Race Fan Rally on Thursday kicks off NASCAR weekend

JOLIET – Up-and-coming young talent, as well as veteran NASCAR drivers, will highlight the 14th annual Race Fan Rally, Thursday’s downtown kick-off celebration for the weekend races at Chicagoland Speedway.

The event will feature nearly a dozen NASCAR Next drivers, including Brandon McReynolds, son of Larry McReynolds, a racing analyst on FOX Television and former crew chief for the late Dale Earnhardt.

Other Next drivers include Cole Custer, Ruben Garcia, Gray Gaulding, Ryan Gifford, Austin Hill, Jesse Little, Dylan Lupton, Ryan Preece, Ben Rhodes and Kenzie Ruston.

“The Next drivers are all of the up-and-coming drivers,” Mike Guglielmucci, event organizer, said. “Some of these kids you’re going to see racing on Sundays in the near future.”

Veteran drivers Casey Mears and Joey Coulter also will appear at the event.

The rally, held on Chicago Street and side streets from 4 to 10 p.m., will feature main stage entertainment, food vendors, beer tents, simulators, and prize and raffle drawings. The Sprint Cup will be on display at the Rialto Square Theatre throughout the evening.

The hauler parade, featuring the trucks used to transport the 44 cars in Sunday’s MyAFibStory.com 400, is scheduled to leave the speedway at 4:45 p.m. and arrive downtown at 5 p.m.

Entertainment will feature music by 7th Heaven.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by NASCAR Car Wash.

IF YOU GO
What: Race Fan Rally and Hauler Parade
When: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Joliet