Northbrook Grand Prix Will Return In 2024: Village

NORTHBROOK, IL — Local cyclists can start tuning up their bikes with the Northbrook Grand Prix set to return next summer for the third straight year. The event, part of the Intelligentsia Cup series, is held annually in July.

Next year's race is planned for July 25 following unanimous approval of a resolution for the race to return by the Northbrook Village Board at Tuesday night's meeting.

Organizers of the Intelligentsia Cup tout the Chicagoland race series as the largest in the country. In addition to Northbrook, other stops in the 10-day race last summer included West Dundee, Glen Ellyn, Winfield, Mundelein, Lombard, Brookfield, Elgin, Lake Bluff and concluded in Chicago.

Intelligentsia Cup races are criteriums, which are road races held on short courses through neighborhoods. Organizers said this makes for incredibly fast races, and plenty of action as racers must corner quickly to "maintain their speeds and jockey for position." The 1.2-kilomter course in Northbrook wraps around Village Green Park.

According to the Village, participants in the 2023 edition included racers from 47 different states and 17 countries. Northbrook, home to the second-oldest velodrome in the nation, debuted the race in 2022. The latest edition was held on July 27.

Road closures near the race course were in effect, with impacted properties receiving prior notice from the Village.

"I was a little worried what some of our residents that live right in that area [would think of the race] and they were right out there ordering pizzas, saying it was the best thing ever," said Trustee Heather Ross, who walked the course several times during the event.

The Local Organizing Committee for the race is made up of unpaid Northbrook resident volunteers who are interested in supporting the event and seeing it return to the Village of Northbrook "for the benefit of the community as a whole," according to the memorandum of understanding agreement. As part of the agreed resolution, the LOC has agreed to assist the Village with the organization, promotion and management of the event.

Costs for the 2023 race included total staffing ($35,407) and other costs ($13,533, including a $10,000 agreement). Reimbursement for the race was $7,678. According to the Village, a minimal amount of money was used for road repair compared to $45,000 in 2022.

Trustee Muriel Collison, who said she was not in favor of spending money where she didn't see the Village "getting enough back" with regard to holding the race,

"I know the residents really enjoyed it. I know my fellow board members really enjoyed it," Collison said. "I'll support having it again."

For 2024, the Village said there will be an increase in the agreement fee with Prairie Street Cycling Series, by $1,000 at $11,000. Officials said the new fee marks the first increase by Prairie Street in 11 years.

According to a survey conducted by the Village, 11 businesses were asked whether the event had an impact on revenue and whether they want to continue the event. According to the survey, 46 percent said the race had a positive impact, versus 36 percent saying it had a negative impact. In addition, 82 percent said they would like the event to return.

Sixty-four attendees were also surveyed by the Village regarding the Northbrook Grand Prix. Here are some of the results:

• 62 percent said they were Northbrook residents
• 33 percent said it was their first time at the Northbrook Grand Prix
• Ages of survey takers — 66 percent (between 40-64), 24 percent (under 40), and 10 percent (65 and up)
• 80 percent said they shopped or dined while in Northbrook

"I think this is the best thing out there. It is fabulous," said Trustee Robert Israel, who also floated out the idea of Tesla getting involved possibly as the race's pace car. "Staff was absolutely amazing. I'm absolutely amped up about doing this again."