Worker dies while setting up NASCAR's Chicago Street Race

A worker died Friday setting up for NASCAR’s Grant Park 250 Chicago Street Race, according to Ben Bradley of WGN Investigates.

The 53-year-old man, an employee of a staging and lighting company, may have been electrocuted per initial police reports. An autopsy, however, will determine cause of death.

NASCAR issued a statement, via Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports.

“On Friday afternoon, a contractor suffered a fatal medical emergency,” the statement read. “We are coordinating with local authorities on this tragic incident. We share our condolences to the family and their loved ones.”

The man suffered the injury at about 11:28 p.m. in the 500 block of South Columbus Drive near Buckingham Fountain, Kasey Chronis of FOX 32 Chicago reported. He was pronounced dead after being transported to Northwestern Hospital.

Both the Xfinity and Cup Series races this weekend are scheduled to go on as planned. Saturday’s The Loop 121 will begin at 5 p.m. ET on USA Network while green flag will drop for the Grant Park 250 at 5:30 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC.

Bubba Wallace reflects on ‘huge success’ of block party ahead of NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race

Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan hosted a block party on the Southside of Chicago Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s Chicago Street Race. “Bubba’s Block Party” took place at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. The event featured a performance from Chicago-based rapper Lupe Fiasco, racing-themed entertainment and local food from Black-owned businesses.

“Bubba’s Block Party Chicago was a huge success,” Wallace wrote on Twitter. “Big thanks to Lupe Fiasco, all the partners and NASCAR for getting this done. This is just one of the ways we’re working to bring new faces to this sport.”

Before the event kicked off, Wallace talked about why he and his racing team decided to host the party before the race.

“A lot of people [have been[ saying that they don’t feel welcomed to be a part of our sport. I’ve been racing for 20 years, going on 21 years now, and I couldn’t think of being anywhere else,” Wallace told the Chicago Tribune, via The Comeback. “… I’ve always enjoyed my time, except when I lose. But from the stories that I’ve heard and people’s comments, we got to be better.

“You’ve always heard the labels about our sport whether it’s being racist, redneck or whatnot. That’s very far from the truth. There’s always a couple bad apples, but a couple bad apples doesn’t portray the whole picture of our sport.”