The 2025 Grant Park 165 is not just another street race. It brings together sharp turns, tough weather, and some of the best drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. One name stands out—Shane van Gisbergen. But others are not far behind. With the starting grid set and past winners remembered, there’s more at play than just speed. As tension builds in downtown Chicago, one question leads the way: who has what it takes when the green flag drops?
Chicago Street Course: A New Era for NASCAR
The Chicago Street Course stands as one of the boldest innovations in NASCAR’s modern era. Introduced in 2023, it marked the first time the NASCAR Cup Series ventured onto a true street circuit, a format more commonly associated with Formula 1 or IndyCar. The course weaves through the heart of downtown Chicago, utilizing existing city streets and passing by iconic landmarks such as Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, Columbus Drive, and Michigan Avenue. This 2.2-mile, 12-turn layout is both visually stunning and technically demanding, featuring sharp 90-degree corners, sweeping bends, and long straights that test the limits of both driver and machine.
Unlike traditional oval tracks, the Chicago Street Course offers little margin for error. Tight barriers, variable grip levels, and the ever-present threat of changing weather conditions make every lap a challenge. Overtaking is difficult, so strategy, patience, and precision are crucial. The inaugural event in 2023 was a dramatic affair, with rain adding to the unpredictability and excitement. The course’s unique setting and challenging nature have quickly made it a fan favorite and a highlight of the NASCAR calendar, showcasing the sport’s willingness to evolve and embrace new experiences.
The Grant Park 165: Making NASCAR History
The Grant Park 165 is a landmark event in NASCAR history, being the first-ever street race contested in the Cup Series. The inaugural race took place in July 2023, immediately capturing the imagination of fans and drivers alike. The event is named after Grant Park, a central feature of the course, and is run on the same 2.2-mile street circuit that winds through downtown Chicago. The race was initially scheduled for 220 miles and 100 laps, but after its debut, NASCAR shortened the distance to 165 miles and 75 laps to better suit the unique demands of street racing.
The first Grant Park 165 was held under challenging conditions, with heavy rain causing delays and ultimately shortening the race. New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time Australian Supercars champion, stunned the motorsports world by winning in his very first NASCAR Cup Series start. His victory was historic, making him the first driver since 1963 to win on debut in the Cup Series. The following year, Alex Bowman claimed victory in another rain-affected race, further cementing the event’s reputation for unpredictability and drama.
The Grant Park 165 has quickly become a showcase for NASCAR’s adaptability and willingness to push boundaries. The event’s urban setting, combined with its challenging course and unpredictable weather, has produced memorable moments and highlighted the skills of some of the world’s best drivers. The race is now a staple of the Cup Series schedule and a key part of NASCAR’s efforts to reach new audiences and markets.
Past Winners Table
| Year | Winner | Team | Manufacturer | Laps Completed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Shane van Gisbergen | Trackhouse Racing | Chevrolet | 78* | Rain-shortened, debut win |
| 2024 | Alex Bowman | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | 58* | Rain-shortened |
*Race shortened due to weather and darkness.
2025 Grant Park 165: Predictions and Top Contenders
As the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Chicago for the third running of the Grant Park 165, anticipation is high. The 2025 edition features a competitive field of 40 drivers, each hoping to master the challenging street circuit and etch their name into the history books. The race is not only a test of speed but also of adaptability, strategy, and composure under pressure.
Key Factors for Victory
Street Circuit Experience: Drivers with backgrounds in road or street racing have a distinct advantage. The tight corners and unforgiving barriers reward precision and penalize mistakes.
Qualifying Position: Track position is crucial, as overtaking opportunities are limited. Starting near the front can be a significant advantage.
Weather Conditions: Rain has played a major role in both previous editions, and changing weather can quickly alter the race’s complexion.
Team Strategy: Pit stops, tire choices, and fuel management are all magnified on a street course, where caution periods and incidents are common.
Top 5 Favorable Drivers for the 2025 Grant Park 165
Based on recent performances, qualifying results, and street circuit prowess, here are five drivers most likely to contend for victory in the 2025 Grant Park 165:
1. Shane van Gisbergen (#88, Trackhouse Racing)
Van Gisbergen remains the benchmark on the Chicago streets. After winning the inaugural race in 2023 and claiming pole position for the 2025 event, he has proven to be the master of this unique circuit. His background in Australian Supercars, which frequently race on street courses, gives him a natural edge. Teammates and competitors alike acknowledge his exceptional skill, with some even joking that the rest of the field is racing for second place.
2. Michael McDowell (#71, Spire Motorsports)
McDowell starts alongside van Gisbergen on the front row and has shown impressive speed throughout the weekend. Known for his road course abilities, McDowell’s qualifying performance suggests he could be a serious threat if he maintains track position and avoids trouble.
3. Tyler Reddick (#45, 23XI Racing)
Reddick is one of the most talented road course racers in the Cup Series. He consistently runs well on non-oval tracks and has the aggressive driving style needed to excel on the Chicago streets. Reddick’s adaptability and willingness to take risks make him a strong contender.
4. Alex Bowman (#48, Hendrick Motorsports)
The defending race winner, Bowman has already proven he can handle the unique challenges of the Chicago Street Course. His experience and confidence from last year’s victory could give him an edge, especially if weather or strategy comes into play.
5. Carson Hocevar (#77, Spire Motorsports)
Hocevar’s strong qualifying effort places him near the front of the grid, and his recent performances have shown he is capable of running with the best. While still relatively new to the Cup Series, his speed and composure make him a dark horse for victory.
Other Notable Contenders
Chase Briscoe (#19, Joe Gibbs Racing): Consistently fast on road courses, Briscoe could surprise with a strong run.
Kyle Larson (#5, Hendrick Motorsports): Always a threat, Larson’s raw talent and adaptability make him a contender on any track.
Joey Logano (#22, Team Penske): The defending series champion, Logano’s experience and racecraft could see him in the mix late in the race.
Christopher Bell (#20, Joe Gibbs Racing): Another road course ace, Bell’s smooth driving style suits the street circuit.
News in Brief: 2025 Grant Park 165 Predictions
The 2025 Grant Park 165 promises to be another thrilling chapter in NASCAR’s street racing experiment. With a challenging course, unpredictable weather, and a field stacked with talent, the race is wide open. However, Shane van Gisbergen’s dominance on this circuit makes him the clear favorite, with Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick, Alex Bowman, and Carson Hocevar all poised to challenge for the win. As NASCAR continues to embrace new formats and venues, the Chicago Street Course stands as a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and capacity for reinvention.
