Denny Hamlin set for disappointment as NASCAR make huge official announcement

The Chicago Street Race will not be returning to the calendar in 2026, NASCAR has confirmed in an official statement.

NASCAR first raced in Chicago back in 2023, but after three years, the event is now set to be paused for the time being, with a potential return on the cards for 2027.

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"Thank you for all that you have done to make the NASCAR Chicago Street Race one of the most iconic events in global sports," an official NASCAR statement read.

"Following the success of the first three years, the Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time necessary to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago to explore a new potential date and to develop a plan that further optimizes operational efficiencies, with a goal to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027.

"Together, we have built and grown an expanded community of fans that consists of longtime NASCAR enthusiasts and first-time racegoers from around the globe, and for that, we are immensely grateful."

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pic.twitter.com/bgWvhwPzwC

— NASCAR Chicago Street Race (@NASCARChicago) July 18, 2025

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Denny Hamlin set for disappointment

Joe Gibbs Racing star Denny Hamlin is one driver who will be disappointed by the decision.

Despite the event having come in for some criticism from sections of the NASCAR community, the driver of the No. 11 has been a vocal supporter of the race, calling for it to remain on the calendar moving forward.

Earlier this month, Hamlin said on his Actions Detrimental podcast: “I personally would like to see them do everything they can to keep it here,” Hamlin told the media ahead of Sunday's Grant Park 165. “I'd like to see the city rally behind this race.

"I could just tell you that non-racing fans at the hotel I'm staying at are talking about the race. I think that it's certainly got some sort of economic impact to the city itself.

"We're certainly exposing some new fans to this. I think it's very important. I think you try everything you can to get this thing back here in Chicago, because I believe it is an important place for us.”

It remains to be seen what event takes the slot of the street race in Chicago, although reports suggest another street race in San Diego could be on the cards.

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