NASCAR Chicago Street Race is taking a pause. (Candace Jordan photo)
In the summer of 2025, NASCAR’s three‑year street race experiment through Chicago’s downtown reached its climax. Known as the Grant Park 165, it offered breathtaking views of the skyline, dramatic racing through 12 tight turns and the extraordinary success of Shane van Gisbergen’s debut victories—all the makings of a thrilling spectacle. Yet despite the excitement and an estimated $128 million economic impact in 2024, NASCAR announced it would pause the Chicago event in 2026, setting sights on a possible comeback in 2027.
City officials and local residents raised persistent concerns. Closing major streets and Grant Park over the Independence Day weekend disrupted longstanding traditions like Taste of Chicago. Noise, detours and logistics souring the fan experience were frequently cited. As Alderman Bill Conway noted, efforts to shift the race off July 4th weekend never gained traction, leaving a major sticking point unresolved.
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Chicago’s unpredictable July weather added another layer of complexity. Rain impacted setup, races and supporting concerts, narrowing already tight scheduling windows and making event planning a gamble. NASCAR’s president Julie Giese emphasized that the pause would allow for a redesign of logistics, shortening build and breakdown times, exploring alternate dates and deepening ties with city services and tourism partners. She also announced that the Chicago office will remain open as they "work collaboratively"with the city.
Financially, the departure of McDonald’s, Chicago’s most iconic brand, from its founding sponsor role following a two‑year, $2 million‑a‑year deal further undermined momentum. While McDonald’s remains involved with the 23XI Racing team, its withdrawal from the street race spotlight left a void in local corporate backing.
Despite these setbacks, NASCAR remains committed to its Chicago future. Both NASCAR and city officials have signaled that work continues behind the scenes—discussing new dates, crafting streamlined operations, and consulting widely across communities and businesses. Their goal: to bring motorsport back to the loop, stronger and better refined, potentially in 2027.
Whether street racing ever again weaves through Chicago’s downtown hinges on reconciling economic upside with community impact, weather uncertainty and logistics. The next chapter will depend on finding that balance, a race that ignites the city’s spirit without sidelining its traditions.
Sources:
https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/18/nascar-chicago-street-race-paused-2026
https://www.reuters.com/sports/nascar-puts-brakes-2026-chicago-street-race-2025-07-18
https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/08/three-years-nascar-street-race-contract-san-diego
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