CHICAGO — Celebrating its 75th anniversary, NASCAR launched an all-new concept, bringing its traditionally southern sport to the streets of Chicago July 1-2 for two weekend race days. With a strategy to modernize US racing in a more European style, NASCAR executed a first-of-its kind Chicago Street Race through the streets of the city’s downtown.
To commemorate the anniversary and street race kickoff, Eli’s Cheesecake — known to have pioneered the Chicago style — created a 500-lb. cheesecake that was presented during the event’s welcome party on June 30 at RPM Events, hosted by the Chicago Sports Commission.
The cheesecake took two weeks to build.
Marc Schulman, Eli’s president, joined Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Kara Bachman, executive director of the Chicago Sports Commission, for the cheesecake cutting at the event, which hosted more than 500 attendees.
“It is so much fun to provide a special Eli’s Cheesecake when it is the inaugural event like this race,” Schulman said.
The races sped through Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Ave. and Columbus Drive, which were transformed into a 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course that passed through Chicago’s Grant Park and approached the northern edge of Soldier Field. The start/finish line and pit road were located along South Columbus Drive, directly in front of Buckingham Fountain.
Eli’s is known in the Chicago area for creating giant custom cheesecakes for dignitaries and special events, from Chicago’s 150th birthday to the State of Illinois’ 200th birthday as well the anniversary of Taste of Chicago, taking place Sept. 9, concurrent with Eli’s 43rd anniversary.
“Hoping for many more years of NASCAR in Chicago,” Schulman said, “and we are also looking forward to celebrating with the Taste of Chicago next month.”
