As the Chicago Street Race approaches the final year of its contract in 2025, notable voices in NASCAR are weighing in on whether the event should continue or make way for Chicagoland Speedway’s return. Among these voices is Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports driver, who has openly expressed his preference for bringing back the oval racetrack over continuing with the costly Chicago street event. The discussion reflects a larger conversation about the future of <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR racing in the Chicago area and the broader Midwest circuit.
Hocevar recently gained unrestricted access to Chicagoland Speedway, capturing moments for his Twitch followers and igniting speculation about the track’s potential comeback. Speaking with Frontstretch ahead of the upcoming Chicago Street Race, the 22-year-old driver shared his enthusiasm for competing at Chicagoland again.
“Yeah, for sure I’d wanna race there. It kinda fits that old Atlanta grip level. You know, it already had a lot less grip, and now it’s probably aged, you know, it’s been six years or whatever. It’s probably aged fifteen, twenty, almost, just sitting there… Hopefully, you know, maybe in the future that track will come back. But it’s cool to see. It’s always neat.”
—Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports #77
Despite Hocevar’s fondness for Chicagoland, he is less eager about the street race format in downtown Chicago. He highlighted his racing strengths and preferences, noting that while the street race is an important part of the current schedule, it is not as advantageous for him as the oval track.
“We have a lot of road courses… So, for my racing, it works well that this race exists, even though I’m not the fastest. But I would love to have Chicagoland back because I think we could have a lot better shot showing up to a Chicago area race and winning versus this one. But, yeah, I think this event is super cool. So, the biggest thing for me is… I want to see a street race still on the schedule. But I think one is enough.”
—Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports #77
Comparing the Chicago Street Race’s Costs and Challenges with Chicagoland Speedway’s Appeal
The Chicago Street Race, introduced in 2023 to replace Chicagoland Speedway, reportedly incurs hosting costs near $50 million each year. This massive budget reflects the complex logistics involved in setting up a temporary urban circuit, including infrastructure adjustments and ongoing challenges such as limited spotter visibility and unpredictable weather interruptions like frequent rain.
Conversely, Chicagoland Speedway’s 1.5-mile asphalt oval offers familiarity and tradition. The track had been a NASCAR staple through the 2000s before its removal from the schedule in 2019. Known for a surface that presents less grip, its design and aging condition resemble characteristics similar to Atlanta Motor Speedway’s old racing style, a favorite among drivers like Hocevar.
Hocevar’s recent racing results underscore this preference. While he placed 24th in the challenging Chicago Street Race in 2024 after starting 13th, he achieved a career-best finish—second place—at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta earlier in 2025. This performance proves the oval style suits his driving skills better than the demanding, tight turns of the city circuit.
“I would love to have Chicagoland back because I think we could have a lot better shot showing up to a Chicago area race and winning versus (the Chicago street course).”
—Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports #77
Additional Support for Chicagoland Speedway’s Return from Drivers and Insiders
Hocevar is not alone in encouraging Chicagoland Speedway’s revival. Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has expressed public support for returning to the Joliet oval. NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck highlighted Blaney’s views, emphasizing the driver’s belief that Chicagoland was a great track worthy of a comeback.
“I’d like to see it come back, because I think it’d be a great racetrack. It always was.”
—Ryan Blaney, 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
This shared enthusiasm highlights the track’s historic reputation for competitive racing and the fondness drivers hold for its layout. The possibility of reviving Chicagoland Speedway has attracted attention amid discussions about the identity and sustainability of NASCAR racing in the Midwest and Chicago in particular.
Exploring the Future of NASCAR Racing in the Chicago Area
Chicago’s motorsports environment stands at a crossroads. The street race has introduced NASCAR to new audiences and generated excitement through its spectacular city center setting. However, its financial burden and operational challenges raise questions about whether this approach is sustainable long term.
Meanwhile, the prospect of restoring Chicagoland Speedway promises the return of a familiar venue with rich NASCAR heritage. The oval’s design encourages tire management, drafting, and cleaner racing lines, attributes many drivers find conducive to thrilling contests. Ongoing interest by drivers and fans, coupled with potential investments in restoration and upgrades, present a hopeful outlook for the track’s rebirth.
Hocevar’s relatively open relationship with fans and willingness to revisit past venues highlight a generational shift in how drivers shape NASCAR’s future narrative. By voicing his preferences and engaging with supporters on platforms like Twitch and X, he plays a vital role in keeping the conversation about Chicago’s racing future alive.
As NASCAR prepares for the Chicago Street Race’s third running, the tension between street racing’s spectacle and the stability of an established oval track sharpens. The decision will carry lasting impact on the sport’s footprint in the Midwest and could determine whether NASCAR’s Chicago chapter is defined by urban drama or traditional oval racing.
