Kevin Harvick has shared his perspective on the future of NASCAR‘s Chicago Street Race, suggesting it may be time to retire the event and instead reignite racing at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois—a move he believes could provide fresh excitement for fans and drivers. The discussion about Kevin Harvick on Chicagoland Speedway return comes just as the NASCAR Cup Series prepares for its third consecutive race through downtown Chicago, following mixed reviews and weather issues in previous years.
Seeking Alternatives to the Current Street Course
Harvick reflected on how the inaugural Chicago Street Race was a breakthrough for NASCAR, but he now senses that enthusiasm for racing on city streets has declined. He believes that NASCAR should consider other venues and cities for future street races in order to keep the sport dynamic. Despite this, Harvick is not entirely ready to abandon Chicago. Instead, he advocates for a return to Chicagoland Speedway, highlighting the unique potential offered by its worn track surface and bumpy layout, which he believes would be well-suited to the current generation of Cup cars.
“Anything that’s old is new again. Chicagoland was really worn out. Has the enthusiasm for the Chicago Street Race created some re-energized enthusiasm for Chicagoland Speedway? Because with the NextGen, I believe that mile-and-a-half race, on that worn out surface, with all those bumps, would be really good in Joliet,”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Cup Series Champion
“… I think that the Chicagoland Speedway, with the way that it’s shaped, with the bumps and the way that — the fact that the asphalt has just been sitting there. I just believe that taking these NextGen cars back to Chicagoland Speedway would be a great race.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Chicagoland Speedway’s Absence and Notable Races
The NASCAR Cup Series last competed at Chicagoland Speedway in 2019, a race won by Alex Bowman. Over the years, victors at this Illinois venue have included well-known drivers such as Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., and Denny Hamlin, marking it as a site with significant racing history and competitive events. Fans remember these races for their high level of competition and the ability for skilled “wheelmen” to shine, making the track a memorable part of past NASCAR seasons.
Evaluating the Chicago Street Race’s Impact
Since its debut, the Chicago Street Race has delivered headline moments. Shane van Gisbergen won the historic first race, breaking into the NASCAR scene impressively, while Alex Bowman clinched victory last season. Both races, however, were significantly disrupted by rain, leading to altered race conditions and unpredictable outcomes. With weather once again a concern for the upcoming event, many hope that better conditions will allow for a more representative test of the city street course in what could be its final run.
New Directions for NASCAR and Potential Host Cities
If NASCAR decides to end the Chicago Street Race, other cities, such as San Diego, Philadelphia, and New York City, have been mentioned as possible replacements for future street events. Expanding into new urban markets could help grow the sport’s fan base and offer new challenges for drivers and teams. Meanwhile, returning to an established racing facility like Chicagoland Speedway would give NASCAR the opportunity to deliver a different style of race that takes advantage of the NextGen car and a unique, aged track surface.
Significance of Harvick’s Proposal for NASCAR’s Future
Harvick’s suggestion to bring Chicagoland Speedway back into the NASCAR schedule reflects a desire to balance tradition with innovation as the sport grows. While it remains to be seen whether NASCAR will follow his advice, the idea has sparked discussion among fans and insiders about the sport’s direction. If adopted, the move could influence how NASCAR evaluates the future of street racing and the value of established tracks. The racing community now waits to see whether decision-makers will take cues from the former champion and create a new era for stock car racing in Chicago and beyond.
