NASCAR event planned for Michigan Avenue

Just before the NASCAR Challenger Round debuts at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet next weekend, there will be a two-day free fan fest planned for downtown Chicago.

The Chase Grid Live, sponsored by Toyota and Sprint, will take place at Pioneer Court on North Michigan Avenue, just north of the Chicago River on both Wednesday and Thursday.

On Wednesday festivities will take place from noon to 8 p.m., with a concert featuring Grace Potter and the Nocturnals — slated for 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday’s action will include events happening from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with all 16 Chase drivers — including Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson — on stage interacting with fans between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Throughout the two-day fan fest, ESPN will feature live segments with many of the drivers competing in the Challenger Round — plus other NASCAR personalities making appearances.

For more information, go to NASCAR.com