CHICAGO — For the second time NASCAR is coming to the Second City. The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will take place in downtown Chicago July 6 and 7.

Start your engines with these four things you need to know about this weekend.

1. The Chicago Street Race is actually two races

On Saturday July 6, it’s the Xfinity series race called The Loop 110, which will cover 110 miles and 50 laps.

On Sunday July 7, cup series race will be called The Grant Park 165 and  will be a 165-mile race with 75 laps

The course is the same as last year, but the length has been shortened to allow the broadcast to take place in daylight.

2. The City

Unlike most races on a smooth track surrounded by stands, this one winds through 12 turns in downtown Chicago’s streets. The action takes place against the spectacular backdrop of the Chicago skyline and around city landmarks.

The novelty is a hit with fans across the country. Nearly 6 million people tuned in, making it the most watched race last year other than the Daytona 500.

The Sports Business Journal named it the “event of the year.”

3. The Weather

Last year’s race took place amidst torrential rains – leading to cancelled concerts and race day delays. In fact, more than 79,000 people attended from 15 countries and all 50 states.

4. The festival atmosphere

There will be events around the city, at Navy Pier and in Grant Park where there will be food vendors from and an all-star lineup of live music including The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina … and Chicago Blues legend Buddy Guy.

And this year, NASCAR is emphasizing the Chicago Street Race as a “family friendly event”  and kids under 12 get into Saturday’s race for free.