NASCAR will not return to Chicago Street Course in 2026

The Chicago Road Course race has been a part of the NASCAR Cup schedule since 2023 in a daring transfer to convey road racing to the highest degree of the game. Nonetheless, after three years, the occasion won’t return in 2026. It is price noting that the door stays open for a doable return in 2027. 

“Thanks for all that you’ve achieved to make the NASCAR Chicago Road Race one of the crucial iconic occasions in world sports activities,” an official assertion from the occasion learn. “Following the success of the primary three years, the Chicago Road Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time essential to work collaboratively with the Metropolis of Chicago to discover a brand new potential date and to develop a plan that additional optimizes operational efficiencies, with a objective to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027.

“Collectively, now we have constructed and grown an expanded neighborhood of followers that consists of longtime NASCAR fans and first-time racegoers from across the globe, and for that, we’re immensely grateful.Thanks on your continued help – and we stay up for seeing you on the races.”

Why was Chicago dropped?

Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Cole Custer, Haas Manufacturing unit Staff Ford

Picture by: James Gilbert / Getty Pictures

This information comes after experiences emerged about NASCAR contemplating a return to Chicagoland Speedway, an intermediate oval positioned simply 50 miles from the town. NASCAR can also be exploring choices for a brand new road course race, focusing their efforts on San Diego as they try and put a deal collectively.

Shane van Gisbergen burst onto the NASCAR scene by way of the inaugural working of the Chicago Road Course race, successful on debut in a second that propelled him to a full-time profession within the sport. Alex Bowman gained in 2024, whereas SVG regained his crown in 2025 with one other spectacular victory. He additionally swept the weekend, successful the Xfinity race on Saturday as effectively. Scheduled for Fourth of July weekend, the occasion has additionally been marred by rain and inclement climate, however it was well-received by these in attendance.

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