CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADI0) -- The inaugural NASCAR 220 Street Race in Chicago kicked off the weekend with qualifying races Saturday.
Inside the event at the corner of Columbus and Jackson also known as turn 12 WBBM spoke to some locals, including Jerry.
"Well, it's a once in a lifetime dream to actually see these cars race downtown- a lot of people, a lot of fun," he said.
A once in a lifetime experience, but Jerry said he’s ok with taking another lap.
"God willing, I'll definetly try to be back next year."
Outside the barriers, dozens of non-paying spectators also got a view of the action.
"It's pretty cool. It's pretty loud," said Erin, who was visiting from Boston. When asked if future NASCAR events would draw her back to Chicago, she said, "I don't know. It's loud."
Spectators were being allowed this view as cars sped north toward them on Michigan Avenue before making a sharp turn.
"We feel pretty safe behind these barriers even though there's just a tiny bit of metal," said Rowen. "I have complete faith in them that they won't crash into us."
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