NASCAR has been trying its best to attract crowds. After a decrease in viewership and ratings in the initial phase of the 2023 season, they are looking to address that area. And now, following the announcement of the initiative to conduct the Chicago Street Race, NASCAR has received mixed fan responses.

As the Chicago event gets closer, NASCAR gears up for the first-of-its-kind event. Artists like The Chainsmokers, Miranda Lambert, The Black Crowes, and Charley Crockett have been roped in to get a house-full circuit on the race weekend. But what comes as a surprise in the recent turn of events is NASCAR’s latest requirement from the drivers after the race. Fans have yet again shown repulsion to this unnecessary decision by the authorities.

NASCAR invites drivers to share a stage with The Chainsmokers

Drivers are an essential part of NASCAR. Their engagement with fans and their performances on the track directly translate to viewership and audience. NASCAR’s latest try at doing that emphasizes the position of drivers, but in a rather strange way. In a recent tweet, FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass reveals the plan that has been put in place for the Chicago Street Race.

Mandating the Cup Series drivers to take part in the event before the concert kicks off comes as a surprise. Although a reasonable decision considering that drivers are the focal point of the whole race weekend, their part in the proceedings has been questioned. In what seems like more of a marketing campaign to endorse their new project, the fans have presented this as a scheme to garner new followers from the city.

The question that stays is if NASCAR were confident in their approach to Chicago, why would they need any publicity from the drivers?

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The NASCAR fandom has not given a warm welcome to the decision either. What has bugged the fans is that the drivers have not been given an option to not attend the event.

One fan tweets about how the drivers have already a lot on their hands and making the event more marketable isn’t the way to go forward. He said, “They should invite/ask the teams to participate but leave it up to them. They have a race to prepare for, their own sponsorship agendas/obligations, etc. Those going just for the festival vibe aren’t going to care one way or another about it.”

In another tweet, a fan calls the decision awkward but can’t hide the curiosity to watch how it unfolds either.

Some of the fans have also raised concerns like ticket pricing, traffic patterns, and threat to the drivers on the stage. One of the fans talks about how NASCAR racing is a misfit for the crowded city.

“Because I’m sure forcing them all into an appearance will go over really well. The city has made it abundantly clear they’re more concerned with traffic patterns and noise than welcoming the sport to the heart of Chicago.”

“Imagine being so desperate to get the attention of a “new audience”, NASCAR is making the driver’s stand out in front of the crowd like they’re being judged at the local 4H fair for best in show.”

Another fan has raised a common issue of the tickets being too costly to afford despite his interest. “Would love to go. Live 5 miles away, but I will be damned if they think I’m paying $250 dollars plus for a ticket. I just can’t afford it.”

Well, even though it is possible to see where the decision is coming from. Considering the uproar NASCAR had to face after announcing the news of the race, they might have to try something else to maximize the audience and get some things in their favor.

Watch This Story: “One more reason not to go”- Controversy erupts as NASCAR bends down to leverage engine roar for “one and done” Chicago Street Race