NASCAR Considers Historic Chicago Comeback Despite 2026 Rejection
The Rise of Shane van Gisbergen and the Chicago Street Race
There is an undeniable energy that surges through Chicago whenever NASCAR makes its way to Grant Park. But no one has captured that electric atmosphere quite like Shane van Gisbergen. In 2023, the New Zealander stunned the motorsport world by winning his first Cup Series race on the city’s street circuit. Two years later, in what many now consider a defining moment, SVG returned and achieved something extraordinary: he swept both the Xfinity and Cup Series in 2025, starting from pole in each. This feat was only previously accomplished by Kyle Busch since 2016. For van Gisbergen, the Chicago race wasn’t just a win—it became the heart of his American journey.
The event brought record-breaking excitement and emotional highs for fans and drivers alike. However, this year’s edition might be remembered not just for who dominated the track but for what is being taken away. NASCAR has confirmed that the street race will not return to Chicago in 2026. From van Gisbergen’s commanding performances to the sight of race cars zipping past skyline backdrops, the event had become a staple of the city’s summer rhythm. Now, Chicago waits with hope that the story isn’t over yet.
City Officials Confirm NASCAR Wants to Return, But Not Until 2027
City officials met with NASCAR earlier this month to discuss the future of the Chicago Street Race, which took place for the second time in July. Despite the city's push for a 2026 return, NASCAR has decided to take a one-year break, focusing on a longer-term revival. While 2026 is out of the picture, it’s clear that NASCAR intends to come back.
“After this meeting, I am absolutely convinced they want to come back and race in ’27, ’28 and beyond,” said Alderman Brian Hopkins. He added, “It’s time to hit the reset button and make sure that the Chicago taxpayers get what they’re entitled to.”
Discussions centered on logistical improvements, such as faster setup and teardown operations, as well as enhancing the event’s financial returns. NASCAR assured the city that community engagement would continue through 2026, with expanded efforts in local youth organizations and charity programs.
City officials estimate the total cost of preparing, dismantling, and running the event at around $15 million. Although NASCAR has shown strong interest in keeping the race in the city, its future will depend largely on support from key stakeholders and how well it fits into the broader schedule.
“They did tell us that, they’re only looking at coming back to Chicago in June, July, possibly August,” Hopkins said. “But August is very challenging for them. They didn’t rule it out, but they did say there was a much lower probability that they could make a date work in August.”
Alderman Bill Conway noted that while residents found the race somewhat disruptive, the inconvenience was less than expected. Feedback highlighted a major concern: holding the event during the July 4th holiday. Officials and NASCAR now agree that any future date should avoid that weekend.
The Economic Impact of the Chicago Street Race
From 2023 to 2025, the Chicago Street Race became NASCAR’s boldest urban experiment. In 2024 alone, the event generated a staggering $128 million for the city, with 2025 following closely behind. Over 50,000 fans attended despite the rain, pushing revenue past $100 million. The races weren’t just about laps and checkered flags—they became full-blown festivals, complete with live music, celebrity appearances, and unpredictable showdowns, including van Gisbergen’s dominance.
Chicago didn’t just host NASCAR; it helped the sport achieve its primary goal of reaching new markets and fans. The event proved that racing could thrive in urban settings, bringing in diverse audiences and boosting the city’s economy.
Why NASCAR Chose San Diego for 2026
NASCAR’s decision to skip Chicago in 2026 isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a strategic move. The Chicago race was part of a larger experiment to bring the sport into city centers and attract new fans. Over three years, the gamble paid off, with significant economic gains, rising attendance, and media buzz. Now, NASCAR is shifting focus to expand its fan base further.
The West Coast city is set to replace Chicago on the 2026 calendar, with early plans pointing to an audacious new venue: the Coronado Naval Base. This location, which served as a backdrop in Top Gun: Maverick, offers cinematic and cultural appeal—exactly the kind of spotlight NASCAR seeks as it blends racing with lifestyle and entertainment. The choice reflects NASCAR’s vision to increase its presence in iconic, urban-adjacent settings while attracting a broader, more diverse audience.
A Temporary Pause, Not a Farewell
Despite the 2026 hiatus, Chicago isn’t out of the picture entirely. Officials are vocal about wanting the race back, and NASCAR’s leadership has echoed that sentiment. 2027 remains a realistic target for a return. Talks are already underway, community support hasn’t waned, and the memory of Grant Park’s roaring engines still lingers.
For now, the streets may quiet down, but Chicago’s NASCAR story isn’t over—it’s just between chapters.