NASCAR says no Chicago Street Race next year, but it could return in 2027

CHICAGO (AP) — NASCAR is pressing pause on its Chicago Street Race, answering at least one major question about its schedule for next season. NASCAR raced on a street course in downtown Chicago on the first weekend in July each of the last three years. But it had a three-year contract with the city, leaving the future of the event in question. Writing to Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday, race president Julie Giese said the plan is to explore the potential of a new event weekend with his office and other community leaders while also working on a more efficient course build and breakdown. "Our goal is for the Chicago Street Race to return in 2027 with an event that further enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike, as we work together towards a new potential date, shorter build schedule, and additional tourism draws," Giese wrote in her letter to Johnson. Giese said NASCAR is keeping its Chicago Street Race office and plans to continue its community partnerships. "We deeply value our relationship with the City of Chicago and remain steadfast in our commitment to being a good neighbor and partner," she said in the letter. NASCAR is replacing its Chicago stop with a street race in San Diego. A message was left Friday seeking comment from Johnson's office. NASCAR's Chicago weekend featured Xfinity and Cup Series races on a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and Grant Park — to go along with a festival-like atmosphere with music and entertainment options. The goal was an event that appealed to both a new audience in one of NASCAR's most important regions and the most ardent racing fans. NASCAR used to race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, a 45-mile drive from downtown, but it pulled out after the 2019 season. Johnson's predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, was in charge when the three-year contract for the downtown weekend was finalized. It wasn't exactly a popular move in Chicago. Local businesses and residents were frustrated by the street closures in a heavily trafficked area for tourists in the summer. But organizers shrunk the construction schedule from 43 days in 2023 to 25 this year, winning over some of the race's critics. Drivers and their teams had some concerns about the course ahead of the first weekend. But the setup was widely praised by the time the third year rolled around — both the course and the ability to walk to the circuit from their downtown hotel. Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson called Chicago "probably my favorite event in NASCAR each year." The racing in downtown Chicago has been dominated by Shane van Gisbergen, who won the Xfinity and Cup races this year from the pole. He also won in Chicago in his Cup debut in 2023 and last year's Xfinity Series race. "I love the track," he said after this year's Cup win. "It's a cool place to come to. You feel a nice vibe. You feel a good vibe in the mornings walking to the track with the fans. It's pretty unique like that." ___ AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing