The streets of Grant Park will not host the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in 2027. NASCAR announced on Tuesday that it will not proceed with the return of the street race next summer. However, they remain optimistic about bringing it back in the future.
Instead, NASCAR will return to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet next summer. This decision follows a successful event held at the southwest suburban track over the July Fourth weekend.
NASCAR had intended to include both Chicago and Joliet in the 2027 schedule. Unfortunately, negotiations with the city regarding the street race did not progress in time. Despite efforts from both NASCAR and city officials, the organization issued a statement confirming their commitment to the Chicagoland region and their hope to bring the street race back eventually.
The Chicago Street Race transformed Grant Park into an urban racecourse from 2023 to 2025, but took a break this year. The pause allowed NASCAR and the city to work on reducing disruption and improving the event’s success. During the hiatus, the race took place at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado as a one-year alternative.
NASCAR aimed to return the street race to Chicago in 2027 but couldn’t finalize the deal by the next year’s schedule deadline. A key challenge involved a $10 million funding gap for a state grant meant to offset NASCAR’s costs. The state offered $5 million, but NASCAR sought a total of $15 million.
Race fans in the Chicago area still have an opportunity to see top NASCAR drivers compete, but they’ll need to travel a bit further. NASCAR’s Cup Series will return to Joliet, following a successful event that saw a turnout of 50,000 fans from diverse locations, all witnessing Chase Briscoe’s victory.
The scheduled Cup Series event at Chicagoland Speedway will take place from June 25 to June 27, 2027. Jacque Herrera, the general manager of Chicagoland Speedway, expressed enthusiasm, acknowledging the strong response from fans and the importance of reinstating Joliet in the NASCAR schedule.
For Chicago, the absence of the street race is significant. The event had attracted new fans despite weather challenges and local opposition. During its years of operation, the race highlighted Chicago positively to millions and generated notable economic and media benefits, as reported by the city’s tourism agency, Choose Chicago.
Although profitable only slightly, due to an annual $2 million payment from NASCAR, the event did not yield a substantial financial gain overall. NASCAR operated at a financial loss all three years in Chicago but has decided to keep its downtown office open. They will also continue community initiatives linked to the race.