(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- NASCAR is accelerating toward the weekend of its first-ever street race around Grant Park, but the organization insists it’s not leaving other areas of the community behind.
NASCAR has been very visible in its initiatives to work with young people and disadvantaged neighborhoods to connect them to the auto racing world. At what was labeled a "pit stop" on the West Side, Julie Giese, president of NASCAR's Chicago Street Race, made a promise.
“We’re not coming in, running a race and leaving. We are going to be part of this community 365 days a year, we are going to give back to this community,” she said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who attended the event before an appreciative crowd of youngsters at the Columbus Park fieldhous, said he’s holding the organization to that pledge. NASCAR has a three-year deal to race in the city.
“As we think about longevity and sustainability, the best thing that we can do for the city of Chicago is invest in the people of the city of Chicago,” Johnson said.
NASCAR also brought actor Larenz Tate and his brother, LaRon, who grew up in the neighborhood. They invited the young people to join them this weekend at the big race, an offer confirmed by Giese.
Johnson said wants this weekend’s events to be safe and successful.
Related
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram