NASCAR has been bold with its schedule for several years after not changing it for a long period of time. This includes the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum and the return of North Wilkesboro Speedway as NASCAR’s All-Star Race in 2023.
None of these events are going to be as big as what is coming on the Fourth of July Weekend. For the first time in history, the sport will be competing on a street course when it heads to Chicago, IL.
Both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series will compete on the Chicago Street Course despite the public cries of those in charge within Chicago. As of now, the event is scheduled to move forward and it would be shocking to see it not take place.
With the sport trending in the right direction, there are even more rumors flying around, which include a possible international race as early as next year. However, there are more rumors surrounding street courses due to Chicago.
Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern jumped on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and discussed many topics, including the potential of more street course races in the future.
“(NASCAR) has been in talks with other cities about having street races but it would probably be a little bit too soon to do another one next year.”
Adam Stern on NASCAR looking at other street courses
This is surprising to hear as NASCAR hasn’t even competed at the Chicago Street Course yet. It is unknown how the racing will be since the sport’s stock cars haven’t been on a street course outside of iRacing.
The atmosphere will be electric whether the racing on the track is good or not. The racing series will be breaking down barriers in Chicago, IL and it is poised to be as major of an event off the track as on the track.
If the rumors are true and NASCAR pursues another street course for the 2025 season or beyond, which cities would make sense for the sport? Continue reading to find out the three best options moving forward.
Related: NASCAR seriously looking to bring the Cup Series to Canada or Mexico in 2024
3 cities that could hold a NASCAR street course race in the near future
NASCAR will likely have plenty of options on the table as interest in the sport has significantly grown over the past few seasons. However, there are some cities that make sense more than others if they can make it work.
Formula 1 will be going to Las Vegas, NV in November 2023 and the hype around the event is through the roof. NASCAR could also try to do a deal with the city to get its stock cars on the streets of Las Vegas.
In fact, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO and President Steve Hill has previously said it could be possible that NASCAR holds a street course race in Las Vegas if the Formula 1 event goes well. Hopefully, everything goes well in November and NASCAR can enter The Strip.
Another option could be Nashville as the NTT IndyCar Series has experience on the street course. The sport already races at Nashville Superspeedway with the possibility of Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway growing bigger each year.
However, the Nashville Street Circuit would be another good option since the fans around the area are passionate about racing. If the sport can find a way to make it work, there should be a major push to get its drivers on the circuit.
Finally, New York City would be one of the best options for a street course race in the Cup Series. According to Stern, New York City is “near the top” of NASCAR’s wishlist when it comes to more potential street course races.
Of course, this event would need to be held in the summer months due to the New York weather. It would be a major, major feat to get NASCAR in New York City but it doesn’t seem like it will be happening in 2024 as of now.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV or another streaming platform, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming weekend at Kansas Speedway!