Chicago Street Course
The Chicago Street Course is a premier NASCAR track held in the heart of downtown Chicago, transforming the city’s iconic streets into a high-speed racing circuit. The 2.2-mile course winds through the picturesque Grant Park area, featuring 12 turns and offering stunning views of landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago. Scheduled for July 6-7, 2024, this event not only showcases thrilling NASCAR Cup Series action but also provides a festival-like atmosphere with global music headliners and a variety of entertainment options, making it a must-see summer spectacle.
History
The Chicago Street Race, a notable addition to the NASCAR calendar, began on July 1, 2023. This event marked the debut of NASCAR Cup Series street racing, transforming the streets of downtown Chicago into a competitive circuit. The course is a 2.2-mile loop with 12 turns, weaving through the iconic Grant Park and passing landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago.
The idea for this street race originated from a virtual concept used in the 2021 eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series. By July 19, 2022, NASCAR officially announced that the Grant Park 220 would replace the Kwik Trip 250 at Road America for the 2023 season. The announcement was part of a broader strategy to bring NASCAR to major metropolitan areas, enhancing the sport’s visibility and appeal.
However, the race has faced criticism from some Chicago residents due to road closures, noise, and potential risks to nearby buildings, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Despite these concerns, NASCAR negotiated a three-year contract with the city, running through 2025, which includes financial agreements such as a $500,000 flat fee and additional revenue sharing from ticket sales and merchandise.
The event’s future is still under evaluation by the new mayor, Brandon Johnson, who has indicated that community input will play a crucial role in deciding whether the race will continue beyond its initial contract period.
About The Track
The Chicago Street Race Circuit, which debuted in 2023, is a temporary NASCAR street course situated in downtown Chicago. The asphalt circuit spans 2.2 miles (3.5 km) and incorporates 12 turns. It starts and finishes on Columbus Drive, right in front of the iconic Buckingham Fountain. The track layout includes segments of Columbus Drive, Balbo Drive, Lake Shore Drive, Roosevelt Road, Michigan Avenue, Congress Plaza Drive, and Jackson Drive, featuring two bridge crossings over the Metra Electric District tracks.
The track design is derived from the version used in the 2021 eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, with slight modifications in certain turns to adapt to real-world conditions. Specifically, changes were made to the lanes used in turns 4, 5, 10, and 11.
As a street circuit, the track is a temporary fixture that requires road closures several days in advance of race weekends to allow for setup. These roads, which are part of Chicago’s regular traffic grid, are fully reopened within two weeks after the event.
The Chicago Street Race Circuit opened for its inaugural event on the weekend of July 1-2, 2023, and is scheduled to host races in 2024 and 2025. The race has a substantial spectator capacity, though exact numbers can vary depending on the event configuration and temporary grandstand setups. For major events like the NASCAR Cup Series, attendance can reach tens of thousands, offering both general admission and reserved seating options.