Hold up, race fans, because a huge bombshell just dropped in the world of NASCAR, and it’s got everyone talking. NASCAR announced they’re officially pulling the plug on the downtown Chicago street race for 2027. Yeah, you read that right. Gone.
The Street Race Dream Is Over
This is a massive shift, especially when you remember officials previously said the street race wouldn’t happen in 2026 but *would* be back for 2027. What a flip-flop! That inaugural Chicago street race back in 2023 felt like a big deal, a real statement for the sport trying to reach new urban audiences. NASCAR officials were quick to express their gratitude, shouting out the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, Choose Chicago, the Chicago Sports Commission, and all their labor and business partners, community organizations, and neighbors. Most importantly, they thanked the fans who apparently made that first-of-its-kind event a “tremendous success.” Seriously, they called it a success, yet they’re not coming back. They even admitted there were “genuine joint efforts” by both NASCAR and their city and state partners to make it happen again. So, despite all that success and effort, the downtown street race isn’t happening. They did leave a little hope open, saying they “remain committed to the Chicagoland region” and “would welcome the opportunity” to bring the street race back “at some point in the future.” But for now? It’s a hard pass on downtown.
Joliet Roars Back to Life
But don’t think NASCAR is completely abandoning the Windy City’s greater area. Oh no, far from it. Get ready to fire up those engines, because NASCAR is making a triumphant return to the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet! Mark your calendars for June 25-27, 2027, because it’s going to be a packed weekend of high-octane action. Friday, June 25, kicks off with the ARCA Menards Series. Then, on Saturday, June 26, we get the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. And for the big finale, the NASCAR Cup Series hits the track on Sunday, June 27. Jacque Herrera, the general manager of Chicagoland Speedway, is absolutely pumped. She said the fan response “this year” was “overwhelming” and they’re “thrilled to be able to honor that turnout with another milestone weekend of racing in Joliet.” For her, it’s personal. She grew up watching races there with her family, so to see the track “roar back to life this year and return to the NASCAR competition schedule in 2027 is an incredible thrill.” This isn’t just a race; it’s a homecoming for a lot of fans who love that traditional track experience.
So, while the downtown street race experiment for 2027 is officially a no-go, NASCAR isn’t giving up on the region. They’re just shifting gears, literally, back to a track with history and a proven fan base. That 2027 weekend in Joliet is shaping up to be massive, bringing back three incredible series to a place that clearly knows how to host a race. Get ready for some serious horsepower, because Joliet is ready to deliver!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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