Overview

• NASCAR has a 90-day option to request a two-year extension with the Chicago Park District for 2026 and 2027 events
• Mayor Brandon Johnson signaled openness to retain the Grant Park street race but insisted it be moved off the Fourth of July weekend to ease law enforcement strain
• Downtown aldermen including Bill Conway and Brian Hopkins are pressing for greater input on date selection along with reduced setup and teardown windows
• Under current terms the city earns a $605,000 base permit fee, $2 per ticket sold, 25% of food and merchandise commissions and $2 million in supplemental public safety payments
• NASCAR’s parallel negotiations with San Diego officials on a potential 2026 street race cast doubt on Chicago’s guaranteed spot on next year’s schedule