McDonald’s Named Chicago Street Race Weekend Founding Partner
Bubba Wallace drives the #23 through the streets of Chicago. (NASCAR photo)
CHICAGO — NASCAR has unveiled McDonald’s as the first founding partner of the first-ever Chicago Street Race Weekend, the sport announced Wednesday.
McDonald’s will receive official presentation, marketing and advertising rights to Chicago Street Race Weekend, including NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 220 and NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 121 races in downtown Chicago on the weekend of July 4th, August 1st. and July 2nd.
“NASCAR plays such an important role in sports culture, so we’re thrilled to be the first founding partner of this race in our hometown of Chicago,” said Elizabeth Campbell, Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, McDonald’s USA. “We look forward to appearing for our racing fans and hosting a successful event in a city with a rich sporting history.”
McDonald’s will have a visible presence throughout the Chicago Street Race weekend, including on-track branding in a dedicated Founding Partners area, as well as at the historic start-finish line near Buckingham Fountain. The McDonald’s brand will also be featured at fan entrances, concert stages, signage and more locations throughout the venue.
“McDonald’s is an iconic global brand with Chicago roots, making it the perfect founding partner for one of the most anticipated sporting events in NASCAR’s 75-year history, the Chicago Street Race,” said Julie Giese, President of the Chicago Street Race. “We are grateful to our partners at McDonald’s for welcoming this historic event as we reinvent a two-day weekend of sports and entertainment in the heart of downtown Chicago.”
As a partner of 23XI Racing, McDonald’s is the primary sponsor for multiple races for Bubba Wallace in the #23 and Tyler Reddick in the #45 Toyota Camrys in the Cup Series season.
“The Chicago Street Race will be a great weekend for our sport. As we continue to look for ways to bring NASCAR to new and more diverse audiences, the backdrop of downtown Chicago and the lake certainly provides a truly unique setting for a race,” said Wallace. “McDonald’s has been a huge supporter of me and my team at 23XI Racing, so there will be a little extra incentive for us to race around town with the Golden Arches on our car, which the brand has been shutting down for over half a year home is Century.”
“We are proud to extend the partnership of one of NASCAR’s most recognized and global brands during Chicago Street Race Weekend,” said Jeff Wohlschlaeger, SVP, Chief Sales Officer, NASCAR. “McDonald’s brand strength is second to none, and we are proud that they are supporting the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race in their hometown of Chicago.”