NASCAR is poised to make its comeback in Chicago in 2027, with the event potentially landing on the same weekend as the Sueños music festival that traditionally marks Memorial Day.
Negotiations Underway
The progress toward a new agreement was underscored when Leslie Recht, who leads the Grant Park Advisory Council, met with Julie Giese, president of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, to discuss terms that are described as being close to finalization.
The street‑race concept is not new to the city; from 2023 through 2025 the series ran over the July 4th weekend, but those editions were marred by weather delays and complaints from neighborhood groups about limited access to the park and perceived shortfalls in financial benefit for Chicago.
During that period community representatives — including Jake DiGregorio, Lori Lightfoot, Carlos Ramirez Rosa and Brian Hopkins — voiced concerns about the distribution of revenues, prompting city officials such as Alderman Bill Conway to push for a revised deal that addresses both logistical and fiscal interests.
In 2024 NASCAR agreed to an additional $2 million payment to cover city expenses, and officials are hopeful that the renewed contract will capture the $128 million economic impact and $43.6 million in media value that were highlighted after the 2025 edition.
City planners are now weighing how the race fits into broader urban development plans, while also considering the potential overlap with the Sueños festival and the need to balance community access with the city’s ambitions for a world‑class event.