Shane van Gisbergen won again on the streets of Chicago, but this time, the headlines did not stop at the finish line. Just as the checkered flag waved, NASCAR made a major decision about what will not return next season. A plan once expected to last three years has taken a sudden turn. What caused the change, and what comes next, raised questions across the sport. The full story brings new updates, official quotes, and a clearer image of the 2026 schedule.
Key Highlights
Shane van Gisbergen scores second consecutive Grant Park 165 victory.
Ty Gibbs and Tyler Reddick complete the podium after a rain-affected race.
NASCAR confirms the Chicago Street Race will not return in 2026.
The original three-year deal has ended without an extension agreement.
Officials hope for race return in 2027 with a modified format.
Shan Van Gisbergen Conquers the Streets Again
July 6, 2025, marked another landmark day for Shane van Gisbergen as the New Zealand ace piloted his #88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet to a dominant victory through the tight, winding streets of downtown Chicago. Matching a rare NASCAR milestone, van Gisbergen became the first back-to-back winner on a street course, cementing his status as the discipline’s standout performer.
The Grant Park 165 delivered on every front—intensity, unpredictability, and tactical complexity. Van Gisbergen took control of the race late, managing the wet conditions and restarts with surgical precision. Ty Gibbs, finishing second, came closest to challenging the Kiwi, while Tyler Reddick earned third in a highly competitive top ten field featuring Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and AJ Allmendinger.
“It’s unreal to win here again. Street racing suits my style, but I can’t do it without this team—they gave me a car that was just hooked up on every run. Winning in Chicago in front of this crowd, on these streets, it’s what racing should feel like.” – Shane van Gisbergen
“I thought I had a shot after that last restart, but Shane just put down laps nobody else could. Still, second here is like a win—it’s a wild, tough race.” – Ty Gibbs
Despite brief delays due to weather and a medical emergency in the crowd, the 75-lap sprint maintained its thrilling pace, delivering a conclusion worthy of its electric setting. With multiple cautions and street circuit-style attrition, the track’s 90-degree corners, surface changes, and tight barriers made for one of the most technically demanding Cup Series events of the year.
A Track Unlike Any Other
The Chicago Street Course, born from a virtual iRacing concept, brought motorsport to the heart of the city—stretching from Buckingham Fountain to Roosevelt Road and weaving past iconic downtown landmarks. In its two years, it introduced stock car fans to the spectacle of true street racing, combining urban flair with NASCAR muscle.
The shortened race length in 2025—165 miles versus the original 220—created urgency from the start. Tire strategy, restart positioning, and barrier proximity turned every lap into a battle. Bubba Wallace and William Byron showed strong early pace but fell back in the closing stages, further emphasizing the course’s brutal learning curve.
The festival atmosphere made it more than just a race. Downtown Chicago transformed into a celebration of sport, with concerts, food vendors, and fan interactives drawing tens of thousands. Yet even as fans reveled in the race’s drama, organizers were already bracing for significant change.
NASCAR Pulls 2026 Event From Schedule
On the heels of van Gisbergen’s victory came a major announcement: the Chicago Street Race will not appear on the 2026 NASCAR schedule. While described as a pause rather than a full cancellation, the decision marks a sudden end to what had been planned as a three-year run.
Race president Julie Giese confirmed the move in a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson:
“Our goal is for the Chicago Street Race to return in 2027 with an event that further enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike. We’re working together towards a new potential date, shorter build schedule, and additional tourism draws.” – Julie Giese
Giese reassured city leaders and fans alike that NASCAR remained committed to the region, with local offices and community partnerships continuing in operation. The issues behind the hiatus, however, remain complex.
The initial three-year agreement has concluded. Despite two successful events on track, race logistics, including long road closures and disruptive construction periods, drew increasing criticism from some residents and city officials. Negotiations for a 2026 extension stalled without resolution, prompting NASCAR to temporarily step back while planning for a potential reboot in 2027.
Reactions From Around the Garage
Reactions from the NASCAR community reflected a range of emotions—disappointment, understanding, and cautious optimism. Drivers acknowledged the difficulty of the layout but celebrated its distinct challenge and the energy of downtown racing.
“Chicago is just a different animal. You go from superspeedways to this technical, bumpy street course—and there’s no room for error. I think it’s great for the fans and the sport, but you have to drive with your head on a swivel.” – Erik Jones
“These street races are pure chaos at times, but when you get it right, there’s nothing else like it. We’ll miss it next year, but hopefully this isn’t the last time we see NASCAR downtown.” – Denny Hamlin
The absence of a street course in 2026 will be notable. Urban races brought a new demographic to the sport and offered a fresh challenge for teams and drivers alike. With street racing proving a fan favorite, speculation will now turn toward whether NASCAR might explore other city markets or reconfigure existing venues to maintain diversity in its schedule.
News in Brief: NASCAR Race Cancellation 2026
Shane van Gisbergen captured his second straight Chicago win on July 6, 2025, in dominant fashion during the Grant Park 165. Ty Gibbs and Tyler Reddick completed the podium in a wet, chaotic race. Despite the event’s success, NASCAR has pulled the Chicago Street Race from the 2026 calendar, citing logistical challenges and an unresolved city agreement. Officials remain hopeful for a 2027 return. NASCAR will now evaluate how best to continue street racing’s momentum. Stay informed on schedule changes, race previews, and team news by following our latest NASCAR coverage.
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