Will the roar of engines ever echo through Chicago’s streets again in a NASCAR event?
This question hangs in the balance following NASCAR’s recent announcement that a race will not be held in Chicago in 2026. After its debut in 2023, the 2025 race was slated to be the third. However, no contractual agreement existed between the racing organization and the city for 2026 and subsequent years, despite NASCAR’s assertions of the event’s “success” over the preceding three years.
“Given the accomplishments of the initial three years, the Chicago Street Race will be temporarily suspended in 2026. This pause will allow us the opportunity to collaborate more closely with the City of Chicago to investigate alternative timing options and to formulate a strategy that enhances operational effectiveness, aiming to return to Chicago’s streets by 2027,” stated the announcement regarding the absence of the 2026 race.
“Together, we’ve cultivated and nurtured an ever-growing community of supporters, encompassing both seasoned NASCAR followers and newcomers from all corners of the globe, for which we are deeply appreciative.”
The race marked the first time a street circuit was used in modern NASCAR history, with Shane van Gisbergen securing victory in his very first NASCAR Cup Series appearance. van Gisbergen also clinched the win in this year’s race, held on July 6.
The event took place in Chicago’s downtown area, leading to logistical challenges for local inhabitants due to street closures implemented for event preparation. These difficulties are not unique to Chicago, as IndyCar has a long history of hosting street races, and the Monaco Grand Prix, a renowned Formula 1 race, unfolds on city streets.
The cessation of the street race — even if temporary — is sure to reignite speculation about NASCAR’s potential return to Chicagoland Speedway. Situated in Joliet, Illinois, the track is owned by NASCAR and hosted its last Cup Series race in 2019. Unlike Auto Club Speedway, which has undergone demolition, the track remains intact and could theoretically accommodate NASCAR races with some facility improvements.
Chicagoland’s reinstatement to the NASCAR calendar would also occur at a time when racing on intermediate tracks is considered NASCAR’s most compelling offering. The current iteration of the Cup Series car has struggled to provide captivating racing on road courses and superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega but has performed admirably on intermediate tracks such as the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway.
With the absence of the Chicago street race from the 2026 schedule, the number of road and street course races may be reduced next season. NASCAR is reportedly considering a street race in San Diego, but the near-term status of the Mexico City race remains uncertain after van Gisbergen’s victory in the inaugural event in June.
