NASCAR Chicago Street Race Paused for 2026, Potential Return in 2027
NASCAR has officially announced that the Chicago Street Race will not take place in 2026, but the organization has left the door open for a potential return in 2027. The decision, communicated via the event’s social media channels on Friday evening, marks a significant pause after three successful years of racing held around the Fourth of July weekend.
In expressing gratitude to supporters, NASCAR emphasized the importance of refining operational efficiencies and collaborating with the City of Chicago to explore new potential dates. “Thank you for all that you have done to make the NASCAR Chicago Street Race one of the most iconic events in global sports,” the statement read.
Julie Giese, president of the Chicago Street Course, directly informed Mayor Brandon Johnson about the decision. In her correspondence, Giese praised the city’s support and acknowledged community feedback as pivotal in the evaluation of the race’s future. She reiterated the aspiration to return in 2027.
Highlighting the event’s economic impact, Giese noted that the Chicago Street Race generated over $236 million in economic benefits during its first two years, supporting local jobs across various sectors. The 2023 and 2024 broadcasts on NBC alone yielded an estimated $67 million in international media value.
The three-year contract with the city, which concluded this year, included a two-year option. Reports suggest the city remains interested in partnering with NASCAR should alternative race dates be proposed.
During the event’s tenure, Shane van Gisbergen claimed victory in two of the three NASCAR Cup Series races (2023, 2025), with Alex Bowman winning in 2024. In the inaugural Xfinity Series race in 2023, Cole Custer emerged victorious, followed by Van Gisbergen in 2024 and 2025.
Furthermore, San Diego is poised to be added to the NASCAR schedule in 2026, with official announcements anticipated next week.
