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Why NASCAR Chicago Street Race Has Been Dropped From 2026 Calendar
Why NASCAR Chicago Street Race Has Been Dropped From 2026 Calendar

Newsweek

timean hour ago

  • Automotive
  • Newsweek

Why NASCAR Chicago Street Race Has Been Dropped From 2026 Calendar

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASCAR released an official statement announcing a pause on the Chicago street race in 2026. The event has been dropped from the sport's calendar for next year so that NASCAR could work with the City of Chicago to form a plan that "further optimizes operational efficiencies." The objective is to bring the street race back in 2027. The announcement came nearly two weeks after the 2025 street race in Chicago, where Shane van Gisbergen secured the Cup Series victory. The venue holds an important place in NASCAR history since it is the sport's first street race venue. Chicago made its street race debut in 2023 under a three-year deal that lasted until this year. It is reported that Chicago city officials wanted a shift in the dates next year, which prompted NASCAR to consider a pause and form plans for the race's return the following year, in 2027. The statement posted by NASCAR on X read: "Thank you for all you have done to make the NASCAR Chicago Street Race one of the most iconic events in global sports. Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Dow Coatings Chevrolet, and Thomas Annunziata, driver of the #6 Opti-Coat Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 at Chicago Street Course on July 06, 2024... Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Dow Coatings Chevrolet, and Thomas Annunziata, driver of the #6 Opti-Coat Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 at Chicago Street Course on July 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. More Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images "Following the success of the first three years, the Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time necessary to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago to explore a new potential date and to develop a plan that further optimizes operational efficiencies, with a goal to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027. "Together, we have built and grown an expanded community of fans that consists of longtime NASCAR enthusiasts and first-time racegoers from around the globe, and for that, we are immensely grateful. "Thank you for your continued support - and we look forward to seeing you at the races." NASCAR fans have expressed disappointment at the announcement, with many looking forward to its return in 2027. Some reactions are stated below: This fan wishes the race takes place in September in the future: "Great memories the last 3 years. If they bring it back, use a different weekend, ideally in September. Locals who would want to be there leave town 4th of July and a lot of people who'd want to visit the city won't do it 4th of July because they're on their boats or whatever." Great memories the last 3 years. If they bring it back, use a different weekend, ideally in September. Locals who would want to be there leave town 4th of July and a lot of people who'd want to visit the city won't do it 4th of July because they're on their boats or whatever. — Brian (@brianhboyle) July 18, 2025 A street course fan spotted: "This sucks! Take away the road courses or boring ovals and race more street courses." This sucks! Take away the road courses or boring ovals and race more street courses. — Anthony McLain (@AnthonyMcLain) July 18, 2025 This fan enjoyed street races more than ovals: "Thats extremely disappointing. Understand among nascar fans it was not too enjoyed - but as an outsider just getting into it, I thoroughly enjoyed this race. I think most of the Nascar fans hating this race are stuck in denial. Watching a car go in a circle will not draw new fans" [sic] Thats extremely disappointing. Understand among nascar fans it was not too enjoyed - but as an outsider just getting into it, I thoroughly enjoyed this race. I think most of the Nascar fans hating this race are stuck in denial. Watching a car go in a circle will not draw new fans — Steven (@hughejasz) July 18, 2025 Straight from the heart of a NASCAR fan in Reno: "Came in from Reno the last two years to visit family, but more specifically to go to this race. both years it was enjoyable (2023 more, as more to do and rain!) But this is how racing should be in stock cars. Hopefully its back in a couple years." Came in from Reno the last two years to visit family, but more specifically to go to this race. both years it was enjoyable (2023 more, as more to do and rain!) But this is how racing should be in stock cars. Hopefully its back in a couple years. — DJ (@chitownDJ) July 18, 2025 A fan expressing gratitude for the great times: "We all had some good moments with this track. Too bad we will not get another race next year, I hope we will in the next two years. Until then, thank you for the good times."

23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports vs. NASCAR lawsuit: Status ahead of Dover race
23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports vs. NASCAR lawsuit: Status ahead of Dover race

USA Today

time2 hours ago

  • Automotive
  • USA Today

23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports vs. NASCAR lawsuit: Status ahead of Dover race

Sunday marks the 21st race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. Hendrick Motorsports drivers William Byron and Chase Elliott lead the championship standings as the drivers prepare for the Monster Mile in Dover. Sunday's race is also the penultimate round of the NASCAR in-season challenge with four drivers still in contention for the prize: Ty Gibbs, Ty Dillon, John Hunter Nemechek and Tyler Reddick. This season's seen plenty of intrigue on-track, most recently with Shane van Gisbergen's dominant run on non-ovals with wins in Chicago and Sonoma. But there's been a recent development in the sports' biggest off-track storyline: 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports' lawsuit against NASCAR. Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin co-own 23XI Racing, while Tennessee-based businessman Bob Jenkins owns Front Row Motorsports. Jenkins also owns a number of restaurant franchises belonging to Yum! Brands, including many KFC and Taco Bell locations. It's been nine months since the two teams initially filed a lawsuit accusing NASCAR of restraining fair competition and violating the Sherman Antitrust Act. The two teams and their six drivers – 23XI Racings' Reddick, Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst as well as Front Row Motorsports' Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith – will be racing as open teams for the first time after a recent ruling and the loss of their charter status. There's been a lot of motions, counterclaims, denials, appeals and rehearings since the start of the 2025 Cup Series season. Here's a recap and timeline of all the developements: NASCAR lawsuit latest 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will be racing as open teams because they were denied a temporary restraining order which would've kept NASCAR from revoking their chartered status. As open entries, the teams are not guaranteed spots on the starting grid because they do not have charter status. Open teams must qualify on time to make each race, unlike charter teams, who still participate in qualifying to earn the best starting position for each race but would take the green flag on race day regardless even if they failed to qualify. Open entries also make less than a third as much money per race than chartered teams. That won't be a concern this weekend at Dover Motor Speedway, however, as less than 40 cars are entered. But it could become a problem later in the season should 41 cars show up. U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell said in his ruling there was no threat of the two teams' drivers not making races in Dover and Indianapolis (the next race on the 2025 calendar), so there was no irreparable harm. So far this season, only two races have had more than four open cars enter. 'We are disappointed that the court declined to grant 23XI and Front Row Motorsports a temporary restraining order to allow the teams to continue racing as chartered teams,' the teams' attorney Jeffrey Kessler said in a statement. 'We remain confident that our motion for a preliminary injunction is legally warranted and necessary, and we look forward to the court's full review.' 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are seeking another injunction to remain chartered through the end of the season. NASCAR has agreed not to sell their charters until a ruling on that injunction, per Bell's ruling. NASCAR lawsuit timeline Here's what's happened since the start of the Cup Series regular season in February. To see a timeline of events prior to the 2025 Daytona 500, click here. NASCAR claims that 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports violated antitrust laws during negotiations for a new charter agreement. These claims include that the teams colluded to get better terms, and 23XI Racing's co-owner Curtis Polk tried to boycott a qualifying event. Chris Yates, lead attorney for NASCAR in this case, stated that they believe the two teams misused antitrust laws to force a renegotiation. "NASCAR has no intent and no interest in renegotiating the terms of the 2025 charter," Yates said. "We're not going to let 23XI and Front Row misuse the antitrust laws to try to renegotiate the terms of the charter. That's not going to happen. So I don't see a great path to settlement, but we will participate in the court-ordered mediation process." This response is to NASCAR's appeal to a prior ruling requiring the sanctioning body to allow 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race as chartered teams in 2025. NASCAR's appeal centers on the judge's reasoning that the Cup Series is its own market rather than a part of the wider motorsports landscape. The teams argue that NASCAR creates an environment that doesn't allow them to make as much money as they could. The two teams argue that there's no evidence of an attempted boycott and that teams work together in negotiations, just like in other sports, seeing as they are all entered in the same sport. "NASCAR's retaliatory counterclaim is an act of desperation that cannot withstand a motion to dismiss," 23XI Racing said in a statement. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports subpoenaed Formula 1 as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL teams to provide evidence on how other sporting bodies and their teams operate. NASCAR makes this request claiming it has more evidence that will prove teams colluded during charter negotiations. A three-judge panel heard the appeal by NASCAR to an injunction ruling on Dec. 18, 2024 allowing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race as chartered teams in 2025 while this legal battle plays out. Judge Kenneth Bell's Dec. 18 ruling was based largely on NASCAR's charter agreement including a clause that teams can't sue NASCAR. His reasoning was the teams felt like they couldn't both sign the agreement and pursue the lawsuit, hence why the injunction was necessary. Judge Paul Niemeyer pushes back in questioning Kessler, specifically that the teams cannot "have [their] cake and eat it too," referring to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports both suing NASCAR and being chartered competitors at the same time. 'If you don't want the contract, you don't enter into it, and you sue," Niemeyer said. "Or if you want the contract, you enter into it, and you've given up past releases." He and other judges reasoned that the teams could sue and race as open teams, not chartered ones. The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of NASCAR and revoked the Dec. 18 injunction. The judges note in their ruling that there is no precedent for this case and Kessler's antitrust argument "is not supported by any case of which we are aware." They also reason that there's no indication that the teams will likely be successful in their lawsuit. This gave the teams 14 days to ask for a rehearing and the ruling took effect a further seven days after that. Up until this point, the two teams haven't clearly stated what they're looking for if they win this lawsuit against NASCAR. A hearing gave some general ideas. In a hearing for a motion to throw out NASCAR's counterclaim of collusion, Kessler outlines the teams are looking for: In a new filing for NASCAR's March 5 counterclaim, NASCAR asks for chartered teams in the Cup Series grid to turn over financial documents, calling some of these "critical to NASCAR's defense." As expected, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports asked for a rehearing following the June 5 ruling overturning the injunction which allowed them to compete as chartered teams during the 2025 season. This request delays when the two teams would lose their charters. "If upheld, the ruling would set a dangerous precedent, allowing monopolists to shield themselves from legal challenges simply by requiring release language as a condition of doing business with the monopoly," Kessler said in a statement. Judge Bell denied 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports' motion to dismiss NASCAR's counterclaim, stating that the sport had done enough to continue its counterclaim. But he also narrowed the amount of financial information other chartered teams had to provide NASCAR. Chartered teams only had to provide anonymized top-line financial data (total costs, revenue, net profits/loss) dating back to 2014. NASCAR was looking for more detailed information, including driver salaries and sponsorship revenue. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit heard the two teams' argument for reversing the June 5 decision which would revoke their charters during the 2025 season and denied their request. This makes it very difficult for the teams to race as chartered outfits for the rest of the 2025 season. "We are disappointed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to deny our request for a full rehearing," Kessler said in a statement. "We are committed to racing this season as we continue to fight for more competitive and fair terms for all teams to ensure the future of the sport and remain fully confident in our case." Ahead of this weekend's race in Dover, the two teams looked for a potential way to remain chartered and decided on filing for a restraining order and new preliminary injunction. "New information surfaced through the discovery process that overwhelmingly supports our position that a preliminary injunction is legally warranted and necessary," Kessler said in a statement. The teams argued NASCAR informed them they'd "immediately move to sell or issue Plaintiffs' charters to other entities," which could keep the teams from getting their charters back. NASCAR said in a statement that they have attempted to end this legal battle before trial but the two teams haven't been willing to work with them. 'It is unfortunate that instead of respecting the clear rulings of the Fourth Circuit, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are now burdening the District Court with a third motion for another unnecessary and inappropriate preliminary injunction," NASCAR said in a statement. "We have yet to receive a proposal from 23XI or Front Row, as they have instead preferred to continue their damaging and distracting lawsuit," the statement continued. "We will defend NASCAR's integrity from this baseless lawsuit forced upon the sport that threatens to divide the stakeholders committed to serving race fans everywhere. We remain focused on collaborating with the 13 race teams that signed the 2025 charter agreements and share our mutual goal of delivering the best racing in the world each week, including this weekend in Dover.' The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

NASCAR Saturday schedule at Dover
NASCAR Saturday schedule at Dover

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Climate
  • Yahoo

NASCAR Saturday schedule at Dover

The Xfinity and Cup series will be on track for nearly eight hours Saturday at Dover Motor Speedway, which is playing host to its first NASCAR weekend in July since 1969. The action on the 1-mile concrete oval will begin with Xfinity practice at 11 a.m., followed by qualifying. Cup will practice and qualify for nearly 90 minutes starting at 1:35 p.m. Saturday's highlight is a 200-mile Xfinity Series race, which will begin shortly after 4:30 p.m. Good news, bad news for NASCAR Cup drivers ahead of Dover weekend Alex Bowman has four consecutive top-10 finishes at Dover, including a victory. Dustin Long, Dover schedule (All Times Eastern) Saturday, July 19 Garage open 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Xfinity Series 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Cup Series Track activity 11 - 11:55 a.m. — Xfinity practice (CW App) 12:05 - 1 p.m. — Xfinity qualifying (CW App) 1:35 - 2:35 p.m. — Cup practice (truTV, Performance Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. — Cup qualifying (truTV, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) 4:30 p.m. — Xfinity race (200 laps, 200 miles; Stage 1 at Lap 45, Stage 2 at Lap 90; CW, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) Weather Saturday: Cloudy with a shower or thunderstorm possible in the afternoon. The high will be 83 degrees with winds from the southeast at 5 to 10 mph. It's expected to be 88 degrees with a 24% chance of rain at the start of the Xfinity race.

NASCAR says no Chicago Street Race next year, but it could return in 2027

time12 hours ago

  • Automotive

NASCAR says no Chicago Street Race next year, but it could return in 2027

CHICAGO -- NASCAR is pressing pause on its Chicago Street Race, answering at least one major question about its schedule for next season. NASCAR raced on a street course in downtown Chicago on the first weekend in July each of the last three years. But it had a three-year contract with the city, leaving the future of the event in question. Writing to Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday, race president Julie Giese said the plan is to explore the potential of a new event weekend with his office and other community leaders while also working on a more efficient course build and breakdown. '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, as we work together towards a new potential date, shorter build schedule, and additional tourism draws,' Giese wrote in her letter to Johnson. Giese said NASCAR is keeping its Chicago Street Race office and plans to continue its community partnerships. 'We deeply value our relationship with the City of Chicago and remain steadfast in our commitment to being a good neighbor and partner,' she said in the letter. NASCAR is replacing its Chicago stop with a street race in San Diego. A message was left Friday seeking comment from Johnson's office. NASCAR's Chicago weekend featured Xfinity and Cup Series races on a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and Grant Park — to go along with a festival-like atmosphere with music and entertainment options. The goal was an event that appealed to both a new audience in one of NASCAR's most important regions and the most ardent racing fans. NASCAR used to race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, a 45-mile drive from downtown, but it pulled out after the 2019 season. Johnson's predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, was in charge when the three-year contract for the downtown weekend was finalized. It wasn't exactly a popular move in Chicago. Local businesses and residents were frustrated by the street closures in a heavily trafficked area for tourists in the summer. But organizers shrunk the construction schedule from 43 days in 2023 to 25 this year, winning over some of the race's critics. Drivers and their teams had some concerns about the course ahead of the first weekend. But the setup was widely praised by the time the third year rolled around — both the course and the ability to walk to the circuit from their downtown hotel. Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson called Chicago 'probably my favorite event in NASCAR each year.' The racing in downtown Chicago has been dominated by Shane van Gisbergen, who won the Xfinity and Cup races this year from the pole. He also won in Chicago in his Cup debut in 2023 and last year's Xfinity Series race. 'I love the track,' he said after this year's Cup win. 'It's a cool place to come to. You feel a nice vibe. You feel a good vibe in the mornings walking to the track with the fans. It's pretty unique like that.'

NASCAR: Biggest Surprises and Disappointments of 2025 Season So Far
NASCAR: Biggest Surprises and Disappointments of 2025 Season So Far

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

NASCAR: Biggest Surprises and Disappointments of 2025 Season So Far

Only six races are remaining on the NASCAR schedule in the regular season, with the Cup Series quickly closing in on the playoffs. After 20 points-eligible races, there's more than enough data and evidence to highlight drivers who have exceeded expectations and those who have fallen short this year. Let's dive into some of the biggest surprises and disappointments from the 2025 season. Surprise: Shane van Gisbergen Everyone predicted that Shane van Gisbergen would win a road course race this year, at the very least earning himself a spot in the playoffs. Few saw this level of dominance coming. SVG won three of the four road course races this summer, including a commanding victory by 16.567 seconds in Mexico City. Most thought his lack of experience at Sonoma Raceway would even the playing field and end his road course streak. Instead, he decimated the competition with both a Stage 2 win and an outright victory, leading a race-record 97 laps at Sonoma. Related: With that performance, van Gisbergen now has three Cup Series victories this season, tying him for the series lead with several other top drivers. He earned 59 points at Sonoma, boosting his total playoff points and solidifying his place among the championship contenders. Van Gisbergen enters Dover tied for the most wins this year, with many now predicting he could reach the Round of 8 in the playoffs. Disappointment: Brad Keselowski In 2024, Brad Keselowski won the Goodyear 400 at Darlington (May 12) and recorded the 10th-most top-10 finishes (14), along with the 11th-most laps led (318) in the NASCAR Cup Series. The 2025 campaign, however, has been a major disappointment. Keselowski's average finishing position has plummeted from 15.6 to 22.4, and he has more DNFs (six) than top-10s (four) through 20 races. He has put himself in must-win territory for the playoffs, and since he's rarely leading races (just 81 laps led, 16th-most in the series), he appears destined for a winless season. Related: Surprise: Carson Hocevar While Carson Hocevar might not make the playoffs this season, the 22-year-old has already impressed in his second year in the NASCAR Cup Series. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2024, Hocevar has earned four top-10 finishes, including two top-5s and one pole, through 20 races this season. He has consistently proven to be one of the fastest drivers on ovals, regularly putting himself in the mix for wins. Road courses remain a major issue for him, but the flashes of talent Hocevar is showing this season are superstar-like. Related: Disappointment: Tyler Reddick Tyler Reddick will make the playoffs, and he's still statistically one of the best NASCAR drivers in 2025. However, this season still feels like a major disappointment for the No. 45 team. Reddick hasn't won a single race and ranks 13th in laps led (112), behind drivers like Josh Berry (169) and Austin Cindric (251). He's also tied for 10th in top-10 finishes (eight). Reddick's placement in the standings is largely a product of avoiding any DNFs this season, but the lack of victories is a major letdown. Related: Surprise: Ryan Preece While he doesn't have the support of one of the best NASCAR Cup Series teams, Ryan Preece is delivering consistent results this season. He had a bumpy start, then recorded three consecutive top-10 finishes from Las Vegas through Martinsville. Some DNFs resulted in a four-race lull, but Preece now boasts an average finishing position of 12.1 over the last 10 races, which even includes a 28th-place finish at Nashville. Preece might not be leading many races in 2025, but his seven top-10s in the last 15 races are tied with William Byron for the sixth-most. Disappointment: Daniel Suarez In a contract year, Daniel Suárez gave Trackhouse Racing enough reason to make a change next season. Suarez's stats have dropped across the board this season, ranging from his average finishing position (17.86 to 21.4) to the drop in top 10s (nine to three) and top fives (four to one). He didn't provide Trackhouse Racing with a reason to keep him, not with top prospect Connor Zilisch waiting in the wings. Maybe Suarez can find a full-time gig with a smaller team in 2026, but the Xfinity Series might be his best option to win races. Related: Surprise: Chase Briscoe Chase Briscoe has indeed benefited this season from stepping into the No. 19 car, replacing Martin Truex Jr. at Joe Gibbs Racing. What makes Briscoe somewhat of a surprise, or more accurately a standout, is what he's done with the opportunity. As the driver of the No. 19, Briscoe has already delivered JGR more top-5 finishes (seven) and poles (four) than Truex did all of last season (five top-5s and two poles). Briscoe has been especially strong as of late, scoring a win at Pocono along with six top-10 finishes in the last 10 races. He's being slightly overlooked heading into the playoffs, but Briscoe's summer performance deserves recognition. Disappointment: Ty Gibbs There are always flashes from Ty Gibbs that suggest he's on the verge of his first NASCAR Cup Series win. He has shown improvement this summer, finishing inside the top 20 more frequently, and posted an average finish of 8.3 over a recent three-race stretch. Still, he is set to finish well below his totals from last season (12 top-10s and eight top-5s). To that point, his average starting position has slipped from 11.42 to 13.95 and his average finishing position has dipped from 17.42 to 17.65 in 2025. As of mid-July, Gibbs has just three top-10s and two top-5s with no wins or poles this season. Additionally, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates have combined for seven wins and 24 top-5 finishes this year, further highlighting that Gibbs hasn't been able to take full advantage of the equipment and opportunities available to him. Related Headlines 'Can't Just Trade Everybody': Phillies Owner John Middleton Opens Up About Deadline Approach 'All-Time Low': Pirates Reporter Reveals Why Bryan Reynolds Won't Be Traded at Deadline '1 Percent Chance': Pirates Reporter Shares Bleak Take on Paul Skenes Extension Prospects Yankees Expected 'To Get After It' Before Trade Deadline: 6 Blockbuster Trade Targets, Including Chris Sale

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