Future of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race remains murky

CHICAGO (WGN) — The stock cars have sped off, bound for their next event, with no one really sure whether NASCAR will be winding through Chicago’s downtown streets this time next year.

As of Monday, there are two mutual options representing whether or not a street race will return to the Windy City.

One option is relocating the unique racing event to another city in the United States. NASCAR is reportedly nearing an agreement to put a street race in San Diego next year, but a second option appeared when officials with the motorsports organization said there is room for multiple street courses on the calendar.

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is reportedly open to the possibility of keeping the Chicago Street Race in town if the race’s annual date is changed. A part of that sticking point involves the setup for the race, specifically street closures and restrictions to public spaces, which have also been a point of contention for some downtown residents.

“When I do talk to my constituents, each of the last two years, they have said, ‘Hey, this is less inconvenient than we thought. But can we please not have this on July 4th weekend?'” said Ald. Bill Conway (34th Ward), who represents parts of Chicago’s Loop, South Loop, Greektown, West Loop, and Little Italy neighborhoods. “‘We want to be able to use the park for family events and whatnot on July 4th.’”

In 2022, then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed a pact with NASCAR that brought a street race to Chicago, much to the chagrin of several City Council members. At the time, several alders complained they were shut out of the negotiations.

When the Chicago Street Race debuted in 2023, weather slowed down the event. But in 2024, business was up. According to the Chicago Sports Commission, nearly 75,000 people from various countries and states delivered a total economic impact of $128 million.

“There’s the positive aspect of it, but there’s also NASCAR fatigue,” said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), who represents parts of Streeterville and Gold Coast. “We’re at a decision point right now where both the city and the Park District, along with NASCAR, have to agree that they want to extend for two more years, and I don’t think we’re anywhere near reaching an agreement.”

Hopkins said before any consequential steps are taken, he wants to make sure the revenue the race generates is worth the headache.

“I do believe we’ve fallen short of the expectations as a city for tourism. The hotels were not quite as full as we wanted. Restaurants weren’t as full as we wanted,” Hopkins said. “I think we were all expecting a little bit more of an economic impact, especially when you tie up Grant Park and downtown Chicago for the length of time that’s required for NASCAR.

“The question is, is the juice worth the squeeze? And it doesn’t appear to be right now.”

NASCAR has 90 days to request a contract extension with the City of Chicago.