Loop drag racers drive donuts around spectators surrounded by ring of fire on Wacker Drive: video

The drag racers who flock to Lower Wacker Drive on weekends raised their game to a new level early Sunday when they surrounded a group of spectators with burning gasoline before a driver began doing donuts around the flames.

A video screen grab shows spectator surrounded by a ring of fire as a drag racer prepares to drive donuts around the flames at Lower Wacker Drive and Columbus Drive on May 1, 2022. | Provided

It happened around 2:30 a.m. on Lower Wacker Drive at Columbus Drive, just south of the Chicago River.

Officers who monitor the local Chicago police district’s surveillance cameras first reported people with about 60 cars congregating in the area around 2:15 a.m. They quickly upped their estimate to 100 cars.

Then, at 2:30, the camera operator reported the crowd was blocking traffic in all directions while drivers did donuts in the intersection.

Moments later, this happened. Watch (audio up):

Police stepped up their response upon hearing that the street was being lit on fire with people standing in the middle. Dispatchers sent EMS as a precaution, but no injuries were reported.

Drag racing and donut-spinning have been an ongoing problem on Lower Wacker Drive for several years.

Our original reporting is 100% reader-funded. Please contribute to our operating fund or purchase a subscription today.