Windy City Winner!

Grant Park 165:

Alex Bowman took the checkered flag on Sunday evening snapping an 80-race winless streak and locking himself into the 2024 playoffs. Bowman and crew chief Blake Harris rolled the dice on wet weather tires prevailing and holding onto the front spot over switching to slicks like second place Tyler Reddick and third place Ty Gibbs. The move, with a little luck on their side, payed off as neither driver was able to catch the 48 Chevy. Bowman held on, beat the field to the checkered flag, and burned it down on the front stretch. And, as of my writing of this, Bowman kept the party going to at least 6:46 a.m. EST. He made good on his world to fully celebrate and enjoy this victory.

Unfortunately, yet again, Mother Nature rained (figuratively and literally) on the Chicago Street Course weekend. At least this go around it was not a major impact on the entirety of the weekend. The 2024 rain was secluded to just Sunday and allowed many more festivities to happen throughout the weekend. Which is a good thing, and proves, at least to this observer, that NASCAR should return in 2025, and maybe even explore street races in other cities across North America. Sure, the rain delayed, impeded, and cut short the premiere event of the week. But the Xfinity race was badass, the concerts looked amazing, and other activities within the NASCAR footprint looked immaculate in the Windy City - America's 3rd largest media market. If we could ever get a full Cup race on Sunday I firmly believe this race would be a fan favorite for a healthy majority of NASCAR fans. Yes, there will still be haters. That has, and never will change, sadly. But looking at this weekend for what it was, what it is, and what it could be with no weather impacts: it is needed in the NASCAR ecosystem.

Now, to the actual on track activities for Sunday. I thought we were once again graced with another fantastic race. Even in the midst of the weather. I hated that we lost SVG early in Stage 2 because he was once again putting on a driving clinic. He had his fair share of competitive challengers in Larson, Reddick, Gibbs, and, primarily, CBell. But alas, Chase Briscoe had (accidentally albeit) other plans. That's my biggest gripe is that we lost a top tier contender through no fault of their own. SVG v. the list of strong contenders would have only added to the intensity and excitement we were blessed with later in the abbreviated race.

I do have to praise NASCAR for how well they managed the weather delays on Sunday. Sure, it was a bit annyoing to have drivers in their cars, then told to wait, then long cautions. But I feel as if NASCAR is learning how to better manage and officiate rain impacted races with the wet weather package. I was confused by, but loved the competitive pit stops in wet conditions. I am anxious to see if that is the new norm or not moving forward after they consult with (assuming they do) pit crews, teams, drivers, and officials. And major props to whoever made the decision to let teams decide when to switch from wets to slicks. That is a must stay in tire optioned events. NASCAR should allow those decisions to be made my crew chiefs, engineers, and drivers; not the suits in the suites. These items only added to the excitement and intensity of the finish of the race.

With the weather delays and what felt like slower cautions, we ended up having this race shortened. This time NASCAR was transparent and early, and everyone knew (and I can confirm NBC did a great job explaining) that we were racing the clock to 8:20 p.m. CST. Again, disappointed we didn't get the full 75 laps, but appreciated how it was handled and communicated. No team appeared to be caught off guard or in the middle of predetermined strategy. Everyone was on level playing field. Couple that with, again how I feel NASCAR managed the race, and we had another exciting race. Teams playing strategies of going from wets to slicks or staying on slicks. And I am glad we got a good mixed bag of strategy. It was because of the freedom of the teams to decide what was best for them that we were gifted an exciting finish. Joey Hand (P1) and Bowman (P2), along with a smattering of others, opted to stay out on the wet weather tires. Bowman and Hand thought their track position, damp conditions, and the limited time, would allow them enough time to scoot away from the drivers on slicks before the slicks had a dry enough track to make up time. And Bowman was right. He was able to get around Hand quickly and set sail to the checkered flag. It wasn't without a bit of drama as it appeared that the slicks were kicking in with enough time for CBell to catch Bowman. But CBell ran into some issues with a few laps left that slowed him and Gibbs up just enough for Bowman to stretch the lead. In the kerfuffle that halted Gibbs and CBell's run, Reddick sneaks through and was setting his sights on the leader. Had it not been for a slightly misjudged apex, Reddick may have caught Bowman. But with Reddick bouncing off the wall a touch on the final lap, Bowman was able to drive away to victory lane.

I hope NASCAR and Chicago give this whole experience another shot in 2025. I want them to have a clean, non-weather impacted weekend so the fans and industry can get the full experience with two full races. Plus, like I mentioned above, we need this in the NASCAR ecosystem. If NASCAR wants to grow we have to, at least once or twice a year, take the show to the people and not be an hour plus outside of the city. It's a good show for the fans, it's good racing, and it's some unique on the schedule.

Now we head to the Tricky Triangle - Pocono Raceway. We have all three national touring series on the docket for this weekend. The weekend will start with the Craftsman Truck Series Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. EST for the CRC Brakleen 175 on FS1. The Xfinity folks follow up the trucks on Saturday afternoon for the Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 at 3 p.m. EST on USA. And the Cup Series caps off the weekend with The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.com at 2:30 p.m. on USA Sunday afternoon.

Pocono Picks:

Cup = Bubba Wallace

Xfinity = Sheldon Creed

Truck = Christian Eckes

Header photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography