For the third year running, NASCAR has transformed the bustling streets of Chicago into a high-octane battleground, thrilling fans with the unique spectacle of the Grant Park 165. This 2025 edition, held on July 6th, showcased the exhilarating blend of street racing and elite NASCAR competition, as drivers maneuvered through the iconic 2.2-mile, 12-turn circuit carved out of the downtown Chicago loop. From Michigan Avenue to the scenic stretches near Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago, the racecourse offered a breathtaking urban backdrop for the intense racing action.
The Grant Park 165 is not just any race—it’s the only event on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule that takes place on actual city streets, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement for drivers and fans alike. This race also serves as Round 2 of NASCAR’s inaugural single-elimination In-Season Challenge, a fierce head-to-head tournament where the best finisher advances, all chasing a lucrative $1 million bonus. Ty Dillon, the tournament’s last seed, had just knocked out top seed Denny Hamlin the week prior and was set to face No. 17 seed Brad Keselowski on the Chicago streets. Despite their long odds (+25000 for Dillon and +15000 for Keselowski), their battles added a compelling subplot to the weekend.
Pole position was claimed by Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand driver who has quickly become a fan favorite and a formidable road course specialist. Van Gisbergen entered the race as the +150 favorite, having won the 2023 Chicago Street Race and recently taking victory on a road course in Mexico City. His dominance in qualifying and previous success made him the man to watch, though experts and bettors alike cautioned that street racing’s unpredictable nature means even the favorites can face early heartbreak. Van Gisbergen himself knows this well—his 2024 Chicago race ended prematurely after a collision with Chase Briscoe, underscoring the razor-thin margin for error on these tight, unforgiving streets.
Joining van Gisbergen at the front were notable contenders like Christopher Bell (+700), Kyle Larson (+750), Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs (both +1100), Chase Elliott (+1200), and William Byron (+1300). The field also included intriguing longshots such as Chris Buescher (+2000), who came into the race sitting ninth in the NASCAR standings and holding a slim 52-point cushion above the playoff cutoff. Buescher’s strong road course resume, including a win at Watkins Glen and a top-10 finish in the inaugural Chicago Street Race, made him a smart pick for those seeking value bets. The model from SportsLine, which simulates races 10,000 times and has an impressive track record of correctly predicting winners, also highlighted AJ Allmendinger as a potential top-10 finisher (+120), thanks to his proven prowess on road courses and three career Cup Series victories on such tracks.
The race day atmosphere was electric. Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose had the honor of giving the command to start engines, adding a local sports icon’s flair to the proceedings. Fans packed the streets and grandstands, soaking in the rare opportunity to witness NASCAR’s top drivers racing through the heart of the city. The event also featured an exhibition by NASCAR EV cars, with drivers David Ragan, Rajah Caruth, and Brent Crews taking laps on the street course, signaling NASCAR’s growing commitment to electric racing technology.
Early laps saw Michael McDowell seize the spotlight by leading the first 31 laps, demonstrating impressive speed and control on the challenging circuit. Unfortunately, mechanical issues forced McDowell out of contention, a reminder of how reliability can be as decisive as driver skill on street courses. William Byron, another pre-race favorite, was sidelined early due to mechanical troubles after completing just a single lap, finishing 40th and leaving his team to regroup quickly.
The race was not without incident. A dramatic multi-car crash erupted on Lap 3 involving Carson Hocevar, who slammed into the wall, along with Brad Keselowski, Austin Dillon, and Daniel Suarez. Keselowski suffered significant damage, further complicating his In-Season Challenge hopes. The chaotic crash underscored the perils of tight street racing, where space is limited and mistakes can cascade quickly.
Shane van Gisbergen’s day, however, was a showcase of skill and composure. After securing pole position for both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series races on July 5th, van Gisbergen carried that momentum into the main event. His commanding performance culminated in a memorable victory, marking his second Chicago Street Race win. In celebration, van Gisbergen performed his signature rugby ball kick into the stands, a jubilant gesture that delighted fans and cemented his status as a street racing icon.
Behind the wheel, van Gisbergen’s mastery of the urban circuit was evident. His ability to navigate the 12-turn layout with precision and speed set him apart from the competition. The win further solidified his reputation as one of NASCAR’s premier road course racers, especially notable given the race’s unique street setting.
Other drivers made notable efforts as well. Chris Buescher’s steady performance kept him in contention, validating the predictive model’s confidence in his potential. AJ Allmendinger’s road course expertise was on full display, as he pushed for a top-10 finish to chip away at his points deficit and keep his playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, rookies and part-time drivers like Will Brown, the reigning Australian Supercars champion making only his second NASCAR start, attracted attention for their promising runs on this demanding course.
The 2025 Grant Park 165 not only celebrated the thrill of street racing but also highlighted the evolving nature of NASCAR. The inclusion of the In-Season Challenge adds a fresh competitive layer, while the EV exhibition points toward the sport’s future. Fans were treated to a weekend packed with drama, speed, and unforgettable moments set against Chicago’s stunning skyline.
As the dust settles on this year’s street race, the championship battle intensifies. With just eight races remaining in the regular season, every point gained or lost on these unforgiving city streets could shape the playoff picture. Drivers and teams will now turn their focus to the upcoming events, carrying lessons learned from the twists and turns of Grant Park.
In the end, the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race proved once again why this event has quickly become a highlight of the NASCAR calendar. Its unique blend of urban racing, high stakes, and dramatic storytelling keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eager for the next chapter in this thrilling street racing saga.
