Arts & Entertainment
Race Fan Rally Returns To Joliet: What To Know As Event Kicks Off July 4 Weekend
The Independence Day weekend event celebrates Joliet's rich motorsports heritage and the return of NASCAR racing to the area.
JOLIET, IL — Joliet is kicking off Independence Day weekend with the return of the Race Fan Rally, and Joliet police shared all pertinent details as locals and visitors prepare for the event Thursday.
Presented by the Joliet City Center Partnership, the event celebrates Joliet's rich motorsports heritage and the return of NASCAR racing to the area. Fans will have the opportunity to see race cars up close, meet drivers, enjoy live entertainment, visit vendors and participate in interactive activities from 4-10 p.m.
The free event will also feature Cars & Guitars, bringing together classic cars, live music and Route 66 nostalgia in the heart of downtown.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To make way for the Race Fan Rally, these roads will close beginning at 9 a.m. through 11 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Chicago Street between Cass Street and Jefferson Street
- Clinton Street between Ottawa Street and Scott Street
- Van Buren Street between Chicago Street and Scott Street
Organizers are offering a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Chicagoland Speedway and Joliet City Square. Rides will begin at 3:30 p.m. and run every 30-40 minutes, with the final drop-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m.
Joliet police will be on site to assist with traffic control and event security, which will include drone technology to provide real-time public safety monitoring, officials said.
The Race Fan Rally celebrates the return of NASCAR to Joliet. The racing company is taking over the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway track in Joliet for the first time since 2019. Racing action includes the ARCA Menards Series Friday, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Saturday, and the NASCAR Cup Series eero 400 Sunday.
The return of racing is expected to draw thousands of fans to the area and serves as a fitting finale to a week of community celebrations, patriotic festivities and unforgettable entertainment.
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