Alex Bowman, the winner of last year’s Chicago Street Race, recently discussed why the Grant Park 165 in Chicago has rapidly become a standout event for NASCAR fans and drivers alike. The race, held on the 2.2-mile Chicago Street Course spanning 12 turns, offers a distinct atmosphere that separates it from the typical NASCAR weekend experience.
According to Bowman, the uniqueness goes beyond the track‘s layout to include the overall race weekend experience within the city. Rather than staying confined to racetrack infields with buses and motor homes, drivers and teams are spread out in hotels throughout Chicago, allowing for more fan engagement during walks to the circuit. This change in routine gives the event a more intimate and interactive feel.
“I think it’s just different than what we normally do. Obviously, the racetrack’s different, but the event’s also much different for us. We’re all used to staying in buses and motor homes in the infield of the racetrack, not really going anywhere throughout the course of the weekend. Obviously, that’s different here. There’s no room for our buses, so we’re all hotels kind of scattered throughout the city. We walk to the racetrack, so a lot of fan interaction while you’re walking to the racetrack.” —Alex Bowman, NASCAR driver
“Probably hang out with the team more than you normally do. So, I enjoy that aspect of things. Just doing something different when we’re on the road for 40 weeks a year, doing almost the same thing every week. So, doing something different is always fun.” —Alex Bowman, NASCAR driver
Recalling Bowman’s Rain-Interrupted Victory at Chicago
Last year’s race, which was significantly affected by rain, saw Alex Bowman claim victory by making a strategic decision to remain on wet tires while many frontrunners switched to dry tires before the final stage. This win ended his 80-race drought, rejuvenating his momentum in the NASCAR Cup Series.
“We were pretty good all weekend. Maybe not as good as I would have liked to be when the rain started at first, but as the racetrack started to dry back out. We got really fast. We were able to get the lead there, and kind of with as long as the rain had gone and everything, they shortened the race a little bit because it was getting dark.” —Alex Bowman, NASCAR driver
“At that point, I knew we had a shot at it. We stayed out, stayed on rain tires. Some of the other really fast cars pitted for dry tires. And with the race being shorter there at the end, it just worked out that we were barely able to hold on those wet tires and maintain the lead,” —Alex Bowman, NASCAR driver
Looking Ahead: Bowman’s Goals for This Year’s Chicago Street Course Race
Heading into the 2024 Grant Park 165, set to begin at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 6, Alex Bowman is 12th in the Cup Series standings and is eager to snap a 34-race winless streak. Given his previous success on the Chicago Street Course, the race represents a prime opportunity for Bowman to reclaim victory and energize his season.
The continued growth of this race’s popularity can be attributed not only to the challenging street course but also to the immersive city atmosphere that fosters closer fan-to-driver experiences. As NASCAR expands its road course events, the Chicago race has quickly risen as a must-watch date for fans and competitors alike, potentially shaping the series’ future direction toward more urban venues.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Alex Bowman get a brain injury?
A. In 2022, Bowman started his season by securing the second spot in the Daytona 500 qualifications. However, during lap 63, he crashed into Harrison Burton’s car as it flipped over.
Q. Is Alex Bowman in a relationship?
A. Alex Bowman and his girlfriend, Chloe Henderson, make a great team in the racing world!
Q. How did Alex Bowman get brain injury?
A. CHICAGO — In 2022, Alex Bowman got a concussion after a crash during a NASCAR Cup Series race. Then in 2023, he broke his back in a sprint-car crash.
