Two-Time NASCAR Chicago Street Race Winner Visits John B. Drake Elementary to Help Provide Summer Reading Books to CPS Students
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race and two-time Chicago Street Race Winner Shane van Gisbergen visited first and second grade students at John B. Drake Elementary in the Bronzeville neighborhood on Wed., May 14, as a part of a new partnership between the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and children’s literacy nonprofit WITS (Working in the Schools).
The driver of the NASCAR Cup Series No. 88 Chevrolet ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing – who won the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago in 2023 and repeated in the Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 in 2024 – was on-hand to deliver summer reading books students and answer questions from aspiring racers.
“Chicago was my first race in NASCAR, so this city is a really special place to me. To come back here and interact with these young students is awesome,” said van Gisbergen. “And who knows? We may have the very next NASCAR Cup Champion right here in this classroom.”
The event marks the kickoff of a new partnership between the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and WITS, in support of their mission to empower Chicago elementary students to discover themselves through reading while developing foundational literacy skills. WITS creates community through literacy-based mentorship, enabling teachers to build diverse classroom libraries, and promoting book ownership at home.
“NASCAR’s presence at Drake Elementary and in the greater Bronzeville community is a true testament to their genuine commitment to our city,” said Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward). “Through programs and partnerships like these, NASCAR has had a tremendous positive impact on our community – not just on race weekend – but 365 days per year.”
To date, NASCAR has invested more than $5 million in local community-based initiatives in Chicago. In keeping with that commitment, NASCAR has established a dedicated office in Chicago with more than a dozen full-time staff who live, work, and volunteer in the community, to ensure that involvement with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, After School Matters, and more continue to take priority.
“For us, days like these are all about getting the chance to inspire these young minds to hopefully become the next generation of engineers, industry experts, and maybe even drivers,” said Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President. ““With a local team of more than a dozen staff who live, work, and volunteer in Chicago, this partnership with WITS is a terrific opportunity to support our community on a year-round basis.”
“As the largest provider of literacy mentorship to CPS schools, WITS puts books directly into students’ hands and provides weekly one-on-one reading support to help them thrive,” said Tena Latona, WITS Chief Executive Officer. “This partnership with NASCAR has allowed us to expand these efforts to more students at Drake Elementary this year.”
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race – which was named “Sports Event of the Year” by Sports Business Journal – previously announced new ticket options, along with reduced prices throughout the footprint, and a shorter overall build schedule. Guests will also enjoy significantly lower price points on Grounds Pass tickets and reserved seating (which now includes a new single-day option as well). Single-day Grounds Pass tickets start at $99 (33% less than last year), and Frontstretch Premier Grandstands Reserved seats are available at nearly a 50% reduction from 2024 prices.
Fans can subscribe to receive exclusive NASCAR Chicago Street Race emails for ticketing alerts. For a complete listing of ticketing options or to purchase tickets, fans can visit NASCARChicago.com or call 888-629-7223. Follow @NASCARChicago on Instagram, X and Facebook and download the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest real-time updates on all aspects of the event.
About NASCAR Chicago Street Race
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is home to the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race in the history of the sport. Located in downtown Chicago, the 2025 NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series races will once again take competitors past and through many of the city’s most renowned downtown landmarks on Michigan Avenue, South Columbus Drive, South DuSable Lake Shore Drive and the start-finish line near Buckingham Fountain. Southern rock superstars Zac Brown Band will headline the one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment experience, which will return to Grant Park July 5-6, 2025. For more information, visit NASCARChicago.com.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.
About WITS
WITS believes that literacy is the foundation on which all other learning develops. Our mission is to empower Chicago elementary students to discover themselves through reading while developing foundational literacy skills. We do this by creating community through literacy-based mentorship, enabling teachers to build diverse classroom libraries, and promoting book ownership at home.
For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.
