Final preps underway for NASCAR weekend in Chicago

CHICAGO — NASCAR fans, start your engines.

Chicago is in its final lap of planning for this weekend’s NASCAR Chicago Street race.

Major road closures are now in place in downtown Chicago.

On Saturday July 6, it’s the Xfinity series race called The Loop 110, which will cover 110 miles and 50 laps.

On Sunday July 7, cup series race will be called The Grant Park 165 and will be a 165-mile race with 75 laps

Gates open at 8:45 a.m. Saturday with the first race set to start at 2:30 p.m. The Black Keyes and The Chainsmokers will take the stage for Saturday’s concerts.

Sunday gates are set to open at 9 a.m. Lauren Alaina will perform at 11:30 a.m. and Keith Urban is scheduled for 1 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.

Unlike last year, the weather is set to cooperate. While showers and storm cannot be ruled out, Saturday will bring decreasing clouds with a high near 80 inland, but expect cooler lakeside temperatures. Slightly cooler conditions Sunday with a chance of showers later in the day.

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