The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series return to the streets of downtown Chicago for a third consecutive year, and with the racing expected to be intense, the weather could prove just as unpredictable. With temperatures soaring into the 90s and storm chances hovering throughout the weekend, both teams and fans will need to keep a close eye on the skies.
The third edition of NASCAR’s bold street-racing experiment, featuring The Loop 110 (Xfinity) and the Grant Park 165 (Cup Series), is shaping up to be as much a battle against the elements as it is against the competition. For drivers threading the needle through the city’s tight corners and unforgiving barriers, every degree and drop of rain could be the difference between survival and elimination.
Saturday Outlook
Saturday kicks off a packed doubleheader program, beginning with Xfinity Series practice and qualifying, followed by Cup Series sessions and culminating with The Loop 110 at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Forecasts call for highs in the 90s, with the heat index peaking at 101°F by mid-afternoon. While skies will be mostly sunny early, a 30% chance of scattered thunderstorms threatens to creep in during Cup qualifying and potentially into the Xfinity race.
Crews will be working hard to keep cars cool and drivers hydrated. With street courses already demanding higher levels of concentration and physical endurance, the combination of sweltering cockpit temperatures and late-day weather instability could test even the fittest drivers on the grid.
Sunday Spotlight
The Grant Park 165, NASCAR’s only street race on the Cup calendar, goes green at 2 p.m. ET Sunday on TNT. But just like last year, weather could once again play spoiler.
Temperatures will again soar into the 90s, with the heat index near 98°F and rain chances rising to 40% during the afternoon. Though not yet a washout scenario, even light rain could impact tire grip, strategy, and visibility on the notoriously slick city surface.
Given the race’s location and layout, standing water could lead to treacherous conditions through narrow corners, painted lines, and underpasses. NASCAR’s decision-making around potential delays or a switch to wet tires could be pivotal.
Flashback: Weather History in the Windy City
The past two editions of NASCAR’s Chicago Street Course event have both been heavily impacted by weather, reinforcing the importance of preparation.
In 2023, Shane van Gisbergen shocked the racing world with a Cup Series win during a rain-shortened event. That race started late due to storms and ended early because of darkness, giving the New Zealand native a Hollywood-style debut victory.
In 2024, rain again delayed the weekend and shortened the Cup race, with Alex Bowman capturing a much-needed win in a shortened shootout. Weather delays not only disrupted strategy but changed the outcomes of multiple playoff contenders’ weekends.
This year’s forecast is trending similarly, with high heat, humidity, and pop-up storm potential. Teams would do well to learn from history — because Mother Nature has a habit of being the most unpredictable competitor in Chicago.
How Teams Are Preparing: Hydration, Setups, and Strategy Shifts
With the heat index nearing dangerous levels and rain as a real threat, teams are adapting across the board.
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Hydration protocols: Teams are putting greater emphasis on pre-race fluid intake and in-car cooling systems.
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Tire management: Higher track temps can degrade tires faster, especially through tight corners with heavy braking zones.
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Pit strategy flexibility: With weather potentially shortening the race, crew chiefs are planning for multiple race lengths.
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Driver fitness: The heat adds physical and mental strain — especially with Cup cars lacking air conditioning.
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Rain setup contingencies: Teams may prepare for a wet surface, particularly those with strong road-course packages.
In a street race where margin for error is slim, adaptability is the greatest advantage.
News in Brief: Chicago 2025 NASCAR Race Weather
As the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series prepare for the unique demands of the Chicago Street Course, all eyes will be on the skies as much as on the track. The forecast adds yet another layer of unpredictability to an already daring and complex event. From managing heat exhaustion to staying alert for pop-up thunderstorms, success will depend on more than just speed.
Whether the sun blazes or storms roll in, one thing is certain: NASCAR’s street race in Chicago is never just about the racing. It’s a weather-driven wildcard, and 2025 looks to be no exception.
