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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michelle R. Martinelli

15 super cool photos from NASCAR’s first street race in downtown Chicago

The NASCAR made history Sunday in Chicago with the premier Cup Series’ first street-course race, and New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen found himself walking away with the checkered flag for the No. 91 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet — making him the first driver to win his first Cup start in 60 years.

Because of inclement weather, however, the Grant Park 220 was shortened from 100 laps down to 75 before the race went into overtime for a 78-lap event.

The 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course laid out in downtown Chicago is a totally novel concept in NASCAR, and the backdrop of the city and its skyline made for some spectacular photos. Here are 15 of our favorites from NASCAR’s first street race in Chicago.

Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 220 at the Chicago Street Course on July 02, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the eRacing Association turn 7 Skydeck at Venue Six10. (Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports)

A view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago building. (Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott races along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race at Chicago Street Race. (Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports)

Bubba Wallace drives during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 220 Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the eRacing Association turn 7 Skydeck at Venue Six10. (Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports)

Fans watch as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the eRacing Association turn 7 Skydeck at Venue Six10. (Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports)

Todd Gilliland, Harrison Burton, William Byron and Chase Elliott race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the eRacing Association turn 7 Skydeck at Venue Six10. (Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports)

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, and Corey LaJoie, driver of the #7 Celsius Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 220 at the Chicago Street Course on July 02, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the eRacing Association turn 7 Skydeck at Venue Six10. (Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports)

A general view at sunset as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. (Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports)

Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 220 Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane Van Gisbergen wins the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race at Chicago Street Race. (Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports)

Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #91 Enhance Health Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 220 at the Chicago Street Course on July 02, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #91 Enhance Health Chevrolet, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 220 at the Chicago Street Course on July 02, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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