Star Power Decends on Chicagoland Speedway for Ultimate Dudes Day

by Erin Gallagher

A trifecta of star power descended on Chicagoland Speedway Thursday to promote the inaugural year of Pit Bike Nationals during NASCAR Summer Festival weekend June 27-30.

What started out as a challenge on social media, landed NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., to take on seven-time AMA National Champion Ryan Villopoto to race pit bikes, pace car laps and hit some golf balls for charity.

Then race fan and friend arrived, actor Taylor Kinney, known for his role as Lt. Kelly Severide on the NBC TV series "Chicago Fire."

The three had the ultimate dude's day.

"This is the most fun you can have, riding dirt bikes with a couple of buddies," Villopoto said.

“There is strong crossover appeal between NASCAR and motocross,” said Chicagoland Speedway President Scott Paddock. “Our goal is to provide our fans with a truly exhilarating experience during our race weekend and adding compelling content like the Chicagoland Speedway Pit Bike National will certainly deliver upon that objective.”

Kinney said that because he lives and works in Chicago, he considers Chicagoland Speedway his home track.

"I love riding dirt bikes," Kinney said. "I"m a fan of all things motor racing. I have an appreciation or it."

Stenhouse said he especially loves Chicagoland Speedway, not only because he got his first win here, but also the character of the track because it "creates good racing."

"I think a lot of the drivers like coming here," he said.

All three touted having both the NASCAR races and the Pit Bike Nationals together.

"Some pretty big, cool names that are going to come together to make a cool event out of it," Villopoto said. "We're all racers, it doesn't matter if it's four wheels or two wheels."

The pit bike race will start Friday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. for season ticket holders only, prior to the NASCAR Truck Series, which starts at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, the bikes race at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. The NASCAR Xfinity Series is at 2:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the bikes race at 9:30 and 11 a.m., followed by the Lee Brice concert at noon, then the NASCAR Cup Series at 2 p.m.

Pit bike race tickets are included in the cost of the NASCAR tickets. For more information, click here. The best way to get up-close to the action is to take advantage of the Chicagoland Speedway Pit Bike National is to buy the ticket package here.

Erin Gallagher is a public relations consultant who serves her clients as community liaison. Unlike other gun-for-hire PR pros, Erin's community-liaison approach ensures clients maintain credibility and lasting relationships within their communities. Erin Gallagher is no ordinary spin doctor. Her clients are confident in putting forth a message that is genuine. With a reputation for integrity, transparency and fairness, "Erin Gallagher drives it straight up the fairway!"
Erin@ErinGallagher.net