Through nearly 75 years of its history, NASCAR had raced all across the United States on all types of racetracks, from the smallest of dirt ovals to the biggest and fastest of superspeedways. But never before had NASCAR’s top level raced on the streets of a major city — until the city of Chicago changed all that.
For the third consecutive year, NASCAR commemorates July 4th weekend with its annual Chicago Street Race weekend, culminating in the Grant Park 165 in downtown Chicago. Through two years so far, this event has played host to a Coming to America story that saw Shane van Gisbergen go from a visiting New Zealander who won in his NASCAR debut to a full-time Cup driver, and a return to Victory Lane last year when Alex Bowman ended a two-year winless streak.
This year, the increasing intensity of the battle for the NASCAR playoffs takes center stage in Second City, as only four open spots for non-winners now remain on the playoff grid. One such spot was filled last week, when local hero Chase Elliott won in Atlanta to stamp his place in the playoffs and clear the way for his run at a second Cup title.
Where to watch the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago
When: Sunday, July 6, 2 p.m. ET
Where: Chicago Street Course — Chicago, Ill.
TV: TNT
Stream: fubo (try for free)
Storyline to watch
This weekend brings with it some special intrigue in qualifying, as there’s set to be a focus on the race to make the race: 41 cars are entered for 40 available spots in the field, which marks the first time since 2018 a non-Daytona 500 Cup race has had more than 40 cars entered. With five Open cars competing for four available spots in the field, one car, driver, and team will be forced to load up and head home if they’re the slowest of the Open cars in qualifying Saturday.
Three of the Open cars are being fielded by full-time Cup teams, with 23XI Racing fielding the No. 67 for Corey Heim, Richard Childress Racing bringing the No. 33 for Austin Hill and Kaulig Racing fielding the No. 13 for reigning V8 Supercars champion Will Brown.