Alex Bowman wins Cup Series race after rain delay on 2nd day of NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sunday was day two of the NASCAR Street Race weekend in downtown Chicago.

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.

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The big race happened around Chicago’s Loop Sunday afternoon after a successful Xfinity Series race Saturday.

Sunday’s Cup Series race was impacted by multiple rain delays. Reigning champion Shane van Gisbergen was knocked out of the race after he was involved in a collision in the 25th lap as the rain moved in and created slippery and wet track conditions. Pole winner Kyle Larson was also knocked out in the 34th lap after crashing into the wall.

Cars zoomed by major city streets like Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive with the iconic skyline as backdrop.

SEE ALSO | 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Live updates

Many fans braved through the weather though, staying until the checkered flag waved to see 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 this 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.

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.

The racecars reached speeds over 100 mph on the fast straightaways. With lots of twists and turns, drivers told ABC7 that it is much more difficult to navigate versus the typical oval-shaped tracks normally seen in NASCAR races. Two-thousand concrete barriers were brought in to shape this insane street course, taking drivers on a tour throughout downtown.

Chicago street reopenings on Monday, July 8

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.

NASCAR fans enjoy a weekend of events

The gates opened at 9 a.m. Sunday to get in on all the action. Big name headliners like Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina performed on Sunday before the race.

“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.

Fans were embracing the excitement across the city.

“Electric vibes… I love it,” Aurora resident Ryne Polko said. “I’m excited to see Kyle Larson race… my favorite racer.”

Fans got all sorts of action throughout the day, with Laura Alaina’s concert starting the festivities. Keith Urban also took over Grant Park with a concert of his own. Some fans were more excited for that than the actual race.

“I’m a huge Keith Urban fan, so we get a little bit of both worlds here,” Aurora resident Katie Polko said. “It’s so exciting. Chicago puts on a great show… ready to rock.”

If all that entertainment wasn’t enough, people also saw some tricks and flips with a special motor cross event.

“Live music… motocross… backflips, front flips… seat grabs … your heart will drop if you see it,” Chicago resident Jason Ballinger said.

After last year’s festivities were interrupted by heavy downpours, people said this year’s event is making for the perfect atmosphere despite there also being some rain.

“It seems like the planning was better,” said Pam Schoeffling from Milwaukee. “Of course, first time you always learn something, but there must’ve been enough right going on that the city brought it in, so I’m glad to be here… 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.”

Protesters arrested near street race course

Two men are in custody after being arrested at Sunday’s NASCAR street race, Chicago police said.

The protest happened around 4:15 p.m. just as the race was about to start. They appeared to have locked themselves inside the fence.

Police said charges are pending for criminal trespassing.