The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is still more than a week away, but Mother Nature is already burning up the track.

The heat dome that descended on Chicago last weekend with unrelenting 100-degree temperatures caused buckling pavement on a stretch of the pop-up race course, forcing the city to close some streets ahead of schedule to repair the damage.

On Wednesday evening, the city shut down Balbo Drive from Columbus Drive to Michigan Avenue, which was originally scheduled to close Friday. It also closed Columbus from Jackson Drive to Roosevelt Road — five days ahead of schedule — to allow work crews to repair the pavement buckle.

The rest of the course is “holding up fine” and the street closings ahead of the July Fourth weekend race event will remain on schedule, a NASCAR spokesperson said Thursday.

Chicago is not alone in navigating this summer’s new road hazard. The oppressive heat and humidity, which have brought triple-digit temperatures across the Midwest and East Coast in recent weeks, have caused the pavement to buckle on roads in a number of states. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, for example, reported 50 pavement buckles on highways across the state last weekend.

Likewise, the Illinois Department of Transportation posted an online warning Monday to “be on the lookout for pavement failures” on roads through the state because of the prolonged high temperatures.

Meanwhile, a video of a car going airborne in an Evel Knievel-style jump over a heat-induced pavement buckle in Missouri went viral this week. That is certainly something NASCAR wants to avoid when its 200-mph race cars hit Chicago streets next week.

Chicago is set to host the third annual street race July 5-6 on a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course through Grant Park, down DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue.

This year, NASCAR has streamlined the buildout and reduced major street closings to 18 days, starting with the shutdown last week of Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. All streets are scheduled to be reopened by July 14.

June 26, 2025

·       Tomy Drissi heads to Road America third in the Trans Am championship after a top five finish at Mid-Ohio

·       In recent years, Drissi has built a two-race top five streak at Road America, as well as taking the pole in 2021 and the fastest race lap in 2020

·       Other achievements for Drissi at Road America include two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and Drissi Motorsports’ first race as a three-car team last year

2009 Trans Am champion Tomy Drissi and Drissi Motorsports are set to take on the second of back-to-back Trans Am by Pirelli race weekends at Road America. Drissi and the #8 Trench Shoring Company/Motul/Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro team remain a solid third in the championship, with hopes of returning to the podium at one of America’s most iconic racing venues on Saturday.

Drissi’s experience at Road America dates to his rookie Trans Am season in 1999, when he finished ninth. He has scored multiple top five finishes in his Trans Am career at the famed Wisconsin circuit, including two in a row the past two seasons, as well as the pole in 2021 and the fastest lap the year prior. Last year’s Road America race also marked a milestone for Drissi Motorsports, as the team fielded three cars in a Trans Am race for the first time. Alongside his Trans Am experience at the track, Drissi also made two starts here in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2015 and 2016.

After gaining points on second place in the Trans Am standings last weekend at Mid-Ohio, Drissi will look to cut the gap further with a strong run at Road America. He spent most of the Mid-Ohio race in a podium position, turning fast laps on pace with the leaders. With two podiums and top five finishes in all but one race so far this season, Drissi aims to convert his speed and consistency into a season-best performance this weekend.

“We’re ready to get back after it this weekend at Road America,” said Drissi. “We had better pace at Mid-Ohio than the results showed, and we’re glad to be able to get right back to racing this weekend to show that off. Our consistency has kept us towards the top of the standings so far, and we typically get faster as the season continues, so we have high hopes to get back on the box this weekend.”

Trans Am action for Tomy Drissi and Drissi Motorsports from Road America kicks off with a pair of optional test sessions at noon and 3:40PM on Thursday. On Friday, practice will run at 10:55AM and TA drivers will qualify at 3:50PM. Saturday’s race will kick off at 12:35PM and run for 25 laps or 75 minutes, with the usual live streaming available on Trans Am social media channels and SPEED SPORT 1.

To keep up with Tomy Drissi, follow @tomydrissi on Instagram and Facebook, and visit www.tomydrissi.com. Following Road America, Drissi Motorsports returns to action on July 11-13 at Watkins Glen International.

About Tomy Drissi

Tomy Drissi is an American racing driver, multi-time winning IMSA driver, and 2009 Trans Am champion. His driver experience includes ALMS, Trans Am, and NASCAR. He has won many of the most iconic racing events in the world, from the Petit Le Mans to the Long Beach Grand Prix. Tomy leads Drissi Motorsports, one of Trans Am’s most successful race teams, as owner-driver.

Born December 9th in Hollywood, California, Tomy also owns a motion picture creative advertising agency. Drissi’s first racing experience in motorsports was street racing on Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills.

Tomy is married to Lacy Livingston Drissi, with two beautiful children, Elin and Jagger.

Follow Tomy Drissi on Social Media:

·       Instagram: @tomydrissi

·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomydrissi/

·       Twitter: @tomydrissi

·       TikTok: @tomy_drissi

·       Website: https://tomydrissi.com/

About Trench Shoring Company
Whether it’s for a current project – or your next project – Trench Shoring Company should be your 1st choice for shoring equipment, trench safety training and service. For decades, the California & Nevada construction industry has counted on Trench Shoring Company for our extensive construction knowledge, complete inventory and same-day service.

We know every job is different. Our experts are there to help guide your project, train your teams, and ensure your shoring equipment needs are met – starting with offering 13 standard and custom sizes of Steel Trench Plates, as well as Trench Shields™, Hydraulic Shoring, Slide Rail and additional underground equipment.

We know time is money – so we provide same-day service from our twelve convenient locations – Compton, Bakersfield, Banning, Corona, Fresno, Fullerton, Lake Forest, Moorpark, Sacramento, San Diego, San Leandro and Las Vegas, Nevada – all to provide you with what you need when you need it. Trench Shoring Company has consistently handled our customers’ toughest jobs and the most challenging job requirements – with safety, service and customer satisfaction – since our start in 1973.

About Motul
Motul is a world class European company specializing in the formulation, production and distribution of hightech engine lubricants (motorcycles, cars and other vehicles) as well as lubricants for industry via its MotulTech activity. Unanimously recognized for more than 170 years for the quality of its products, innovation capacity and involvement in the field of competition, Motul is also recognized as a specialist in synthetic lubricants. As early as 1971, Motul was the first lubricant manufacturer to pioneer the formulation of a 100% synthetic lubricant for automotive engines, the 300V lubricant, making use of Esters technology and issued from the aeronautical industry. Throughout the years, Motul has gained experience as an official supplier to many racing teams and manufacturers and contributes with them to further technological development in motorsports. Motul is supporting those teams in international competitions such as: 24 Hours of Le Mans (cars and motorcycles), FIA World Endurance Championship, Super GT, Drift, Pikes Peak, Japanese championship Super Formula, Blancplan Endurance & Sprint Series, MotoGP, World Superbike, MXGP, Endurance World Championship, Supercross, IOM IT, Ice Speedway Gladiators World Championship, F1 Boat and scores of others.

ExxonMobil’s $467 billion empire is turbocharging NASCAR’s broadcast revolution. Its Mobil 1 brand will sponsor exclusive segments during The CW’s Xfinity Series coverage starting July 5 at the Chicago Street Race.

The multi-race integration marks NASCAR’s most ambitious content partnership since The CW Network secured broadcast rights this year. Mobil 1’s deep pockets signal corporate confidence in the series’ surging viewership as the network reshapes racing entertainment.

Mobil 1 Claims Victory Lane in CW Network’s Xfinity Series Makeover

Five races will feature “Mobil 1 Victory Lane” post-win driver interviews, injecting the lubricant brand into NASCAR’s most iconic celebration. Additional branded elements include:

• Pre-race “Keys to Mobil 1 Victory Lane” strategy segments
• “Mobil 1 Victory Lane Leaderboard Updates” after Stages 1 and 2
• “Mobil 1 Winning Moment” race-defining replay highlights
• “Mobil 1 Victory Lane Interview & Celebration” with the winning driver

.@Mobil1 has a new integrated ad buy with @TheCW for NASCAR Xfinity coverage, with the lubricants brand to sponsor segments for five races starting at Chicago: “Mobil 1 Victory Lane” driver interviews, a pre-race “Keys” segment and leaderboard updates after Stages Nos. 1 and 2. pic.twitter.com/mBJ5srQrmw

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) June 26, 2025

The Chicago launch on July 5, 2025, kicks off a strategic schedule that continues at:

• Watkins Glen – August 9,
• Daytona – August 22,
• Talladega – October 18,
• Phoenix’s season finale – November 1

ExxonMobil’s North America Marketing Manager, Austin Johansen, framed the move as fan-centric and said, “Our goal is to provide fans with new ways to experience the sport we love, bringing them closer to the action.”

NASCAR’s Chief Partnership Officer, Michelle Byron, emphasized legacy alignment, saying, “Mobil 1 Victory Lane has become a signature celebration in our sport, and we’re thrilled that our partners are committed to showcasing this iconic experience during the NASCAR Xfinity Series on The CW.”

The CW’s Dan Lanzano noted, “This initiative is the result of continued collaboration and innovation between The CW, Mobil 1, and NASCAR Productions teams to enhance the Xfinity Series viewing experience for race fans around the country,” highlighting how brands now weave directly into NASCAR’s storytelling fabric.

But this isn’t a superficial sponsorship. Technical insights from Mobil 1 engineers will feature in pre-race segments, leveraging the brand’s two decades of NASCAR technical partnership. The deal exemplifies how blue-chip advertisers now demand deeper integration beyond logo slaps.

CW’s NASCAR Bet Ignites Audience Surge

The Mobil 1 deal reinforces The CW’s successful gamble on NASCAR. The Xfinity race at Pocono shattered all previous records, peaking at 1,575,000. Seventeen consecutive races surpassed 1 million viewers, marking the series’ strongest start since 2016.

Network executives credit authentic brand integrations for boosting engagement. The live pre-race show, “NASCAR COUNTDOWN LIVE,” has become a launchpad for organic sponsor activations, featuring drivers and broadcast talent in unscripted moments.

Read More: Xfinity Series Makes Its Case As NASCAR’s Best Product After Pocono Ratings Surge

Demographics reveal the real win. The CW’s younger-skewing audience aligns perfectly with NASCAR’s growth strategy. As Johansen stated, the partnership celebrates “the energy that makes NASCAR so memorable” while attracting elusive Gen Z viewers.

Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway race will test the model’s momentum. With 17 brands activating during February’s Daytona opener, The CW proves NASCAR’s second-tier series drives premium advertiser value.

Chicago’s street course now becomes Mobil 1’s laboratory. Expect camera angles focused on sponsored signage during winner burnouts and tech-focused commentary during critical passes.

Photo credit: Porsche

Porsche Motorsport North America’s Selected Drivers series continues its global push this weekend as Laurens Hartog and Tom Sargent prepare to compete in the 24 Hours of Spa. Both drivers will pilot Porsche 911 GT3 R entries at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, with the race scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday, June 28.

Hartog arrives fresh from a podium finish at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, while Sargent is making his Spa debut after racing at the Six Hours of Watkins Glen earlier this month. Hartog has twice won endurance events at Spa, including the Porsche 992 Endurance Cup 12-Hour and a 24-Hour Series race. Sargent earned a Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship runner-up spot in 2023 and captured a GT World Challenge victory with GMG Racing in 2024.

Both drivers were named to the PMNA Selected Drivers roster alongside Riley Dickinson in recognition of their success in Carrera Cup North America. Hartog is the defending series champion, and Sargent finished directly behind Dickinson in 2023. The Selected Drivers program provides manufacturer support, expanded race opportunities and mentorship across GT and endurance platforms.

Volker Holzmeyer, president and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America, praised the group’s international impact and wished them luck at what is billed as the world’s largest GT3-only event. In addition to Hartog’s Dinamic GT entry and Sargent’s Wright Motorsports lineup, a total of 75 GT3 cars from 10 manufacturers will contest the race across five driver-ranking classes.

Feeling fresh off his first win as a crew chief in his first race on the box, Dale Earnhardt Jr. trolled his Hendrick Motorsports friends. Dale Jr. helped lead Connor Zilisch to the win at Pocono. It was the young NASCAR driver’s first win at an “oval” track.

There was a bit of criticism, or more dismissal, over Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his first race as a crew chief. A few people were talking about “war rooms” and how connected the crew chiefs are to the tracks, even when they are suspended.

No matter the outside noise, Dale Jr. appears to want to do it again. Chase Elliott’s No. 17 car was taken back to the Research and Development Center for a teardown. Well, the Hendrick Xfinity Series team got caught with a “main frame rail conical receiver violation.”

Adam Wall was the crew chief, and he’s suspended for three races. So, Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he’s going to hit up Greg Ives and see if he can fill in for the 17 team.

According to a report from the Associated Press, T.J. Puchyr has entered into an agreement to purchase Rick Ware Racing and expand it into a three-car team by 2027.

Now, many fans are likely wondering who Puchyr is, but it is a name familiar to those in the NASCAR garage. He is a former owner at Spire Motorsports alongside Jeff Dickerson, helping to build it into the strong organization it now is. They purchased Furniture Row Racing’s charter following the 2018 season and formed Spire together, which now runs three full-time entries and has contended for multiple race wins this year. Puchyr has since sold his stake in Spire and is no longer connected to the team.

Per the AP, the deal would keep Rick Ware’s son Cody as one of the drivers. RWR currently runs one full-time, charted car, but they are also leasing another charter to RFK Racing for the No. 60 Ford in a two-year agreement. RWR is also in the middle of a lawsuit with Legacy Motor Club, who claims RWR backed out of a signed deal and that they owe them a charter for the 2026 season. 

Cody Ware, Rick Ware Racing Ford

Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 Ford Mustang is currently last in the championships standings among the 36 chartered teams, placing no higher than 24th in any race this year.

“I’ve won at everything I’ve done at every level, and I think we can compete with these guys,” said Puchyr in an interview with the Associated Press. “I think we can build it brick-by-brick and it’s going to take people, money and time. It’s not lost on me that [RWR] is the 36th-place car in the garage, we all see it. But I believe we can make this a competitive organization, even a winner.”

There are a lot of moving parts with this deal, and it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds in the months to follow.