Open Letter in Chicago Sun Times Breaks Up With NASCAR

What’s Happening?

In the wake of NASCAR’s third consecutive year in the streets of Chicago, one dedicated Chicagoan took to the Chicago Sun Times to publish a Dear John letter to “break up” with NASCAR for the foreseeable future. “It’s not you, it’s us”, writes the author. The argument in the letter was that this wasn’t something the people of Chicago asked for in the first place. It argues that NASCAR in Chicago was just thrust upon them. That idea is that the race has run its course, and it’s best that the relationship come to an end, for all involved…as harsh as the letter itself might be.

• The first of the Chicago street races was held back in 2023. This was the first of a three-year deal with the city. Following the 2025 race, the contract ended. Whether or not NASCAR will return to Chicago for the 2026 season remains to be seen.
• This first deal was struck with the previous Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot. Since then, a new Mayor in Brandon Johnson, was elected. During his time in office, Johnson was committed to see the contract between NASCAR and the City of Chicago through to the very end. However, he has been meek recently in regards to the future of the relationship. This casts doubt that NASCAR will return for the 2026 season.
• The open letter suggests that NASCAR in Chicago was a huge hassle for the citizens who live in the city. Knowing what kind of crowd NASCAR draws, this was probably the case.

You can read the article in its entirety here.

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