NASCAR's Chicago Street Race Return Hits Major Roadblock Over Funding Gap

The future of the Chicago Street Race is currently uncertain as NASCAR navigates a significant funding dispute. While the organization is optimistic about a potential 2027 return, the event is not yet locked onto the schedule.

At the center of this stalemate is a request for a $15 million tourism grant from the state of Illinois. Current state budget allocations provide only $5 million for the event. This leaves a $10 million gap that officials must address to move forward.

NASCAR has requested three times the amount of the previous state allocation to support the return to Grant Park. Without an agreement to bridge this financial divide, the series may look for other venues to fill its calendar slots.

The Chicago Street Race debuted in 2023 and became a notable event on the Cup Series calendar. Although the city was removed from the 2026 schedule, organizers previously indicated that the absence was intended to be temporary. The status of the event now rests on the outcome of ongoing financial negotiations with state lawmakers.