The Future of NASCAR in Chicago: Uncertainty and Possible Changes
The excitement of the next NASCAR edition in downtown Chicago is in the air, but the long-term future of the event presents questions. Julie Giese, track president, is at the forefront of an ambitious construction agenda for the street circuit, in addition to managing all aspects of the race weekend. The three-year contract between the motorsports organization and the city, announced in 2022, includes two mutual options, whose destination is still unclear. Giese has highlighted the “good conversations” between NASCAR and the city, indicating that there is time to explore possibilities beyond the current event.Jason Lee, senior advisor to Mayor Brandon Johnson, praised NASCAR’s involvement in the community and the improvements made to the event. Lee noted that parallel conversations are taking place within the organization and the city regarding the future of the partnership. A possible modification that could interest the city is the change of weekend, an option that has been discussed with NASCAR in the past.At this moment, the priority is to execute a great event in 2025. We will continue the conversations with the city. But right now, the most constant conversations are those of planning.
Julie Giese
The Chicago event, with its Xfinity and Cup Series races on a 2.2-mile, 12-turn circuit, is a spectacle that attracts a diverse audience, from die-hard fans to new followers. The initiative seeks to establish Chicago as a key market for NASCAR. The organizers have reduced the construction time and made adjustments to the race viewing areas, as well as moving the concert stage to the finish line. In addition, entry is free for children under 12 on Saturdays and Sundays. The event has gained followers within NASCAR.It might be more sensible to move the event to a different weekend where we don’t have so many demands on our law enforcement officers and other emergency services.
Jason Lee
Adverse weather conditions have marked the first two editions. Rain almost canceled the inaugural event, and last year’s Cup Series race was shortened due to rain and lack of sunlight. When the drivers have been on the track, the competition has been exciting. Shane van Gisbergen achieved a historic victory in the Cup in 2023, and Alex Bowman ended an 80-race drought with his victory last year. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin commented on the circuit:It’s fun to see and hear from the industry people who come early, and they’re going to enjoy the city for a few days. What I hear from our drivers, especially, is that they love staying at a hotel right across the street. They walk down Michigan Avenue and they’re at the track.
Julie Giese
Despite the challenges, the Chicago event has proven to be a success. Attention is now focused on the planning and execution of the next edition, while exploring options for the future of NASCAR in the city.The track has been good, it has been exciting and has overtaking zones and the scenery is fantastic in terms of the backdrop in which we run. There are many positive things for the Chicago street race. It will probably move in the future, but it is in the mold in which I would like to see any street race that they continue to implement in the future.
Denny Hamlin
