NASCAR race prompted complaints about 'drastic' road closures from Chicago residents
The Chicago Street Race completed its three-race deal between NASCAR and the city and complaints road and park clousures could see the end of the event
NASCAR's return to Chicago brought in the top Cup Series stars, flashy sponsor activations, and big-name revenue throughout a three-year deal. Still, not every Chicagoan is happy with the checkered flag being waved in their city, which has been filled with road closures.
City officials, residents, spotters, and even Cup Series drivers raised concerns over the race's logistical sense, arguing that the event’s benefits still come at too steep a cost. With the three-race contract with the city complete, criticism has intensified around what comes next and whether a new city will emerge in place of the Chi.
"NASCAR has brought Chicago business, tourists, and a spectacle unique to sports culture," said Alderman Brian Hopkins in a statement after the 2025 race. "They have also brought noise, disruption, and road closures, some of which will continue from this year's event for many days."
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Hopkins made claims that numerous 2nd Ward residents epxplained that ther race makes their commutes and daily lives difficult with road closures, which he takes seriously. He then sahred that several other downtown large-scale events who generate as much revenue as NASCAR or more have less concerning public disruption.
"I think we were all expecting a little bit more of an economic impact, especially when you tie up Grant Park and downtown Chicago for the length of time that’s required for NASCAR," said. "The question is, is the juice worth the squeeze? And it doesn’t appear to be right now."
The economic impact of the 2025 race in Chicago is still uncertain. Last year's event generated an estimated $128 million in economic impact and in 2024, the race attracted 53,000 spectators, and as part of the agreement, NASCAR contributed $2 million to the Chicago Park District.
With the contract complete, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the city's Fourth of July weekend a "heavier burden for law enforcement," and that's not even including NASCAR activity. While issues have come to light from outsiders, inside the sport, spotters and drivers have also voiced frustrations about narrow passing zones, unpredictable city-grid layouts, and limited access for teams and media.
Some even criticized the event's timing, which overlaps with significant holiday travel and public transit congestion. Chicago already hosts several high-traffic events throughout the year including the Chicago Marathon, Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Air and Water Show and more. Taste of Chicago was moved to Septmeber to make move for the race.
DON'T MISS
NASCAR has yet to announce whether the Chicago Street Race will return for a fourth year. Mayor Johnson would prefer the event happen on a different date, but no final decision has been made.
Street specialist Shane van Gisbergen won the event two times during its three-year run. The New Zealand racing star has three NASCAR Cup Series victories, all coming by way of road courses.
