Chicago’s bustling streets were abuzz with excitement as the first NASCAR Cup Series Street race in Chicago took center stage, roaring through the city’s Loop area on July 1-2. However, what would have been a thrilling event turned into a nightmare for several local businesses, leaving them reeling from financial losses. Among those affected was Exile in Bookville, a charming indie bookstore located on Michigan Avenue. As the community grapples with the aftermath, discontentment looms, and the current mayor’s political future seems to be hanging in the balance.

Normally, NASCAR races have little impact on the world of bookselling. But the recent street race through Chicago’s downtown area has proven to be an exception. Overlooking the 2.14-mile circular route, Exile in Bookville found itself in the eye of the storm. With doors closed to customers during the event, the bookstore suffered an estimated loss of $15,000 in sales. Yet, despite the setback, a glimmer of hope emerged as the community rallied together to support the struggling establishment.

A Perfect Storm of Inaccessibility on the Streets of Chicago

In the lead-up to the race, Exile in Bookville faced a double blow. Not only did they lose business during the event, but they also experienced a decline in foot traffic. This was in the weeks preceding the race due to street closures caused by ongoing construction. With constant jack hammering outside their building, the bookstore was unable to host its usual summer author events, adding to the overall impact on their revenue.

The decision to close its doors during the busiest weekend of the summer was not something that people took lightly. Michigan Avenue, a bustling thoroughfare, became inaccessible, fenced off by 10-foot barriers with limited access points. The deafening noise and vibrations further deterred potential customers. Kristin Enola Gilbert, one of the store’s co-owners said to Publishers Weekly, “We’re just upset with how the city [government] handled it.” Despite their understanding of NASCAR’s role in the situation, the bookstore’s owners placed blame on the city government for mishandling the event.

“We’re not upset with NASCAR,” expressed the bookstore’s owner, emphasizing their frustration with the city’s response. The former mayor had signed a three-year contract with NASCAR, leaving the current mayor with potential political ramifications. “The current mayor’s going to lose a lot of votes if he lets this happen again. Businesses lost out,” she warned.

As news of Exile in Bookville’s closure spread, the community responded with an outpouring of support. Local authors, such as Rebecca Makkai and Daniel Kraus, urged their fans to shop online at the bookstore. The impact was immediate, with the store processing a surge of online orders, surpassing the volume seen in the past two years. Notably, even other booksellers from across the country stepped forward, placing orders to lend a helping hand.

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Voices of the Community: Fans Recognizing the Government’s Role

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The impact of the NASCAR event on Exile in Bookville resonated beyond the bookstore’s doors. Adam Stern brought attention to the issue through a tweet that garnered significant engagement. Chicago residents and NASCAR fans alike chimed in, offering their perspectives on the matter.

“I’m just glad they recognize it wasn’t a NASCAR problem, but instead a government problem,” one fan expressed. It highlights the relief that the issue was acknowledged due to how the city handled the event. They did not rather blame NASCAR solely.

In the midst of the comments, there were diverse opinions put forth by the community. One commenter took a different approach, stating, “That’s what they get for owning a bookstore. Books are for liberals. Go woke go broke.” It’s important to note that this perspective does not reflect the entirety of the community’s sentiment, as readers shared differing opinions on the matter.

Another fan offered their viewpoint, noting, “Don’t think a bookstore would be a hot commodity during a NASCAR race regardless of if the place was open or not.” This comment raised a valid point about the unique circumstances. It also points out the potential challenges faced by a bookstore in attracting customers during a NASCAR event.

Expressing concern for the impact on residents, one commenter emphasized, “NASCAR should have more respect for the citizens who live in this area. Take the race to where it does not impact so many lives.” This perspective highlights the need for event planners to consider the welfare of the local community. They must do so when selecting race locations.

Addressing the blame assigned to the current mayor, a community member clarified, “The current mayor didn’t invite NASCAR.” He aimed to clarify that the decision to bring NASCAR to the city was made by the previous administration, directing the focus away from the current mayor’s involvement.

Amidst the concerns and varied opinions, there was a glimmer of positivity. One of the bookstore’s owners shared, “We got more online orders on those four days than we’ve gotten in the last two years.” This surge in online orders demonstrated the resilience and support of the community. It provides a ray of hope for Exile in Bookville during these challenging times.

As the impact of the NASCAR event on local businesses unfolded, the community engaged in a dialogue, sharing diverse perspectives. While some recognized the government’s role in the situation, others brought up the considerations of business viability during such events. Are future NASCAR events going to strike a balance when it comes to the betterment of local businesses as well as residents?

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