Kennedy played an instrumental role in NASCAR bringing an unprecedented street race

to downtown Chicago next year during its 75th season in yet another radical change to its once staid schedule.

"We want to be bold and innovative as we think about new places and new concepts," Kennedy said.

the 30-year-old great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France.

“This is No. 1 on the list for us right now, and it’s certainly going to be the

The most anticipated event of our season and one of the biggest sporting events in our country in 2023. ,

The Cup Series will next run on July 2 against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and Grant Park as part of a three-year deal with the City of Chicago.

It will be paired with an IMSA sports car race the day before, as well as

music and entertainment options located along the 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course.

“The opportunity to bring something so unique as NASCAR to the city of Chicago, and I think it’s going to be one of those iconic race courses

we couldn’t pass up that opportunity,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday during an outdoor press conference announcing the event.

The course will include Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue and South Columbus Drive,

where the start/finish line and pit road will be located directly in front of Buckingham Fountain.

It will pass through Grant Park and approach the northern edge of Soldier Field — site

of the only other Cup Series race to take place in downtown Chicago, in 1956.