{"id":42257,"date":"2025-07-06T02:22:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T02:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/42257\/"},"modified":"2025-07-06T02:22:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T02:22:17","slug":"a-look-at-nascar-chicago-street-race-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/42257\/","title":{"rendered":"A look at NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

As NASCAR fans from across the globe gathered for the 2025 Chicago Street Race on Saturday, some spectators reveled in the moment more than usual, knowing it may be the last time the city hosts the event.<\/a><\/p>\n

This is the third and final year of NASCAR\u2019s contract with the city for the Fourth of July weekend event. Racing officials have not released a full schedule for 2026, and Mayor Brandon Johnson has so far not committed to bringing NASCAR back.<\/p>\n

NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese has been tight-lipped about NASCAR\u2019s future in the city, as well<\/a>. A two-year extension for the course to stay in Chicago remains possible, but far from certain. Races in the previous two years have been met with rainy weather, leading to lengthy delays.<\/p>\n

Some residents have been lukewarm about the event, as it comes with street closures that make 10 commonly used intersections<\/a> inaccessible. And after days of snarled traffic and rerouted buses, it takes awhile for the Loop to return to normal.<\/p>\n

Amid the uncertainty, thousands of dedicated racing fans streamed into Chicago\u2019s Grant Park early Saturday morning, braving the hot weather but enjoying clear blue skies as drivers completed their initial practice runs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am out here because this will probably be the last year,\u201d said John Drexler, a 66-year-old truck driver from Schaumburg and self-described \u201cgearhead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"FansFans enjoy the atmosphere in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

Drexler said it would be a shame to lose a spectacle, which showcases Chicago\u2019s skyline for an international audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been a racing fan for more than 50 years, so I hope they bring it back,\u201d he said. \u201cMonaco and Long Beach are the only cities that are even comparable to this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many spectators watched the race \u2014 and visited Chicago \u2014 for the first time. The street course rookies seemed in awe of the atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo far it\u2019s been awesome. I\u2019m over the moon,\u201d said Scott Russell, 52, who traveled from Melbourne, Australia. \u201cI paid a fortune for tickets (because) I thought if I\u2019m going to do this, I\u2019m going to do this properly. I would definitely come back to Chicago without a doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n