100 mph speeds, party decks and more: Here's what the upcoming Chicago NASCAR race has to offer
Take a look at what spectators with different tickets will see from their seats
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's NASCAR street race is just days away and excitement is spreading throughout the city.
NASCAR enthusiasts seasoned and novice geared up for the weekend's races at NASCAR Night at Navy Pier.
"I feel so lucky," said 9-year-old Brian Stanley. "Like, they can race anywhere else and they chose Chicago."
COMPLETE GUIDE: See the Chicago NASCAR street race course, street closures, parking restrictions and more
Earlier Tuesday, Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese gave ABC7 a sneak peek into what the weekend has to offer.
"This is the President's Paddock Club, and it is flanked by two pit-row terrace party decks. So, this is our premier experience," Giese said.
Tickets for the President's Paddock Club top $3,000 each. Seating sites line the 2.2 mile track, and the cheapest general admission tickets are going for just $269.
"So, this will be our main general admission experience. The really fun part about this area is as a GA customer, you have the ability to walk around and check out the views of the course from this entire quadrant. So, you'll be able to see turns one and six, as well as two, three, four and five," Giese said.
Organizers expect 50,000 people each day of the three-day event.
NASCAR said drivers will average about 80 miles per hour on the course, with some spots slower. But, on this DuSable Lakeshore Drive straightaway, speeds will top out at over 100 miles per hour. The drivers have been checking out the track to get prepared.
'So, they're looking at the turns. They're all competitors, so they're looking at, 'Okay, where can I pass the car in front of mem and where can I separate myself from the car behind me?' So, those are the types of things that they're looking at the different types of pavement, the grip," Giese said.
The weekend will also offer five different concerts in the south end of Grant Park. NASCAR is looking to showcase the city and attract new fans.
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"One of the big reasons we're here in Chicago is to introduce NASCAR to new fans. And so, when you look at from ticket buying perspective right now, we are seeing over 80% of our ticket buyers are coming to their very first NASCAR race," Giese said.
NASCAR noted that they have fans coming from all 50 states and from 14 countries. And Saturday, after the race, and before the Chainsmokers concert, all the drivers will be appearing on stage to take a giant selfie with all the fans.
