NASCAR Makes Pitstop in Libertyville

Driving along Milwaukee Avenue on Friday, some racing fans may have been surprised to see some unique cars parked within Red Top Plaza along Milwaukee Avenue.

, in partnership with NASCAR and business sponsors, displayed two race cars along the edge of its parking lot.

The cars are being displayed at sites throughout the Chicago area to promote racing events at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet from Sept. 15 to 18.

“We’ve had a lot of race fans but also a lot of people who like cars. They get to look at them up close and see how they are constructed,” said Allen Faucette, a show car specialist.

Terry O’Donnell, store manager at , said the sponsors of race cars are bringing out the cars so racing fans can see the cars and ask questions. Although the weather was not perfect, it did not keep away fans of all ages.

“It seems like we have a lot of people who have a big interest in NASCAR, and they even came out in the rain to see it,” O’Donnell said.

O’Donnell added that organizes events on a random basis and there is no correlation between the NASCAR vehicle display and trying to increase business for to compete with across the street.

Mike Goebeler, who lives in Lake Villa but works in Libertyville, stopped to see the cars and sat within the Suave car, which was transformed into a simulator and takes the driver through the Chicagoland Speedway track. Planning to make the annual trip to Joliet, he said getting to ride in one was cool.

“Seeing this the week before gets you in the spirit of the race,” he said. “I was surprised to see them sitting out there.”

As for the chance to simulate driving a race car, Goebeler added, “It’s cool. I need one of those for my house.”

The race cars will make appearances throughout the Chicago area. The following are Jewel locations within Lake County to see them.

• Friday, Sept. 9: 3:30 to 7 p.m. at 1501 S. Lake St., Mundelein
• Monday, Sept. 12: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 885 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake
• Monday, Sept. 12: 3:30 to 7 p.m. at 485 Ela Road, Lake Zurich
• Wednesday, Sept. 14: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 900 E. Rollins, Round Lake
• Wednesday, Sept. 14: 3:30 to 7 p.m. at 6509 W. Grand, Gurnee