As 2025 begins, discussions about next year’s NASCAR schedule are already heating up. This year’s Cup Series calendar marks a bold step by the sanctioning body. While it retained many traditional races, it also introduced the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and planned an ambitious international race in Mexico City.
However, some concerns arose in the NASCAR community, particularly over Richmond Raceway losing one of its dates. This decision puzzled some fans, especially given the retention of Charlotte Roval despite the addition of several road course races. Traditional fans, who aren’t particularly fond of road racing, expressed disappointment over the loss of a short oval race. This led to further speculation about the future of the Chicago Street Race.
NASCAR and the city of Chicago had signed a three-year contract, with 2025 marking the final year of this arrangement. Rumors surfaced suggesting NASCAR might not return to Chicago in 2025, but these rumors have proven false. Does this mean NASCAR will continue to include the Chicago race beyond 2025? Given the latest updates, that possibility appears unlikely.
NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell spoke to Sports Business Journal about the future of the Chicago race, saying, “For us, we’re just looking at 2025. It’ll be the third year of a three-year run, and each year we’ve wanted to build upon the momentum that we have. We’ve learned things each and every year – it’s our first street race, a lot of learnings came from that. A lot of weather challenges as well. We’ve made some tweaks to the event format and continuing to evolve that as well, so we’ll get through the event, see where things are, but concentrating on 2025 and making that event as successful as it can be.”
While O’Donnell didn’t confirm nor deny plans for the future, his comments suggest NASCAR is open to exploring other possibilities. San Diego could be one of those options. “We are certainly interested in California and the Southern California market, and that will continue to be a focus for us, but nothing to confirm at this point.”
This update has sparked reactions from NASCAR fans, many of whom have started suggesting alternative locations to replace the Chicago Street Race.
Which city could host NASCAR’s street course races after 2025?
NASCAR’s investment in street racing aims to attract new fans to the sport. While Chicago has helped bring attention to stock car racing, the racing itself has often failed to awe fans—weather disruptions have played a major role in this. But since NASCAR is looking to push the boundaries of the sport, other cities besides Chicago could be considered. As one fan suggested, “Man, if a street race were to happen in Portland or Seattle, it could be about as beautiful as Monaco.”
Formula 1 has successfully expanded its events globally, holding races in countries like Japan, Azerbaijan, Brazil, and the UAE, with multiple events in the U.S. NASCAR’s race in Mexico City could signal even more significant changes to the schedule. One fan even suggested, “Possibly overseas as well. Like, imagine Cup cars roaring through downtown Tokyo. That’d be awesome.” Such a move would also benefit Toyota, as it would race on home turf.
Organizing a street race involves complex negotiations with cities and logistical challenges, which NASCAR has already faced. While some people prefer traditional venues, NASCAR could explore other possibilities, such as a return to Road America, a track that many fans consider one of the best road courses. One fan commented, “Return to Road America, best road course in the country.”
NASCAR’s Road Racing Dilemma
Not all fans are fans of road racing, especially traditionalists. If the Chicago Street Race is removed from the schedule, an oval race might replace it. Chicagoland Speedway, which hosted NASCAR for 19 years, was a fan favorite before low attendance and COVID-19 led to its closure. Fans still long for its return, with one commenting, “Get Chicagoland back up and running, god dammit.”
Another crucial factor is the Southern California market. The Auto Club Speedway is under reconstruction, and NASCAR has also discontinued the Clash at the Coliseum. While NASCAR tried to secure the Long Beach Grand Prix, Roger Penske’s move to retain the race for IndyCar stopped that effort. However, a street race in San Diego could offer a fresh alternative, as one fan remarked, “I have enjoyed the Chicago street race, but it’s time for a change after ‘25.”
Where do you think NASCAR should move its street race event after 2025?
