A University of Chicago Graduate Lives Out a NASCAR Dream

Once again, the best in all of stock car racing gathered in Chicago to test their skills of the 2.2 miles of roads that surround Grant Park over Fourth of July weekend.

It’s a unique opportunity for many of NASCAR’s drivers to test their skills on a street circuit, including a graduate of the University of Chicago.

For this person, it’s the opportunity to continue a dream that he’s had since he was racing go-karts at small tracks around the country.

Andre Castro, a first-generation driver who was born in New York, made his third start at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Chicago Street race on Saturday.

In just his fifth start of his stock car career and first of 2025, Castro was able to qualify his Joey Gase Motorsports Chevrolet in the 29th position. He’d finish the afternoon in 33rd place, his best result in the three years he’s run the event.

It continues the journey of the Columbian driver who grew up watching Juan Pablo Montoya have success in racing and wanted to create some of his own. While chasing that dream in a few motorsports disciplines, Castro also got an economics degree from the University of Chicago.

During the Street Race Weekend, Andre talked about his journey in racing with Attorney Howard Ankin as part of Ankin Law’s “Chicagoans You Should Know” series.

You can watch Howard’s full interview with Castro in the video.

Chicago personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney Howard Ankin has a passion for justice and a relentless commitment to defending injured victims throughout the Chicagoland area. With decades of experience achieving justice on behalf of the people of Chicago, Howard has earned a reputation as a proven leader in and out of the courtroom. Respected by peers and clients alike, Howard’s multifaceted approach to the law and empathetic nature have secured him a spot as an influential figure in the Illinois legal system.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
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