(Photo courtesy of NASCAR Media)
Chicago will once again host the start of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup with one of the biggest NASCAR® themed parties of the season, NASCAR Chase Fest™ sponsored by Toyota. The free outdoor fan fest will feature all 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Challengers and culminate with a live concert by Grammy-nominated band, 3 Doors Down. NASCAR Chase Fest will take place on Weed Street between Fremont and Kingsbury streets from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. CDT on September 17.
“The days leading into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup have become a signature moment in our sport,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “With the support of Toyota, Sprint and Chicagoland Speedway, we expect to deliver an engaging fan experience that builds anticipation for the most competitive stretch of our season.”
NASCAR Chase Fest will feature appearances and autograph sessions from all 16 drivers competing in the Challenger Round™, as well as a number of recognizable NASCAR personalities. Fans in attendance will be treated to food from renowned Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, beverages from Coors Light (with proper ID), attractions such as the Toyota Ferris Wheel and NASCAR® on NBC Sports Bumper Cars, activations from event sponsor Sprint including an appearance by Miss Sprint Cup and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Trophy, and another live musical performance by a Chicago favorite, country cover band the Suburban Cowboys.
“The start of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is a moment worth celebrating,” said Ed Laukes, Vice President marketing, performance and guest experience for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. “For the past four years, Toyota has partnered with NASCAR to showcase the 16 Chase drivers in a unique, fun fan event. Each year, the festivities grow bigger and better and we’re proud to return to my hometown of Chicago to gear up for the playoffs and kick off this year’s championship Chase.”
Additionally on-site, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) personalities Krista Voda, Kyle Petty, Marty Snider and Rutledge Wood will interview all 16 Challengers for the network’s live broadcast of NASCAR America. To view the 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ drivers currently in place for the Challenger Round, visit www.nascar.com/chase–grid.html.
“NASCAR fans in Chicago and around the world have come to expect big things from the kickoff of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in Chicago and this year is no exception,” said Scott Paddock, President of Chicagoland Speedway. “NASCAR Chase Fest is a dynamic event that segues nicely into the weekend where the celebration will continue at Chicagoland Speedway.”
For the fifth-consecutive year, the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup begins at Chicagoland Speedway. For tickets to the September 18-20 race weekend, visit www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com or call 1-888-629-RACE (7223). Single-day tickets are available. NBCSN will air the race at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 20. Fans can also find the race on the NBC Sports Live Extra app, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, with additional coverage on NASCAR.com.