NASCAR Seeking Larger Grant to Bring Street Racing Back

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 31, 2026

NASCAR is seeking to increase the state grant from $5 million to $15 million to host the Chicago Street Race in Grant Park in 2027 but faces uncertainty over securing the additional funding. Delays in finalizing the budget deal threaten the event’s return, with negotiations ongoing alongside considerations for race dates and concurrent events in Joliet.

NASCAR is pursuing a larger state grant to help bring its Chicago Street Race back to Grant Park in 2027 but may face challenges in securing the requested funding. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) confirmed Wednesday that the state budget for fiscal year 2027 includes $5 million designated for NASCAR’s operating expenses related to next summer’s event.

However, sources familiar with ongoing negotiations say NASCAR sought $15 million from the state for the upcoming race, a sharp increase over the $5 million grant awarded for the 2025 event. The funding gap has raised questions about whether a deal can be finalized.

NASCAR did not directly address the funding difference in its public response but highlighted the economic benefits the Chicago Street Race has brought to the city. The organization said it is continuing talks with city and state officials and hopes to reach an agreement, though no final decisions have been made.

From 2023 through 2025, NASCAR transformed Grant Park into a temporary urban racecourse during the July Fourth weekend, marking a novel departure for both the sport and the city. Despite encountering heavy rain and some opposition from residents and local politicians, the events attracted significant media attention and generated notable economic impact.

NASCAR did not hold the Chicago event this summer, opting instead to race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on a one-year agreement while it reevaluates the timing and logistics of the street race in Chicago. Concerns raised by city officials about the length of time required to construct and dismantle the temporary track reportedly contributed to the pause.

In the meantime, NASCAR returned to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, a southwest suburb, for a July Fourth weekend race. The event, the first NASCAR race at the venue since 2019, drew a crowd of 50,000 spectators from across the U.S. and abroad. NASCAR’s chief operating officer, Ben Kennedy, has indicated the organization is considering hosting both the Chicago Street Race and the Joliet race next year.

Though Memorial Day weekend has been suggested as a potential new date for the Grant Park race, Kennedy says no official date has been set. Negotiations are ongoing with both the city of Chicago and Joliet regarding the 2027 schedule. With a deadline to finalize the calendar by August, delays in resolving the state funding issue could jeopardize the event’s return.

As conversations continue, NASCAR remains committed to exploring options for its racing presence in the greater Chicago area but acknowledges that final plans depend in part on securing sufficient public support and funding.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.