NASCAR at the Chicago Street Course: What You Need to Know for Race Weekend

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the heart of downtown Chicago for one of the most unique events on the calendar — the Chicago Street Race Weekend, taking place July 5–6, 2025. With the city’s skyline as the backdrop and Lake Michigan along the route, the weekend promises high-speed drama on a 2.2-mile, 12-turn street course winding through iconic streets like DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, and Columbus Drive.

📅 Race Weekend Schedule

Saturday, July 5

9:30 a.m. ET – Xfinity Series practice
10:30 a.m. ET – Xfinity qualifying
3:30 p.m. ET – The Loop 110 Xfinity Series race (50 laps) – Broadcast on CW

Sunday, July 6

11:00 a.m. CT – Gates open with fan activities and live entertainment
1:00 p.m. ET – Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series race (75 laps) – Broadcast on TNT

Post-race festivities include concerts, fan zones, and a full Chicago summer celebration around Grant Park.

🏁 Track & Race Format

The street course layout is unlike any other in NASCAR, presenting a true challenge for drivers. Sharp corners, tight turns, and unpredictable braking zones test even the best road racers. The Cup Series race will be split into three stages (laps 20, 45, and 75), and tire strategy could play a big role — especially with a chance of mid-summer rain.

⭐ Drivers to Watch

Alex Bowman returns to defend his 2024 win in Chicago.
Shane van Gisbergen, the 2023 winner, remains a street course threat.
Road-course aces like Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, and Michael McDowell will also be hunting for a win.

This race also serves as Round 2 of the NASCAR In-Season Tournament, where drivers compete for points and a potential $1 million prize.

🎟️ Fan Experience & Tickets

Fans can expect more than just racing — with freestyle motocross shows, the NASCAR Kids Zone, driver Q&As, live music including a Zac Brown Band concert, and food trucks throughout Grant Park. Kids 12 and under get in free with an adult, and ticket prices have been lowered compared to 2024.