw a lot of very excited fans just come out and kind of see the magic of the racing world. I wish it was a little earlier just so they didn't encounter the same rain delay."

While many streets around Grant Park are re-opening Monday, it will take many days to pick all of this up. Clean up is expected to last well into next week.

Select streets will begin reopening following the conclusion of the event. All street closures are expected to remain in effect as demobilization of the track wall, fence, and viewing structures takes place.

Chicago OEMC issued the following street reopening schedule:

• The northbound section of DuSable Lake Shore Drive is set to reopen on Monday, July 8 at 6 a.m.

• The southbound section of DuSable Lake Shore Drive is set to reopen on Tuesday, July 9 at 11 p.m.

• Northbound and southbound Michigan Avenue between Roosevelt Road and Monroe Street is set to reopen on Monday, July 8 by noon. Northbound Michigan Avenue between Van Buren and Jackson will have one travel lane closed.

READ MORE | Chicago NASCAR street closures, reopenings guide

The priority streets to reopen are DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, and Columbus Drive.

Other street closures will remain in effect as demobilization of the track wall, fence, and viewing structures takes place.

Northbound DuSable Lake Shore Dr. will begin reopening Monday, July 8 at 6 a.m., with all NASCAR-related demobilization activity expected to conclude by end of day July 18th.

Streets with local access are only for residents, businesses and their employees.

Select downtown streets will begin reopening early Monday following the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, OEMC said.

NASCAR can't seem to escape the rain in Chicago as downpours shortened the race for a second year in a row.

Many fans were braving the weather though and staying until the checkered flag to see Alex Bowman win the race.

"I knew it was gonna be a great ending... it's been really close, so I just had to stick it through," Chicago resident James Chaplin said.

Fans adjusted to the weather quickly with ponchos and rain gear as they said the atmosphere was worth it.

"Rainy, but this is the energy, it doesn't matter... the energy is awesome... people are happy and we're right here loving NASCAR in Chicago," Chicago resident Jorge Azpeitia said.

It was a jam packed weekend of action with all sorts of live entertainment.

Motor cross bringing the tricks and flips before the race, as well as some concerts with Laura Alaina and Keith Urban stealing the show.

"It's pretty neat actually to see the big names coming out for these... and the Chainsmokers yesterday, that was a fantastic concert," NASCAR fan Jennifer Decker said.

"I love how the concerts got screens everywhere so you don't feel like you're glued in this sunny place where you'll burn... so I love this atmosphere," said Pam Schoeffling from Milwaukee.

Despite the rain impacting the race in back-to-back years, fans said it was an enjoyable weekend that they hope NASCAR will continue to bring to Chicago.

"We've had great food... great talent playing... great race... great city. Hope to have it back," said Cam Arnold from Nashville.

After a long rain delay, NASCAR driver Alex Bowman took home the win in the Grant Park Cup Series race in the second-annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

Tyler Reddick, who drives for Michael Jordan's 23XI race team, attempted a comeback in the final lap. His attempt did not success and he took 2nd place.

The race was shortened after a rain delay, and did not go for the full 75 laps. NASCAR announced the race needed to be completed around 8:20 p.m.