CHICAGO – As downtown Chicago continues preparations and construction for the 2025 NASCAR street race, significant uncertainty persists regarding the event’s future in the city beyond the upcoming season. According to a report published on June 30, 2025, the long-term prospects of the controversial yet high-profile race remain unclear, even as event organizers engage in ongoing discussions with city officials about the contractual agreement.
The current situation finds the race contract entering its third year, prompting questions about potential extensions or a renewal necessary for the event to continue in Chicago in 2026 and subsequent years. Track president Julie Giese indicated that, at this juncture, the primary focus for NASCAR and event organizers is the successful execution of the 2025 race. Parallel to these operational efforts, dialogue with the City of Chicago regarding the future of the contract is reportedly ongoing.
Contractual Background and City Hall Engagement
The initial agreement that brought NASCAR to the streets of downtown Chicago was finalized during the tenure of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. This foundational contract set the stage for the races held in 2023 and 2024, and is now the basis for the planned 2025 event. The transition in city leadership to Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced a new dynamic to the ongoing negotiations regarding the race’s future footprint in the city.
Reports indicate that messages seeking comment on the race’s future were reportedly left with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office, highlighting the current lack of public clarity or comment from the city’s top executive on the matter. The outcome of these discussions between NASCAR leadership, including figures like Giese, and Mayor Johnson’s administration will ultimately determine whether the unique urban racing spectacle becomes a longer-term fixture on the Chicago calendar.
Operational Insights and Challenges
Despite the overarching contractual uncertainty, preparations on the ground for the 2025 race are proceeding. The event’s staging involves complex logistics, transforming city streets into a temporary race circuit. Giese offered insights into some operational aspects, noting that industry personnel involved in the race are arriving early, many opting to spend additional time enjoying the city ahead of the event.
Furthermore, the downtown location offers convenience for drivers, who find it advantageous to stay in hotels situated near the temporary course. This proximity simplifies logistics for the athletes and teams participating in the event. However, the race has not been without its challenges. Wet weather has notably affected previous races, adding an unpredictable element to the street circuit competition and impacting both race conditions and potentially attendance or fan experience.
Broader NASCAR Strategy and Potential Expansion
The discussions in Chicago occur within a broader context of NASCAR’s strategic exploration of urban and non-traditional racing venues. A report from The Athletic on June 18 indicated that NASCAR was nearing an agreement for a street race in the San Diego area. This potential expansion suggests NASCAR’s continued interest in bringing its brand of racing to major metropolitan markets, potentially using street circuits as a vehicle for reaching new audiences.
The San Diego report suggested a possible announcement regarding that race could come in July. While the outcome of the San Diego discussions is separate from the Chicago situation, it underscores NASCAR’s business strategy and could implicitly influence negotiations in Chicago or signal the availability of alternative locations for the series should a long-term agreement in Chicago not materialize.
Race History and Performance
The two races held thus far in Chicago have delivered notable moments. The inaugural event in 2023 saw New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen, a Supercars champion making his NASCAR Cup Series debut, take a historic victory. In 2024, Alex Bowman secured the win on the challenging street circuit. These past winners represent the competitive nature of the event, even as it navigates logistical and environmental challenges like the aforementioned wet weather.
As the 2025 race approaches, all eyes remain on the city of Chicago and NASCAR leadership. The outcome of their ongoing contract discussions will determine whether the brief history established by winners like Shane van Gisbergen and Alex Bowman on the city’s streets will continue to grow in future years, or if the 2025 event will mark the conclusion of NASCAR’s controversial downtown Chicago experiment.
