Brad Keselowski, one of 16 drivers competing in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, drew the lucky straw when he was selected to visit Chicago during the Chase Across North America. In anticipation for the kickoff to the Chase at Chicagoland Speedway, Sept. 18-20, each Chase driver was assigned a location simultaneously crisscrossing the nation.
Michigan-native Keselowski had no idea what would be in store for him during his visit to the Second City. To his delight, a few lucky fans were selected to accompany Keselowski at three distinct and iconic Chicago hot dog locations. He not only visited locations famous for their Chicago-style hot dogs, he provided moral support to the fans as they taste-tested what Chicagoans declare the mecca of all things sausage – the Chicago Style hot dog.
Starting on Sunday, Sept. 20 Chicagoland Speedway will begin a new Gatorade Victory Lane tradition by presenting the myAFibRsik.com 400 race winner with an Eisenberg Chicago-style hot dog. When asked why Keselowski himself would not taste the Chicago delicacy, he replied, “You don’t want to taste the trophy before you’ve won. I want my first bite of a Chicago-style hot dog to be in Gatorade Victory Lane on Sunday.”
Ketchup may be on the condiment list in Michigan, but Brad certainly would not see any of that sweet, red abomination to the hot dog here in Chicagoland. Instead, each dog would include the traditional yellow mustard, chopped white onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers and a dash of celery salt.
First up on the list of quintessential locations was the small in size but not so small in flavor, Wiener’s Circle in the heart of Lincoln Park. Known for its Maxwell Street Char-dogs, cheese fries and mutual verbal abuse between employees and customers, Brad was in for a culture shock of Chicago skyscraper proportions.
Next up in Brad’s eventful day was new to the Chicago hot dog scene, Franks N’ Dawgs. Slightly fancier than your average wiener shack, Franks N’ Dawgs offers hand-crafted artisan sausages, placed gingerly atop lauded New England-style lobster roll buns, topped with seasonal, high quality ingredients and a precise attention to detail. Despite the many options at this new Chicago favorite, fans tasted Franks N’ Dawgs’ unique take on the Chicago-style hot dog.
Last, but certainly not least, Keselowski and crew visited Villa Park’s original “Dog House,” Portillo’s. Keselowski once again shied away from the Chicago dog, but did enjoy a fair share of the delicious chocolate cake Portillo’s connoisseurs know oh-so-well. Decadent desserts, scenic décor and one-on-one media opportunities at this final stop wrapped up the Chase Across North America day.
Advance tickets for myAFibRisk.com 400 start at just $55 with kids 12 and under receiving $25 OFF adult ticket prices in each section. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com, by calling 888-629-RACE, through the Chicagoland Speedway mobile app, or by visiting the Chicagoland Speedway Administrative office Monday-Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.
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