NASCAR to Feature Music, Games, Food Trucks, and NASCAR Drivers at Unique Pre-Race Event in the Washington Park Neighborhood
CHICAGO (June 26, 2025) – NASCAR will return to the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on Thurs., July 3 from 5-8 p.m. to host the first-ever “Speed and Sound Fest,” a unique community celebration that brings together Chicago food, music, and culture in the leadup to the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend. The event, which is free with registration, will also feature a one-of-a-kind conversation between Chicago Historian and social media influencer Shermann “Dilla” Thomas (who also serves as Brand Ambassador and Chief of Social Media at The DuSable Museum) and NASCAR drivers including Rajah Caruth (driver of the No. 71 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports) and rising stars Cassidy Keitt and Lavar Scott of Rev Racing.
“The entire concept of the Chicago Street Race is for NASCAR to introduce our sport to an entirely new generation of fan by bringing NASCAR to all of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods,” said Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese. “The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center has been a wonderful partner of ours since day one, so we’re excited to bring this first-of-its-kind event to the Washington Park area and build something completely new together.”
The event will feature a live DJ set, food trucks, car displays, and special prizes and giveaways ahead of the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race, which will return to Grant Park July 5-6. In addition, NASCAR will also bring several family-focused elements and games, including racing simulators, remote controlled cars, a coloring station, photo opportunities with the Chicago Street Race trophy, and activity books. The event will also feature community vendors and partners, including a space highlighting a NASCAR Chicago-themed book by acclaimed “Sightseeing with Sandy” authors Shambrekiá Wise and Sandiya Badmus.
“Chicago has a rich history of auto racing that not a lot of people are aware of,” said Shermann “Dilla” Thomas. “This is a unique opportunity to celebrate that shared history in a fun way that brings the best of Summertime Chi and the best of NASCAR together on the eve of Independence Day Weekend.”
“The DuSable Museum is happy to continue our partnership with NASCAR this year, and proud to welcome this exciting new event to Washington Park,” said Perri Irmer, President and CEO of The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. “It’s important that our communities – especially our young people – can celebrate motorsports and see a place for themselves in the industry. We applaud NASCAR’s commitment to this world-class city and all its neighborhoods, as we help to drive new history with the next generation of racing fans.”
Visit https://www.nascarchicago.com/community-impact/dusable-black-history-museum/ for more information.
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race – which was named “Sports Event of the Year” by Sports Business Journal – previously announced new ticket options, along with reduced prices throughout the footprint, and a shorter overall build schedule. Guests will also enjoy significantly lower price points on Grounds Pass tickets and reserved seating (which now includes a new single-day option as well). Single-day Grounds Pass tickets start at $123.08 including ALL taxes and fees (35% less than last year), and Frontstretch Premier Grandstands Reserved seats are available at nearly a 50% reduction from 2024 prices.
Fans can subscribe to receive exclusive NASCAR Chicago Street Race emails for ticketing alerts. For a complete listing of ticketing options or to purchase tickets, fans can visit NASCARChicago.com or call 888-629-7223. Follow @NASCARChicago on Instagram, X and Facebook and download the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest real-time updates on all aspects of the event.
About NASCAR Chicago Street Race
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is home to the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race in the history of the sport. Located in downtown Chicago, the 2025 NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series races will once again take competitors past and through many of the city’s most renowned downtown landmarks on Michigan Avenue, South Columbus Drive, South DuSable Lake Shore Drive and the start-finish line near Buckingham Fountain. Southern rock superstars Zac Brown Band will headline the one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment experience, which will return to Grant Park July 5-6, 2025. For more information, visit NASCARChicago.com.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.
