NASCAR Halts Chicago Street Race
The excitement of NASCAR in Chicago takes a break. The organization has decided to pause the street race that was held in the city center, providing clarity on its schedule for the next season. Over the last three years, NASCAR raced on a street circuit in downtown Chicago during the first weekend of July. However, the three-year contract with the city has come to an end, leaving the future of the event up in the air. In a letter addressed to Mayor Brandon Johnson, race president Julie Giese explained that the possibility of a new event weekend will be explored in collaboration with the mayor’s office and other community leaders. In addition, work will be done on a more efficient construction and dismantling of the circuit.Giese assured that NASCAR will maintain its Chicago Street Race office and will continue with its community partnerships.Our goal is for the Chicago Street Race to return in 2027 with an event that further enhances the experience for both residents and visitors, as we work together on a possible new date, a shorter construction schedule, and additional tourist attractions.
Julie Giese, President of the Race
NASCAR will replace the Chicago stop with a street race in San Diego. The race weekend in Chicago included Xfinity and Cup Series races on a 2.2-mile, 12-turn circuit, with Lake Michigan and Grant Park as a backdrop, as well as a festive atmosphere with music and entertainment. The goal was to create an event that would attract both a new audience in one of NASCAR’s most important regions and the most die-hard fans. NASCAR used to race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, but it retired after the 2019 season. Johnson’s predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, was in charge when the three-year contract for the weekend in the city center was finalized. The decision was not entirely popular in Chicago. Local businesses and residents were frustrated by the street closures in an area heavily frequented by tourists in the summer. However, the organizers reduced the construction schedule from 43 days in 2023 to 25 this year, winning over some of the race’s critics. The drivers and their teams had some concerns about the circuit before the first weekend. But the configuration was widely praised by the third year, both the circuit and the possibility of walking to the circuit from their downtown hotel. Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson called Chicago “probably my favorite NASCAR event every year.” The race 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.We deeply value our relationship with the city of Chicago and maintain our firm commitment to being good neighbors and partners.
Julie Giese, President of the Race
I love the track. It’s a great place to come. You feel a nice atmosphere. You feel a good vibe in the mornings walking towards the track with the fans. It’s quite unique like that.
Shane van Gisbergen
