CHICAGO — NASCAR announced it will not hold the Chicago Street Race in 2026 for either the Cup Series or Xfinity Series, ending a three-year run in the city’s downtown Grant Park.
The decision, reported by The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi on X on July 18, 2025, comes after the conclusion of the initial three-year contract between NASCAR and the city of Chicago, with a mutual option for 2026 left unexercised.
The Chicago Street Course, a 2.2-mile, 12-turn circuit, debuted in 2023 as NASCAR’s first street race in the modern era, aiming to attract new fans in the nation’s third-largest media market. Despite economic impacts of $109 million in 2023 and $128 million in 2024, logistical challenges, including road closures and community concerns, contributed to the hiatus. NASCAR hopes to return to the Chicago Street Course in 2027 with a new date and shorter build schedule to enhance the experience for residents and visitors, according to a statement from Chicago Street Race president Julie Giese.
In place of the Chicago Street Race, NASCAR is poised to return to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, for the 2026 season. While not yet official, the move is considered all but confirmed, with industry sources and drivers like Carson Hocevar fueling speculation. The 1.5-mile oval, which last hosted Cup and Xfinity races in 2019, is seen as an ideal fit for the Next Gen car, promising high-quality racing. The track requires approximately $4 million in upgrades, a cost NASCAR would cover, to prepare for its return. A Chicagoland revival would maintain NASCAR’s presence in the Chicago market while shifting to a traditional oval format favored by many drivers.
NASCAR is also nearing a deal to introduce a street race in San Diego, California, potentially filling the void left by the Chicago event and the 2025 Mexico City race, which may not return until 2027. The San Diego race, expected to be announced later this month, would mark NASCAR’s return to the Southern California market, a key region lost after the 2023 closure of Auto Club Speedway. The scenic coastal city offers a picturesque backdrop for a street course, aligning with NASCAR’s goal of hosting innovative events in major markets.
The 2026 schedule remains fluid, with confirmed events including the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15, the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, and the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The All-Star Race is expected to return to North Wilkesboro Speedway, but could become a points race, with a pivot back to Charlotte for All-Star Week. As NASCAR balances tradition with innovation, the potential San Diego street race and Chicagoland’s return signal a strategic pivot to maintain fan engagement and market presence.
While the Chicago Street Race’s future remains uncertain beyond 2027, NASCAR’s commitment to exploring new venues and revisiting proven tracks underscores its adaptability in a competitive sports landscape.
In case you missed it, Tony Stewart’s dirt track put on a show Thursday!
The Chicago Street Race is history!
