2 days ago
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."
