The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the heart of the Windy City for the third running of the Chicago Street Race on Sunday, July 6, 2025. After a historic and rain-soaked debut in 2023 and a thrilling dry edition in 2024, anticipation is high for what’s quickly become one of the most unique stops on the Cup Series calendar. Drivers will once again take on the urban challenge through downtown Chicago, racing past landmarks like Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and Lake Shore Drive in a showcase that blends speed with skyline views. With the playoff picture heating up, this race could be pivotal for several drivers on the postseason bubble.
The Chicago Street Course is a 2.2-mile, 12-turn temporary circuit that winds through city streets, presenting a one-of-a-kind test for NASCAR drivers more accustomed to ovals and permanent road courses. Featuring a mix of tight corners, long straights, and unforgiving concrete barriers, the layout rewards precision and punishes mistakes. Turn 1 and Turn 6 are known overtaking zones, while the front straight along South Columbus Drive offers a chance to build momentum — if drivers can avoid the bumps and tricky braking zones. The narrow track surface makes passing difficult, so qualifying and pit strategy will be crucial.
Several drivers to watch include Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealander who stunned the field by winning the inaugural race in 2023 and returned in 2024 with a top-five finish. Reddick and Christopher Bell, both strong on technical circuits, should be in the mix, while Chase Elliott — seeking to solidify his playoff standing — enters with momentum after a recent win at Atlanta.
Teams will have their hands full managing tire wear and brake temperatures, particularly if the race remains dry. Strategy could be thrown into chaos by full-course cautions, which tend to bunch the field on tight street layouts. Last year’s event saw only two full-course yellows, but with increased aggression expected, that number could rise.
With the combination of a dramatic backdrop, challenging layout, and high-stakes racing, the Chicago Street Race is poised to deliver another memorable chapter in the 2025 NASCAR season. Whether it’s a veteran road course ace or an emerging star, whoever claims victory will have truly earned it on the streets of Chicago.
Chicago Street Race Weekend Schedule
Saturday July 5
10:30 am NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice, Streaming: CW App
11:30 am NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying, Streaming: CW App Pole: Shane Van Gisbergen, Starting Lineup
1:00 pm NASCAR Cup Series Practice, TV: TruTV; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM
2:00 pm NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying, TV: TruTV; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Pole: Shane Van Gisbergen, Starting Lineup
4:30 pm NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 100; TV/Streaming: CW; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Winner: Shane Van Gisbergen, Results
Sunday July 6
2:00 pm NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165, TV/Streaming: TNT, MAX; Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Winner: Shane Van Gisbergen, Results
Previous Winners
Cup Series: Alex Bowman (2024), Shane Van Gisbergen (2023)
Xfinity Series: Shane Van Gisbergen (2024), Cole Custer (2023)
Weather
As for the weather, current forecasts for race day in Chicago call for partly cloudy skies with a high of 81°F (27°C) and light southwest winds around 8 mph. There is a slight chance of scattered showers in the late afternoon — about 20% — but nothing currently suggests a repeat of the torrential conditions seen in 2023. Track temperatures will likely hover in the mid-90s, which could influence tire grip and car handling over long green-flag runs. Teams will monitor radar closely, but as of now, conditions appear favorable for a clean and competitive event.
