Get ready for high-octane excitement as the third annual nascar Chicago street Race returns to the heart of the city! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, this unique event transforms iconic downtown streets into a thrilling race circuit. Scheduled for Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6, 2025, the weekend promises action-packed racing, live music, and a vibrant festival atmosphere for fans of all ages. Discover everything you need to know about attending, from race times and ticket information to what’s new this year and how street closures might impact your visit.
Weekend Schedule: Races, Music, and More
The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend is packed with events. Gates open early on both days, allowing ample time to explore the fan zones before the main attractions begin.
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Saturday focuses on practice, qualifying, and the exciting debut of the NASCAR Xfinity Series on the challenging street course.
9:30 a.m.: Gates officially open to welcome fans into Grant Park.
10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Catch the drivers during practice and qualifying sessions as they get a feel for the unique street layout.
3:30 p.m.: The green flag drops for The Loop 110 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race.
Post-Race (Time TBA): Stick around for the Victory Lane Celebration and a confirmed live performance by the Zac Brown Band as part of the Busch Light Summer Music Series. More entertainment acts are expected to be announced soon!
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Sunday features the weekend’s main event: the premier NASCAR Cup Series race.
10:00 a.m.: Gates open for the final day of racing and festivities.
11:00 a.m.: Pre-race entertainment kicks off.
1:00 p.m.: The much-anticipated Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series Race begins.
Post-Race (Time TBA): Celebrate the winner at the Sunday Victory Lane Celebration.
Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose is slated to serve as the grand marshal for the Cup Series race, adding a local touch to the pre-race ceremonies.
Navigating the Challenging Street Circuit
The 2.2-mile, 12-turn temporary street course is unlike any other on the NASCAR schedule. It winds through Chicago’s iconic Grant Park and along the scenic DuSable Lake Shore Drive. This urban setting provides a stunning visual spectacle but presents significant challenges for the drivers.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe described the track as “extremely treacherous.” He noted there is “just no margin for error when you come here.” Briscoe also highlighted that the track “changes literally every single year,” adding to the difficulty.
Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, echoed these sentiments. He warned drivers must look out for hazards like bumps. Larson mentioned unexpected issues, such as a potential oil spill, could drastically change conditions. Despite the inherent difficulties, Larson expressed enjoyment, calling it a “super challenging racecourse.” The course requires meticulous precision and quick reflexes, especially on sections where the surface changes from asphalt to bumpy concrete, like Turns 4 and 5. Constructing this temporary circuit requires the placement of approximately 2,000 concrete barriers throughout downtown.
A Festival Beyond the Finish Line: Fan Activities and Experience
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is more than just racing; it’s a full-blown urban festival. The event aims to create a vibrant atmosphere with something for everyone, attracting both seasoned NASCAR enthusiasts and new fans.
Attendees can immerse themselves in the world of NASCAR through various interactive experiences. The Toyota Racing Experience often includes simulators where fans can try their hand at navigating the virtual street course. The NASCAR Kids Zone is a hit with younger fans, featuring activities like racing remote-controlled cars and building NASCAR vehicles out of LEGOS.
Many free activities are available throughout the weekend, often centered around Butler Field in the “NASCAR Village.” These areas feature interactive displays, driver appearances, and opportunities to sit inside a real NASCAR car. Fans consistently praise the unique roar of the engines echoing through the city streets. One fan described the sound and speed on a road course as “really cool.” Another fan, Brian Stanley Sr., who has attended every year, shared his family’s excitement, stating they “wait every year for this.” He added that seeing the race in Chicago feels “really close.” The event offers a chance for fans to feel a deep connection to the sport.
The festival also makes a concerted effort to connect with Chicago’s diverse communities. Partnerships, like the one with the Chicago Loop Alliance, aim to represent the city’s 77 neighborhoods. This includes featuring local vendors, many from the “Sundays on State” program, offering a taste of Chicago’s culinary and cultural scene to visitors. On Sunday, ahead of the Cup Series race, Blue Star Families will unfurl a giant American flag, adding a poignant moment to the festivities.
Exciting Changes and Improvements for 2025
Building on the first two years, organizers have announced significant changes for 2025 aimed at enhancing the experience for both attendees and Chicago residents.
One major update is the reduced build-out timeline. City officials and NASCAR have worked to trim the construction period around Grant Park to just 25 days for 2025. This is a substantial decrease from the 38 days it took in 2024. Adjustments to track seating structures are key to shortening the time the park areas are impacted, aiming to minimize disruption to the community and local businesses.
Ticket pricing and accessibility are also getting an overhaul. Kids aged 12 and under receive free admission for the entire weekend when accompanied by a paid adult holding a Grounds Pass ticket. Ticket prices have been significantly lowered, with some sections seeing reductions by nearly 50%. Organizers have also introduced new viewing options, including a single-day reserved seat option and expanding the number of Grounds Pass viewing areas. This aims to make the event more accessible and attract new audiences. Ticket prices for the 2025 event start at an affordable $99.
Understanding the Impact: Chicago Street Closures
Hosting a street race of this magnitude in a major city like Chicago requires extensive temporary street closures. Officials begin implementing phased closures weeks before the event, gradually impacting downtown traffic patterns.
The goal for 2025 is to reduce the overall impact by shortening the build time. However, significant closures remain necessary for safety and track construction. Initial phases involve closing Balbo Drive and curb lanes on Columbus Drive starting in mid-June. More extensive closures follow in the weeks leading up to the race weekend, affecting major arteries like Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, Jackson Drive, and Ida B. Wells Drive.
During the race weekend itself (July 5-6), the most widespread closures will be in effect. Key streets like DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, and Roosevelt Road within and surrounding Grant Park will be closed to vehicle traffic. While the phased closures aim to ease disruption, residents and visitors should anticipate significant traffic changes downtown starting weeks before the event. Detailed information on specific street closure dates, times, and access points is typically provided on the city’s OEMC website as the event approaches. Planning your travel downtown well in advance is highly recommended.
A Look Back: Weather, Wins, and What We Learned
The first two years of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race provided unique challenges and memorable moments. The inaugural 2023 race was heavily impacted by record rainfall, leading to significant delays, shortened races, and canceled concerts. Shane van Gisbergen famously won the Cup Series race in a stunning debut performance.
The 2024 event also faced weather challenges, with rain causing delays to the Cup Series race, which ultimately ended early due to a time cutoff. Alex Bowman secured a strategic victory in 2024 by staying out on rain tires during a weather delay, a gamble that paid off as the clock ran out before competitors on slick tires could catch him. That race saw pre-race favorites like Shane van Gisbergen and Kyle Larson crash out in the tricky conditions. While on-track action delivered drama, attendance for some non-race entertainment in 2024 was noted as sparse. The 2024 event also saw protests briefly disrupt pre-race activities.
Despite the logistical hurdles and weather woes of the past, the event’s organizers and some local figures remain optimistic, viewing it as a unique urban festival. The experiences from 2023 and 2024 have directly informed the improvements planned for 2025, particularly regarding the build-out timeline and fan accessibility, aiming for a smoother and even more enjoyable third year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race happening?
The third annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend takes place on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6, 2025. Saturday features practice, qualifying, and The Loop 110 Xfinity Series race at 3:30 p.m. Sunday includes the main event, the Grant Park 165 Cup Series race, starting at 1:00 p.m. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. Sunday.
What streets will be closed for the Chicago NASCAR race, and when do closures start?
Temporary street closures for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race begin phasing in weeks before the event, starting around mid-June. Initial closures include streets like Balbo Drive and parts of Columbus Drive. Closures become much more extensive closer to race weekend (July 5-6), impacting major downtown roads like DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, and Roosevelt Road within and around Grant Park. Organizers aim to reduce the total impact time for 2025 compared to previous years.
What’s new for the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race regarding tickets and the fan experience?
For 2025, several improvements have been announced. Children aged 12 and under get free admission all weekend with a paid adult Grounds Pass. Ticket prices have been lowered significantly, in some cases by nearly 50%, with tickets starting at $99. New single-day reserved seating options and more Grounds Pass viewing areas are available. The overall construction time for the course in Grant Park has been reduced by over a week to minimize disruption to residents and businesses.
Conclusion
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race offers a distinctive and exhilarating experience, blending professional stock car racing with the vibrant energy of a major metropolitan festival. The 2025 event, scheduled for July 5-6, promises improvements based on previous years, including reduced community impact, more accessible ticket options, and an exciting schedule of races, music, and fan activities. Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan or looking for a unique summer weekend in Chicago, the street race weekend provides a thrilling spectacle against an unforgettable urban backdrop. Plan your visit, be mindful of street closures, and get ready to experience the roar of NASCAR in the Windy City!
