Joey Logano, driving for Team Penske, has raised critical safety concerns about a hazardous bump at Turn 10 during the Grant Park 165 NASCAR race in Chicago. As the event approaches, this issue draws attention amid growing excitement on the city’s iconic street circuit, with the driver warning that the uneven surface could pose serious risks to competitors.

Driver Highlights a Perilous Section at Turn 10 on Chicago’s Course

While most racers enjoy the scenic views of Chicago’s skyline and lakefront, Logano is concentrating on a challenging section of the track. Turn 10, located just downhill from the city’s famous fountain area, features a notorious bump that unsettles vehicles during high-speed navigation. This spot mixes asphalt patches with concrete joints and pedestrian seams, creating a surface inconsistency that can unpredictably affect car handling.

Logano described the tricky stretch as “sketch,” emphasizing how quickly the bump can disrupt car balance when drivers are maneuvering the tight right-hand turn. The narrow two-lane segment follows a downhill run from a prior chicane, adding complexity to braking and cornering. Surrounded by towering walls and adjacent to a historic water fountain, the area is particularly unforgiving under race conditions.

The combination of fresh paving, aging concrete, and repairs poorly aligned creates a “hydraulic pump” effect that launches cars unevenly. This bump lies at the lowest elevation point on the track, causing it to collect moisture and dry slower after rainfalls, further complicating safety conditions.

Impact of Weather and Track Conditions on Race Safety

Experiences from previous rain-shortened events reinforce Logano’s concerns, as wet surfaces in that section have led to slippery conditions and erratic traction. He explained that the area “doesn’t dry very well,” mentioning that the lack of sunlight contributes to persistent moisture retention. As a result, drivers face waves of uncertainty regarding grip and stability every lap through this zone.

“You feel like you’re going really fast. You’re really not, right? But it’s such a tight area that you feel like you’re booking it. And the car, again, is bouncing all over the place,”

Logano remarked, highlighting the challenge of maintaining control in this critical area.

The unpredictable bump affects the physical dynamics of each car, altering balance mid-turn and affecting the precision needed to hit apexes or attempt overtakes. Logano further cautioned that drivers constantly guess their grip levels, stating,

“Either way, that was the track that stayed the most wet throughout the whole race. So it’s tricky through there for sure, especially when it’s raining, you don’t know what your grip level is every lap, right? And you’re like, is it going to be slicker or is it going to be more grip? And if it catches you off guard, you’re wrecked.”

—Joey Logano, Team Penske Driver

Examining the Future and Safety Debate Surrounding the Chicago Street Race

As the Grant Park 165 race nears, weather forecasts predict wet conditions that could exacerbate these problems, forcing drivers to brace for the challenge. With 2025 marking the event’s third year, questions remain about whether NASCAR will return to the Chicago Street circuit in 2026 due to safety concerns and track complexity.

Logano’s warnings add a serious voice to ongoing discussions about the circuit’s appropriateness for top-tier racing, balancing thrills with risk. The inherent danger of street courses—and this bump in particular—raises debate about whether the unique challenge enhances the sport or crosses into unnecessary peril.

Role of Drivers in Shaping Race Venue Decisions and Safety Improvements

Regarding the selection of race venues, Logano clarified that individual drivers do not make final determinations, but the newly established Driver Advisory Council plays a key role in smoothing race-day operations and suggesting improvements. This council, formed in 2022 and led by Jeff Burton, includes several prominent drivers such as Kurt Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Logano himself.

“No, I do not get in the middle of that. I think, speaking for myself and maybe some of the Driver Council, we try to help when there’s a new venue or a venue we’ve been to before by offering suggestions we think could make things better,”

Logano explained. The council serves as a bridge between drivers and NASCAR officials, enhancing safety and race quality without deciding event locations.

Logano cited the council’s influence during NASCAR’s recent return to Mexico City, where their push for additional tire barriers in a challenging curve increased protection for drivers and fans alike. He emphasized that similar feedback will continue for Chicago, aiming to optimize the experience both on and off the track for all stakeholders.

“So whether it’s racing here in Chicago, there can be suggestions on what we can do better. We voice those. And wherever the next one may be—if it’s here again or somewhere else—we’d like to be part of those discussions. We want to offer input on things we’d like to see, both on track and off track, to improve the experience for the drivers, the teams, and the fans,”

Logano stated.

Safety Concerns and the Balance Between Challenge and Risk in NASCAR

The spotlight on the bump at Turn 10 underscores the broader challenge of adapting street circuits for NASCAR’s high-speed competition. The mix of urban infrastructure and racing demands creates unavoidable risks, forcing teams and regulators to find solutions that maintain driver safety without diluting competition.

By voicing these concerns publicly, Joey Logano contributes to a vital dialogue on how to address hazardous spots while preserving the excitement NASCAR fans expect. As the series moves forward, collaborative efforts between drivers, councils, and officials will shape improvements that either secure the Chicago Street race’s future or prompt reassessment of its viability.

The upcoming Grant Park 165 race in Chicago will offer crucial insights into how drivers and organizers manage this complex and dangerous surface. The performance and feedback from this event may ultimately influence whether the city’s streets host NASCAR again, balancing the allure of racing in an iconic location with the imperatives of competitor safety.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?

A. Due to complications at birth, Joey experienced a brain bleed. This caused him to be diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Consequently, he requires extensive physical therapy.

Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?

A. After Joey Logano, a two-time Nascar Cup Series Champion, was diagnosed with alopecia, he wanted to understand the condition better and boost his confidence. He contacted HairClub, where hair specialists explained alopecia to him and discussed his options.

Q. What sickness did Joey Logano have?

A. The problem was a stomach virus. Logano managed to compete until the race finished, despite this challenge. “I caught the stomach virus called Norovirus,” Logano told reporters. “I thought I was fine, but just before the race, I knew I wasn’t,” he explained, according to Steven Taranto from CBS Sports.