NASCAR has confirmed that the Chicago Street Race will not take place in 2026, bringing a temporary halt to what has been one of the sport’s most groundbreaking events. The decision, announced on Friday, comes after three consecutive years of Cup and Xfinity Series competition on the downtown Chicago layout.
Despite the pause, both NASCAR and city officials have expressed a mutual desire to bring the event back in 2027, with discussions ongoing about potential date changes and operational improvements.
“Following the success of the first three years, the Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time necessary to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago to explore a new potential date and to develop a plan that further optimises operational efficiencies, with a goal to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027,” read a statement shared by event organisers.
“Together, we have built and grown an expanded community of fans that consists of longtime NASCAR enthusiasts and first-time racegoers from around the globe, and for that, we are immensely grateful.”
First held in 2023, the Chicago Street Race marked the first-ever street race in NASCAR Cup Series history. The 2.2-mile, 12-turn circuit weaved through iconic city landmarks like Columbus Drive, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and Michigan Avenue.
The event quickly gained recognition as a bold new chapter in American motorsport, even earning “Event of the Year” honours from Sports Business Journal for its inaugural edition.
A central figure in the race’s brief but memorable history has been Shane van Gisbergen. The Kiwi stunned the motorsport world in 2023 by winning his Cup Series debut on the streets of Chicago, becoming the first driver in 60 years to win in his first start.
He followed that up with another Cup win in 2025, as well as two Xfinity Series victories at the venue.
“This place has changed my life,” van Gisbergen said ahead of the 2025 event.
“I’m going to have special memories of this place forever.”
Across the three-year run, only two drivers captured victory in the Cup Series event, van Gisbergen in 2023 and 2025, and Alex Bowman in 2024.
While the race drew international attention and new fans to NASCAR, the event’s alignment with the 4th of July weekend became a point of contention with some in the Chicago administration, who sought to shift the event away from the holiday.
“It’s disappointing that negotiators haven’t been able to move this event off the July 4th weekend, especially given how NASCAR has provided Chicago the opportunity to shine on the world stage,” said Alderman Bill Conway of the 34th Ward.
“Over the past two years, NASCAR has made meaningful efforts to reduce disruptions for residents and businesses along the race route, streamline setup and takedown, and maintain open lines of communication with our community.
“I hope parties return to the table with a commitment to making this event work even better for Chicago, both logistically and financially.”
NASCAR has made it clear that the partnership with the city extends beyond racing, with the organisation continuing to invest in local initiatives. These include collaborations with Chicago Public Schools, the Park District, Boys & Girls Clubs, After School Matters, and various hospitals and community organisations.
While the future of the downtown street race is being reconsidered, speculation is swirling around potential alternatives. San Diego, specifically Coronado, has been mentioned as a possible new venue for a street race.
There is also talk of reviving Chicagoland Speedway, the 1.5-mile oval located approximately 80 kilometres southwest of the city, which last hosted a Cup race in 2019.
Though the engines will fall silent on the streets of Chicago in 2026, the legacy of the event and hopes for its return remain alive.
“Thank you for all that you have done to make the NASCAR Chicago Street Race one of the most iconic events in global sports,” the organisers added.
Header Image: Trackhouse Racing
