Before the street race, there's the race behind the scenes to get the track, grandstands, cars, and other preparations ready for the main event.

This year, the increasing intensity of the battle for the NASCAR playoffs takes center stage in Second City, as only four open spots for non-winners now remain on the playoff grid. One such spot was filled last week, when local hero Chase Elliott won in Atlanta to stamp his place in the playoffs and clear the way for his run at a second Cup title.

For weeks, Chicago has been revving up for race day, and it's almost here as NASCAR returns for its third annual Chicago Street Race in Grant Park. NASCAR teams were making their final preparations on Friday,