Rain delays day two of NASCAR Street Race Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- There were so many starts and stops in Sunday's NASCAR Chicago Street Race that it felt like an afternoon commute. But after a nearly two-hour rain delay, the race finally ended at the finish line.
Given how the rain delayed and even canceled one race and concerts last year for the inaugural Street Race, it was hard to get far in a conversation without comparing the two events.
When the rain picked up, some fans decided it was time to throw up their own checkered flag.
"We figured it was just going to pass off, but it ended up coming down really hard," said 11-year-old London Gordon.
That rain drove an early exit for fans who had come for high-octane action.
"My dad loves race cars, so that was a thing. He wanted to see Bubba Wallace, number 23. We saw his car. It was going really fast," said Many Pewett, who was leaving early.
It was a quick turn in conditions.
The skies were clear enough for a military flyover just before the main event at 3:30. Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared in a racing jumpsuit.
"Just super excited because, you know, there could be a chance of rain again, but it's at least not downpouring," said Anthony Rotolo, who was visiting from Tampa, Florida. "So we're going to get the full event in hopefully today."
Huge crowds streamed through the fan experience area. They were optimistic as they headed for the stands.
"I'm so glad it's not raining this year," said West Town resident David Hughes. "Last year I was soaking wet, standing around all day. This year, it is looking better, and we are ready to have a great Sunday."
But just as the event was scheduled to start, light sprinkles picked up, causing fans to pull out the umbrellas and ponchos.
Around the same time, cameras caught pro-Palestinian demonstrators climbing a fence on the tracks having signs pulled from their hands. Chicago Police confirmed they responded. Police say they took two men into custody for criminal trespass around 4:15 p.m. Charges are pending.
But NASCAR officials say they delayed the start to allow drivers to change tires.
The race returned after a two-hour red flag for rain.
Alex Bowman took the win at the second Grant Park 165 after the clock ran out. This is the biggest win of his race career.