The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has finally returned from a well-deserved off-weekend. As the Chase for the Sprint Cup is rapidly approaching, teams are gearing up for what they hope to be a championship run. Besides the multiple organizations that will contend for a championship, NASCAR is also gearing up for their first year with a new Chase for the Sprint Cup format.
NASCAR is treating fans in Chicago for a preview of the Chase by inviting fans for the debut of a one-of-a-kind event. The Chase Grid™ Live program will be held on the Wednesday and Thursday in downtown Chicago preceding the first race in NASCAR’s version of the playoffs.
“There’s no better way to introduce our new Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup format than by inviting our fans – the most loyal in sports – to be a part of the celebration,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR chief marketing officer. “We are fortunate to have partnered with two world-class brands in Toyota and Sprint to provide an unforgettable fan experience as we embark on this significant moment for our sport.”
In the past, NASCAR has had events similar to the Chase Grid™ Live. These events included the Chase Contenders Live in 2013, which was held at the Navy Pier on the coast of Lake Michigan.
Due to a conjoined effort by Sprint and Toyota, NASCAR will be able to bring fans access to each of the 16 drivers that will be battling for the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crown. As seen in the past, NASCAR has been able to bring companies together that likely would not have formed a partnership without America’s most popular form of motorsports.
“Toyota is proud to once again partner with NASCAR and Sprint in Chicago for this annual celebration of the Sprint Cup Series championship contenders,” said Ed Laukes, vice president of marketing, performance and guest experience, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “With this season’s new Chase format and 16 worthy competitors vying for the championship trophy, this is an event Chicagoans and NASCAR fans will certainly want to attend. Being from Chicago, I know it’s a great venue and knowing NASCAR it will definitely be a must-see event.”
Besides have the experience to watch a two-hour event, there is also the Chase Grid™ Live Sweepstakes, which fans can enter via NASCAR.com. The contest lasts until August 29, and the Grand Prize winner will receive a VIP experience to the Chase Grid Live event, along with a pair of VIP passes to each of the three NASCAR-sanctioned races being held to start off the Chase at the Chicagoland Speedway, amongst other prizes.
ESPN will also play a key role in Chase Grid™ Live – providing exclusive features and interviews with a large amount of the drivers that competing in the first round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Joseph has been covering NASCAR since 2011 for several different websites. Recently, he was named as one of two lead NASCAR columnists for Rant Sports after working for the site for over one year. Working with Rant Sports for approximately 14 months, Joseph has covered New York City area sports teams such as the New York Giants, New York Mets, New York Rangers, New York Islanders and more.
Through his passion is for NASCAR, Joseph has adapted to changing times and realizes that he has numerous opportunities in the journalism work. As one of the top young sports writers, his goal is to become one of the top motorsports writers of this new digital media era. However, he also believes that it’s important to stick to the traditional routers of print publications after seeing his high school newspaper dissolve due to a lack of funding.
Currently, besides his duties with Speedway Digest, Joseph is a columnist with Fronstretch.com, Motorsport.com and has a weekly article in NASCAR Pole Position's digital version - ROAR! Weekly Race Preview Magazine.
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