Chicago street circuit dropped from NASCAR schedule for 2026

NASCAR will not return to Chicago in 2026 but has not ruled out eventually running the street course again in the future. 

The event’s official social media account posted Friday evening that the race will be paused for next season. NASCAR raced in Chicago around Fourth of July weekend the last three years.

“Thank you for all that you have done to make the NASCAR Chicago Street Race one of the most iconic events in global sports,” the post 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. Thank you for your continued support – and we look forward to seeing you at the races.”

Julie Giese, president of the Chicago street course, also sent a personal letter to Brandon Johnson, Chicago’s mayor, informing him of the decision. Giese thanked Johnson for the city’s support and partnership, and noted the continued feedback from residents, shareholders and the administration as they evaluated the events future. The goal, Giese said, is to return in 2027. 

“We are extremely proud of what we have achieved together,” Giese wrote. “During its first two years alone, the Chicago Street Race generated more than $236 million in economic impact, including support for hundreds of local jobs across the hospitality, tourism and construction industry. NASCAR fans from all 50 states and more than three dozen countries from around the globe booked travel, stayed at hotels, and dined in local restaurants – driving community investment and economic opportunity for Chicagoans. In addition, the race delivered significant media value. The 2023 and 2024 broadcast on NBC reached millions across the globe, resulting in an estimated $67 million in international media value for Chicago. 

Giese later writes, “We deeply value our relationship with the City of Chicago and remain steadfast in our commitment to being a good neighbor and partner. With the collaboration of your administration, the Chicago Sports Commission, Choose Chicago, the State of Illinois and every city department involved, we’ve brought a major international sporting event to life in Chicago that not only energized downtown but also showcased the greatness of the city to a global audience.”

NASCAR had a three year contract with the city of Chicago for the street course, which ended this year. There was a two-year option deal in the contract, and the city appeared interested in continuing its partnership with NASCAR if a different race date would be considered. 

Shane van Gisbergen won two of the three NASCAR Cup Series races held in Chicago (2023, ‘25). Alex Bowman won the other (2024). 

Cole Custer won the inaugural Xfinity Series race (2023). Van Gisbergen won the following two years (2024, ‘25). 

San Diego is expected to be added to the NASCAR schedule for 2026. RACER reported earlier this week that NASCAR appears set to announce the event around the middle of next week.