NASCAR has answered an important question about the upcoming Cup Series and Xfinity Series schedules. The sanctioning body has revealed that the Chicago Street Race will not return in 2026.
But that doesn't mean it is gone forever.
"Following the success of the first three years, the Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time necessary to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago to explore a new potential date and to develop a plan that further optimizes operational efficiencies, with a goal to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027," NASCAR said in a statement on Friday afternoon.
"Together, we have built and grown an expanded community of fans that consists of longtime NASCAR enthusiasts and first-time racegoers from around the globe, and for that, we are immensely grateful."
The Chicago Street Race made its debut in 2023 with a rain-affected weekend. The Xfinity Series race ended shortly before its halfway point due to the historic rain while the Cup Series race ended earlier than expected. Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen won the race in his first-ever NASCAR start.
The Chicago Street Race returned in 2024 and '25. One weekend featured more rain while the other took place under more favorable conditions. Alex Bowman won last season's race and then van Gisbergen returned to victory lane this year.
The Chicago Street Race -- while it angered some Chicago-based sportswriters -- delighted some NASCAR drivers. Denny Hamlin said that he wants to see NASCAR return to the Windy City in the future, as did Chase Elliott. Although the 2020 Cup Series champion added that he would like to rotate street race destinations.
The Chicago Street Race will not return in 2026, but the plan is to go to another city. The Athletic first reported that NASCAR and San Diego were working on a deal to bring the Cup Series to the California city. Racer and AltDriver were both told this week that this trip will indeed take place during the 2026 season.
NASCAR has not confirmed that this trip to San Diego will happen, but an announcement is expected in the coming weeks.