NASCAR is returning to the streets of downtown Chicago for the third consecutive year, with the Chicago Street Course weekend set to deliver high-stakes racing and big-time drama. Taking place over July 5–6, the Independence Day weekend brings both NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series racing to the heart of the Windy City, with two thrilling races planned: The Loop 110 and the Grant Park 165.
This temporary 2.2-mile, 12-turn course through Grant Park has quickly become one of NASCAR’s most iconic and unpredictable circuits. Drivers must navigate tight corners, bumpy roadways, and narrow racing lines — all with no room for error. With Cup Series championship points, Xfinity playoff implications, and open entries fighting for a spot, there’s a lot on the line.
Saturday, July 5: Xfinity and Cup Teams Hit the Streets
Saturday’s on-track action is packed, with both series holding practice and qualifying ahead of their respective events.
Morning Sessions: Practice and Qualifying Begin
The day kicks off with the NASCAR Xfinity Series hitting the track at 10:30 a.m. ET for practice, followed by qualifying at 11:30 a.m.. These sessions will determine the 38-car field for the afternoon’s feature event. With 40 teams entered, two drivers will be sent home based on qualifying results.
Immediately after the Xfinity qualifying session, the NASCAR Cup Series drivers will take their turn on the streets. Cup practice begins at 1:00 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 2:00 p.m. ET to determine the starting grid for Sunday’s Grant Park 165. As 41 teams are entered, one driver will fail to qualify unless a last-minute withdrawal occurs.
The Loop 110: Xfinity Race Takes Center Stage
At 4:30 p.m. ET, the Xfinity Series returns to the spotlight with The Loop 110, a 75-lap battle through the city’s most iconic streets. The CW will carry the live race broadcast, offering viewers a front-row seat to what has become one of the most challenging road courses on the Xfinity calendar.
Sunday, July 6: Grant Park 165 Highlights the Holiday Weekend
Sunday’s feature event is the Grant Park 165, the 19th race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, and one of the most unique venues on the schedule. The race begins at 2:00 p.m. ET, live on TNT Sports, with MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio handling radio coverage.
The field will battle for 75 laps around the downtown circuit, dodging barriers, crossing train tracks, and adapting to Chicago’s unpredictable weather. With only one winner crowned, it’s the kind of track where a single mistake can cost a championship contender dearly.
NASCAR Xfinity Entry List: SVG Returns, Big Names Fight for a Spot
The 40 drivers attempting to qualify for Saturday’s Xfinity event include some standout names and new faces.
Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand road-course ace, will drive the No. 9 for JR Motorsports in his 2025 series debut.
Jack Perkins, an Australian Supercars driver, will attempt his first NASCAR start in the No. 19 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Kaz Grala makes his 2025 debut, returning with Sam Hunt Racing in the No. 24.
Preston Pardus enters in his own No. 50 car, a rare owner-driver effort.
Josh Bilicki will pull double duty, competing in both Xfinity and Cup races.
Brad Perez, a fan favorite, returns in the No. 45 Alpha Prime car with backing from Redline Motorsports.
Thomas Annunziata, fresh off an ARCA win, steps into the No. 70 for Cope Family Racing.
Joey Gase Motorsports has entered two cars (Nos. 35 and 53), though driver announcements are still pending.
With only 38 starting spots, the fight to make the race will be intense, especially for newer or part-time teams.
NASCAR Cup Entry List: Will Brown, Heim, and Legge Join Full-Time Stars
The 41 entries for the Cup race include familiar contenders and five open entries hoping to race their way in:
Will Brown, an Australian Supercars standout, will attempt his second Cup Series start with Kaulig Racing in the No. 13.
Corey Heim, a 23XI development driver, returns in the No. 67 entry.
Austin Hill, an Xfinity Series regular, moves up to the Cup level this weekend in the No. 33 for Richard Childress Racing.
Josh Bilicki, a Chicago-area native, enters the No. 66 for Garage 66.
Katherine Legge, one of the few women competing at NASCAR’s highest level, will drive the No. 78 for Live Fast Motorsports.
Defending race winner Alex Bowman will be back in the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, looking to repeat after snapping an 80-race winless streak here last season.
What Makes Chicago Street Course Special?
The 2.2-mile layout in Grant Park is unlike anything else in NASCAR. With 12 sharp corners, elevation changes, concrete barriers, and almost zero runoff room, it demands pinpoint precision from drivers. Rain, tire strategy, and pit cycles add even more unpredictability.
Last year, the course delivered an unforgettable finish, shortened due to weather, where Alex Bowman edged out Tyler Reddick in a two-lap shootout. Before that, Shane van Gisbergen’s 2023 win in his Cup Series debut made headlines around the world.
This year’s races promise to add more chapters to that growing legacy.
News in Brief: 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Course Weekend
As NASCAR continues to push into new territory, the Chicago Street Course weekend stands as one of its boldest bets — and a fan favorite. With back-to-back days of action, limited-grid qualifying pressure, and a high-speed chess match through the city, every moment matters.
Whether fans tune in for the chaos of Saturday’s Xfinity showdown or Sunday’s high-stakes Cup battle, the 2025 Chicago NASCAR weekend is must-watch racing.
ALSO READ: Chicago Street Course: Where Tradition Meets the Future of NASCAR
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Which NASCAR tracks are road courses?
A: The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series road courses are Circuit of the Americas, Charlotte Roval, Chicago Street Course, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen International.
Q: How much are NASCAR Chicago tickets?
A: Single-day general admission is $99, two-day is $150; reserved seats start at $200, with Frontstretch Premium at $350 for 2025.
