Dale Earnhardt Jr. tests NASCAR Chicago Street Race track, assesses ‘challenges’ for drivers

Retired NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. visited Chicago to see the Chicago Street Race course first-hand. He says the many turns, imperfect road surfaces and elevation changes will be a test of skills. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

When NASCAR drivers rev their engines at the starting line near Buckingham Fountain in July for the Chicago Street Race, they’ll be embarking on one of the strangest races in the franchise’s history.

Gone is the traditional oval track with banked turns.