Posted on by pixiepooh

2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Eighteen Chicago

Cars in field: 38
Pole: Shane Van Gisbergen (97)
Outside Pole: Kyle Larson (17)
Stages: 15-15-20
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 79°F, Feels like 87°, Wind: NNE 3 mph, Gusts: 6 mphTalk about a race I have little interest in watching – I’m less interested in this one than most road course races. Theoretically street courses are considered different than road courses and maybe that’s why this one seems more boring.

During the week I had a realization. NASCAR added more road course racing to the schedule supposedly at the fans’ request. I realized after last week’s Nashville race that NASCAR misunderstood what the fans really wanted when they asked for more road courses. They were seeking more exciting races. They were looking for courses where every bump and piece of gravel wasn’t extensively analyzed in some crew chief’s notebook. NASCAR fans want action, excitement, and the unexpected. Fans want to believe that anyone in the field can win. They want to see an event where anything can happen, including five overtime restarts. A typically boring event was rendered interesting at the end of the Nashville race due to a combination of teams gambling on fuel, tires that weren’t bullet-proof.

Lovely, the cameras have worst viewpoints on this course than usual. A helicopter shot that reminds me of watching ants on the sidewalk. On lap 2 of too many there’s a camera shot of the pavement and the bumper of a car. No idea where in the field or why, just lots and lots of pavement on the television screen with a bumper in the distance.

Maybe the horrible television coverage is another reason why the Chicago Street Race seems more boring than the typical Xfinity series road course race.

MRN is calling an exciting race, so I think I’ll just listen to what they have to say and watch something else.

Listening to a couple of podcasts during the week I discovered people are actually complaining about the five overtime restarts. I find that ludicrous. Generally the races are so predictable they’re excruciatingly boring far too often. Finally something different occurs and, for a change, the results are very much the combination of skill, luck, and timing, and the noisy bunch on social media find fault. That’s one of the many reasons I believe social media has its place, but it isn’t as a reliable source of informed knowledge, nor is it the majority opinion, nor something that should carry more weight than live responses from human beings in touching distance. The media should do their job and prove themselves to be the educated, unbiased, deeply knowledgeable, reliable providers of everything you need to know about all things NASCAR.

Shane ‘SVG’ Van Gisbergen (97) wins stage one.

Caution on lap 22 of 50 for AJ Allmendinger (16) getting into the tire barrier.

Austin Hill (21) wins stage two after SVG (97) and Kyle Larson (5) pit.

Restarting with Austin Hill (21) and Jesse Love (2) on the front row on lap 34 of 50.

Caution on lap 35 of 50 for a crash involving Parker Retzlaff (31), Josh Bilicki (92), Andre Castro (14), and Kyle Sieg (28).

Restarting on lap 39 of 50 with Jesse Love (2), Ty Gibbs (19), Austin Hill (21), Sheldon Creed (18), Sam Mayer (1), Shane Van Gisbergen (97), Parker Kligerman (48), Connor Mosack (88), Kyle Larson (17), and John Hunter Nemechek (20) up front.

Caution on lap 39 of 50 for a Preston Pardus (50) stopped on the track. Brandon Jones (9) also went for a spin on the restart.

Restarting on lap 42 of 50 with Jesse Love (2), Austin Hill (21), Ty ‘LittleJoe’ Gibbs (19), Sheldon Creed (18), Shane ‘SVG’ Van Gisbergen (97), Sam Mayer (1), Parker Kligerman (48), Connor Mosack (88), Kyle Larson (17), John Hunter Nemechek (20), Joey Logano (15) at the front of the field.

Caution on lap 44 of 50 for Leland Honeyman (42) getting into the tire barrier – “to the windshield” according to MRN.

Restarting on lap 47 of 50 with Jesse Love (2), Ty Gibbs (19), Shane Van Gisbergen (97), Sam Mayer (1), Sheldon Creed (18), Parker Kligerman (48), Kyle Larson (17), Connor Mosack (88), Austin Hill (21), Joey Logano (15) up front.

Sam Mayer (1) goes for a spin. We stay green.

SVG takes the lead from Jesse Love and Ty Gibbs takes second from Jesse Love on lap 48 of 50.

Kyle Larson (17) gets up to third on lap 48 of 50.

Shane ‘SVG’ Van Gisbergen (97) takes the white flag.

Since NBC is pretty good at landscape and sky-scape shots they have some pretty shots of the scenery around the track on the final lap.

Shane Van Gisbergen (97) wins.

A pit crew member seems t0 have an American football with a W on it and a sharpie marker for SVG today. I wonder if they forgot to bring a rugby ball. Usually the pit crew throw an American football around on pit road, so they typically have one available.

SVG is doing donuts and tagged the wall with the rear-end of the car.

Kyle Larson (17) said when they were racing and swapping the during the first stage of the race that Shane ‘SVG’ Van Gisbergen (97) was just toying with him because he (SVG) was so much faster than Kyle. Kyle said SVG was so much faster than him and there were a couple of things SVG could do that his car just couldn’t do – like exit smoothly in turn five and he couldn’t carry the speed SVG could in turn nine which would carry through to turn eleven. He said he thinks his Cup car is more competitively matched with SVG’s car for tomorrow.

SVG said he hopes he’s racing Kyle Larson for the race win tomorrow.

Ah, now he has a rugby ball. He signs it and kicks it into the crowd. the pit crew member with the American football was still holding it as he passed SVG, who was headed over to get the rugby ball.

SVG is now first in the Playoff Standing due to his three wins and 17 playoff points.

Parker Kligerman (48) said Sheldon Creed (18) spun off his nose. Parker said he was there and he thinks Sheldon didn’t realize he was there, but when Creed sees the replay he’ll understand that he (Creed) just spun across his (Kligerman) hood. Parker also said Sheldon made a lot of moves by hitting a lot of cars, which worked out well for Parker.

It was a horrible race to try to watch on television. The coverage was just horrendous. It was an enjoyable race to listen to on MRN. Overall it was a ho-hum event for me.

Get caught up on the latest racing news.

Motorsport News:

      1. Joey Logano replacing Hailie Deegan at Chicago Street Race.
      2. Guillermo Santa Cruz named president at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
      3. Ginormous gamble has Joey Logano in the Playoffs.
      4. Thomas Annunziata competing for JD Motorsports at Chicago.
      5. Josh Berry nearing deal to drive for Wood Brothers Racing.
      6. NASCAR official explains Kyle Busch’s positioning for overtime restart at Nashville.
      7. Nashville penalties: Carson Hocevar fined $50,000, docked 25 driver points.
      8. Shane van Gisbergen adjusts to full time life in NASCAR.
      9. NASCAR unveils first step into the Fortnite ecosystem with custom Rocket Racing tracks.
      10. Alex Labbe driving for SS-Greenlight Racing at Chicago.
      11. Josh Berry to drive for Wood Brothers Racing next season after signing multi-year deal.
      12. Luke Fenhaus returns to ThorSport Racing at Pocono.
      13. NASCAR exec Daryl Wolfe to retire at end of season.
      14. Historic Sportscar Racing joins Charlotte race weekend.
      15. Nashville TV ratings.
      16. Congratulations to Ricky and Madyson Stenhouse.
      17. Chicago pre-race inspection complete; No. 66 team penalized.
      18. NASCAR changes some procedures for Chicago races.
      19. NASCAR, ABB reveal EV prototype and launch electrification innovation partnership.
      20. How Long Is Hailie Deegan Being Replaced in Her Xfinity Ride?
      21. Chase Elliott Talks Life, Ryan Blaney Friendship, & NASCAR’s Potential Electric Future.
      22. Jeff Burton Harshly Critical of NASCAR’s ‘Crazy’ Overtime Decision on Kyle Busch.
      23. Kyle Larson Addresses Denny Hamlin Rivalry & Wants Respect on Track.
      24. Norris collision at F1’s Austria GP reopens discussion of Verstappen racecraft.
      25. Andy Cowell joins Aston Martin from Mercedes.
      26. Arrow McLaren to replace Rossi with Lundgaard.
      27. How old is too old in racing? ‘It’s their call. No one else’s’.
      28. Bearman recalls Hamilton message from childhood.
      29. Ferrari supersub Bearman to drive for Haas in ’25.
      30. Sainz: Contract call for ’25 seat is a distraction.
      31. Norris: No need for Verstappen apology after crash.
      32. Verstappen: Norris friendship a priority after crash.
      33. F1 rivals don’t see what Norris-Verstappen fuss is all about.
      34. Brad Pitt movie ‘F1’ release teaser set for British GP.
      35. Brown: Red Bull should’ve reined in Verstappen.
      36. Wolff: Merc open-minded on Alpine engine supply.
      37. IndyCar hits 3 drivers with 6-spot grid penalties.
      38. NHRA great John Force out of intensive care.
      39. Rain slows first IndyCar hybrid engine practice.
      40. Brown: Poor Pérez form boosts McLaren title bid.
      41. Under-pressure Red Bull Pérez spins out of Q1.
      42. British GP: Russell wowed by Mercedes qualifying.
      43. Verstappen: Gravel damage dashed pole hopes.
      44. William Sawalich Dominates For Convincing ARCA Win at Berlin.
      45. Max Verstappen & Lando Norris Collide, George Russell Wins in Austria.
      46. Connor Hall Comes ‘From the Trunk’ in South Boston Triple Crown Race Win.
      47. Harrison Burton Has Choice Words for Carson Hocevar: ‘He’s on a Lot of People’s Lists … Kind of Shows Why’.
      48. Stuart Wiltshire Joins Era Motorsport In 2-Race Deal.
      49. Bayley Currey On Niece Motorsports, Continuous Improvement & Texas Group.
      50. Tyler Reif Takes ARCA West Pole at Irwindale.
      51. Sean Hingorani Picks Up 1st ARCA West Win of 2024.
      52. George Russell Leads All-British Drivers Top 3 In Silverstone Qualifying.
      53. Shane van Gisbergen Scores 2nd Xfinity Pole of 2024 at Chicago.
      54. Kyle Larson Wins 5th Pole of 2024 at Chicago.
      55. NASCAR’s Oldest Team Hopes For Fresh Start With Josh Berry.
      56. Riley Herbst has “a lot of options on the table” in NASCAR for 2025.
      57. Indy 500 champ Josef Newgarden would “love to drive a NASCAR Cup car”.
      58. Daniel Suarez on upcoming NASCAR playoffs: “We have work to do”.
      59. Law, Newgarden reunited for Mid-Ohio.
      60. McNeilly tightens USF Juniors title race with Mid-Ohio win.
      61. Collet breaks Mid-Ohio NXT track record with first career pole.
      62. Wallace ‘tired’ of fighting with points and not wins for playoffs.
      63. Papasavvas takes flag-to-flag home USF2000 win at Mid-Ohio.
      64. Hocevar respects NASCAR decision on Nashville penalty but suggests there’s more to the story.
      65. Ruthie Polinsky joins a NASCAR pit crew before Sunday’s Chicago Street Race.
      66. Why IndyCar won’t go down an all-electric route.
      67. Ragan details NASCAR EV driving differences.
      68. Brad Pitt at Silverstone for filming of F1 movie.
      69. VeeKay insists he’s “loyal” to ECR, but exploring options for 2025 and beyond.
      70. Spencer Johnson enjoying family time at the Jamestown Speedway.
      71. Brad Pitt movie about Formula 1 will simply be called ‘F1’.
      72. ‘I’m really proud of our team’: Lewis Hamilton praises England’s Euros resilience ahead of his final British GP with Mercedes.
      73. Kimi Antonelli: Who is Mercedes teen tipped to replace Lewis Hamilton on F1 grid in 2025?
      74. Bottas Remaining Calm Despite F1 Future Uncertainty.
      75. Sainz Delays Leave Williams Door Open for Ricciardo, if RB Exit Happens.
      76. Ricciardo Downplays Verstappen-Norris Clash: “Just Hard Battle for the Lead”.
      77. Exclusive: Rossi opens up over Arrow McLaren split and future landing spot.
      78. Hendrick Motorsports has dropped sponsor Hooters because restaurant chain could not pay team.
      79. Trans Am Pros, Additional All Stars Confirmed for SpeedTour All-Star Race at Lime Rock Park.
      80. Carlos Sainz, Ford Raptor T1+ to appear at Goodwood.
      81. NHRA Reveals Future Building Plans For Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.
      82. Why Rossi declined Arrow McLaren offer: ‘It’s a fine line if you start to devalue yourself’.
      83. Rahal eager to promote Vips for 2025 in place of Lundgaard.
      84. IndyCar moves into the ‘hybrid era’ at Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
      85. Stella questions Horner’s integrity after Norris criticism.
      86. Rally Greece signs two-year extension deal with WRC Promoter.
      87. Schumacher blackmail suspects had ‘family photos’.
      88. Wild night at RCS: Dobmeier, Omdahl take sprint feature wins.
      89. NASCAR at Chicago | A little FYI on the downtown street course through Grant Park.
      90. NASCAR penalizes Carson Hocevar 25 points and fines him $50K for spinning Harrison Burton under caution.
      91. Bottas Admits Long Road Ahead for Struggling Sauber.
      92. Magnussen Pleased with P8 Finish in Austria as Fight for 2025 Drive Continues.
      93. Hülkenberg Delighted with Double Points after P6 Finish in Austria.
      94. Martin Brundle suggests Horner’s ‘ridiculous spat’ with Verstappen’s father impacted crash with Norris.
      95. NASCAR QNA: You still like OT after Nashville? Can SVG defend on the streets of Chicago?
      96. Andretti Global rules out adding part-time IndyCar entry for Pourchaire.
      97. Man involved in Ogier’s accident before Rally Poland dies.
      98. Manuel Andujar wins Rally Raid San Juan in SSV debut.
      99. The Finnish Star Kalle Rovanperä wins Rally Poland.
      100. George Russell takes second career win at F1’s Austrian Grand Prix.
      101. Portland a case of ‘right place, right time’ for da Costa.
      102. Kalitta sets Norwalk record to go No. 1 at NHRA Summit Nationals.
      103. Why Vanderbilt women’s basketball forward Sacha Washington has become NASCAR fan.
      104. Alex Palou Does It Again for 2nd Consecutive Pole at Mid-Ohio.
      105. Hamilton Feels Mercedes Back “Where They Belong” with Silverstone 1-2.
      106. Jacko Strong out to wow the Moto X Best Trick world again at the X Games.
      107. Pérez Frustrated after “Letting Team Down” with Q1 Exit at Silverstone.
      108. Alon Day & Justin Allgaier’s Dangerous Collision in Chicago.
      109. Malukas reaching ‘max potential’ already with Meyer Shank.

Next Race: Pocono

GO 7 & 97!!!!