NASCAR racing toward first Chicago Street Race, ‘but it’s a fun fast’

The first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race is less than 60 days away, and as the ticking clock grows louder, business is picking up for track president Julie Giese.

“It’s definitely busy, and time definitely feels like it’s going faster each day,” Giese told RACER. “But it’s a fun fast because there is so much opportunity, and we’re doing something that has never been done before. It’s a huge event, and there are a lot of things that we want to do.

“The to-do list, we continue to check things off, but we continue to add things as well because it’s all about making sure we’re delivering the best experience possible. But, yes, it’s going to come quick.”

NASCAR invades downtown Chicago July 1-2 with the Cup and Xfinity Series.

It’s been a quick turnaround for Giese. NASCAR announced the street race in July of last year. Giese, the former president of Phoenix Raceway, is one of the most respected executives in the sport and known for overseeing significant projects, was chosen to lead the event in August.

Giese hit the ground running — it wasn’t long before NASCAR had an office and team in Chicago, keen to show they are not just showing up, racing and leaving. Understanding there is only one chance at a good first impression, Giese and her team have a constant presence in the city and can continue to grow their relationship with locals.

“It’s incredibly humbling,” Giese said of the job. “It’s interesting for me personally because I started with this company 24 years ago in an entry-level position at a road course, Watkins Glen. So, it’s kind of coming full circle. But for me, it is humbling. To say the sport has not done something in 75 years is hard to find things like that, so to be a part of it, to lead a team that’s bringing it together, it’s an honor.

“I’ve enjoyed it. I remind myself every day — we sell fun. That’s truly what we do. Bringing people together to have a good time, enjoy racing, educate them about NASCAR, and really show longtime NASCAR fans a different way to enjoy the race.:”

Regarding the relationship between NASCAR and the city, Giese is well aware of the critics about the disruption the race will bring. Giese and her team continue to address every question and concern around the event, but she also acknowledged the tremendous amount of excitement around it.

“We have been working really hard to be a good member of the community, and that includes all the different initiatives we’ve been announcing,” Giese said. “But this is also an opportunity to give the city a nice boost in the arm from a tourism perspective. Specifically, in my conversations with the businesses and business community, they see that opportunity, and they’re excited about it and want…