NASCAR Is Bringing Twista And Racing To The Streets Of Chicago

NASCAR has announced plans to bring back Bubba’s Block Party, the nationwide community initiative hosted by 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace and Blavity House Party, to Douglass Park in Chicago on Friday, July 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The community event will bring together local Black-owned food vendors, businesses, and musicians for a family-friendly celebration on the West Side of Chicago, featuring a headlining set from Chicago hip-hop legend Twista.

Bubba’s Block Party is a national community-focused NASCAR initiative in partnership with Xfinity that aims to drive awareness, access and engagement to the sport of racing in the Black community while generating excitement around race weekend. This year for the first time, NASCAR is joining forces with Blavity to increase the global impact of the Bubba’s Block Party program.

“I’m excited to host another block party in Chicago,” Wallace said. “I was impressed by how the community showed up last year, eager and willing to learn more about our sport. Let’s run it back. I’m also excited to again have the support of 23XI and our partners at McDonald’s, Air Force, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and Walmart. It’s great to have so many groups committed to the mission of growing the sport to new audiences.”

Located on Chicago’s West Side, Douglass (Anna and Frederick) Park is a historic regional park that offers many recreational and cultural opportunities to visitors. Bubba’s Block Party will take place ahead of this summer’s Chicago Street Race Weekend, which will return to Grant Park, July 6-7, 2024.

The free ticketed event will be hosted by Blavity’s General Manager of Community, Charles Kuykendoll, and will include some of the best sets by DJ Commando and DJ NP3. To close out the night, Chicago’s very own Twista will hit the stage. Born Carl Terrell Mitchell, Twista rose to fame in the early 90s and was recognized by Guinness World Records as the “fastest rapper in the world.”

Twista’s impact on the rap industry extends beyond his music, as he has also been a mentor and influencer for aspiring artists in Chicago and beyond. His dedication to his craft and perseverance in the face of challenges have made him a respected figure in the hip-hop community.

“Bubba’s Block Party and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race is focused on introducing our sport to new fans in a fun, dynamic, family-friendly way,” said Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese. “Last year’s Block Party at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center was a tremendous success, and we can’t wait to bring that same level of excitement to Chicago’s West Side in Douglass Park for the first time.”

In addition to the music, attendees will enjoy a Family Zone bringing activities for all ages including free haircuts, coloring stations, race car courses for kids, and giveaways. Guests will also take laps on racing simulators and enjoy live pit stop demonstrations by Wallace’s No. 23 pit crew.

Wallace will visit with the audience as part of a fireside chat which will focus on his career journey and NASCAR’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across the sport.

In keeping with NASCAR Chicago’s mission to drive local economic opportunity, there will be a food truck village at the event serving up local bites from Black-owned restaurants from across Chicago. Featured businesses include Uncle Remus, Bill Grill Truck, Can’t Believe it’s not Meat, Haire’s Gulf Shrimp, Beggars Pizza, Uncle Dave’s Fish Joint, Whadda Jerk, Ida’s Artisan and Decadent Flavor.

Bubba’s Block Party, fueled by Blavity, is open to the public and is a family friendly event suited for children ages 4 and up. For more information and to RSVP visit bubbasblockparty.com .

Keith Urban , The Chainsmokers , The Black Keys , Lauren Alaina , Buddy Guy, and a special celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Chicago House music will anchor this year’s Chicago Street Race in Grant Park, July 6-7. The Chainsmokers Saturday evening set will include a special appearance with Cup Series drivers.

In addition to bringing in a wide variety of musical acts, NASCAR also introduced Youth General Admission Pricing for the 2024 Chicago Street Race Weekend. Children 12 and under are free on Saturday, July 6, and Youth GA tickets for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race are $45.For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com