NASCAR took a bold step by introducing the Chicago Street Course to its schedule, creating memorable moments over the past three years. However, amidst the talks of bringing the street course back on the schedule, it has hit a financial roadblock. 

NASCAR first raced around Grant Park back in 2023 and returned to the street course for two consecutive seasons despite the disapproval of the locals. But in 2025, the sanctioning body announced that the race would not return on the 2026 calendar, as the doors remained open for future races. 

As it stands now, the return may not happen due to the stalled negotiations regarding the state subsidy that would have helped cover the costs of organizing the event. According to reports released by Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago, the talks about NASCAR returning to the Chicago Street Race have stalled. 

"Plans to return NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race to the downtown lakefront next spring have stalled, as the auto racing group hits a stumbling block over the size of a state subsidy it’s seeking to defray some of its costs." Reported by Greg Hinz. 

According to the reports put out by Hinz, NASCAR was looking to get $15 million from the state, which is a $5 million bump up from what they received last year. NASCAR has openly acknowledged it financially struggles to host the Chicago Street Course race. 

During an interview with RACER.com, former NASCAR President Steve Phelps claimed, 

"Chicago financially is, we'll say, a difficult race for us. It costs $50M to put that race on. And we unfortunately didn't sell $50M in tickets or sponsorships."

Coming back to the current situation, Hinz further reported that a NASCAR official commented that the sanctioning body has not made any final decisions about the street course. 

"Given that (past) success, NASCAR has been discussing the return of the Chicago Street Race with key city and state officials. We hope those discussions are successful, but no final decisions have been made."

Whether the talks will be successful and the street course makes a return to NASCAR’s 2027 schedule remains to be seen. 

Could San Diego replace Chicago Street Course on the 2027 NASCAR schedule 

After wrapping up the race at San Diego, while addressing the media, Ben Kennedy was questioned about whether there was any possibility of the race being on the calendar for the upcoming season. 

"We would love to return. We're also cognizant of the fact that this is an active military base, and we want to be mindful of that as well." NASCAR COO Ben Kennedy said (via Steven Taranato on X). 

For NASCAR to come back to the track, the sanctioning body will have to hold meetings with the Navy, as it is an active military base. 

While no other details are confirmed about the race, NASCAR is reportedly targeting the Fourth of July weekend for 2027, if it falls on a Sunday.

For now, the fate of both the Chicago Street Course race and the San Diego race on NASCAR’s 2027 schedule remains uncertain. 

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco