NASCAR Postpones Chicago Street Race, Eyes 2027 Return

NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race to Take a Year Off in 2026

July 18, 2025, 06:30 PM ET

NASCAR and city officials have announced that the highly anticipated Chicago Street Race will not be held in 2026.

However,both entities are actively working towards a return for the event in 2027.

“Following the success of the first three years, the Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time necessary to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago to explore a new potential date and to develop a plan that further optimizes operational efficiencies, with a goal to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027,” read a statement shared on the event’s X account.

This pause aims to refine the event and ensure its long-term success on the iconic Windy City streets.

The statement also expressed gratitude for the growing fan base.

“Together, we have built and grown an expanded community of fans that consists of longtime NASCAR enthusiasts and first-time racegoers from around the globe, and for that, we are immensely grateful.”

From 2023 through 2025, the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series competed on a challenging 12-turn, 2.2-mile course. the route wound through iconic city landmarks, including Columbus Drive, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and Michigan Avenue.

New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen notably dominated the chicago street circuit. He secured victories in the Cup Series races in both 2023 and 2025. Additionally, he claimed the Xfinity Series wins in 2024 and 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is the Chicago Street Race not happening in 202

  What logistical challenges led to the postponement of the Chicago Street Race?

  The Decision to Postpone the Grant Park 220

  NASCAR has announced the postponement of the Chicago Street Race, originally scheduled for July 6-7, 2025, with plans to bring the event back in 2027. This marks a significant shift for the innovative race, wich debuted in 2023 as a groundbreaking addition to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The decision, made in collaboration with the City of Chicago, stems from logistical challenges and the need for further infrastructure improvements to support the complex event.

  The 2024 race, while prosperous in attracting a large crowd and generating significant media buzz, faced hurdles related to track construction and disruption to the downtown area. These issues prompted a thorough review and ultimately led to the postponement.Chicago Street Race tickets purchased for the 2025 event will be fully refunded.

  Logistical Challenges and Infrastructure Needs

  The unique nature of the Chicago Street Race – a temporary street circuit built within a major metropolitan area – presented unprecedented logistical difficulties. Key challenges included:

  Track Construction: Building and dismantling a temporary race track on city streets requires extensive planning, resources, and time. The 2024 event experienced delays due to inclement weather impacting track setup.

  Traffic Management: Closing off significant portions of downtown Chicago for a race weekend created substantial traffic congestion and disruption for residents and businesses.

  Infrastructure Strain: The influx of over 100,000 fans placed a strain on local infrastructure, including transportation, sanitation, and security.

  Resident & Business impact: Concerns were raised regarding the impact on local businesses and residents during the race weekend, including access and noise levels.

  NASCAR and the City of Chicago have committed to addressing these issues over the next two years, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and improved logistical planning. This includes exploring options for more efficient track construction, enhanced traffic management strategies, and better interaction with the community. NASCAR schedule changes are not uncommon, but a full postponement is rare.

  What the Delay Means for NASCAR’s Future Innovation

  The Chicago Street Race was intended to be a bold step forward for NASCAR, attracting a new audience and showcasing the sport in an unconventional setting. The postponement doesn’t necessarily signal a retreat from innovation, but rather a recalibration.

  Focus on Long-Term Sustainability: The delay allows NASCAR to ensure the long-term viability of the event, addressing logistical concerns and building a more sustainable model for future street races.

  Learning from 2023 & 2024: The experiences from the first two races will be invaluable in refining the event format and improving operational efficiency.

  Continued Exploration of New Markets: NASCAR remains committed to exploring new markets and reaching diverse audiences. The postponement of the Chicago race doesn’t diminish this commitment.

  Impact on NASCAR viewership: While the race generated buzz, its impact on overall NASCAR ratings remains to be fully seen. the 2027 return will be closely watched.

  The Appeal of NASCAR: A Contrast to F1 and Le Mans

  The challenges faced by the Chicago Street Race also highlight a basic difference between NASCAR and other motorsports like Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le mans. As noted in recent discussions (see https://www.zhihu.com/question/65567108), NASCAR’s appeal lies in its accessibility and “grounded” nature.

  Unlike the high-tech, globally-focused world of F1 or the endurance-focused Le Mans, NASCAR is deeply rooted in American culture, with a strong emphasis on stock car racing and a broad base of participation. This accessibility extends to the fan experience, with events often held in smaller towns and cities across the country. The Chicago race, while innovative, represented a departure from this traditional model.Stock car racing fans appreciate the raw, competitive spirit of the sport.

  Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond

  NASCAR and the City of Chicago are confident that the 2027 return of the Chicago Street Race will be a