The excitement around Michael McDowell praises NASCAR Chicago success intensified as the Chicago Street Race drew large crowds and electrifying energy since launching in 2023. As speculation grows about relocating the race to San Diego, McDowell commended the Windy City event and highlighted its achievements during recent media remarks.
Chicago Street Race’s Rapid Rise and Uncertainty
Since its debut, the Chicago Street Race quickly established itself as one of NASCAR’s most notable races, celebrated for its city-center layout, packed grandstands, and unpredictable weather that made each running memorable. Despite its instant popularity, discussions within the NASCAR community have suggested that Chicago’s role could be temporary, with talk of possibly shifting the venue to a San Diego street circuit.
Michael McDowell Applauds NASCAR’s Efforts in Chicago
During a pre-race media session, Michael McDowell expressed admiration for NASCAR’s bold move into downtown Chicago. He underscored the resilience of the event, emphasizing how it thrived despite various challenges, including severe weather and the logistical complexities of a city race weekend.
“I think it’s been a huge success, especially with some of the adversity that everyone has had to overcome,”
—Michael McDowell, NASCAR driver
McDowell reflected on the inaugural year’s Saturday concert crowds and the thunderstorm interruptions that tested organizers and fans alike. He voiced appreciation for the spirit that kept the event moving forward even as the weather presented obstacles.
“Whether it be weather, and you guys remember that first year on the Saturday, the amount of people that were coming in here for the concert was insanity, and it was going to be a giant success, and then obviously the weather and thunderstorms. I think it’s had to go through a lot of adversity.”
—Michael McDowell, NASCAR driver
Bringing Racing Directly to the Fans
McDowell praised the concept of bringing a premier race into the heart of Chicago, noting that the approach created fresh opportunities to reach new spectators.
“I’ve enjoyed the whole process, and I feel like it accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, and that is engaging with new fans, bringing the race to the fans, and not the fans to the race,”
—Michael McDowell, NASCAR driver
He credited NASCAR officials for reimagining how to engage with audiences by taking the racing experience to urban centers rather than waiting for fans to travel to traditional venues. This strategy, he believes, helped revitalize interest and draw unfamiliar crowds into the excitement of stock car racing.
Uncertainty About the Future of the Race
In his remarks, McDowell admitted he only recently learned about the possibility that Chicago could lose its place on the NASCAR calendar. Despite his surprise, he remained optimistic about the impact the race has had on the sport.
“I think we have checked all the boxes, and honestly, until the last two days, maybe it’s because I am not on social media as much, or whatever it is, I didn’t know that there is a possibility that it would be the last one.”
—Michael McDowell, NASCAR driver
The Event’s Lasting Legacy and Challenges
Should Chicago’s time as a NASCAR host city come to an end, McDowell spoke of his gratitude for being involved in events that have helped move the sport forward. He emphasized that venturing into unfamiliar environments and providing a setting that challenges drivers and fans alike helps the sport grow and adapt. Pointing to recent races in places like Mexico City, he described NASCAR’s adaptability and potential to thrive in a range of locations.
He noted that consistently taking risks and entering new markets strengthens the sport, but also highlighted the recurring problem of adverse weather each time NASCAR tries a new destination. McDowell suggested that organizers be more deliberate in researching regional conditions before scheduling future races, given the rain-soaked experiences in Chicago.
Personal Highlights for McDowell
Despite the weather, McDowell found success on the Chicago circuit. In both weather-shortened races, he achieved top-10 finishes—securing seventh and fifth place after strong qualifying runs. His personal achievements mirrored his overall appreciation for the growth and exposure the Chicago Street Race offered, for himself and the broader NASCAR series.
What Lies Ahead for NASCAR and Its Fans?
As chatter continues around a potential move to San Diego or other venues, McDowell’s reflections underline the Chicago Street Race’s significance as a model for reaching untapped audiences and pushing NASCAR’s boundaries. The Sanctioning Body must now weigh not just fan enthusiasm but also the practical challenges of city-based racing. The outcome of ongoing discussions will determine whether NASCAR’s success story in Chicago paves the way for further innovation or marks the closing of an impactful chapter in the sport’s evolution.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Michael McDowell going in 2025?
A. DePaul University plans to support Michael McDowell in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race, which will take place at the Chicago Street Course. This information comes from Spire Motorsports.
