With NASCAR returning to downtown Chicago for the third straight year, high speeds aren’t the only thing drawing attention. The 2025 edition of the Grant Park 165 will feature a massive payout for Cup Series teams, thanks in large part to NASCAR’s evolving media landscape and new TV rights deal. As drivers take to the 12-turn, 2.2-mile layout through Grant Park, the stakes are sky-high — not just in points, but in cold, hard cash.
Key Highlights
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Grant Park 165 purse hits $11.7 million, up $3.7 million from last year’s payout total.
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NASCAR’s $7.7 billion media deal fuels rising prize money and greater broadcast exposure.
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Xfinity Series purse dips to $1.65 million for 2025 Chicago weekend race.
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Cup field includes Alex Bowman, Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Elliott, and Christopher Bell.
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Playoff pressure intensifies with only eight races remaining in the regular-season schedule.
A Weekend Worth Millions: Breaking Down the Purse
The NASCAR Cup Series purse for the 2025 Grant Park 165 stands at a staggering $11,704,450, according to Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass. That’s an increase of nearly $3.73 million from last season’s figure of $7,978,831 — representing a more than 46% year-over-year boost.
The payout includes base prize money, contingency awards, year-end points fund contributions, and revenue distribution to chartered teams. It’s one of the richest single-race purses of the 2025 season so far, underscoring the Chicago Street Race’s growing significance on the NASCAR calendar.
This growth comes on the heels of NASCAR’s landmark $7.7 billion media rights deal, signed in late 2023, which introduced new broadcast partners including Amazon Prime Video and the return of TNT. With more platforms carrying NASCAR content, the revenue distribution has significantly expanded, making races like Chicago especially lucrative for competing teams.
On the Xfinity side, however, the numbers tell a different story. This year’s The Loop 110 carries a total purse of $1,651,939, a decrease from last year’s $1,786,961. Despite being a marquee event, the reduced payout reflects shifting priorities in NASCAR’s second-tier series as Cup expansion and street races dominate spotlight investments.
Championship Pressure and Playoff Perks
Beyond the eye-popping prize figures, the 2025 Chicago weekend arrives at a critical juncture in the NASCAR Cup Series calendar. With just eight races remaining in the regular season, time is running out for drivers yet to lock themselves into the playoff grid.
Chase Elliott’s victory in last weekend’s high-octane event at Atlanta punched his postseason ticket and added another twist to the playoff race. But while Elliott and other winners chase prestige and momentum, mid-tier drivers are battling for survival — and the Chicago purse could be their financial and competitive lifeline.
Teams finishing near the front can earn several hundred thousand dollars even without winning, while non-chartered entries depend heavily on strong finishes to recoup operating costs. That’s especially true on street courses, where part-time teams often take big financial risks for limited chances at exposure and earnings.
Who’s Racing for the Riches?
The 41-car entry list for the Grant Park 165 features a deep field of proven veterans, rising stars, and international talent. Among the biggest contenders:
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Alex Bowman, last year’s winner in Chicago, returns after a strong performance in Atlanta where he played wingman to Elliott’s win.
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Shane van Gisbergen, the 2023 Cup race winner and 2024 Xfinity victor at the same venue, is back with Trackhouse Racing. With a win in Mexico City earlier this season, the Kiwi road-course expert remains a top-tier threat on street layouts.
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Tyler Reddick, runner-up in 2024, continues his hunt for a 2025 victory. He currently holds the highest points position among non-winners and is eyeing a breakthrough before the playoffs begin.
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Christopher Bell has quietly dominated laps at this circuit, leading 51 over the past two races — more than any other driver. But execution remains an issue, with finishes of 18th and 37th following on-track incidents.
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Chase Elliott, fresh off a season-reviving win, brings unmatched momentum and the best road-course record in the Cup Series. With 21 top-fives and seven wins in 37 road-course starts, the Hendrick Motorsports driver is expected to be a major factor Sunday.
Xfinity Drivers Chase Payout and Playoff Relevance
While the Xfinity Series purse has dipped, the competition hasn’t. A full 40-driver field will vie for 38 spots in Saturday’s The Loop 110, with a blend of part-timers and international stars making things unpredictable.
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Shane van Gisbergen returns to the Xfinity field in the No. 9 car for JR Motorsports — his first series start of 2025.
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Jack Perkins, another Supercars veteran, is attempting his NASCAR debut with Joe Gibbs Racing.
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Josh Bilicki, a local favorite, is pulling double duty in both Cup and Xfinity.
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Preston Pardus, one of the few owner-drivers, is back in his No. 50 entry with road course experience.
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Brad Perez and Kaz Grala also return for one-off appearances.
While the $1.65 million purse may not be record-breaking, for underfunded teams and developing drivers, a strong performance in Chicago offers not only cash — but crucial sponsorship exposure and points as the postseason looms.
What the Numbers Say About the Future
The surging Cup Series payout in Chicago is part of a broader trend in NASCAR’s business model. The new media deal, set to run through 2031, prioritizes digital and cable distribution and is expected to increase annual payouts across all three national series.
While Cup teams see immediate benefits, Xfinity and Truck teams may lag behind in the short term. Nevertheless, marquee weekends like Chicago offer a glimpse into NASCAR’s strategy — build around bold, urban events with high visibility and high return.
If this model proves sustainable, fans can expect more high-dollar, high-drama street races in the years ahead — especially as ratings and attendance numbers hold steady.
News in Brief: Chicago Purse Grows by Millions
As NASCAR storms into downtown Chicago for the third straight year, the racing promises to be electric — but the money may be what really moves the needle. With millions on the line and postseason dreams at stake, every lap matters more than ever.
The rising prize money, boosted by a historic broadcast deal, sets the tone for what modern NASCAR is becoming: bold, big-market, and ready to reward risk. For teams, drivers, and fans alike, the Grant Park 165 is more than a spectacle — it’s a serious opportunity.
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