In a surprising move, McDonald’s, the Chicago-based fast-food giant valued at over $200 billion, has ended its founding sponsorship of NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race after a two-year partnership. This decision concludes McDonald’s involvement a year earlier than the original three-year agreement. The company’s logo has been removed from NASCAR Chicago’s partner page, signaling the end of this specific collaboration.
Despite withdrawing from the Chicago Street Race, McDonald’s continues to maintain a significant presence in NASCAR through its sponsorship of 23XI Racing and driver Bubba Wallace. The company’s branding remains prominently featured on Wallace’s car and racing suit, underscoring its ongoing commitment to the team and the sport.
The departure of McDonald’s from the Chicago Street Race sponsorship raises questions about the event’s future, especially as the current three-year agreement with the city approaches its final year without a renewal in place. The loss of a major local sponsor like McDonald’s may influence NASCAR’s decisions regarding the continuation or relocation of the street race concept.
This development also coincides with an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR and the France family, alleging anti-competitive practices within the organization. Recently, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell denied NASCAR’s motion to dismiss the case, allowing it to proceed to the discovery phase, with a trial scheduled for December 1, 2025.
While McDonald’s has ended its sponsorship of the Chicago Street Race, its continued support for 23XI Racing and Bubba Wallace highlights the company’s sustained investment in NASCAR. The implications of this sponsorship change, both for the Chicago Street Race and the broader NASCAR community, remain to be seen as the sport navigates these developments.
