NASCAR ‘Chase Fest’ fan party to celebrate start of The Chase

NASCAR will open its Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup ‘postseason’ with a free fan celebration that’s open to the public Thursday in Chicago.

NASCAR Chase Fest presented by Toyota, a free outdoor block party, will give fans a chance to meet all 16 Challengers for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship as they head into The Chase, which begins Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway (3 p.m. ET on NBCSN).

“Being part of Chase Fest is really neat,” said Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 19 ARRIS Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing. “When you get to step away from the car and go out and promote our sport and talk with fans about the neat things that are going on, that’s the great part.”

Adding to the party atmosphere will be live concerts by Grammy-nominated 3 Doors Down and Chicago favorites Suburban Cowboys, concessions from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Coors Light, amusement attractions including the Toyota Ferris Wheel and the NASCAR on NBC Sports Bumper Cars, Miss Sprint Cup and the Sprint Cup Series Trophy and more. Chase Fest will take place on Weed Street between Fremont and Kingsbury streets from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. CDT on Thursday.

The celebration kicking off The Chase in Chicago has become a tradition in recent years, with a fan-focused event serving as the annual milestone before the first race in The Chase at Chicagoland Speedway.

“NASCAR fans in Chicago and around the world have come to expect big things from the kickoff of The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in Chicago and this year is no exception,” said Scott Paddock, President of Chicagoland Speedway. “NASCAR Chase Fest is a dynamic event that segues nicely into the weekend where the celebration will continue at Chicagoland Speedway.”