Chicago Sun-Times columnist sends scathing 'breakup' letter to NASCAR after Street Race

Year three of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race was perhaps the best overall product, mostly due to no rainfall on Sunday. Once again, Shane van Gisbergen was the big winner. But for Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times, things haven’t been so fun.

Greenberg recently wrote a column in the form of a letter to NASCAR about the Chicago Street Race. Using a heavy dose of sarcasm and humor, the columnist celebrates that this is more than likely the final year of the event.

Despite Mayor Brandon Johnson saying at the drivers meeting that the race is becoming a “Chicago tradition,” Greenberg seems happy to end things here. That might not be happening, though.

“After three years of this relationship, it’s time — beyond time — to write a ‘letter’ back. This one’s on behalf of all the denizens of this great place who are feeling smothered, turned off or, worse yet, just plain bored,” Greenberg wrote.

The piece was full of breakup cliches. “It’s not you, NASCAR. It’s us.” “We need some space.” “We’re just not feeling fireworks.” There were valid points made, like the many issues along the way.

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race has not gone without criticism. A deal that was put together by the previous Mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot. It was then inherited by Brandon Johnson and his administration. Local businesses and those living in the city have had their complaints as well.

However, recently, there has been a shift. While NASCAR is likely moving the street race elsewhere, don’t count out a potential return.

These two lovers could soon be back together. Sometimes, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race isn’t ruled out for 2026

With the way things change in a year, it is no surprise that people are talking about a potential fourth year of the Chicago Street Race. It turns out, while others are still holding out on the event, the city has started to come around to it.

There were many kinks that had to be worked out of the Chicago Street Race. The distance/time of the race, the weather (which you can’t control), and being able to work with the city to make things as seamless as possible for those who work and live in Chicago.

Of course, there were issues. But after three years, people are starting to expect this event each year. It doesn’t seem likely, but it is still possible for Chicago to host NASCAR on the streets again. San Diego is another city that has been named this season.

Part of me thinks that the decision has already been made on where NASCAR will race on the streets in 2026. We are one to two months away from the window NASCAR likes to release the schedule in. So, will we see a new face or a familiar friend next year when it comes to the street race? With how well it went this year in Chicago, it’s hard to tell.