After three years of taking place in Chicago’s Grant Park during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, NASCAR is moving to a new city.
Both NASCAR officials and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office confirmed the race wouldn’t return to the city in 2026, but on Wednesday, NASCAR announced where it was heading instead: San Diego.
The group said it plans to “make history” June 19-21, 2026, with a race at Naval Base Coronado.
“San Diego will host just the second street course in NASCAR’s modern era. The Chicago Street Course hosted Cup and Xfinity action for each of the past three seasons. The race weekend will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy,” a release stated.
More details are set to be released at a later date and tickets are slated to become available this fall.
“What a special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy, 250th anniversary of our country and put on what is going to be undoubtedly the most anticipated event of 2026,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, chief venue & racing innovation officer. “And I’m bullish on it being the best sporting event of the year.”
Still, NASCAR and Chicago officials both pledged to work towards bringing the race back to Chicago in 2027 — under a few changes.
The three-year deal for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race was reached during former mayor Lori Lightfoot’s term, with the deal including a two-year renewal option, according to the Chicago Tribune.
A letter from NASCAR sent to Johnson’s office attributed the decision to needing more time to reschedule the event and further reduce the buildup and breakdown times associated with the race.
“Following a successful three years, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to allow NASCAR to be responsive to residents’ and elected officials’ feedback. We will continue to work together toward a new potential date and develop a plan to further optimize operational efficiencies with the goal of the event’s return in 2027,” a statement from a NASCAR spokesperson said.
Julia Giese, the president of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, said NASCAR aims to return to Chicago in 2027 with a new date and shorter build schedule, according to the Tribune.
Giese added that NASCAR will remain active in community engagement efforts in Chicago next year despite the race’s hiatus.
In a statement, Johnson iterated a desire to move the race away from Independence Day weekend in an effort to reduce strain on law enforcement, adding that the city will explore new potential dates for a 2027 race.