Legendary Bears RB says he'd love to attend more NASCAR Races

Sunday's Chicago Street Race is the first time that former Bears RB Matt Forte has ever attended a NASCAR race, but it already seems like he's a fan.

Forte is the grand marshal for Sunday's Grant Park 165, and it seems he'd like to get back to the racetrack after Sunday's event is over.

"Absolutely," Forte said when asked if he'd like to go to another race. "Seeing yesterday and watching the cars drive, and actually getting to take a pace lap helped me be more entrenched in the experience."

While he may be new to the NASCAR scene, his interest in cars isn't something new.

"I like cars. When I was playing and made a lot more money than I do now, I had a Lamborghini, a 458 Italia and a Bentley GT. I got rid of all those cars when I had my kids and got a G Wagon. I got the fast SUV. I'm definitely interested in being more entrenched and involved in NASCAR."

During his time in Chicago, Forte rushed for 8,602 yards and 45 touchdowns.

Forte isn't the only new fan experiencing NASCAR in Chicago, as Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese said on Friday that approximately 60 percent of ticketholders for the weekend's races are experiencing their first NASCAR race.

With the goal of NASCAR's trip to Chicago being to create and engage with new race fans, it seems they've already won over a Chicago legend.

Forte will give the command for Sunday's Grant Park 165 shortly after 4:30 p.m. ET. The race will air on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Shane van Gisbergen is the defending race winner.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.