CHICAGO (WLS) — NASCAR has just concluded its most prosperous season in Chicago. The weather conditions were favorable, and the setup and takedown process reached an unprecedented level of efficiency.

Now, it looks like they will be back for at least one more race in 2027.

Earlier this month, racing on the streets of Chicago looked like what NASCAR had in mind when they first started in Chicago.

With some cooperation from Mother Nature, it was a great couple of days of racing. Just not the right weekend apparently.

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So, after taking next year off, NASCAR officials told several alderpeople at a meeting on Monday that they intend to continue the race.

“After this meeting, I’m convinced they want to come back and race in ’27,” 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins said.

Last week, NASCAR officials released a statement that they plan to skip the next year. They also praised the city’s effort, stating, “Together, we have developed and expanded a community of fans comprising both longstanding NASCAR followers and new race attendees from all over the world, and we are incredibly thankful for that.”

Alderpeople present at the meeting mentioned that NASCAR has vowed to continue and even enhance their community contributions, supporting various initiatives like the Boys and Girls Club in 2026, despite not hosting a race.

“They’re really doubling down on all the things they’ve done to establish they’re not carpet baggers. They’re here. They’re in Chicago. They want to stay in Chicago,” Hopkins said.

Some Chicagoans are split on whether they want NASCAR back. A number of downtown alderpeople say they would support it with a more profitable financial arrangement for the city.

Along with Choose Chicago, they are commissioning a financial analysis to determine the impact and expenses of the race.

NASCAR has 90 days from the end of the July 2025 race to execute the option to continue the contract in Chicago for two more years. While they will not race here next summer, it gives the city and NASCAR more time to find dates for the race in 2027.