NASCAR Chicago Street Race Future in Question as 2026 Talks Remain Uncertain

Chicago, IL — With excitement building for the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, speculation is already mounting about the event’s future — particularly whether it will return to the city in 2026. At a recent community meeting, NASCAR Chicago President Julie Giese addressed those concerns, offering a measured but non-committal response.

“Again, right now, our focus is on this year’s event. We have those option years. We’ll have those conversations,” Giese said, according to a report by CBS Chicago.

The Chicago Street Race debuted in 2023 as a historic first — NASCAR’s maiden voyage into city streets — transforming iconic downtown landmarks and Grant Park into a temporary racing circuit. Though the event has generated buzz and brought fresh eyes to the sport, it has also drawn criticism from some residents over road closures, noise levels, and access restrictions during race weekend.

The current agreement between NASCAR and the City of Chicago runs through 2025, with two optional extension years (2026 and 2027) included in the contract. However, those extensions are contingent on mutual agreement between the city and the sanctioning body, meaning nothing beyond next year is guaranteed.

Giese’s comments suggest that NASCAR is taking a cautious, performance-based approach before deciding on long-term plans. The feedback from local communities and city officials, as well as economic impact data from the upcoming race, are likely to play a major role in determining whether the green flag will wave in Chicago again after 2025.

In the meantime, preparations are well underway for this year’s race weekend. NASCAR remains focused on improving operations, fan experience, and minimizing disruption as it hopes to solidify its place in the heart of the Windy City.

As for 2026 and beyond? The track is still open — but the decision remains in the hands of ongoing conversations.