Shane van Gisbergen Makes NASCAR History with Chicago Street Race Win
After multiple rain delays and uncertainty, Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time Australian Supercars champion, won the inaugural 2023 Chicago Street Race, marking his NASCAR Cup Series debut and becoming the first rookie to win his first Cup Series race since 1963. The race was shortened due to expected darkness following weather delays, and Cole Custer was declared the Loop 121 winner after heavy rains and flash flooding warnings forced NASCAR officials to call the previously postponed race after just 25 laps. Three of the four scheduled concerts were canceled due to the weather. The race was held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NASCAR Cup Series and was expected to generate significant economic impact for the city of Chicago.