The streets of Chicago's Grant Park once again transformed into a high-octane battleground as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165 roared to life on Sunday, July 6. This 2.2-mile, 12-turn temporary road course hosted the circuit's only road race of the season, delivering a thrilling mix of speed, strategy, and drama that captivated fans from the opening green flag to the final caution.
Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand driver for Trackhouse Racing, dominated the weekend in spectacular fashion. After securing the pole position with a blistering qualifying lap of 1 minute, 29.656 seconds—nearly half a second faster than his nearest competitor—van Gisbergen methodically worked his way through the field to claim victory in the Cup Series race. This win marked his second at Chicago in the Cup Series and completed a rare weekend sweep, as he also captured the pole and victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series event.
The Grant Park 165 unfolded over 75 laps, covering 165 miles through the heart of downtown Chicago. The race was segmented into three stages: 20 laps, 25 laps, and the final 30 laps. The event aired nationally on TNT and was streamed on HBO Max, with additional coverage on MRN radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Michael McDowell, driving the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, made an early statement by seizing the lead on the opening lap and dominating the first 31 laps. A seasoned road course ace, McDowell showcased his prowess by winning Stage 1, cruising to the stage victory before encountering mechanical woes. On Lap 32, he reported a stuck throttle that forced an unscheduled pit stop and ultimately pushed him back to the garage area for repairs. Despite valiant efforts to return, McDowell finished 32nd, his promising day cut short by the persistent throttle issue.
The race was not without chaos. A multi-car collision on Lap 4, triggered by Carson Hocevar's spin after contacting the wall, collected several competitors including Austin Dillon, Brad Keselowski, Todd Gilliland, Will Brown, Daniel Suarez, and Riley Herbst. The incident brought out a red flag as crews cleared the debris and ensured safety. Hocevar's crash was a major blow to his race and the 23XI Racing team.
Adding to the drama, William Byron, the regular-season points leader, struggled from the outset with clutch problems reported on the very first lap. His issues forced him behind the wall early, marking a difficult day for the Hendrick Motorsports driver. In fact, all four Hendrick cars—including Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman—were relegated to the rear of the field before the start due to unapproved adjustments made to repair damage from practice and qualifying sessions.
The race saw several notable battles throughout the field. Tyler Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing, was a standout performer in the latter stages. After starting strong and moving up the ranks, Reddick executed a series of impressive overtakes, including passing Denny Hamlin for third place with just a few laps remaining. His relentless pace made him the fastest car on the track in the closing laps, ultimately securing a third-place finish.
Ty Gibbs, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, emerged as van Gisbergen's closest challenger. After climbing steadily through the pack, Gibbs settled into second place following a critical restart with nine laps to go. Despite pressure, van Gisbergen kept Gibbs at bay, demonstrating composure and tactical savvy to maintain the lead.
The final laps were marked by tension and caution. Cody Ware crashed hard into the tire barrier at Turn 6 with just two laps remaining, prompting NASCAR to throw the caution flag. However, van Gisbergen had already crossed the start-finish line before the yellow came out, effectively sealing his victory under caution. The race concluded with the top five finishing as follows: Shane van Gisbergen first, Ty Gibbs second, Tyler Reddick third, Denny Hamlin fourth, and Kyle Busch rounding out the top five.
Ryan Blaney claimed the Stage 2 win, adding to his tally of stage victories this season. Meanwhile, AJ Allmendinger, Ryan Preece, Alex Bowman, Austin Hill, and Ross Chastain rounded out the top ten finishers, showcasing a diverse mix of teams and drivers excelling on the challenging street circuit.
Noteworthy performances included Katherine Legge, who finished 19th. Legge's result marked the first top-20 finish by a female driver in the Cup Series since Danica Patrick in 2017, a milestone that drew significant attention and praise. Legge overcame a hard crash in practice and a tense qualifying battle to secure her spot in the race, ultimately delivering a solid performance in Chicago.
The race also featured a caution period for a medical emergency involving a spectator, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of events held in urban settings. Despite forecasts predicting rain, the race enjoyed dry conditions throughout, a welcome reprieve after weather disruptions in the previous two years.
The Grant Park 165 is also a key event in the NASCAR In-Season Tournament, with 16 drivers advancing to the second round. The tournament adds an extra layer of competition and intensity, with head-to-head matchups that influence playoff positioning and prize money. Notable advances included Tyler Reddick, Ty Gibbs, Ryan Preece, and Alex Bowman moving forward, while several top seeds fell victim to the challenging street course and race incidents.
Van Gisbergen's victory in Chicago is a testament to his road racing expertise and adaptability. The three-time Supercars champion has been a standout on road courses this season, with strong finishes in Austin and a dominant win in Mexico City. His performance in Chicago confirms his status as one of the premier road course racers in NASCAR.
As the Cup Series moves forward, the Grant Park 165 will be remembered for its dramatic twists, strategic battles, and the emergence of van Gisbergen as a dominant force on the streets of Chicago. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in the season, with the In-Season Tournament heating up and the playoff race intensifying.
With a total purse of $11,704,450 at stake and a fiercely competitive field, the Grant Park 165 once again proved why the Chicago street course is a unique and thrilling addition to the NASCAR calendar.
