Denny Hamlin has historically avoided road and street courses, focusing solely on stock car racing, but his perspective on the Denny Hamlin Chicago Street Race shows a notable shift. The event, held in downtown Chicago, has quickly become one of the NASCAR Cup Series’ most eagerly awaited weekends despite weather disruptions.
Since its debut in 2023, the Chicago Street Race has been praised by fans, drivers, and NASCAR alike. Although rain has interrupted both editions, the wet track conditions have produced unpredictable, intense racing rivaling that of traditional oval circuits. The 2.2-mile, 12-turn street layout winds through iconic city locations including Grant Park, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and the elevation changes of Michigan Avenue, challenging drivers with a mix of tight corners and open stretches that encourage both bold passes and technical skill.
Hamlin’s Mixed Feelings on Rain and Race Atmosphere
Reflecting on the event’s future, Hamlin expressed his frustration with the rain’s impact on what he calls an incredible event. He explained how weather interruptions have forced race officials to pause the event and clear out fans, diminishing the live experience at this marquee weekend.
I hate that the street race has been mired by rain.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Despite this, Hamlin acknowledged the track’s quality and excitement, emphasizing the race’s unique character and potential for growth. He praised its challenging layout and the impressive backdrop provided by the city, calling it a model for future street races.
The track has been good. It’s racy, it’s got passing zones. The scenery is fantastic — kind of the backdrop in which we’re racing in. There’s a lot of positives to the Chicago Street Race. Obviously, it probably will move around in the future, but it’s in the mold in which I would like to see any street race that we continue to implement,
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Jeff Gordon Highlights the Thrill of Wet-Weather Racing
In contrast, Jeff Gordon, Vice President of Hendrick Motorsports and a NASCAR legend, embraces the challenges posed by rain-soaked conditions. He believes that the drying pavement and changing track conditions create some of the most thrilling moments in NASCAR, pointing to the excitement generated during the Chicago Street Race’s rain-affected sessions.
It’s a very fun and flowy course,
—Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Vice President
It puts on a great show, and the drivers really love it… It’s such a cool event. To see our race cars screaming around the streets of Chicago and all the city has to offer, it’s so special for all of us competitors to be a part of.
—Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports Vice President
The race’s debut in 2023 created history when Shane van Gisbergen won on his NASCAR Cup Series debut, a feat not seen in six decades. The following year, Alex Bowman ended an 80-race winless streak by capitalizing on the shifting conditions, making bold tire decisions that paid off as the track dried late in the event.
The Chicago Street Race combines the intensity of road racing with the unpredictability of city streets, providing fans and drivers alike with an electrifying experience despite the weather challenges. Its continued evolution promises to bring further excitement and memorable moments to the Cup Series calendar.