NASCAR has confirmed it will not host a street race in Chicago in 2026. The 2025 race marked the third time the event was held since its 2023 debut, but no agreements have been made with city officials or licensing bodies beyond 2025. Despite being promoted as a "success" over the last three years, the Chicago Street Race will be paused in 2026. NASCAR stated that the break will allow them to work with the city to explore new potential dates and develop plans to improve operational efficiency, aiming for a return in 2027.
The event drew a mix of longtime NASCAR fans and new race enthusiasts from around the globe. Notably, the street race was the first of its kind in modern NASCAR, with Schoen Van Gisbergen winning both the inaugural race and the 2025 edition held on July 6th. The race takes place in downtown Chicago, causing street closures and logistical challenges for local residents—a common issue for street races, as seen in IndyCar and Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix.
There is speculation that NASCAR might move back to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, potentially even for a single season. Owned by NASCAR, Chicagoland Speedway last hosted a Cup Series race in 2019 and remains intact, requiring some upgrades to host future events. The track is well-suited for NASCAR’s current generation of cars, which perform best on intermediate tracks like the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway, rather than the more challenging road and street courses.
If the 2026 Chicago Street Race remains off the schedule, the number of road and street course races could decrease next season, though races in San Diego are planned. The future of Mexico City’s street race is still uncertain, despite Van Gisbergen’s win there earlier this year.
Fan Take: This pause in Chicago street racing is significant for NASCAR fans, as it reflects the sport’s ongoing search for the right balance between traditional oval racing and the growing popularity of street and road courses. How NASCAR navigates these changes could shape the future excitement and accessibility of the sport.
