The 2025 has just begun, and it seems like the talks about the next year’s NASCAR schedule are already becoming a big talking point. This year’s Cup Series schedule is indeed a bold initiative by the sanctioning body. Having retained most of its traditional race events, they added the Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium and also embarked on ambitious plans with an international race in Mexico City.
However, there were a few concerns among the NASCAR racing community after seeing Richmond Raceway lose one of its dates. This move didn’t make sense to a section of the racing community as they questioned the retention of Charlotte Roval. After all, there were plenty of road course races that had been added to the schedule. We all know how traditional fans feel about road racing, and seeing a short oval lose out on its date made matters worse. This also led to discussions about the continuity of the Chicago Street Race.
NASCAR and the city of Chicago had signed a three-year contract, and 2025 will be the final year of this obligation by both parties. There were rumors that NASCAR might not return to the streets of Chicago in 2025, but that didn’t prove to be true. Does this mean NASCAR will remain invested in adding the big event to its schedule beyond 2025? Well, the probability of that happening seems less likely with the latest updates.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Speaking about the future of the Chicago Street Race, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell said this to Sports Business Journal. “For us, we’re just looking at 2025. It’ll be the third year of a three-year run, and each year we’ve wanted to build upon the momentum that we have. We’ve learned things each and every year – it’s our first street race, a lot of learnings came from that. A lot of weather challenges as well. We’ve made some tweaks to the event format and continuing to evolve that as well, so we’ll get through the event, see where things are, but concentrating on 2025 and making that event as successful as it can be.”
via Imago August 25, 2022: NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace drives through Grant Park on Tuesday July 19, 2022, in Chicago after Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the city will host a NASCAR street race next year. – ZUMAm67_ 20220825_zaf_m67_027 Copyright: xArmandoxL.xSanchezx
Image Credits: Imago
Although O’Donnell neither confirmed nor denied their continued interest in continuing their ideas and plans with Chicago, this can be taken as a hint that NASCAR is open to exploring different options. And it looks like San Diego could be on their radar. “We are certainly interested in California and the Southern California market, and that will continue to be a focus for us, but nothing to confirm at this point.”
Well, this update or hints were very well received by the NASCAR fans, and they started to chime in with an alternative that could replace the Chicago Street Race.
Which city will host NASCAR’s street course races beyond 2025?
The idea behind NASCAR investing its resources in street racing was to attract a new audience to the sport. Although the city of Chicago has attracted more eyeballs to stock car racing, the racing just hasn’t been something that leaves the fans in awe. Well, the weather certainly has played a major spoiler in that aspect. But, given this was an attempt to expand the boundaries of NASCAR as a sport, surely there can be other locations apart from Chicago. “Man, if a street race were to happen in Portland or Seattle, it could be about as beautiful as Monaco.”
Now Formula 1 fans are blessed with events spread across the globe. While they have their core base in Europe, they visit countries like Japan, Azerbaijan, Brazil, and the UAE and have multiple events in the United States. Now that NASCAR has given a go-ahead with the race in Mexico City, this could lead to seismic changes to the racing schedule. And going by this fan’s suggestion, street racing in Tokyo is something NASCAR can look into. This fan exemplified this by saying, “Possibly overseas as well. Like, imagine Cup cars roaring through downtown Tokyo. That’d be awesome.” It will also be a fun change of dynamic for OEMs since Toyota would be on home turf.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
It is indeed tough to crack a deal with a city and get the logistics sorted out to plan a racing event. NASCAR had to deal with similar concerns while returning for its second leg. Not everyone is a fan of racing through the streets, as there are other options that NASCAR can explore. Perhaps a return to Road America could be the answer. Drivers like Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Christopher Bell, and Chase Elliott have won at the 4.48-mile road course in Elkhart Lake. It’s what one fan believed was the right move for NASCAR, commenting, “Return to Road America, best road course in the country.”
Well, not everyone is a fan of road racing, particularly the traditional NASCAR fans. If the Chicago Street Race was being taken off the schedule, an oval race could also replace the mega event. Chicagoland Speedway was once one of the most buzzing racing venues and hosted a NASCAR weekend for 19 years straight. But low attendance and COVID-19 proved to be a nail in the coffin for the racetrack. Fans certainly want it back, as seen by the comment, “Get Chicagoland back up and running, god dammit.”
Another important element here is the Southern California market. The Auto Club Speedway is still under construction, and NASCAR has also pulled the plug on the Clash at the Coliseum. NSACAR did try to get hold of the Long Beach Grand Prix but was outdone by Roger Penske’s move to retain the race for the IndyCar Series. While the street race in Chicago has its charm, something similar can be done with San Diego. And this race fan is all for a new change. “I have enjoyed the Chicago street race, but it’s time for a change after ‘25.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Where do you think NASCAR should shift its street race event beyond 2025?