Women's Motorsports Network Podcast
Women's Motorsports Network Podcast shares the stories of women involved in motorsports from around the world. My first episode was in 2018 and I continue to add new episodes each week. Feel free to suggest potential guests to me at iwmanation@gmail.com
Melinda Russell
Women's Motorsports Network Podcast
Julie Giese on Shifting Gears and Making History with the Chicago Street Race
In this powerful episode, Melinda Russell sits down with trailblazer Julie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and a 25-year veteran of the motorsports industry. From her early days on a Wisconsin dairy farm to her leadership roles at Daytona, Phoenix, and now Chicago, Julie shares how she turned bold ideas into history-making events.
She opens up about the massive effort it took to bring a NASCAR Cup Series race to downtown Chicago—from working with the city, navigating a torrential rainstorm, and overcoming skepticism, to turning it into one of NASCAR's most successful and talked-about races.
Julie also reveals exciting updates for 2025, including:
- More fan-friendly viewing areas
- Lower ticket prices and kids 12 & under free
- A Zac Brown Band concert on the start/finish line
- Enhanced community outreach and inclusivity
Whether you're a race veteran or a first-time fan, this episode offers a rare look behind the scenes of one of NASCAR’s boldest and most innovative events.
🏁 Topics Covered:
- Julie’s path from agriculture to NASCAR leadership
- The vision and logistics behind the Chicago Street Race
- How her team overcame a 100-year rainstorm and still delivered
- What’s new for 2025: seating, tickets, family options, and more
- Why Chicago’s diverse cityscape creates the perfect racing backdrop
- The role of fans in making the event electric
- NASCAR’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community impact
📍 Links & Resources:
- Get tickets: NASCARChicago.com
- Learn more about Julie Giese: NASCAR Official Site