The heart of chicago roared to life as the third annual nascar street Race weekend unfolded in Grant Park on July 5th and 6th, 2025. Against the stunning backdrop of the city skyline, drivers navigated the challenging 2.2-mile, 12-turn temporary course. This unique urban circuit wound through Grant Park and along DuSable Lakeshore Drive, delivering a high-speed spectacle unlike any other on the NASCAR calendar.
This year’s event marked a significant point, representing the final year of the initial contract between NASCAR and the city of Chicago. However, anticipation remains high, as the agreement includes options that could potentially extend the thrilling NASCAR Chicago Street Race through the 2026 and 2027 seasons. For fans and residents alike, the weekend offered intense competition and a glimpse into the future of motorsports technology.
Van Gisbergen Dominates the Windy City Weekend
New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen proved to be the undeniable master of the Chicago Street Course throughout the weekend. Fresh off a dominant performance on Saturday, where he secured his second consecutive win in the Xfinity Series race held in the city, van Gisbergen returned Sunday determined to sweep the weekend.
Starting from the pole position in the premier NASCAR Cup Series race, the Grant Park 165, van Gisbergen initially surrendered the lead on the first lap. Despite falling back briefly, his team’s strategic early pit stop towards the end of Stage 1 allowed him to regain track position and work his way back through the field. He took the lead for the final time on lap 60 from Chase Briscoe and never looked back, building a significant gap before a late caution effectively ended the race. This victory marked van Gisbergen’s third career Cup Series win and his second of the 2025 season. He also made history, becoming the winningest foreign-born driver in Cup Series history.
The Grant Park 165: Key Moments and Competitors
The 75-lap Grant Park 165 Cup Series race featured Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose serving as the esteemed grand marshal, adding local flair to the event. While van Gisbergen ultimately triumphed, the race saw fierce competition and notable performances.
Michael McDowell showcased impressive early speed, leading the most laps (31) and winning the first stage on lap 20. However, his strong run was cut short midway through the race by a broken throttle, relegating him to a disappointing 32nd-place finish. Ryan Blaney secured the win in Stage 2 on lap 45. The race saw a multi-car pileup on the third lap triggered by Carson Hocevar, which collected several drivers including Austin Dillon and Brad Keselowski, but was otherwise relatively clean, benefiting from dry conditions unlike previous years. Drivers like Ty Gibbs and Tyler Reddick mounted strong challenges, finishing second and third, respectively. Veterans Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch also delivered remarkable comeback drives, finishing fourth and fifth after starting deep in the field and overcoming early issues. Katherine Legge achieved a significant milestone, finishing 19th, marking her best career Cup result and becoming the first woman driver with a top-20 finish since 2017.
A Unique Urban Spectacle: Fan Experience and City Impact
The integration of a high-speed race track into the heart of a major metropolitan area offers a truly unique experience, a sentiment echoed by attendees. Fans poured into Grant Park from across the city and the country, drawn by the spectacle of stock cars racing past towering skyscrapers. Visitors praised the versatility of viewing locations around the circuit and the vibrant atmosphere within “NASCAR village.”
Chicago residents who spoke about the event often described it as “loud,” “fast,” and ultimately “worth it,” appreciating the cultural energy it brought to the city. Compared to earlier years, some residents noted perceived improvements in managing traffic disruptions, contributing to positive sentiment regarding the race’s potential return. The dry weather this year was a significant factor, allowing for better racing throughout the field and enhancing the overall experience compared to the wet conditions of prior events.
Looking Ahead: Contract Status and Future Speculation
As the checkered flag fell on the 2025 event, the future of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race remains a key topic of discussion. The current three-year contract with the city has concluded. However, the inclusion of extension options for 2026 and 2027 provides a clear path for the race to return. The positive feedback from attendees and some residents, particularly concerning the improved handling of logistics, could play a role in these crucial decisions. While official announcements are pending, there is speculation within the industry about whether NASCAR will exercise its options or explore alternative venues, including a potential return to Chicagoland Speedway or even a new street race location elsewhere.
Showcasing Innovation: Electric Vehicles on the Track
Beyond the roar of the traditional V8 engines, the weekend offered a glimpse into NASCAR’s forward-looking approach to motorsports technology. In a special showcase, NASCAR partnered with electrical engineering company ABB, along with manufacturers Chevrolet and Ford, to unveil and demonstrate high-performance electric vehicle (EV) racecar prototypes on the Chicago Street Course.
Fans witnessed the capabilities of vehicles like a Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR EV, an ABB-NASCAR EV, and a Chevy Blazer EV-R NASCAR prototype. These machines featured advanced technology, including three electric motors capable of producing significant horsepower. Driver Rajah Caruth, who tested the Chevy Blazer EV-R, offered a vivid description of the EV acceleration, comparing it to getting a “Mario Kart” boost – like “putting a rocket on top of the wing.” NASCAR engineers highlighted the two-year development process behind these prototypes, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to exploring different powertrains and staying at the forefront of technological change in the sport.
Impact on the Championship Landscape
The Grant Park 165 also had notable repercussions for the NASCAR Cup Series points standings. Points leader William Byron endured a difficult day, finishing last due to a transmission problem early in the race. This allowed his teammate Chase Elliott to significantly reduce Byron’s lead. Other championship contenders like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Tyler Reddick solidified their positions near the top. Shane van Gisbergen’s win propelled him up the standings, making a significant leap and improving his position in the Rookie of the Year battle. The strong comeback drives by veterans Hamlin and Busch also helped them gain crucial points after challenging starts to their races.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the key results of the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend?
The main outcome of the weekend was Shane van Gisbergen sweeping both major races. He won the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and followed it up with a victory in the premier NASCAR Cup Series race, the Grant Park 165, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. This marked his second consecutive Chicago Xfinity win and his third career Cup victory.
What electric vehicles were showcased at the Chicago NASCAR race?
During the 2025 Chicago event, NASCAR partnered with ABB, Chevrolet, and Ford to demonstrate electric vehicle (EV) racecar prototypes. Three specific models were shown and ran on the track: a Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR EV, an ABB-NASCAR EV, and a Chevy Blazer EV-R NASCAR prototype. These vehicles featured advanced electric motor technology.
Will the NASCAR Chicago Street Race return after 2025?
The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race marked the final year of the initial contract between NASCAR and the city of Chicago. However, the agreement includes options for the race to potentially return in both 2026 and 2027. A decision on exercising these options is expected to be made based on various factors, including event success and city logistics.
Conclusion
The third annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend proved to be a memorable event, highlighted by Shane van Gisbergen’s dominant sweep across both the Xfinity and Cup Series. The unique setting of the Grant Park 165 against the Chicago skyline continues to captivate fans and drivers alike, offering a distinct experience on the NASCAR schedule. As the event concludes its initial contract period, the potential for future races looms, supported by positive feedback and the excitement the event brings to the city. Coupled with a forward-looking showcase of electric vehicle technology, the weekend underlined NASCAR’s commitment to innovation and its ability to deliver thrilling, unique events.
