The NASCAR Cup Series is heading back to the streets of downtown Chicago for the Grant Park 165, the second-ever street race in the sport’s modern history. Set against the iconic backdrop of Lake Michigan and Grant Park, this 12-turn, 2.140-mile course has already earned a reputation for unpredictability, technical demands, and scenic racing. With just one previous street course on the NASCAR schedule (also in Chicago), the track offers limited but valuable data for both teams and fans to analyze.
As anticipation builds for this weekend’s race, let’s take a look at the five drivers with the best average finishing positions at the Chicago Street Course—and how their past performances might shape the outcome of this unique Cup Series showdown.
William Byron
Average Finish: 10.5
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Notable Finish: 8th in 2024
William Byron is enjoying a strong 2025 campaign, currently sitting atop the NASCAR Cup Series standings. Despite a recent DNF at Atlanta, the No. 24 Chevrolet driver has remained one of the most consistent performers across the board.
At the Chicago Street Course, Byron’s average finish of 10.5 over two races places him inside the top five for best performance at the venue. Interestingly, despite his overall strength this season, he has only one top-10 result at this particular track. That came during last year’s Grant Park 165, where he finished 8th after starting deep in the field with an average starting position of 24.5.
As one of the sport’s premier road and street course talents, Byron will be one to watch—especially if he qualifies higher than usual.
Justin Haley
Average Finish: 9.0
Team: Rick Ware Racing (formerly Spire Motorsports)
Notable Finish: 2nd in 2023
Justin Haley might be having a difficult 2025 season—currently ranked 30th in points with just one top-10 finish—but he’s one of the few drivers with a standout record at Chicago. During the inaugural 2023 race, Haley stunned the field by battling for the win, ultimately finishing second behind Shane van Gisbergen.
His average finish at the course is a solid 9.0, thanks largely to that runner-up effort. Though his equipment may not be among the elite this season, Haley has proven he can rise to the occasion on technical street layouts. If chaos unfolds—as it often does on street circuits—Haley could be a sleeper pick to deliver another unexpected result.
Kyle Busch
Average Finish: 7.0
Team: Richard Childress Racing
Notable Finish: 5th in 2023
Veteran driver Kyle Busch, currently sitting 20th in the points standings, enters the Grant Park 165 with something to prove. After a 20th-place result at Atlanta, the driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet is still searching for his first win of 2025 and a solid grip on a playoff spot.
At Chicago, Busch has quietly put together a strong record—averaging a finish of 7th over two starts. He’s also earned a top-five and two top-10s, indicating a solid comfort level with the track’s rhythm. Known for his adaptability and racecraft, Busch will need a strong qualifying run to capitalize fully on his momentum. If he can improve on his average grid spot of 18.5, a trip to victory lane isn’t out of the question.
Michael McDowell
Average Finish: 6.0
Team: Front Row Motorsports
Notable Finish: 5th in 2024
When it comes to road and street courses, Michael McDowell consistently shows up near the front. That trend holds at the Chicago Street Course, where his average finish of 6.0 ranks second among active drivers. Known for his skill on non-ovals, McDowell’s 2024 finish of 5th proved he’s more than capable of contending in complex race environments.
This year, McDowell is 22nd in the points standings and finished 18th last weekend at Atlanta. But with an average starting position of 4.5 in Chicago, he’s often putting himself in position early. If he can avoid trouble and execute clean pit stops, the veteran could turn in a surprise win—or at least a podium finish—on Sunday.
Ty Gibbs
Average Finish: 6.0 (Tied with McDowell, Ranked Higher for Top-5s)
Team: Joe Gibbs Racing
Notable Finish: 3rd in 2024
Despite being one of the younger drivers in the Cup Series field, Ty Gibbs has emerged as a rising force on street courses. In just two appearances at the Chicago Street Race, Gibbs has notched a best finish of third (2024) and boasts two top-10s. He’s also led 18 laps on the circuit, showcasing both speed and poise beyond his years.
While currently 24th in points, Gibbs has been gaining experience and consistency. His 14th-place result at Atlanta may not be headline-worthy, but Chicago presents a real opportunity. As the only driver in this group to lead laps at the venue, Gibbs is perhaps the most likely to score his first win of the year—and maybe the first Cup win of his career.
News in Brief: Top 5 NASCAR Cup Series Drivers at the Chicago Street Course
With past winners like Shane van Gisbergen and Alex Bowman not among the top average finishers (or even full-time competitors this season), the door is open for a new name to claim the Grant Park 165. Ty Gibbs, Michael McDowell, and Kyle Busch all present intriguing cases to land on the podium or go all the way.
But with the nature of street racing—tight corners, limited passing zones, unpredictable cautions—anything can happen. History tells us that stats are only part of the story. Qualifying position, race strategy, and pure survival may matter just as much as prior results.
One thing is certain—when the green flag drops in Chicago, the streets will roar with possibility. And for a handful of drivers, it could be the start of something big.
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