NASCAR Gears Up for 2025 Chicago Street Race in Grant Park

Chicago's streets are set to transform into a racetrack as NASCAR teams finalize their preparations for the highly anticipated third annual Chicago Street Race in Grant Park.

On Friday, crews were busy ensuring everything was in place for what may be the last race under the current three-year agreement between the city and NASCAR. City officials are deliberating on extending the contract for 2026 and 2027, but excitement remains high for this weekend's event.

"It's a huge sports town, and we're racing on the streets in downtown Chicago, so it's massive," remarked Rich Heinrich, product manager for NASCAR at Goodyear, highlighting the significance of the event.

Behind the scenes, a different kind of race unfolds as teams prepare the track, grandstands, and vehicles for the main event. "Once the gates open, teams all come running in. It's kind of like the Oklahoma land rush," Heinrich explained, emphasizing the urgency of the preparations.

Heinrich oversees tire logistics, ensuring that each team has sufficient rubber for the race. "We brought a total of almost 3,000 tires," he noted. "The Cup Series is allowed seven sets for the weekend. The Xfinity is allowed six sets."

As teams hustled to finalize their setups, merchandise sales surged. "It's very hectic. It'll be a sea of people out here and just crazy busy all day," said Matt Cooling, a cashier preparing for a bustling weekend. He added with a grin, "We might sneak out and see a few laps of the race."

The 2.2-mile course through Grant Park presents a unique challenge with its twelve turns, combining sidewalks, asphalt, and concrete. "There's a lot of variation because you're racing really on the streets where people normally drive or walk," Heinrich explained.

In previous years, weather posed significant challenges, with rain disrupting festivities in both 2023 and 2024. "Sunday's kind of the question mark right now, but hey, I have faith. I have faith," Heinrich said, expressing cautious optimism.

With faith—and wet weather tires—drivers may be prepared for whatever conditions arise when the real race begins after all the behind-the-scenes action. "Just waiting for the cars to get out on the racetrack," Heinrich added.

Even if rain stays away this weekend, heat could be a factor. Saturday's temperatures are expected to soar to around 95°F in Chicago, with one driver noting that it can feel like 130°F to 140°F inside the car.

The Loop 110 Xfinity Cup race is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m., while the Grant Park 165 Cup Series race will kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday.