With the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race still over a week away, the city is already battling more than just traffic and timelines—it’s fighting a summer heat wave that’s warping the track before cars even arrive.
A brutal heat dome that pushed temperatures above 100 degrees in downtown Chicago over the weekend caused unexpected pavement damage along sections of the race course, prompting city officials to move up street closures and initiate emergency repairs.
Key Highlights:
Pavement on Columbus and Balbo buckled under 95–100°F heat
Street closures began earlier than scheduled for urgent repairs
NASCAR has cut track build time by 42% since the 2023 debut
Only 18 days of full closures in 2025 vs. 25 in 2023
Multiple new street shutdowns planned through July 3
Chicago’s Streets Crack Under Pressure
What was meant to be a gradual rollout of street closures has turned into a scramble for city crews. After days of oppressive heat—reaching as high as 100°F over the weekend—sections of Columbus and Balbo drives began to buckle. These streets are key parts of NASCAR’s temporary track layout around Grant Park, and the damage raised immediate safety and logistics concerns.
According to the Chicago Department of Transportation, temperatures hit 95°F on Monday, which strained the roadbed and caused expansion-related upheaval in asphalt and concrete. As a result, Balbo and Columbus were shut down earlier than expected on Wednesday night for repair work.
Originally, Columbus Drive was slated to close June 30 between Jackson Drive and Roosevelt Road, while Balbo Drive was set to shut down June 27 between Michigan Avenue and Columbus. With both closures now moved forward by several days, NASCAR and city officials are working in sync to keep the timeline on track for race weekend.
Streamlining the Setup: NASCAR’s Reduced Closure Plan
Despite the hiccups from extreme weather, NASCAR is still on pace to execute the race in less time and with less city disruption than in past years. For the 2025 race, NASCAR officials report a 42% reduction in course construction time, cutting the total setup from 43 days in 2023 to just 25 days this year.
The number of days roads will be fully closed has also been reduced from 25 to 18, a 28% improvement that reflects both efficiency gains and feedback from local residents and businesses affected by the closures.
Ongoing Closures (as of June 25):
Balbo Drive between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore Drive (closed since June 19)
Ida B. Wells Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus (closed since June 24)
These earlier phases helped crews establish barricades, temporary fencing, and other infrastructure. But the real challenges are coming fast, with more high-impact closures arriving in the next week.
What’s Ahead: Full Closure Timeline Through Race Weekend
With repairs underway and the race schedule drawing near, the following closures will soon take effect:
June 30: Columbus Drive closed from Jackson Drive to Roosevelt Road
July 2 at 10 p.m.: Roosevelt Road closed from Michigan Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive
July 3 at 12:01 a.m.: Southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive closed from Randolph Street to McFetridge Drive
July 3 at 10 p.m.: Northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive closed along the same stretch
These closures will help secure the course in time for practice and qualifying on Saturday, July 5, and the main Chicago Street Race on Sunday, July 6, featuring NASCAR Cup Series drivers battling through the heart of downtown.
City officials and NASCAR hope that the adjusted schedule and road repairs will ensure a smoother experience than in past years. Still, the rising summer temperatures have added an unpredictable variable to an already complex urban event.
News in Brief: Climate Change Hits NASCAR Chicago Street Race
The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race is still days away, but the weather has already thrown its first punch. With pavement warping and road closures happening ahead of schedule, the city is adjusting quickly to protect both race infrastructure and public safety.
Thankfully, NASCAR’s improved setup efficiency and reduced street closure time mean the show is still on track. While fans look forward to high-speed action around Grant Park, officials will keep one eye on the forecast—and the asphalt beneath their feet.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Chicago Street Race 2024: Return, Renewal, and Racing Spectacle in the City
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Will NASCAR be in Chicago in 2025?
A. Set in the heart of downtown Chicago, the 2025 NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series races will take drivers past iconic city landmarks along Michigan Avenue, South Columbus Drive, South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with the start-finish line positioned near Buckingham Fountain.
Q. Will NASCAR return to Chicago?
A. NASCAR is set to return to the streets of Chicago for the third edition of the Chicago Street Race, taking place July 5–6, 2025.
