The Chicago Street Course will not return to the NASCAR calendar in 2026, the sanctioning body announced Friday afternoon. The door remains open, however, for a future return.
The streets of the “Windy City” played host to NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series action for each of the past three seasons, culminating in the premier series‘ first street races of the modern era. From Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue, a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course became one of the most unique stops on the NASCAR slate.
A pause will result in at least one year without a race in downtown Chicago, but both NASCAR and city officials are working towards a goal of returning to the streets of Chicago in 2027.
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A statement shared to the event‘s social media accounts read: “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 optimizes operational efficiencies, with a goal to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027.
“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.”
Shane van Gisbergen won two of the three Cup Series races on the Chicago Street Course in addition to two of three Xfinity races. His 2023 victory in the event‘s inaugural run was historic as the New Zealand native became the first driver in 60 years to win his first Cup start, sparking what has become a full-time NASCAR career.
“This place has changed my life,” van Gisbergen said ahead of the 2025 edition of the event. “I’m going to have special memories of this place forever.”
The inaugural Chicago Street Race was named the “Event of the Year” by Sports Business Journal, recognizing the race as one of the boldest events in the history of NASCAR and American motorsports.
NASCAR also reiterated its intent to continue delivering benefits to local Chicago residents, particularly the city‘s youth and local business community by maintaining involvement with organizations like Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Boys & Girls Clubs, After School Matters, local hospitals and others.
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