CHICAGO, IL – The dynamic setting of downtown Chicago is once again set to host a pivotal event in the NASCAR calendar. The 2025 season brings the highly anticipated Chicago Street Race, marking Round 2 of the innovative In-Season Challenge. As teams and drivers prepare to navigate the demanding urban circuit, the focus this weekend shifts to establishing crucial track position, beginning with Saturday’s qualifying session.
Scheduled for Sunday, July 6, the main event promises high-octane competition against the iconic city skyline. However, the path to victory on a street course is heavily influenced by the starting grid, making the preceding qualifying session exceptionally significant. This session is slated for Saturday, July 5, at 2 p.m. ET.
Understanding the Qualifying Process
The qualifying format for the Chicago Street Race is structured to provide teams with a limited but crucial opportunity to determine their starting order. A total of all 41 cars entered for the event are expected to participate in this single-round session.
The session is divided into two distinct groups, each allotted 20 minutes on the circuit. Unlike traditional qualifying drawn by lot or based purely on practice speeds, the grouping for this event is determined by a specific metric designed to blend recent performance and current standings. This metric weighs the previous race finish by owner at 70% and the current owner points position at 30%. This method aims to create competitive groupings while reflecting the ongoing season’s performance.
The tight confines of a street course amplify the importance of a favorable starting position. Passing opportunities are often limited, and starting towards the front can significantly mitigate the risks associated with multi-car incidents common on such challenging layouts. Therefore, the outcome of Saturday’s qualifying will be a critical factor influencing team strategies for Sunday’s race.
Schedule and Broadcast Details
Fans eager to follow the crucial qualifying action can tune in through multiple platforms. The session on Saturday, July 5, at 2 p.m. ET will be broadcast live on truTV, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. These broadcasts will provide comprehensive coverage, including expert analysis and real-time updates from the temporary street circuit.
Looking ahead to Sunday, July 6, the main NASCAR Cup Series race will be extensively covered. The broadcast partners for the feature event include TNT Sports/truTV, with streaming available on HBO Max. Radio coverage will continue to be provided by MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring fans have multiple ways to experience the race action.
Weekend Event Schedule
The NASCAR weekend in Chicago isn’t limited to just the Cup Series. The schedule also features the NASCAR Xfinity Series competing on the same challenging layout. The Xfinity Series race, known as The Loop 110, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 5, following Cup qualifying. The green flag for The Loop 110 is set for 4:30 pm ET.
The presence of both series underscores the magnitude of the Chicago Street Race event, offering fans a full day of racing action on Saturday before the main Cup Series event on Sunday. The unique logistical challenge of converting city streets into a race track adds another layer of intrigue to the weekend.
The Challenge of Street Racing in NASCAR
The Chicago Street Race represents a significant departure from NASCAR’s traditional oval and road course venues. Street circuits are notoriously demanding, characterized by concrete barriers, limited run-off areas, and abrasive surfaces. Drivers must exercise extreme precision and discipline, as even minor errors can result in significant damage or retirement from the race. The technical nature of the course, with its myriad of turns and short straights, puts a premium on braking performance, chassis setup, and driver adaptability.
Qualifying on such a circuit is not merely about raw speed but also about managing risk within the limited timeframe of the 20-minute group session. Finding the balance between pushing for a fast lap and avoiding contact with the unforgiving walls is paramount. The unique metric determining the groups adds an interesting variable, ensuring that recent form and season-long consistency play a role in the qualifying order, rather than solely relying on practice performance on the street course itself.
As teams prepare their cars and drivers walk the challenging circuit, the qualifying session on Saturday stands as the critical first competitive hurdle. Its outcome will significantly shape the narrative and strategies heading into Sunday’s highly anticipated Chicago Street Race, Round 2 of the 2025 NASCAR In-Season Challenge.
