Today, NASCAR announced the National Anthem lineup for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, July 5-6 in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park. Aaron Nelson, cast member from Disney’s The Lion King, which returns to Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre October 3-19—will sing the National Anthem before Saturday’s Xfinity Series race on July 5. The internationally acclaimed Soul Children of Chicago will open the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 6.
“The Soul Children of Chicago and The Lion King’s Aaron Nelson represent the very best of Chicago’s talent, heart, and culture, and we’re honored to have their voices lead us into such an important day for our fans, our sport, and our city,” said Julie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. “The Chicago Street Race is all about celebrating the best of Chicago and featuring these artists with such deep community roots reflects our commitment to honoring the people and the stories that make our city so special.”
Founded in 1981 by Dr. Walt Whitman, Jr., the Soul Children of Chicago is a Grammy Award-winning youth choir that provides music and mentorship opportunities to children ages 7 to 17 from across the city. The group has performed around the globe, from the White House to international stages — with a goal to empower Chicago youth through music. Their participation in the NASCAR Chicago Street Race reflects the event’s continued commitment to showcasing local culture on an international stage during the race weekend.
“Our mission has always been to uplift and inspire through music,” said Dr. Walt Whitman, Founder and Director of Soul Children of Chicago. “Having the chance to perform in front of our city and sing for a global audience is not only an honor — it’s a powerful reminder of what our young voices are capable of.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Aaron Nelson will return to the Cadillac Palace Theatre this October when Broadway In Chicago will present Disney’s The Lion King. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Nelson made his Broadway debut as the youngest Adult Simba in the show’s history and is honored to be among the few actors to cover the “Big 3” roles—Simba, Mufasa, and Scar—notably becoming the first African American to perform as Scar on this tour. Nelson’s regional theatre credits include columbinus 2.0 and Rent (American Theater Company), and Dreamgirls (Theater 47). He made his television debut on NBC’s “Chicago Fire” and has also appeared on CBS’s “FBI: Most Wanted.”
“Standing in Grant Park—in Chicago, a city where I first fell in love with performing—and leading thousands of NASCAR fans in the National Anthem is a full-circle moment for me,” said Broadway star Aaron Nelson. “Chicago has invested in my dreams and on Saturday I hope to return that gift by showing young people across the city that their voices and their passions can carry them anywhere”
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race – which was named “Sports Event of the Year” by Sports Business Journal – previously announced new ticket options, along with reduced prices throughout the footprint, and a shorter overall build schedule. Guests will also enjoy significantly lower price points on Grounds Pass tickets and reserved seating (which now includes a new single-day option as well). Single-day Grounds Pass tickets start at $123.08 including ALL taxes and fees (35% less than last year), and Frontstretch Premier Grandstands Reserved seats are available at nearly a 50% reduction from 2024 prices.
— NASCAR —