NASCAR says no Chicago Street Race
next year, but it could return in 2027
[July 19, 2025]
By JAY COHEN
CHICAGO (AP) — NASCAR is pressing pause on its Chicago Street Race,
answering at least one major question about its schedule for next
season.
NASCAR raced on a street course in downtown Chicago on the first
weekend in July each of the last three years. But it had a
three-year contract with the city, leaving the future of the event
in question.
Writing to Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday, race president Julie
Giese said the plan is to explore the potential of a new event
weekend with his office and other community leaders while also
working on a more efficient course build and breakdown.
“Our goal is for the Chicago Street Race to return in 2027 with an
event that further enhances the experience for residents and
visitors alike, as we work together towards a new potential date,
shorter build schedule, and additional tourism draws,” Giese wrote
in her letter to Johnson.
Giese said NASCAR is keeping its Chicago Street Race office and
plans to continue its community partnerships.
“We deeply value our relationship with the City of Chicago and
remain steadfast in our commitment to being a good neighbor and
partner,” she said in the letter.
NASCAR is replacing its Chicago stop with a street race in San
Diego.
A message was left Friday seeking comment from Johnson's office.
NASCAR's Chicago weekend featured Xfinity and Cup Series races on a
12-turn, 2.2-mile course against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and
Grant Park — to go along with a festival-like atmosphere with music
and entertainment options.
The goal was an event that appealed to both a new audience in one of
NASCAR’s most important regions and the most ardent racing fans.
NASCAR used to race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, a 45-mile
drive from downtown, but it pulled out after the 2019 season.
Johnson’s predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, was in charge when the
three-year contract for the downtown weekend was finalized.
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Drivers race in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 165
, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
It wasn't exactly a popular move in Chicago. Local
businesses and residents were frustrated by the street closures in a
heavily trafficked area for tourists in the summer. But organizers
shrunk the construction schedule from 43 days in 2023 to 25 this
year, winning over some of the race's critics.
Drivers and their teams had some concerns about the course ahead of
the first weekend. But the setup was widely praised by the time the
third year rolled around — both the course and the ability to walk
to the circuit from their downtown hotel.
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson called Chicago “probably my
favorite event in NASCAR each year.”
The racing in downtown Chicago has been dominated by Shane van
Gisbergen, who won the Xfinity and Cup races this year from the
pole. He also won in Chicago in his Cup debut in 2023 and last
year's Xfinity Series race.
“I love the track,” he said after this year's Cup win. “It’s a cool
place to come to. You feel a nice vibe. You feel a good vibe in the
mornings walking to the track with the fans. It’s pretty unique like
that.”
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