CHICAGO — NASCAR officials faced intense scrutiny following Sunday’s Grant Park 165 at the Chicago Street Course as multiple safety lapses sparked outrage among fans and drivers.
The race, won by Shane van Gisbergen for his third career Cup Series victory, was marred by incidents that raised questions about NASCAR’s commitment to driver and fan safety, with delays in caution flags and logistical mishaps drawing particular ire.
Early in the final stage, a medical emergency in the grandstands required an ambulance to enter the track to assist a fan. The vehicle became trapped inside the circuit, unable to exit due to ongoing racing conditions.
NASCAR delayed throwing a caution flag for several laps, allowing cars to continue at full speed while the ambulance remained on the outskirts of the course. The decision frustrated drivers and fans, who voiced concerns about the potential for a collision with the emergency vehicle or a delay in helping the fan to safety.
The incident highlighted the challenges of managing safety on a temporary street course, where access points are limited compared to traditional ovals and natural terrain road courses.
Later, with two laps remaining, Cody Ware’s No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford slammed into the tire barrier in Turn 6 after a rotor failure. Ware was stranded, calling for help, but NASCAR waited over 30 seconds to throw the caution flag, only doing so after Van Gisbergen took the white flag, ensuring the race ended under caution with no overtime.
Fans speculated NASCAR delayed the yellow to avoid a restart, particularly with rain and lightning looming in the area.
Forecasts had predicted a 50% chance of showers, and with darkness approaching, a delay could have forced a shortened race or tear down issues, as seen in 2023 and 2024. The late caution left Ware exposed, with safety crews reaching him over a minute after impact, intensifying criticism of NASCAR’s response time during the race, amidst claims to stick to driver safety by NASCAR.
Similar delays occurred earlier in the race. When Josh Berry’s No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford hit the concrete barrier, NASCAR waited nearly a lap to call a caution, allowing cars to navigate around the stranded vehicle. These incidents fueled perceptions that NASCAR prioritized race flow over safety, with fans pointing to the sport’s history of late cautions in high-stakes moments and a strong lack of consistency in throwing the yellow flag.
The Chicago Street Course’s tight layout and concrete walls amplify the risks, making timely cautions critical amidst driver safety developments. Van Gisbergen’s victory over Ty Gibbs, Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch was overshadowed by the safety concerns, as drivers and teams expressed frustration over the officiating.
As NASCAR heads to Sonoma, the sport faces pressure to address these lapses to restore confidence in its safety protocols, with calls for competition director Elton Sawyer and race tower chair Jusan Hamilton to resign on social media.
Let’s just face reality here.
NASCAR needs to get its act together on caution consistency. Every week seems to be a new adventure this season.
Anyways …
Kyle Larson also had a tough afternoon at the Chicago Street Race.
Here’s how NASCAR safety works.
