NASCAR looks set to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027, but not in the same calendar spot where it used to live.

The previous three iterations of the Chicago Street Race were all held on the first Sunday in July, the closest race to the 4th of July weekend, but the Chicago Tribune reports that the event is likely to move earlier in '27.

Part of the idea, the report claims, is to follow the Sueños music festival (held on Memorial Day weekend), with an eye to keeping some of the massive Grant Park festival's facilities in place to use for the race.

Nothing is likely to be made official yet, but Shane van Gisbergen in particularly should be looking forward to returning to a track at which he's won twice in the Cup Series – including his NASCAR debut in 2023 – and twice in the O'Reilly Series.

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NASCAR Chicago Street Race set for new slot

The race was conspicuously absent from the 2026 schedule when it was announced last year, replaced by another street course – a one-off race at Coronado Naval Base in San Diego to mark the US Navy's 250th birthday.

While it was easy to point at the unique nature of the Coronado race and expect Chicago's street race to be back for '27, the fact that a number of locals were unhappy with the disruption every summer (plus the return of the Chicagoland Speedway to the calendar this year) meant that the race's future remained uncertain.

However, the Tribune's report – coupled with The Athletic claiming last month that a return looks on the cards – appears to indicate that a return is all-but guaranteed at this point 

The movement on the schedule from July to earlier on the calendar is likely down to a number of factors, not least prior complaints that the inherent busyness of the date meant that police were stretched.

NASCAR-appointed Chicago Street Race president Julie Giese said when the race was scratched from the schedule last summer: “Our goal is for the Chicago Street Race to return in 2027 with an event that further enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike, as we work together towards a new potential date, shorter build schedule, and additional tourism draws."

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