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J.R. Gray Closes NHRA Pro Mod Regular Season at VMP with Another Win

J.R. Gray extended his incredible run in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series on Sunday at Virginia Motorsports Park, defeating Dmitry Samorukov in the final round to claim his third win in the past four races as part of this weekend’s American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals. It was the sixth of 10 […]

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J.R. Gray extended his incredible run in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series on Sunday at Virginia Motorsports Park, defeating Dmitry Samorukov in the final round to claim his third win in the past four races as part of this weekend’s American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals.

It was the sixth of 10 races during the 2025 NHRA Pro Mod season, and this weekend’s event was powered by DPFXFIT by GESi to close out the regular season in the category.

NHRA photo

Gray closed out the regular season in style in his Al-Anabi Performance Camaro, continuing a dominant run with a pass of 5.787 seconds at 251.49 mph to defeat Samorukov, who had an unfortunate showing in the championship round.

Samorukov lost control shortly off the starting line, hitting the left guard wall. He crossed the center line and then hit the right guard wall before coming to a stop. Samorukov was alert and exited the car under his own power and was examined onsite by NHRA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Surface before being released.

For Gray, it was the latest moment in a terrific 2025 campaign, as he won for the third time this season and the fourth time in his career. It was also his fourth straight final-round appearance as Gray continues to impress this season.

“I just believe everybody has to catch up,” Gray said. “We’re putting time in day in and day out, and there’s always somebody working on these cars. This is four finals in a row for me, and we’ve been in every final round as a team this year, so we’re really ready.”

To reach the final round, Gray, who qualified second, defeated Doug Winters, Derek Menholt and Sidnei Frigo.

Before the final round, Samorukov enjoyed a strong weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park, qualifying No. 1 with a 5.764 at 249.39 and then defeating former world champions Mike Castellana and Mike Janis, and Stan Shelton to reach the championship round for the second time in his career.

The points will reset for the final four races, with Gray taking the points lead into the playoffs as he looks for his first Congruity NHRA Pro Mod world championship.

The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series opens its Road to the Championship playoffs as part of the 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals on Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

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This story was originally published on June 23, 2025. Drag IllustratedDrag Illustrated





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Chicago Starting Lineup: July 2025 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)

NASCAR Xfinity Series starting positions and practice results from the Chicago Street Race NASCAR Xfinity Series teams are unloaded in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. The field is rolling to the 12-turn street course for a round of practice and qualifying. View the Chicago starting lineup for the NASCAR Xfinity Series below. Chicago MenuXfinity: Prac/Qual | RaceCup: […]

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NASCAR Xfinity Series starting positions and practice results from the Chicago Street Race

NASCAR Xfinity Series teams are unloaded in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. The field is rolling to the 12-turn street course for a round of practice and qualifying.

View the Chicago starting lineup for the NASCAR Xfinity Series below.

Chicago Menu
Xfinity: Prac/Qual | Race
Cup: Prac/Qual | Race

Chicago TV Schedule

Shane van Gisbergen starts from the pole position in today’s race.

Chicago Street Race
Starting Lineup
July 5, 2025
NASCAR Xfinity Series

Pos | Driver | Best Time

1. Shane van Gisbergen

2. Austin Hill

3. Sam Mayer

4. Sheldon Creed

5. Jack Perkins

6. Justin Allgaier

7. William Sawalich

8. Nick Sanchez

9. Jesse Love

10. Sammy Smith

11. Brandon Jones

12. Preston Pardus

13. Carson Kvapil

14. Alex Labbe

15. Harrison Burton

16. Connor Mosack

17. Austin Green

18. Matt DiBenedetto

19. Jeremy Clements

20. Annunziata

21. Daniel Dye

22. Brennan Poole

23. Blaine Perkins

24. Parker Retzlaff

25. Josh Bilicki

26. Brad Perez

27. Josh Williams

28. Anthony Alfredo

29. Castro

30. Kaz Grala

31. Jeb Burton

32. Ryan Ellis

33. Dean Thompson

34. Kyle Sieg

35. Connor Zilisch

36. Christian Eckes

Failed to qualify

Kris Wright

Sage Karam


Chicago Street Race
Practice Results
July 5, 2025
NASCAR Xfinity Series

Pos | Driver | Best Time

1. Shane van Gisbergen
91.328

2. Connor Zilisch
91.529

3. Sam Mayer
91.601

4. Jack Perkins
91.719

5. Sammy Smith
91.728

6. Austin Hill
91.937

7. Sheldon Creed
92.175

8. Justin Allgaier
92.262

9. Jesse Love
92.422

10. Carson Kvapil
92.440

11. Nick Sanchez
92.476

12. Brandon Jones
92.545

13. Josh Williams
92.933

14. William Sawalich
93.087

15. Taylor Gray
93.164

16. Sage Karam
93.346

17. Alex Labbe
93.404

18. Preston Pardus
93.458

19. Josh Bilicki
93.501

20. Connor Mosack
93.664

21. Matt DiBenedetto
93.677

22. Andre Castro
93.678

23. Harrison Burton
93.701

24. Austin Green
93.811

25. Brennan Poole
94.069

26. Jeremy Clements
94.123

27. Kaz Grala
94.134

28. Thomas Annunziata
94.151

29. Daniel Dye
94.269

30. Ryan Ellis
94.336

31. Parker Retzlaff
94.685

32. Jeb Burton
94.830

33. Dean Thompson
95.011

34. Brad Perez
95.285

35. Kyle Sieg
95.663

36. Blaine Perkins
96.202

37. Anthony Alfredo
96.318

38. Christian Eckes
96.821

39. Kris Wright
97.224

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NASCAR’s Shane van Gisbergen is hoping for another successful weekend in downtown Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) – The first time Shane van Gisbergen raced in Chicago, he was largely unknown in NASCAR. The second time, he was one of the favorites on the downtown street course. The third time is a different situation for van Gisbergen once again. This time, he has a second Cup Series victory in his […]

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The first time Shane van Gisbergen raced in Chicago, he was largely unknown in NASCAR. The second time, he was one of the favorites on the downtown street course.

The third time is a different situation for van Gisbergen once again. This time, he has a second Cup Series victory in his back pocket — providing some flexibility for the 36-year-old New Zealand native as he prepares for the playoffs.

“We’re in a nice position now having won a race,” van Gisbergen said Friday. “And it may change our strategy. If we’re in a position to get a playoff point, we’ll probably try and get that, but that’ll put us deep in the field for the next stage. So yeah, there’s a bit of a toss-up there what we’re going to do, but it’s a nice position to be in.”

Sure is.

‘This place has changed my life’

The backstory:

Just two years ago, van Gisbergen — a three-time champion in Australia’s Supercars — put on a dazzling show in a rainy first edition of NASCAR’s downtown Chicago experiment. Making the most of his extensive street racing experience, he became the first driver to win his Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford in the second qualifying race at Daytona in 1963.

He won Chicago’s Xfinity Series stop last year and the first stage in the Cup race before he was knocked out by a crash.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 06: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #97 WeatherTech Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 at Chicago Street Course on July 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by James

“You know, I have great memories here,” van Gisbergen said. “This place has changed my life, so I’m going to have special memories of this place forever.”

Van Gisbergen’s success in Chicago led to a full-time Cup ride with Trackhouse Racing. But the driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet is learning his way around NASCAR and he got off to a slow start this season.

While oval tracks remain a challenge, he certainly hasn’t forgotten his roots on street and road courses. He posted his second Cup win last month at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.

A tricky racecourse

What’s next:

Van Gisbergen is scheduled to compete in both Chicago races this weekend. Next up for NASCAR is another road course at Sonoma Raceway, providing an opportunity to move up from No. 32 in the Cup standings and build up some momentum.

“Road courses are just a bonus for us,” he said. “We know we’re going to be good and we can just focus on trying to get results there.”

Even after two years, the downtown Chicago street course remains a tricky proposition. The 12-turn, 2.2-mile track is narrow and bumpy in spots — to go along with manhole covers, and transitions from concrete to asphalt and back — and there is little room for error in some areas. Rain affected the action in each of the first two weekends, and there could be more showers on Sunday.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 06: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #97 WeatherTech Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 at Chicago Street Course on July 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty

Patience is sometimes the best approach, but that only goes so far in NASCAR.

“It’s easy to say that until Shane is out there a second faster than you and you have to go put yourself in some uncomfortable situations,” said Joey Logano, the reigning Cup Series champion.

When it comes to van Gisbergen on road courses, Logano said the rest of the Cup Series is “in a way, playing catch-up.” Van Gisbergen said he feels the same way about ovals.

“These guys have been doing left-handers since they were 10 years old,” van Gisbergen said. “You know, they’re two completely different sports, and although there has been road racing in NASCAR forever, it’s not that much. So yeah, just the experience levels are different in what we do. And I feel like, yes, they’ve definitely gotten a lot better since the first one on this track, for sure.”

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NASCAR Chicago Street Course changes made at request of drivers – Motorsport – Sports

NASCAR will be embarking on the third running of the Grant Park 165, and drivers are an important resource in helping the street course evolve over time.  Stock car racing will return to Chicago, and former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose was announced as the Grand Marshal for the street race in his hometown. In […]

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NASCAR will be embarking on the third running of the Grant Park 165, and drivers are an important resource in helping the street course evolve over time. 

Stock car racing will return to Chicago, and former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose was announced as the Grand Marshal for the street race in his hometown. In preparation for the race, the city of Chicago has closed some of its roads to repair damage sustained from the heat, while NASCAR found a replacement sponsor in Arby’s after losing McDonald’s sponsorship earlier in 2025.

And as NASCAR continues to prepare for the upcoming street race, it received valuable feedback from its drivers on how to make the Grant Park 165 more palatable for those competing. Ahead of last year’s iteration of the Chicago street race, NASCAR adjusted the choose zone to before Turn 6.

In the first iteration of the race in 2023, the choose zone came at Turn 9. The restart zone remains the same, just before Turn 12 and those changes were made at the request of drivers who experienced the track for the first time, with Shane van Gisbergen notching his first Cup Series race in 2023. 

Interestingly, the two most recent winners at Chicago had entirely different fates from when they won. After Van Gisbergen’s win in 2023, the New Zealander finished the next year’s race. Meanwhile, Alex Bowman finished last in 2023 and won the race the next year. 

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While what happens on the streets should be the focus of the weekend, having someone of Rose’s stature as the Grand Marshal could distract from the race itself. Rose, who hails from Chicago, is a former NBA MVP and had arguably the best years of his career donning the Bulls jersey. 

He led the Bulls to their most successful era of basketball since Michael Jordan retired in 1998 and was named a three-time All-Star, an All-NBA First Team selection, the Rookie of the Year, and an All-Rookie First Team selection. The formerly explosive guard helped lead the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010-2011 season, the first time Chicago advanced that far into the playoffs since Jordan. 

The Bulls have not gotten to that point since then, with the front office determining whether or not it should rebuild or retool. In a statement, Rose expressed his excitement to be part of the biggest motorsports event of the year in his city. 

“It’s an honor to be part of such an incredible event in my hometown,” his statement read. “Chicago has always supported me throughout my career, and I’m excited to give back to the fans and be part of this amazing racing weekend in Grant Park.”

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NASCAR give Derrick Rose important role at Chicago Street Race

NASCAR In-Season Challenge matchups at Chicago after bracket-busting Atlanta chaos

Chicago streets close ahead of NASCAR race after heat dome damage

Along with the 36-year-old being the Grand Marshal, the Grant Park 165 will also host the second round of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge. A massive 18-car wreck in Atlanta saw Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano and top seed Denny Hamlin lose their respective matchups. 

After Chicago, races in Sonoma, Dover and Indianapolis will determine the winner of the $1 million prize when the dust settles. Before that point, however, the streets had to be repaired after excessive heat damaged the circuit. 

Having a proper track is important, especially considering Chicago has become one of the “highlights” of the city’s summer calendar.

“We look forward to continuing to build on the tremendous success of 2023 and 2024 to deliver one of the most unique sporting events in the country and continuing to help drive tourism to Chicago,” Julie Giese, the Chicago Street Race President, said. 



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TUNE-IN ALERT! Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile on FloRacing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – July 5, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, continues TODAY with ROUND 8 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds with the Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile on Saturday, July 5, in DuQuoin, IL.  The Mission AFT SuperTwins and AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship continues to […]

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – July 5, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) The 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, continues TODAY with ROUND 8 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds with the Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile on Saturday, July 5, in DuQuoin, IL. 

The Mission AFT SuperTwins and AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship continues to be up for grabs when the action begins with the gates opening at 2:00 p.m. EST (10:00 a.m. PST) and the first practice starting at 3:00 p.m. EST (11:00 a.m. PST). The day includes a Rider Q&A session and a Rider Autograph session which will take place in the grandstands at the Start/Finish line on stage before Opening Ceremonies.

For those who can’t catch the action from the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Catch every second of today’s on-track action, starting with practice and qualifying and concluding with the victory podium, at https://flosports.link/aft. The Rider Q&A will be live-streamed on Facebook.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

About Progressive American Flat Track: 

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, please visit us on the web, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check us out on Instagram and catch all the Progressive American Flat Track racing action on FOX Sports. 

Source: Progressive American Flat Track

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Schedule, course layout, closures and more – NBC Chicago

The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race has finally arrived, with the world’s best stock car drivers bringing their talents to the Windy City. Both the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series will take on the 2.14-mile track over the weekend, and the hope is that Mother Nature will cooperate after shortening multiple races over the […]

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The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race has finally arrived, with the world’s best stock car drivers bringing their talents to the Windy City.

Both the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series will take on the 2.14-mile track over the weekend, and the hope is that Mother Nature will cooperate after shortening multiple races over the two previous seasons that NASCAR has come to Chicago.

Here is a full breakdown of the race week schedule, street closures and more.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race starting times, schedule

Things get underway on the circuit Saturday morning with Xfinity Series practice, with qualifying set for 10:35 a.m.

The Cup Series drivers then take over the track for practice and qualifying before the Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 race, with the green flag flying at 3:30 p.m.

The Cup Series race will take place Sunday.

Here is the full schedule of events:

Saturday –

10:35 a.m.

Xfinity Series – Qualifying

12 p.m.

Cup Series – Practice

1:05 p.m.

Cup Series – Qualifying

3:30 p.m.

Xfinity Series – The Loop 110

Sunday –

1 p.m.

Cup Series- Grant Park 165

Where can you watch the race on TV?

The Xfinity Series race on Saturday will air on The CW, according to NASCAR.

The Cup Series race on Sunday will air on TNT and stream on HBO Max.

What is the course layout?

The track configuration takes drivers on a 2.14-mile loop through Chicago’s Grant Park, racing down some of the city’s most iconic streets, including DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue.

The front straightaway brings drivers to the start-finish line in front of Buckingham Fountain before they take the first turn onto Balbo Drive, racing toward Lake Michigan. The second turn takes drivers onto DuSable Lake Shore Drive, racing south until they reach Roosevelt Road.

After a quick series of turns, the drivers find themselves back on Columbus Drive, racing on a long straight back toward Balbo Drive, where they then turn west at Turn No. 6. Turn 7 brings them briefly onto Michigan Avenue, with Turn 8 taking them on a sweeping curve around Congress Plaza Drive.

The cars then get back onto Michigan Avenue before turning east onto Jackson Drive, with the final turn coming as they head back south on Columbus Drive toward the start-finish line.

How many laps are scheduled for each race?

For the Xfinity Series race, drivers are scheduled to complete a total of 50 laps for the 110-mile race distance.

The Cup Series race is slightly longer, clocking in at 75 laps for a 165-mile distance.

Preparations are in their final stages for the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, the third occurrence of the race. NBC Chicago’s Courtney Sisk reports.

What roads are closed for the race weekend?

Some major streets in the Loop are closed for the race, including DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.

Here is a full list, as published by the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

-SB DuSable Lake Shore Dr. from Randolph St. to McFetridge Dr.

-NB DuSable Lake Shore Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Randolph St.

-NB Michigan Ave. from Roosevelt Rd. to Monroe St.

-SB Michigan Ave. from south of Monroe St. to 8th St.

-Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.

-Columbus Dr. from Roosevelt Rd. to Monroe St.

-Roosevelt Rd. from DuSable Lake Shore Dr. to Michigan Ave.

-Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.

-Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.

-Ida B. Wells Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.

-Congress Plaza Dr. from Harrison St. to Van Buren St.

-NB Indiana Ave. from Roosevelt Rd. to 13th St.

-Post Place: Entrance and exit of Lower Wacker Dr.

-Garvey Ct.: Entrance and exit of Lower Wacker Dr.

After the race concludes on Sunday, crews will begin work dismantling structures around Grant Park, with the aim of reopening DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Michigan Avenue first.

More information can be found on the OEMC website.

Will the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be held again?

NASCAR and the city of Chicago reached a three-year agreement to put on the race prior to the 2023 edition of the event.

As of now, there has been no indication that the race will be held in 2026, and NASCAR has not yet announced their full schedule of dates.

According to the terms of the contract the two sides signed, NASCAR would have to request a date for the 2026 race within 90 days of the conclusion of this week’s events.



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Michael Jordan got one over on NASCAR with Bubba Wallace – Motorsport – Sports

Michael Jordan scored a big win over NASCAR ahead of Sunday’s Cup Series race on the streets of Chicago. $260 billion giant McDonald’s continues to sponsor 23XI Racing star Bubba Wallace after pulling out of its deal to sponsor the event earlier this year. McDonald’s was the founding sponsor of NASCAR’s Chicago street race for […]

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Michael Jordan scored a big win over NASCAR ahead of Sunday’s Cup Series race on the streets of Chicago. $260 billion giant McDonald’s continues to sponsor 23XI Racing star Bubba Wallace after pulling out of its deal to sponsor the event earlier this year. McDonald’s was the founding sponsor of NASCAR’s Chicago street race for the first two years.

However, before its third year, NASCAR suffered a substantial financial hit after  McDonald’s ended its partnership, which generated $2 million from the fast food giant every year alongside the other three partners. McDonald’s had initially committed to a three-year collaboration to include the 2025 NASCAR season, but they decided to withdraw from the deal.

In a small win for NBA legend Jordan and 23XI, who are still locked in a bitter antitrust lawsuit with NASCAR, McDonald’s will continue to sponsor driver Wallace. The fast food chain will represent the fast food chain in the Windy City this weekend. The iconic McDonald’s logo is regularly seen on Wallace’s car, helmet, and uniform and will be on parade this weekend.

Wallace, 23XI, Jordan, and McDonald’s will be hoping for a win this weekend. The 31-year-old’s last Cup victory came at Kansas in 2022. Wallace missed the Cup playoffs last year with an 18th-place finish in the regular season.

A win this year will book his automatic spot in the postseason. Wallace has six top-ten finishes, including back-to-back top-three results at Homestead-Miami and Martinsville.

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Wallace car owner Denny Hamlin expects Wallace to snap the winless streak. Last year’s regular season champion, Tyler Reddick, is winless in 2025, too.

“I just know the resources that we’ve put in at 23XI, and all of our drivers should win,” said Hamlin, who has three wins to his name under Joe Gibbs Racing’s banner. “That is the expectation that I have of them. Obviously, it is a results-based business, and if you don’t over time, you consider your options.

“Overall, I’ve seen enough progression, specifically, from the [Wallace] standpoint, that I can see where this can go. Putting himself in a playoff position year after year is good, but winning makes it better.”

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“It is just so much easier if you have issues and you want to kick and scream, do it to us [at the shop],” Hamlin added. “When you do it outwardly in the public and in the media, it creates a lot of other distractions that you have to deal with.

“He’s made it easier. … He hasn’t even existed for a third of the races when it comes to finishes. I think it just shows how strong that they are, and what they are capable of doing.”



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