CINCINNATI (WXIX) – A report from the Sports Business Journal says Cincinnati is one of several cities in the running to take over NASCAR’s annual street race.
The event, The Grant Park 165, has been held for the last two years in Chicago.
Racing is in the blood of Cincinnati, Southwest Ohio and the Tri-State. Kentucky Motor Speedway hosted NASCAR events for several years, while dirt tracks and drag strips are still popular destinations in the area.
Dave Lehman of Lightning Chassis races dirt track. He’s a third-generation racer who took cars to Daytona.
Lehman said dirt racing has become more popular over the years. He said some tracks attract 20,000 to 30,000 fans. He said NASCAR’s interest in bringing the street race to Cincinnati shows how strength of the local racing scene.
“From where we’re sitting within 45 minutes to an hour, there are three race tracks,” Lehman said. …