Gov. Pat Quinn says he's excited for the potential economic impact of NASCAR's Sprint Cup championship opening race at Chicagoland Speedway.
Chicagoland Speedway representative Jay Keller said Monday he predicts next September's Chase 2011 race will add about $27 million in revenue and 500 jobs at the track.
The Sprint Cup Championship is a 10-race title series. New Hampshire International Speedway had been hosting the opening race since it started in 2004. The shift to Chicago is part of a scheduling shuffle NASCAR is piecing together for 2011.
Quinn also said at the news conference that NASCAR is "a part of Americana" and Illinois will welcome incoming fans.
