This season, NASCAR will race at the intermediate oval of Chicagoland Speedway. A longtime track on the schedule during the 2000s, NASCAR has not been to the facility in years. However, updates have been made and the series will return this year.
So, does that mean Chicagoland is here to stay? Well, hold on. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic has reported that NASCAR is close to bringing back the Chicago Street Race for the 2027 season.
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Bianchi sites the July 4th date for the race in 2023 to 2025 caused issues with city officials. So, NASCAR and the city are trying to find another summer date that makes sense, but right now, Bianchi says there isn’t a clear date on when that would be.
Corey Heim racing in the No. 67 car at Chicago in 2025. © Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Last season, NASCAR and Chicago officials made it clear that they wanted to continue the event. However, logistics needed to be worked out and a one-year break was seen as necessary. Those desires to bring it back seem to be true.
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Of course, Shane van Gisbergen is the King of Chicago. He has won twice in the Cup Series race, 2023 and 2025, and is also a two-time winner in the O’Reilly Series race, 2024 and 2025. Trackhouse Racing has to be more than happy to see these rumors of a return.
Last season when it was clear the race wouldn’t return for 2026, there were discussions very publicly about bringing the race back for 2027. Getting away from the July 4th holiday is key for Chicago’s government and the citizens. Having a NASCAR race as a second summer festival/major event should be a good move for Chicago and the sport. Less reason for locals to turn negative against the race.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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