Downtown Chicago transforms into a high-speed battleground as the NASCAR Cup series and Xfinity Series roar through the streets for an action-packed Saturday. Located within the iconic Grant Park, this unique street circuit challenges drivers like no other track on the schedule. Saturday, July 5th, is dedicated to setting the stage for the weekend, featuring crucial practice sessions, intense qualifying laps, and culminating in the thrilling Xfinity Series race. Get ready for a full day of NASCAR intensity right in the heart of the Windy City.
Your Essential Saturday Schedule at a Glance
Saturday, July 5th, is packed with on-track activity leading up to the Xfinity Series main event. Here’s the rundown for fans looking to catch every moment:
Morning: Garages open early for teams. Xfinity Series teams are the first on track for practice and qualifying sessions, honing their cars for the unique street course challenge.
Midday: The stars of the Cup Series hit the track for their own practice and qualifying sessions, determining the starting grid for Sunday’s big race.
Afternoon: The focus shifts entirely to the Xfinity Series as drivers battle it out in “The Loop 110” race, navigating the 2.2-mile circuit for 50 laps.
Planning your day around these key times ensures you won’t miss the crucial moments that shape the weekend’s outcomes.
Saturday On-Track Times (All Times Eastern)
Understanding the exact schedule helps you plan your viewing, whether you’re at the track or watching from home. All times listed below are Eastern (ET).
8:30 a.m.: Xfinity Series Garage Opens (until midnight)
10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.: Xfinity Series Practice (Broadcast: CW App)
11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying (Broadcast: CW App)
11:00 a.m.: Cup Series Garage Opens (until 4:00 p.m.)
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.: Cup Series Practice (Broadcast: TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
2:10 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying (Broadcast: TruTV, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
4:40 p.m. (approx.): Green Flag for The Loop 110 Xfinity Series Race (Broadcast: CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Note that the broadcast window for the Xfinity race opens earlier, with the green flag scheduled for approximately 4:40 p.m. ET, which is 3:40 p.m. CT locally in Chicago.
Deep Dive into Saturday’s Action
The Saturday schedule is more than just timings; it’s the foundation for the entire weekend’s racing drama. Practice sessions are vital for teams to dial in their setups on a challenging temporary street course, which offers little margin for error with its concrete barriers and tight turns. Qualifying is equally critical, as starting position on a street circuit significantly impacts a driver’s ability to navigate traffic and contend for the win.
The highlight of the day is undoubtedly “The Loop 110,” the NASCAR Xfinity Series race. This event spans 50 laps, covering a total distance of 110 miles. The race is structured with stage breaks, adding strategic elements for teams. Stage 1 concludes after Lap 15, and Stage 2 wraps up at Lap 30, setting up a final 20-lap dash to the checkered flag.
Shane van Gisbergen Lands Xfinity Pole
Adding significant excitement to the Xfinity Series lineup, Shane van Gisbergen secured the pole position for “The Loop 110.” This marks a strong start for van Gisbergen in his Xfinity Series outings this season. He posted a quick lap time of 1:30.085 during qualifying, a full two-tenths of a second faster than the second-place qualifier, Austin Hill. The tight nature of the street course was evident, with only nine cars managing to get within one second of van Gisbergen’s blistering pole time.
Unfortunately, Kris Wright and Sage Karam were unable to qualify for the race. The starting lineup features a mix of series regulars and notable entries ready to tackle the Chicago streets.
The Loop 110: Full Starting Lineup
Here is the complete starting grid for the NASCAR Xfinity Series “The Loop 110” race on the Chicago street course:
- Shane van Gisbergen, No. 9 JR Motorsports chevrolet
- Austin Hill, No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- Sam Mayer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford
- Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Haas Factory Team Ford
- Jack Perkins, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Justin Allgaier, No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
- William Sawalich, No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Nick Sanchez, No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet
- Jesse Love, No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- Sammy Smith, No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
- Brandon Jones, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Preston Pardus, No. 50 Pardus Racing Chevrolet
- Carson Kvapil, No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
- Alex Labbe, No. 07 SS Green Light Racing Ford
- Harrison Burton, No. 25 AM Racing Ford
- Connor Mosack, No. 14 SS Green Light Racing Chevrolet
- Austin Green, No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet
- Matt DiBenedetto, No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet
- Jeremy Clements, No. 51 Jeremy Clements Racing Chevrolet
- Thomas Annunziata, No. 70 Cope Family Racing Chevrolet
- Daniel Dye, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
- Brennan Poole, No. 44 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet
- Blaine Perkins, No. 31 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet
- Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet
- Josh Bilicki, No. 91 DGM Racing Chevrolet
- Brad Perez, No. 45 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet
- Josh Williams, No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
- Anthony Alfredo, No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet
- Andre Castro, No. 35 Joey Gase Motorsports Chevrolet
- Kaz Grala, No. 24 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota
- Jeb Burton, No. 27 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet
- Ryan Ellis, No. 71 DGM Racing Chevrolet
- Dean Thompson, No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota
- Kyle Sieg, No. 28 RSS Racing Ford
- Connor Zilisch, No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
- Taylor Gray, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Ryan Sieg, No. 39 RSS Racing Ford
- Christian Eckes, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
This lineup sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling race as drivers navigate the unforgiving confines of the street circuit.
The Track and the Chicago Challenge
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race takes place on a temporary circuit winding through the iconic Grant Park area. This 12-turn, 2.2-mile course utilizes famous city streets including DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive, and Michigan Avenue. The start-finish line is strategically placed in front of Buckingham Fountain, offering a stunning backdrop for the racing action. Drivers face a series of tight corners and short straights, demanding precision braking, sharp steering, and intense focus to avoid contact with the concrete walls lining the circuit.
Street courses are notoriously difficult for stock cars, which are not typically designed for such tight turns. Success here requires a unique blend of driver skill and chassis setup. Teams work tirelessly during practice to find the right balance between speed and stability on the bumpy and narrow urban layout. The challenge of managing tire wear and brake temperatures adds another layer of complexity to racing in Chicago.
Looking Back and Ahead in Chicago
The 2025 event marks the third time NASCAR has tackled the streets of Chicago under an initial three-year agreement with the city. The debut race in 2023 and the second running in 2024 provided memorable moments, including unpredictable weather playing a significant factor in previous outcomes.
Looking back at 2024’s Saturday action provides context for the 2025 race. Kyle Larson notably secured the pole position for the Cup Series race last year. In the 2024 Xfinity race, Shane van Gisbergen, starting from pole, claimed the victory, finishing ahead of Ty Gibbs and Kyle Larson, who placed third. This history suggests that starting at the front is a major advantage on this challenging circuit.
For 2025, NASCAR and the city have implemented several changes based on past feedback. While the track layout remains the same, adjustments to infrastructure aim to reduce the overall park build timeline, lessening disruption for residents and businesses. Significant efforts have also been made to enhance the fan experience and make the event more accessible. This includes expanding viewing options and a notable reduction in ticket prices, with some options seeing discounts of nearly 50%. More affordable single-day reserved seats and increased availability of Grounds Pass viewing areas are new for 2025.
Making the event more family-friendly is another key focus. Following a successful youth pricing test in 2024, kids aged 12 and under now receive free admission for the entire weekend with the purchase of an accompanying adult Grounds Pass ticket. College students can also enjoy a 20% discount on Grounds Pass tickets, with a dedicated “College Zone” available at Turn 7 for socializing.
Beyond the Race Cars: Music and More
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend isn’t just about the racing. It’s designed as a full festival experience in Grant Park. The Busch Light Summer Music Series adds a significant entertainment element. On Saturday evening, after the track action concludes, the multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning Southern rock group Zac Brown Band is scheduled to perform near the start/finish line. Even Sunday-only ticket holders will have access to this Saturday concert.
Throughout the weekend, other fan experiences are available in Festival Field, such as a Freestyle Motocross Show, adding variety to the entertainment offerings. This blend of high-octane racing and live music aims to create a dynamic event appealing to a wide audience.
Navigating Chicago: Understanding Road Closures
Hosting a major street race in a bustling downtown area necessitates temporary road closures. Attendees and local residents should be aware that significant sections of major thoroughfares around Grant Park will be impacted. Streets like DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, and others will have temporary closures managed by the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC).
While the race weekend is planned to minimize disruption compared to previous years with a shorter build timeline, understanding which roads are closed and planning alternative routes or utilizing public transportation is crucial for navigating the city during the event. Priority will be given to reopening major roads promptly after the conclusion of Sunday’s races.
Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR’s powerhouse teams, has seen success on the Chicago street course, being one of only two organizations with a win here. They have accumulated notable top-five and top-ten finishes. Drivers like Alex Bowman, who won the rain-shortened race in 2024, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron are all looking to add to their Chicago records and make strong runs this weekend. Bowman and Elliott are also competing in the NASCAR In-season Challenge, adding another layer of intrigue to their performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the start time for the Xfinity Series race in Chicago on Saturday?
The green flag for the NASCAR Xfinity Series “The Loop 110” race on Saturday, July 5th, is scheduled for approximately 4:40 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). This corresponds to 3:40 p.m. Central Time (CT) in Chicago. Coverage begins earlier on the CW Network, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, allowing fans to tune in for pre-race activities.
Where can I find the full schedule for NASCAR practice and qualifying sessions on Saturday at the Chicago Street Race?
A detailed schedule for Saturday’s on-track events at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race is provided earlier in this guide. It includes specific times for Xfinity Series practice and qualifying (starting around 10:30 a.m. ET), followed by Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions (starting around 1:00 p.m. ET). Broadcast information for each session is also listed, primarily on the CW App, TruTV, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Are there changes to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend experience for fans in 2025?
Yes, NASCAR has introduced several significant changes for the 2025 Chicago Street Race weekend aimed at improving the fan experience and accessibility. These include expanding viewing areas, substantially reducing ticket prices (some by nearly 50%), adding more affordable single-day reserved seating options, and increasing Grounds Pass availability. The event is also more family-friendly, offering free admission for kids 12 and under with an adult Grounds Pass and a college student discount with a dedicated fan zone.
Conclusion
Saturday at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race offers a packed lineup of crucial on-track action, setting the stage for Sunday’s main event. From early morning practice sessions and intense qualifying runs that determine starting positions on the challenging street course, to the afternoon’s highlight, “The Loop 110” Xfinity Series race, fans have a full day of racing to look forward to. With the Xfinity grid now set and Shane van Gisbergen leading the field to green, the stage is ready for a dramatic start to the racing weekend in downtown Chicago. Beyond the competition, the event provides a comprehensive festival atmosphere with music and fan activities, enhanced for 2025 with better ticket options and accessibility. Whether you’re watching trackside or following along on broadcast, Saturday promises high-stakes excitement on the unique streets of Grant Park.
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