CHICAGO — NASCAR driver Nick Sanchez is no stranger to breaking boundaries, but this weekend in Chicago, he’s pushing into new territory — literally. The 23-year-old Cuban-American rising star is preparing to take on his first-ever street race at the highly anticipated NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
“I’ve never done a street race before,” Sanchez shared. “It’s going to be a different vibe, a different environment, just walking into the racetrack in the morning.”
From Go-Karts to Greatness
Sanchez’s passion for racing began in Miami, where he started karting at age 12 on the Homestead-Miami Speedway — not long after watching his first NASCAR race at just 5 years old. His dedication and talent were soon recognized by NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program, which aims to nurture drivers from underrepresented backgrounds.
That opportunity led him to Rev Racing, where he began competing in the Whelan All-American Series and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.
A Rising Star in the NASCAR Universe
After gaining traction in the ARCA Menards Series, where he won three races and the 2021 championship, Sanchez climbed the ranks quickly. By 2023, he earned Rookie of the Year honors in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, becoming the only rookie that year to make the playoffs.
In 2024, Sanchez returned to the Xfinity Series, and just last weekend, he scored his first career Xfinity win at EchoPark Speedway near Atlanta.
Chicago’s Street Course: A New Chapter
Fresh off his victory, Sanchez flew into Chicago on Sunday to prepare for The Loop 110, where he’ll be driving the No. 48 Big Machine Pickers Vodka Chevrolet. The race, set against the city’s downtown backdrop, marks a new milestone in his career.
Sanchez is not just focused on the checkered flag — he’s also embracing the Chicago experience. The last time he visited was as a 6-year-old. This time, he’s stepping into the spotlight, including tossing the ceremonial first pitch at a White Sox vs. Giants game.
“I’ve never actually thrown a baseball or a pitch so I hope I don’t screw it up,” he joked. (He didn’t — he delivered a strike.)
Representation in the Racing World
As one of NASCAR’s few Latino drivers, Sanchez views his platform as a way to inspire young racers from diverse backgrounds.
“I’m definitely one of the few,” Sanchez told WGN-TV. “But we’re broadening the horizon for NASCAR.”
He credits his parents for letting him chase his dream and hopes to be an example for others with similar aspirations.
What’s Next?
With Chicago’s NASCAR Street Race drawing national attention, Sanchez’s performance will be closely watched. Whether or not he crosses the finish line first, his presence alone marks a meaningful step forward for inclusion in motorsports.
The green flag drops Friday. One thing’s for sure — all eyes will be on Nick Sanchez.
Are you watching the NASCAR Street Race in Chicago? What do you think about Nick Sanchez’s rising journey? Share your thoughts with us at chicagosuburbanfamily.com.
