NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race Faces Uncertain Future; San Diego Looms as Potential Replacement
CHICAGO (AP) — The NASCAR Cup Series’s upcoming race in downtown Chicago this July could be its last. Wiht the current three-year contract with the Chicago Park District expiring and no extension yet in place, rumors are swirling within NASCAR about a potential change of venue for the street race concept.
NASCAR Eyes Southern California,Pacific northwest for Street Race Expansion
NASCAR has expressed interest in expanding into Southern California,with San Diego emerging as a strong candidate to host a street-course race. While a deal for 2026 is uncertain, other markets, including the pacific northwest, are also being considered. NASCAR is also venturing outside the U.S., with a Cup race scheduled for June 15 at Autódromo Hermanos rodríguez in Mexico City—the first points race outside the U.S. as 1958.
Chicagoland Speedway: A Potential Oval Alternative
If NASCAR opts for another oval track instead of a street race, Chicagoland Speedway near Chicago is a logical choice. Despite being located in Joliet, Illinois, it maintains NASCAR’s presence in the Chicago market. The mile-and-a-half track, last used in 2019, is considered a good fit for the Next Gen car.
Upgrades Needed, But Chicago Presence maintained
While Chicagoland Speedway would require upgrades, sources indicate that the costs would be significantly less than those associated with hosting the Chicago Street Race. The track, which opened in 2001, hosted NASCAR races until 2019, before races were canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, and the track was ultimately excluded from the schedule.
Q: What specific challenges did NASCAR face hosting a race on a street course in Chicago?
NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Frequently Asked Questions
The future of NASCAR in Chicago is uncertain, with the street race potentially facing relocation. Hear’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
Q: Why is the Chicago Street Race’s future in doubt?
A: The current three-year contract with the Chicago Park District is expiring, and no extension has been agreed upon.
Q: Where else might NASCAR race?
A: NASCAR is considering venues in Southern California (San Diego is a strong contender), the pacific Northwest, and internationally. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City is scheduled for a Cup race,marking the first points race outside the U.S.since 1958.
Q: What about Chicagoland Speedway?
A: Chicagoland Speedway, located near Chicago, is a potential oval track alternative. It last hosted a NASCAR race in 2019 and is seen as a good fit for the Next Gen car, but needs upgrades. Fun Fact: Chicagoland Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series race in 2001.
Q: What are the financial implications?
A: Upgrading Chicagoland Speedway would likely be less expensive than running the Chicago Street Race, which involves considerable setup and infrastructure costs in a major city.
Whether the action stays in Chicago or heads West, NASCAR fans can expect exciting updates. Stay tuned to see where the next checkered flag drops!
