Last year around this time, many were wondering if a street race in Chicago would be feasible.
Now, after a successful first NASCAR race last July, there have been rumors that another series could be coming to the Windy City.
It all started back in January, when Formula 1 filed to register the trademarks “Formula 1 Chicago Grand Prix,” “Chicago Grand Prix,” “Chicago Grand Prix” and “Formula 1 Chicago Grand Prix.” That, of course, sparked speculation that the open-wheel series could soon add Chicago to its calendar.
Here’s everything you need to know about the rumors and connections between NASCAR and F1:
What is the difference between NASCAR and F1?
Where do we start? This is a trick question.
Both racing leagues have the same goal: drive fast and beat your competitors. But everything else couldn’t be more different.
NASCAR is an American governing body, while F1 is an international racing series. NASCAR uses stock cars, while F1 uses open-wheel cars. NASCAR primarily races on oval tracks throughout the United States, while F1 races only on street and road courses around the world.
There are many other intricacies that make each series unique, but these are the basics.
Will F1 race in Chicago?
Despite the aforementioned records, an F1 race in Chicago seems unlikely.
KeynoteUSA’s Nate Saunders said in May that reports of the race being confirmed “are unrealistic” and that “there are no plans within F1 to expand to four races in the United States at this time.”
“I’m told that F1 typically requires a minimum 10-year contract,” Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins told the Chicago Sun Times in an interview. “And that appears to be non-negotiable. The conversation (with the city) didn’t go much further than that.”
Chicago would not be added to the calendar until 2026 at the earliest, because the 2025 calendar has already been published. The United States currently hosts three of the 24 races on the calendar (Austin, Miami, Las Vegas), and it is unclear whether F1 would want to add a fourth. Italy is the only other country to host multiple races (Monza, Imola).
How long will the NASCAR race in Chicago last?
NASCAR and the city of Chicago have a three-year agreement to hold the street race in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Here’s what the city said last July regarding the event:
“Chicago is incredibly excited about the opportunity to host the 2023, 2024 and 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Course events, and we are ready to welcome NASCAR fans back to our world-class city.”
There was some speculation last year that the agreement could be terminated or modified when Brandon Johnson took over as mayor in May 2023, but nothing has changed as of yet. Johnson’s office held talks with NASCAR before agreeing to remain on the schedule for 2024.
“As a result of these discussions, NASCAR has agreed to shorten the setup and teardown times for the event, which will reduce travel disruptions for affected communities and other residents,” Johnson’s team said in a statement. “NASCAR has also committed to addressing costs incurred by city departments and agencies to facilitate and secure the event, consistent with other large-scale events. This is a win for Chicago taxpayers, as the original agreement did not include provisions for such costs.”
Could NASCAR and F1 compete in Chicago?
It would be virtually impossible for both NASCAR and F1 to race in Chicago, especially simultaneously.
If the city were to strike a deal with F1 for 2026 and beyond, NASCAR would likely go in a different direction once its contract expires. It’s also unclear whether F1 would use a track layout similar to NASCAR’s or move to a different part of the city for its race.
How many street races does NASCAR have?
Chicago is the first and only street race on the NASCAR schedule.
The Cup Series also races on other circuits that have left and right turns (Watkins Glen, Sonoma, Austin, Charlotte), but they are permanent venues and built specifically for that purpose.
How many street races does F1 have?
The 2024 F1 calendar features eight street circuits:
- Australia (Melbourne, debuted in 1996)
- Azerbaijan (Baku, debuted in 2016)
- Canada (Montreal, debuted in 1978)
- USA (Las Vegas, debuting in 2023)
- USA (Miami Gardens, opening 2022)
- Monaco (Monaco, debuted in 1950)
- Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, debuted in 2021)
- Singapore (Marina Bay, opened in 2008)
When will the NASCAR Chicago street race be in 2024?
Grant Park 165 is scheduled for Sunday, July 7 at 3:30 p.m. CT on KeynoteUSA and Peacock.
On Saturday, July 6 at 2:30 p.m. Central Time on KeynoteUSA, The Loop 110, NASCAR’s second-tier Xfinity Series, will take place. Some of NASCAR’s rising stars will compete in this event as they hope to eventually make their way to the Cup Series.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.