For the third consecutive year, NASCAR is preparing to transform downtown Chicago into a high-speed, festival-style motorsports arena. But beyond the iconic skyline, Lake Michigan backdrop, and packed July 4th weekend festivities, uncertainty looms over whether this race will continue past 2025. With its original three-year deal with the City of Chicago nearing expiration, NASCAR and city leaders have yet to commit publicly to an extension.
Final Year Under Original Agreement
The 2025 edition of the Chicago Street Race marks the final event under NASCAR’s original three-year contract with the city, signed in 2022 during former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration. The agreement includes two mutual options for extensions, but both sides have been cautious about confirming plans beyond this year.
Track president Julie Giese acknowledged the uncertainty but emphasized that all focus remains on executing this year’s event to the highest standard.
“Right now the focus is on let’s execute a really great 2025. We’ll continue to have the conversations with the city.” – Julie Giese
While conversations between NASCAR and the city are ongoing, there’s no firm timeline for when a decision about future races will be announced.
City Leadership Takes a Cautious Approach
Senior adviser to Mayor Brandon Johnson, Jason Lee, confirmed the administration remains open to future discussions but emphasized a wait-and-see approach.
“I know they’ve been laser-focused on executing this year’s event.”
“Whether you successfully do that will play a role in how they want to proceed.” – Jason Lee
Lee also floated the idea of moving the event to a different weekend in future years, citing concerns about the burden on emergency services during the busy Independence Day period. However, any schedule change would need to align with NASCAR’s national calendar and the city’s packed summer event slate.
San Diego Rumors Complicate Future Outlook
Adding to the speculation is a recent report from The Athletic that NASCAR is close to finalizing a street race in the San Diego area as early as 2026. While no official announcement has been made, the timing of the report—just weeks before Chicago’s race—has sparked further questions about the long-term viability of the Chicago event.
Giese declined to comment on San Diego directly but noted that NASCAR’s calendar has room for multiple street courses.
“We have multiple road course races on the schedule.”
“I’ve not ever heard where it has to be one or the other.” – Julie Giese
Adjustments and Improvements for 2025
Despite initial skepticism from locals and business owners in 2023, NASCAR has made key improvements to the Chicago experience over the past two years. The construction timeline has been reduced from 43 days to just 25 this year. Fan access has also been enhanced, with redesigned viewing areas and a new concert stage positioned at the start-finish line.
Children 12 and under are now admitted free on Saturday and Sunday, a move intended to broaden the family-friendly appeal of the event.
“The one piece that I hear from our drivers, especially, is they love just staying right at a hotel right across the street.”
“They’re walking across Michigan Avenue and they’re at the course.” – Julie Giese
Even with two straight years of rain-altered races, the on-track product has delivered. Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning debut win in 2023 and Alex Bowman’s emotional victory in 2024 brought drama and excitement to the temporary street course.
NASCAR’s Top Market—But for How Long?
Chicago remains one of NASCAR’s largest and most important markets. When the event was announced in 2022, NASCAR executive Ben Kennedy called it a “top-three market worldwide” for the organization. It replaced Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, which last hosted a Cup Series race in 2019.
Still, the street race is far from a guaranteed staple. Though drivers such as Denny Hamlin have praised the layout and the racing quality, he hinted that the event’s long-term place on the schedule remains fluid.
“The track has been good, it’s been racy and has passing zones. It will probably move around in the future.” – denny hamlin
News in Brief: NASCAR’s Chicago Future in Limbo
The 2025 Chicago Street Course could ultimately serve as a tipping point. If the event delivers on attendance, fan experience, and city cooperation, it could secure its place as a fixture on NASCAR’s evolving calendar. But if logistical headaches, poor weather, or dwindling interest emerge again, NASCAR may opt to shift gears.
With potential competition from cities like San Diego, and with NASCAR continuing to explore new markets, Chicago’s spot as a street racing destination is anything but guaranteed.
For now, all eyes remain on Grant Park as NASCAR and Chicago prepare for one more high-speed test run—while the future remains in the rearview mirror.
ALSO READ: Chicago Street Course: Where Tradition Meets the Future of NASCAR
