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NASCAR Pauses Chicago Street Race for 2026 Ahead of 2027 Return

The pause will help NASCAR streamline build logistics to address community concerns in Chicago.

Jul 6, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as fans watch the Grant Park 165 at Chicago Street Race. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • NASCAR confirmed it will not hold the Grant Park street-race event in Chicago in 2026, leaving the door open for a revamped return in 2027.
  • Officials said the yearlong hiatus is intended to allow rescheduling off the Fourth of July weekend and shorten the buildout and teardown times for local streets.
  • NASCAR is in ongoing negotiations with City of Chicago leaders to secure a new date and potentially adjust permit terms and public-safety fees.
  • Separately, the series is nearing a deal to stage a Cup Series street race in San Diego in 2026 and views it as a complement to its urban portfolio.
  • Chicagoland Speedway has emerged as a leading fallback option if no Chicago agreement is reached, while the Mexico City Cup race faces its own 2026 scheduling hurdles.