"Sometimes it's worth wasting the money" - NASCAR social personality reacts to Steve Phelps' $50M Chicago race decision

Steve Phelps and Alex Bowman
Steve Phelps believes it is a smart decision to keep the Chicago street race despite losing money - Source: Imagn

NASCAR social personality Matt Niehaus shared his thoughts on the sport losing money on hosting the Chicago race. Niehaus believes it's worth wasting the money in exchange for exposure considering the race's high viewership.

This follows NASCAR president Steve Phelps' statement that the Chicago street race costs $50 million to put on. While the league isn't making $50 million in tickets or sponsorships, Phelps still thinks it is a 'smart decision' to keep the race on the calendar.

Per BrakeHard on YouTube, Matt Niehaus seconded the NASCAR chief's statement, saying:

"I 100% agree with him. Yes, Chicago is not a money maker. But in the grand scheme of things, Chicago is an absolute necessity to have on the calendar." [10:54]

The NASCAR social personality explained that Chicago is the third biggest market in the country and the only street race. He also said the Chicago stop was the second-most viewed race in 2023 with viewership from casuals.

Niehaus also pointed out that the location is ideal for people residing in Chicago instead of driving an hour to the Chicagoland Speedway.

He concluded:

"Sometimes, it's worth wasting the money, essentially, to have that exposure, to build the brand, and that's what NASCAR is understanding with this and that's why they're doing it." [12:17]
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The Grant Park 165 next year will be the third time NASCAR races in the streets of Chicago. Shane van Gisbergen won the first installment in 2023, followed by Alex Bowman earlier this year.

Alex Bowman (48) is the defending race winner in the streets of Chicago - Source: Imagn
Alex Bowman (48) is the defending race winner in the streets of Chicago - Source: Imagn

The Chicago street race is one of the league's non-oval tracks on the calendar along with Sonoma Raceway, Charlotte Roval, Watkins Glen, and Circuit of the Americas, which will be revamped for 2025.


NASCAR invests $50 million to provide internet connection on tracks

NASCAR president Steve Phelps recently revealed the $50 million investment to provide internet connection during race weekends. The goal is to keep fans connected, which should increase its presence on social media.

Speaking with NASCAR insider Brad Gillie, Phelps said:

"Each of our facilities is hardwired with high-speed opportunities for internet and other opportunities to take robust things that happen on the racetrack, and make sure that race fans are able to share those out in the world." [0:27]

However, the NASCAR boss argued that this type of service is expensive. The $50 million investment is good for 12 tracks only, half of the races on the calendar.

Regardless, Phelps believes spending money on an internet connection should improve the fan experience during race weekends. He concluded:

"We've got to keep up with what is happening there and make sure we are investing into the things that make for a more compelling experience." [1:40]

NASCAR also signed a $7.7 billion media deal with four media giants (Fox, NBC, Amazon, and Warner Bros.) to further bolster its presence in the digital world. The media deal spans seven years starting in 2025.

The 2025 season will commence at the Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 on February 16.

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Edited by Tushar Bahl
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