Tickets to NASCAR’s historic weekend of races in Chicago weren’t cheap — but fans found a way around that.
There were a variety of places outside the perimeter of the 2.2-mile course where they got a taste of the action by peering under fences, through screens and across roads to get a taste of two-day racing spectacle.
Here are some of the spots fans flocked to downtown on Saturday and Sunday.
1. Roosevelt and Columbus
This by far the best spot. You can watch as cars whiz by on their way into Turn 5 and head north on Columbus. There is more room here to gather since Roosevelt is closed to other traffic.
Fans watch NASCAR Chicago as cars take a tough turn at Roosevelt and Columbus.
Dave Newbart/Sun-Times
The view from outside the track at Roosevelt and Columbus Saturday.
Provided/Robert Gigliotti
— Dave Newbart (@davenewbart) July 1, 2023
2. Michigan and Harrison
Although there is a blue screen over a perimeter fence here, the cars come close enough to the sidewalk that you can get a decent view.
3. Michigan and Jackson
Fans here climbed onto planters and even street lights to get a glimpse of the turn as cars sped north on Michigan and then headed east on Jackson. But others ducked down, looked under the fence, and got a nice view.
Fans climb light posts and peer under fences to get a glimpse of NASCAR Saturday.
Dave Newbart/Sun-Times
That included Ciaran Burns and Sarah Temple, who are from Ireland and in Chicago working in concessions at Wrigley Field for the summer.
“We heard it and said we had to have a look,” Burns, 22, said.
— Dave Newbart (@davenewbart) July 1, 2023
4. DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Balbo
With the lakefront bike path still open, many fans rode up to see the race from across DuSable Lake Shore Drive as the cars raced by. A video screen was also in view.
The turn at DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Balbo.
Dave Newbart/Sun-Times
5. The hill in front of the Field Museum
Nice snapshot of an iconic sign and skyline.
