Chicago native and acclaimed spoken word artist to lead drivers to green flag during NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend
CHICAGO (July 4, 2025) – Today, NASCAR announced that three-time Grammy Award-winning poet, author, and Chicago native J. Ivy will serve as Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race The Loop 110 on Sat., July 5, as part of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
Recently featured in Choose Chicago’s new international marketing campaign “Never Done. Never Outdone,” the celebrated spoken word artist will give the command to start engines to begin the 75-lap race through downtown Chicago’s iconic Grant Park street course. Ivy joins the ranks of Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose, who will give the famous command on Sun., July 6 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165.
“Having J. Ivy as our Grand Marshal on Saturday perfectly represents the creative spirit and cultural richness of Chicago,” said Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President. “His powerful words and artistic vision have inspired millions around the world, and we’re honored to have him kick off what promises to be an incredible day of racing.”
J. Ivy, a Chicago native, has built an internationally acclaimed career as a spoken word artist, author, and educator. He won his first Grammy Award for his studio album “The Poet Who Sat By The Door” in 2023. He is known for his work with Kanye West and Jay-Z on the song “Never Let Me Down” and has worked with other artists including Beyoncé, John Legend, Common, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, and P.J. Morton. Along with appearances and work with the NFL, the NBA, Michael Jordan, Nike, CBC, NBC, HBO, ESPN, and Netflix, his poetry has been featured in major films and television shows. He has also authored several books including “Dear Father: Breaking the Cycle of Pain” and “Here I Am.”
“Growing up in the Chicago area, I never imagined I’d have the honor of starting a NASCAR race in the heart of my hometown,” said J. Ivy. “This weekend represents the beautiful intersection of speed, competition, and community that makes Chicago so special. I’m excited to help kick off what will be an unforgettable race.”
The Loop 110 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race is scheduled for Sat., July 5, at 3:30 p.m. CT, followed by the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165 on Sunday, July 6.
J. Ivy joins a distinguished list of Grand Marshals who have participated in the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend to celebrate the unique blend of motorsports and Chicago culture that makes the Chicago Street Race Weekend a premier destination for fans.
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.
