In a tragic incident, a NASCAR contractor lost his life due to electrocution while preparing for the inaugural Chicago Street Race at Grant Park 220. The victim, identified as 53-year-old Duane Tabinski, was the founder of an event company responsible for audio equipment installation at the venue.
NASCAR issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming their cooperation with local authorities in investigating the incident. Race organizers also shared their sympathies with Tabinski's family and loved ones.
A pit crew member watches qualifying races at the NASCAR street course in Chicago on Saturday, July 1, 2023. (Jim Vondruska/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Emergency responders transported Tabinski to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Friday morning. This unfortunate event casts a shadow over the historic Chicago street race, the first of its kind in the NASCAR Cup Series, which is scheduled to weave through the city's downtown streets.
The concept for the Chicago Street Race originated as a virtual event in March 2021 as part of the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series. Following positive reception and growing interest, NASCAR formalized plans to bring the virtual track to life, officially announcing the Cup Series race on July 19, 2022.
Drivers compete in qualifying races around the NASCAR street course in Chicago on Saturday, July 1, 2023. (Jim Vondruska/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Drivers compete in qualifying races around the NASCAR course in Chicago on Saturday, July 1, 2023. (Jim Vondruska/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The race is scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.
