The discussions around Chicago’s future on the NASCAR calendar continue to intensify, as a new report from the Chicago Tribune says that NASCAR is exploring a return to the street track in 2027. 

Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s chief operating officer, feels that the Chicago market is strong enough to host two events in the same year. Even though he later added that the street circuit has been operating at a loss since its inception, he sees value in it for the long-term promotional benefits. 

“It’s lost money over the last three years. But at the same time, we also believe that it’s healthy for the sport, healthy for a lot of our partners that we have in the sport, and hopefully we’re bringing new fans into the NASCAR fold as a part of that. I view it as an investment.”

The comments come just days after Chicagoland Speedway was back in action for the first time in seven years since 2019. The race weekend drew a strong crowd despite concerns over weather and ticket sales. 

Meanwhile, the Chicago street track had its own purpose, as it succeeded in generating mainstream buzz and attracting new audiences. Despite the venue operating at a loss, NASCAR appears willing to continue investing in it.

No date has been finalized for a potential return, and Kennedy emphasized that discussions surrounding the 2027 schedule remain ongoing. However, his remarks are a sign of a broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in the Chicago market. 

While NASCAR often revisits tracks like Talladega, Daytona, and Charlotte in the same season, Chicago could become one of the few markets to have two separate events in a calendar year. 

Denny Hamlin feels both venues serve a different purpose

On an episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin and his co-hosts discussed the logistical and strategic challenges of NASCAR’s presence in Chicago. The JGR driver highlighted that the audiences for the street track and the Chicagoland Speedway are vastly different from one another. 

“If I looked around in Chicago (land), I would have said, 'Those are our avid fans. Those are our avid fans that watch us week in, week out.' When I went to Chicago, I said, ‘Ain't none of these people been to a NASCAR race before?’” 

Hamlin’s co-host also stated that expanding the footprint in one area could potentially force the removal of other historic or significant dates elsewhere, such as the Sonoma raceway in California. 

Read more at Daytona Racing Digest 

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason