As race weekend rapidly approaches, Chicagoland Speedway would like to remind racing fans of the ample number of unique entertainment activities taking place as we celebrate the Stars and Stripes Weekend June 28-July 1.
Freedom Walk
In addition to the enjoying the exciting races each day, fans will join in the recognition of our country’s service men and women with an omnipresent military theme woven into four days of racing as part of NASCAR Salutes platform.
“Chicagoland Speedway has always used its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race weekend as a platform to pay tribute to active and veteran military members, and this year we will raise the bar as we celebrate our Stars and Stripes Weekend to kick off the Fourth of July holiday,” said Chicagoland Speedway President Scott Paddock.
The patriotic-themed weekend will offer an unforgettable gathering of organizations providing an interactive experience honoring active military and veterans. Champion’s Park will include a Freedom Walk, displays of military vehicles from various eras, the Illinois Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial Wall, an honorary ceremony and multiple war museums throughout the weekend.
Also, ARCA Racing Series driver Jessee Iwuji will host several question and answer sessions over the weekend. Iwuji is an officer in the United States Navy Reserve, and was a member of the football and track and field teams at the United States Naval Academy.
Rail Jam
Step Up Productions will add a thrilling element to the entertainment lineup, as their Wakeboard Rail Jam set up will be on display over the weekend. Fans will get up-close and personal with professional wakeboarders as they perform high-flying aerial tricks over the 50’ gap that separates the takeoff and the 50,000 gallon landing pool.
“Nothing says fun in the sun like a massive pool, where professional wakeboarders will perform for the legions of Chicagoland Speedway fans during our weekend,” said Paddock. “Throughout the weekend we encourage fans of all ages to check out the air defying tricks on display at the Rail Jam venue.”
Competitors are pulled across the course by a high-speed, gas-powered Konix. This two-tower advanced pulley system allows them to grind over rails and perform dazzling tricks in the air. Throughout the weekend there will be 15 performances.
Kids Activities
Chicagoland Speedway mascot DASH will make regular appearances throughout the weekend as well and will be available for photos with fans. Gaming trucks, face painters, bounce houses and much more will be available for kids each day in Champions Park located at the Kids Club display.
The NASCAR Foundation will bring its Speediatrics Fun Day Festival, which is dedicated to inspiring children to lead a healthy lifestyle, to the Chicago area for the first time on Saturday, June 30 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Children in attendance will be treated to NASCAR-themed field day activities, a driver Q&A and healthy snacks to remind children about the importance of healthy eating habits and physical fitness. This will mark the Foundation’s first health fair at the heart of a race weekend, enabling more children to learn and practice the healthy habits they need to stay healthy and active.
The festival is a celebration of a financial grant The NASCAR Foundation is providing to Mobile Care Chicago, in support of its mobile health program focused on asthma and dental care for children in the greater Chicago area. Mobile Care Chicago will bring its mobile clinic on site and will hold educational activities to teach children about the warning signs of asthma and how to recognize an attack in themselves or their friends.
On Sunday, July 1, young fans will also have the opportunity to attend an autograph session, featuring Monster Energy Cup Series drivers Kyle Busch, William Byron and Michael McDowell. Additionally, Chicagoland Speedway’s Kids Club Crew Chief Ryan Blaney will make a special appearance on Sunday exclusively for Kids Club members.
Musical Entertainment
Country music sensation Randy Houser will give racing fans of all ages an electric performance during his Overton’s 400 pre-race concert. Born and raised in Lake, Mississippi, Houser formed his own band at the age of 10, and eventually moved to Nashville to pursue a career in music. His recognizable booming, yet soulful voice has paved the way to appearances on Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live and a special performance on The Voice.
In addition to Houser, fans will not want to miss the other live music performances taking place over the weekend. Live bands will perform during all hours of Champions Park Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include Wild Daisy, Sal Gonzalez from America’s Got Talent, Josh Gallagher from The Voice, Petty Cash – A tribute to Tom Petty, and Hair Band as our Sunday Post-Race Concert. Campground entertainment includes A Band Called River in the Lower Ridge on Friday and Saturday Night with special guest Josh Gallagher on Saturday Night and New for this Year – Infield Idol Live Band Karaoke on Saturday Night.
After enjoying Houser’s musical talent on Sunday, fans can watch Chicago Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison belt “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Magnificent Mile and a Half. Cornelison has been performing the anthem at Chicagoland Speedway since 2013 and is better known as the “Gold Standard” for his iconic rendition of the ballad.
Joyride
New this year, Route 66 Raceway will offer complimentary race-day transportation provided by Joyride. Joyride delivers “A joyful fan experience” as they assist in transporting fans to and from campgrounds and parking lots. Walking long distances in the hot sun or rain is no longer an issue when Joyride is on site!
To obtain a ride, fans can call 833-654-RIDE or simply flag down a driver. It is recommended to flag or hail down a driver for the fastest service, which will be available Friday – Sunday of race week for no cost.
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway will take place on July 1 as part of the four-race weekend June 28 – July 1. The weekend will kick off on Thursday, June 28 with the SCOTT® 150 ARCA Racing Series followed by NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overton’s 225 under the lights on Friday night. On Saturday, June 30, the NASCAR XFINITY Series Overton’s 300 will hit the track as the precursor to Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton’s 400 showdown.
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