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Chicago Tribune
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters: Road shutdown for NASCAR race makes life beyond difficult for nearby residents
My thanks to the Tribune Editorial Board for acknowledging the disruption NASCAR causes for the 50,000 residents of the Loop ('NASCAR should have a future in Chicago — if it's not held on Fourth of July weekend,' July 10). I live in Lake Shore East, and it is frustratingly difficult to get around while major roads are closed. I regularly travel on southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and during the days the southbound lanes are closed (from Randolph to McFetridge), I have to drive a circuitous route to 31st Street in order to get on the southbound drive. As many as 155,000 motorists travel the drive every day, and all of those cars are forced off onto arterial roads. This is a maddening and illogical disruption. What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end? My beef is not with the people from NASCAR since they are simply doing what the city has allowed them to do. I have been in several community meetings with Julie Giese, the head of NASCAR Chicago, and she has consistently been responsive to input. My beef is with our mayor and my alderman who refuse to acknowledge how disruptive this event is for residents, workers, small business owners, visitors and travelers. Changing the date or demanding more money for the Park District is not going to change the basics — a street race does not belong in downtown Chicago. Beginning in May and throughout the summer, major downtown roads are continually closed. When the roads opened after the Suenos music festival, they began closing for NASCAR. Now that roads are open after NASCAR, they will begin closing for Lollapalooza. This is no way to run a downtown where 50,000-plus people Chicago has seen some tourism benefits from our three years of NASCAR street races, the burden created by weeks of street closures, many rerouted buses and some businesses being unable to operate exceeds those benefits. At least 18 bus routes experienced temporary changes due to NASCAR street closures, which has a disproportionate effect on heavily used South Side routes such as King Drive, Cottage Grove and Jeffery Jump. Passengers on those routes face significantly longer rides to and from downtown. All those extra buses on and near State Street create delays on streets where those buses are rerouted, affecting many additional bus routes. Lane restrictions and delays on DuSable Lake Shore Drive make it harder for people who need to travel along the lakefront. Detoured car traffic has a major impact on State Street and adjacent streets. Too many people have their transportation disrupted and face significant delays and added stress due to NASCAR street closures. People are deprived of being able to use Grant Park for weeks of prime summer weather. Crippling our downtown transportation network and access to the Museum Campus and Art Institute at peak tourist season makes no sense. Three years has been more than enough. No more NASCAR!Regarding last weekend's NASCAR event, no one has commented on the environmental impact from what took place. Air quality downtown, already contaminated, is further damaged by the exhaust from the racing cars. Furthermore, do hotels and restaurants prosper while the city's budgetary problems receive no help from this? Also, in my opinion, this isn't 'entertainment' like musical presentations held in Grant Walter Burnett has served the 27th Ward and the city of Chicago with distinction for about three decades. His leadership played a key role in the growth of the West Loop and in expanding affordable housing across the ward. If he steps into a new leadership role at the Chicago Housing Authority, it would mark the end of an era. No one questions Burnett's impact on this city. That's what makes the reported push to install a successor — rather than let the voters decide — all the more disappointing. As recently confirmed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, he is actively considering Burnett for the CHA post, which would create a vacancy in the 27th Ward. Chicagoans have seen how public trust can erode when political transitions are shaped by behind-the-scenes appointments instead of open elections. At a time when democracy feels fragile — nationally and locally — we should resist any appearance of political favoritism or nepotism, no matter who is involved. This isn't about any one family, community or individual. It's about making sure the public — not political insiders — decides who represents them. If either of Burnett's sons wishes to serve, they should absolutely be encouraged to run. But they should earn that seat the same way their father did: by winning the support of the voters, not by being installed to serve a mayor's political agenda before the people have a chance to speak. We saw that with the appointment process in the 35th Ward. Chicago has a chance to model democratic leadership — but that starts with letting the people of the 27th Ward choose their next alderman, not allowing City Hall to decide for them.I have lived in Chicago just a year, having moved here from another state. My review is that this city is both wonderful and horrible. I cannot watch the news anymore to hear who was been shot the night before — every day. About the causes, figure it out and correct it, or at least tell me about positive things making a difference. Hearing about another Chicago politician going to prison for corruption would bring smiles in the state where I lived while we would shake our heads On the wonderful side of this city, I love the diversity, I love the beauty, I love the people who are helpful and friendly, I read the Tribune every day and like the letters, and so much more. I love being here and want things to be better for June 29 editorial 'Why Chicago has a restaurant crisis' is a fantastic piece with great timing. I directly oversee the sourcing, purchasing, distribution and sale of more than 250 million pounds of perishable food service products annually for a food service/retail company serving a customer base of 95% independent operators. Every single day, just like our customers, cost impact is reviewed, and outcome scenarios are simulated. It should be expected that our elected officials have the diligence and capacity to do the same. These shallow policies and the sweeping support thereof further validate that the City Council is flooded with officials who have never set eyes on a balance sheet and believe that businesses are funded by magic.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mayor Brandon Johnson open to future Chicago NASCAR race, suggests date change
CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson is open to NASCAR returning to Chicago, but hinted Tuesday the city may need a better deal before stock car drivers again race through its streets. NASCAR has 90 days to request a contract extension with the Chicago Park District. If the racing authority wants to win city leaders over, it could need to change race dates, the mayor said Tuesday. 'The Fourth of July is already, quite frankly, it is a heavier burden for our law enforcement because of so much activity,' Johnson said at a City Hall news conference. 'It's something that will be part of the larger discussion if, in fact, NASCAR returns, what is the optimal time.' Pressed on what else the city might need to approve another race, Johnson stayed tight-lipped, promising only that 'there will be a lot of things that we will discuss.' Whether the city and NASCAR can find dates that fit into both schedules is a key question. A NASCAR spokesperson declined comment Tuesday. The 2026 and 2027 races, the prior contract negotiated by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, would be held on mutually agreeable dates. But the park district did confirm in the original contract that the 2023 event and staging window — July 4th weekend — 'is acceptable for potential 2026 or 2027 events.' NASCAR is reportedly in separate negotiations with officials in San Diego to host a street race there in 2026. The potential San Diego race may be in addition to Chicago, or supplant it. A negotiation window with Chicago officials could be narrow: NASCAR announced last year's cup schedule last August. It featured 38 races between February and November, breaking briefly in May and June. Considered the city's front lawn, Grant Park already has a packed schedule in the warmer months, including Lollapalooza, Suenos, Blues and Jazz fests, Taste of Chicago, the half marathon, and various other festivals. Downtown aldermen say moving the race is critical to winning their approval. The Fourth of July is a 'family-oriented' weekend when Chicagoans should have free access to Grant Park, Ald. Bill Conway, 34th, said. 'If you're going to have it again, please don't have it on July 4th weekend,' Conway said. 'We should choose to do it a different weekend if we choose to do it at all.' Conway also said the city should recoup costs tied to the event 'at a minimum' and added that he hopes construction and tear-down times continue to improve. The racing authority has become more efficient in its set-up and communicated well with residents to resolve initial concerns, he added. 'If we can get those things ironed out, I think it would be good to have NASCAR back. Chicago shines on the world stage, and it's clear Chicago gives NASCAR that platform,' he said. Conway said Johnson previously told him a city decision on the event's future would come after this year's race. The mayor on Tuesday promised 'far more people are going to be involved' as future races are considered. 'We should have input, we should be involved in this process,' Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, said. Hopkins argued Lightfoot failed to bring in others when she landed the deal to bring the race to Chicago. He declined to cast judgement on whether the race should continue. It seems the city comes out slightly ahead financially, but weeks-long street closures still make the race hard to justify, he said. The city's cut has long been a point of contention with NASCAR skeptics. The 2025 payment includes a $605,000 base permit fee, plus $2 per ticket sold and 25% of net commissions on food, drinks and merchandise sold at the event. NASCAR must pay the non-permit cut within a 90-day window after the event. In the fall of 2023, Johnson and NASCAR also memorialized an additional $2 million payment for 2024 and 2025. That payment was supposed to help compensate the city for public safety and other costs. NASCAR also agreed to continually slim down its setup and takedown window to reduce inconvenience to drivers and downtown residents. The city came out slightly ahead last year, thanks in large part to that $2 million payment and fewer roadwork improvement costs. NASCAR officials point to the broader economic impact as a point in their favor — plus added amusement taxes that flow to the city and county. Leslie Recht, who leads the Grant Park Advisory Council, said she's urged Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez Rosa, a close Johnson ally, to push for more money from the company and an even quicker set-up and takedown. 'For me, it's still too long,' Recht said, stipulating that other advisory council members don't mind it. 'All the disruption in Grant Park, if you compare it to Lollapalooza or Suenos or some of the other events, they come, they go. They're a much less impactful situation in Grant Park than NASCAR and they don't pay enough … Lolla and Suenos together pay $12 million. It's ridiculous.' The city must be careful with how it uses Grant Park, because 'it is for everyone,' Ald. Lamont Robinson, 4th, said. But NASCAR has so far been a 'good neighbor,' he added. 'I think we need as much revenue as we can get in the city of Chicago,' Robinson said. ____
Chicago Tribune
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Mayor Brandon Johnson open to future Chicago NASCAR race, suggests date change
Mayor Brandon Johnson is open to NASCAR returning to Chicago, but hinted Tuesday the city may need a better deal before stock car drivers again race through its streets. NASCAR has 90 days to request a contract extension with the Chicago Park District. If the racing authority wants to win city leaders over, it could need to change race dates, the mayor said Tuesday. 'The Fourth of July is already, quite frankly, it is a heavier burden for our law enforcement because of so much activity,' Johnson said at a City Hall news conference. 'It's something that will be part of the larger discussion if, in fact, NASCAR returns, what is the optimal time.' Pressed on what else the city might need to approve another race, Johnson stayed tight-lipped, promising only that 'there will be a lot of things that we will discuss.' Whether the city and NASCAR can find dates that fit into both schedules is a key question. A NASCAR spokesperson declined comment Tuesday. The 2026 and 2027 races, the prior contract negotiated by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, would be held on mutually agreeable dates. But the park district did confirm in the original contract that the 2023 event and staging window — July 4th weekend — 'is acceptable for potential 2026 or 2027 events.' NASCAR is reportedly in separate negotiations with officials in San Diego to host a street race there in 2026. The potential San Diego race may be in addition to Chicago, or supplant it. A negotiation window with Chicago officials could be narrow: NASCAR announced last year's cup schedule last August. It featured 38 races between February and November, breaking briefly in May and June. Considered the city's front lawn, Grant Park already has a packed schedule in the warmer months, including Lollapalooza, Suenos, Blues and Jazz fests, Taste of Chicago, the half marathon, and various other festivals. Downtown aldermen say moving the race is critical to winning their approval. The Fourth of July is a 'family-oriented' weekend when Chicagoans should have free access to Grant Park, Ald. Bill Conway, 34th, said. 'If you're going to have it again, please don't have it on July 4th weekend,' Conway said. 'We should choose to do it a different weekend if we choose to do it at all.' Conway also said the city should recoup costs tied to the event 'at a minimum' and added that he hopes construction and tear-down times continue to improve. The racing authority has become more efficient in its set-up and communicated well with residents to resolve initial concerns, he added. 'If we can get those things ironed out, I think it would be good to have NASCAR back. Chicago shines on the world stage, and it's clear Chicago gives NASCAR that platform,' he said. Conway said Johnson previously told him a city decision on the event's future would come after this year's race. The mayor on Tuesday promised 'far more people are going to be involved' as future races are considered. 'We should have input, we should be involved in this process,' Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, said. Hopkins argued Lightfoot failed to bring in others when she landed the deal to bring the race to Chicago. He declined to cast judgement on whether the race should continue. It seems the city comes out slightly ahead financially, but weeks-long street closures still make the race hard to justify, he said. The city's cut has long been a point of contention with NASCAR skeptics. The 2025 payment includes a $605,000 base permit fee, plus $2 per ticket sold and 25% of net commissions on food, drinks and merchandise sold at the event. NASCAR must pay the non-permit cut within a 90-day window after the event. In the fall of 2023, Johnson and NASCAR also memorialized an additional $2 million payment for 2024 and 2025. That payment was supposed to help compensate the city for public safety and other costs. NASCAR also agreed to continually slim down its setup and takedown window to reduce inconvenience to drivers and downtown residents. The city came out slightly ahead last year, thanks in large part to that $2 million payment and fewer roadwork improvement costs. NASCAR officials point to the broader economic impact as a point in their favor — plus added amusement taxes that flow to the city and county. Leslie Recht, who leads the Grant Park Advisory Council, said she's urged Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez Rosa, a close Johnson ally, to push for more money from the company and an even quicker set-up and takedown. 'For me, it's still too long,' Recht said, stipulating that other advisory council members don't mind it. 'All the disruption in Grant Park, if you compare it to Lollapalooza or Suenos or some of the other events, they come, they go. They're a much less impactful situation in Grant Park than NASCAR and they don't pay enough… Lolla and Suenos together pay $12 million. It's ridiculous.' The city must be careful with how it uses Grant Park, because 'it is for everyone,' Ald. Lamont Robinson, 4th, said. But NASCAR has so far been a 'good neighbor,' he added. 'I think we need as much revenue as we can get in the city of Chicago,' Robinson said.
