Uncertainty surrounds the continuation of NASCAR’s Chicago Street Course after Shane van Gisbergen captured his second Cup victory at the Grant Park 165, which concluded the current agreement between the racing league and the city. As stakeholders await confirmation or renewal, Dale Earnhardt Jr. street race prediction suggests San Diego is likely to host a new event if Chicago’s place on the schedule is not maintained.
Shane van Gisbergen’s winning performance highlighted the Chicago Street Course’s competitive appeal, but it could be some time before the Trackhouse Racing star and his peers return to the Windy City. The conclusion of Sunday’s race marked the last event under a three-year deal between NASCAR and Chicago, with no commitment yet made for 2026. Negotiations remain possible, as NASCAR has a 90-day window following the final event to secure a future date.
San Diego Emerges as Possible Replacement for the Iconic Chicago Event
The question of which city could fill Chicago’s unique role on NASCAR’s calendar has gained momentum. For three years, downtown Chicago has provided a vibrant setting, but last weekend’s spectacle might have been its swan song—for now. According to Dale Earnhardt Jr., speaking on his podcast, “The Dale Jr. Download,” San Diego has become the front-runner to take over should Chicago’s slot disappear.
“I hear that San Diego is gonna take its place,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
“There will be a street course in San Diego of some type, and that is what will take Chicago’s place.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Despite his strong conviction, Earnhardt acknowledged that Chicago’s future is not sealed. The possibility remains that NASCAR could negotiate a new deal with the city or shift its event to another time on the calendar, especially should international venues like Mexico City lose favor or scheduling priorities shift.
“It doesn’t mean that Chicago can’t still exist,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
“Maybe Mexico City goes away, and Chicago shifts to a different part of the schedule, I don’t know! But I think there’s a potential where you could see us racing at Chicago and San Diego, for sure. There’s a world where that exists.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
While speculation continues, Earnhardt pointed out that NASCAR is not expected to increase its total number of road courses next year. This year’s schedule included five, and that trend is likely to continue with the same count, even if the exact venues change.
“I don’t think that they are adding another road course,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
“I think, it’s like, alright, you know…how many we got? Six? Yeah, I think it’s six right now. So, whatever the number is today, that’ll be the number next year, but I just don’t know which race tracks it’s going to be, but I feel like the San Diego deal is done.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
He further underlined the uncertainty, noting that although the San Diego development feels close to final, negotiations and decisions regarding Chicago, Mexico City, and even potential returns to Montreal are still active in NASCAR circles.
“People will say it’s not done, but I’ll say it’s done. And then, there is 50/50 between going back to Chicago or going back to Mexico City, and then you always have the hope that we get to Montreal again. And I think it’s NASCAR’s intention to get there.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Local Leaders Weigh the Community and Financial Effects of a Chicago Return
City officials in Chicago are closely examining whether hosting future NASCAR street races remains viable and in the community’s best interest. Chicago’s 34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway voiced concerns about major events impeding family celebrations and park access, particularly during holiday weekends.
“July 4th is a very family-friendly weekend, and we want families to be able to use the park July 4th, and this prevents that from happening a bit,”
—Bill Conway, Chicago 34th Ward Alderman
Conway highlighted the tension between attracting high-profile racing events and protecting residents’ rights to the city’s public spaces during popular times. Financial considerations are also a factor, as officials evaluate whether the city can recoup the costs of organizing a large-scale street race.
“But not only do we have to make sure that we are making this as convenient as possible for the constituents, but also make sure the city is recouping its cost of putting on the race,”
—Bill Conway, Chicago 34th Ward Alderman
As discussions continue, the future of NASCAR in Chicago depends on the ability of city leaders, event organizers, and residents to reach a consensus balancing public access, community priorities, and financial responsibility.
What Lies Ahead as NASCAR Charts Its Course
The fate of the Chicago Street Course and its possible replacement in San Diego brings significant implications for NASCAR, racing fans, city officials, and businesses in each location. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s perspective has added new focus to the conversation, as stakeholders anticipate NASA’s decision within the designated negotiation window. With community voices and financial interests at the forefront, the ultimate outcome will likely shape the league’s street racing identity and the civic atmosphere of whichever city hosts these high-profile events in upcoming years.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. a billionaire?
A. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $300 million. He earned much of this as a successful NASCAR driver. His continued work as a broadcaster also adds to his wealth. Additionally, endorsements, team ownership, and partnerships have helped him maintain and grow his influence in the industry.
Q. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. race in 2025?
A. On Thursday, it was revealed that there’s an addition to his Late Model schedule for 2025, featuring a new Sun Drop design. Earnhardt, Jr. will drive the No. 8 JR Motorsports car at Tri-County Speedway in October. The zMAX CARS Tour will race at the Granite Falls, North Carolina track on October 4.
Q. Did Dale Earnhardt Jr. retire?
A. After he stopped racing full-time in NASCAR, he started working as a color commentator for NBC’s NASCAR coverage in 2018. When his NBC contract ended in 2023, he transitioned to Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports for NASCAR’s new TV deal starting in 2025.
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. still retired?
A. Earnhardt, who is 50 years old, stopped racing full-time in NASCAR in 2017. However, he has continued to compete at least once annually in the Xfinity Series.
