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When the 2024 schedule came out, many people were curious to see if the Chicago Street Race would stay on the schedule. It is on the schedule, and a subsequent statement from the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, led people to believe this was going to happen in 2024. However, Leigh Giangreco of Crain’s Chicago Business reports that neither party has signed an agreement for the 2024 race. Will the race happen, and if it does now happen, where will it go?
One thing is for certain, NASCAR and the City of Chicago are discussing the Chicago Street Race. Local opposition to the street race has been a problem for NASCAR, but, it seems NASCAR and the city are working together to put the race together. This is evidenced as well by a statement put out by Mayor Brandon Johnson about the Street Race.
The Chicago Street Race contract does have a clause in it that allows the City or NASCAR to terminate the contract 180 days prior to the event being held. With the Street Race event set to begin on July 6th, 2024, 180 days prior to the event is January 8, 2024. That is the hard cut-off, but, given that it is right after the holidays, it’s possible an agreement could be signed or terminated right before then.
The canceling of the Chicago Street Race may be the release of a burden for many in Chicago, but it does create a logistical problem for NASCAR. If the Street Race does not happen, they need to find another race to take the event’s place. NASCAR can’t just make the schedule 35 races instead of 36 because they have TV contracts to fulfill, and running one less race means one less race of ticket revenue, advertising revenue, and the like. With that in mind, where can NASCAR go instead?
Chicagoland Speedway
This is the most likely option for NASCAR to go to because it is the closest track to Chicago. Not only is the Chicagoland Speedway close, but it is a track owned by NASCAR. It is also a track that can host a race as evidenced by a SuperMotorcross race at the track back in September.
Chicagoland Speedway offers NASCAR some much-needed flexibility since it is able to host a race, and it is also a very popular venue. With the current Next-Gen intermediate track package, many fans ask for Chicagoland Speedway to come back. If the Street Race does not work out, this may be the most likely option for NASCAR.
Road America
The next closest race track to Chicagoland is Road America. Road America also has a free weekend the first weekend of July on its 2024 racing schedule. It also is a popular track amongst the fans.
Fans turned out with estimated crowds of over 100,000 people during the two Cup Series race weekends. The issue with this track is that it is not NASCAR-owned, and the Chicago Street Race is a NASCAR-owned track race date. However, Road America returning would be popular amongst the fans.
Kentucky Speedway
The longshot of all longshots, but, it is appropriate in a state known for horse racing. Kentucky Speedway is another 1.5-mile race track that NASCAR left following the 2020 season. The track was not particularly popular amongst fans, however, when it existed.
With the Next-Gen car, however, maybe Kentucky would improve its racing product. There are a few fans who want to see this race track return, even if it is not as many as Road America or Chicagoland.
The Chicago Street Race still has some things to work out it seems. If it happens, it could be another major success, but if it does not, NASCAR has a few options to look at.
