NASCAR delivered thrilling competition during the 2025 season at the Grant Park 165, where Shane van Gisbergen claimed victories in both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series events. Despite the success, the fate of the Denny Hamlin Chicago NASCAR race remains uncertain as the contract between NASCAR and the City of Chicago has expired, and new negotiations are underway for future races.
Extending the contract appears complicated, with both NASCAR and local authorities preparing to present additional demands. Several drivers have expressed mixed opinions regarding the race’s future, with some advocating for relocating to a different city. However, Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin advocates for maintaining the event in Chicago until a clearly superior alternative is identified.
Denny Hamlin Emphasizes Importance of Chicago Street Race
Hamlin underlined the unique atmosphere and fan engagement the Chicago street race brings to NASCAR’s schedule, noting that it surpasses many traditional oval races. He questioned the logic of moving the event without confirming a better replacement, stressing that the current race has cultivated a distinctive energy in the heart of the city.
“I mean, what’s the alternative? Until we know the alternative, I don’t know whether they’re ones better or worse than this…I just feel like this is a bigger event than what some of the ovals that we go through, simply because of the atmosphere of where it’s at.” —Denny Hamlin, Driver
The race’s location in downtown Chicago has brought in a younger, more casual fanbase, a demographic that differs from NASCAR’s traditional followers. Hamlin pointed out that many of these newer fans live within the city and would be unlikely to travel to the Chicagoland Speedway outside Chicago proper for a race.
“The exposure to new fans that are here casually in the city… These are younger people, they’re not going to travel to Chicagoland to go to race…I don’t know if anyone shares the same sentiment I do, but I don’t run the series, I don’t make the decisions. But it just seems like from my standpoint, there’s more excitement around the venue itself than what a normal NASCAR race venue has.” —Denny Hamlin, Driver
Concerns Raised Over NASCAR’s Race Officiating from Remote Location
Although the Chicago races were widely praised for their excitement, NASCAR faced significant criticism for its officiating, which was managed remotely from Charlotte, North Carolina. This arrangement caused delayed rulings and missed calls, undermining the race’s fairness and intensifying frustration among drivers and fans.
A particularly contentious moment involved Cody Ware’s crash, where the veteran driver slammed into the barrier after losing his brakes. The caution flag was delayed by more than 30 seconds, much longer than it should have taken, which led to online speculation and accusations of mismanagement.
“You know they’re (NASCAR) calling this race from Charlotte, North Carolina, right? I would like to know how many people they have watching the corners. If you got camera at every corner, which they say they do, you have to have a person per camera. You can’t look at multiple monitors and think you’re catching it all. That’s not realistic.” —Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin pointed to systemic issues with NASCAR’s officiating and urged for increased manpower and better oversight to prevent repeated errors. The growing dissatisfaction raises questions about how the sanctioning body intends to respond amid ongoing scrutiny.
Impact of the Chicago Event on NASCAR’s Future and Fan Engagement
The Chicago street race has introduced NASCAR to a fresh and younger audience, which could help rejuvenate interest in the sport. Hamlin’s insistence on preserving the event reflects the value it holds not only for fans but also for NASCAR’s growth strategy in urban markets. Moving away from this venue without a properly evaluated successor risks losing an engaged, city-based fanbase.
With negotiations between NASCAR and city officials still ongoing, the decision will significantly influence NASCAR’s event calendar and fan dynamics. The continuation or relocation of the Chicago race will affect how the sport balances tradition with innovation in attracting diverse audiences.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Since starting his full-time Cup Series career in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved many successes. He has won 51 Cup Series races, including three Daytona 500s in 2016, 2019, and 2020, and earned millions during his career.
Q. Why did Denny Hamlin sue NASCAR?
A. Late last year, 23XI and Front Row took legal action against NASCAR after they didn’t agree to the new charter renewal deals. They requested a temporary court order to be recognized as chartered teams for the current season. However, on Thursday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, decided in favor of NASCAR.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. His career earnings come from NASCAR winnings, sponsorships, partnerships, and real estate, totaling $65 million.
Hamlin’s Wealth Secrets: Smart deals and sponsorships with FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota alongside big NASCAR race prizes and contracts.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. How Hamlin Built His Wealth: ✔ Huge earnings from winning NASCAR races and contracts. ✔ Long-lasting sponsorships with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. ✔ Partnering with Michael Jordan to co-own 23XI Racing, expanding his role into business.
