NASCAR shortens the length of Chicago Street Race for Cup and Xfinity in 2024

In the inaugural NASCAR Chicago Street Race, both the Cup and Xfinity Series races were shortened due to weather and time. Now, they will be shortened due to a decision from NASCAR itself. The Cup Series is going to be just 75 laps instead of 100 planned. The Xfinity Series will now race 50, instead of 55. They only completed 78 laps and 25 laps, respectively in 2023.

The decision will now allow NASCAR to work around weather and daylight restrictions in Chicago. Cup Series drivers will now race 165 miles in total. Xfinity Series will be 110 miles around the 2.20-mile course.

This might have been a choice that is part of the new deal with the City of Chicago. Government officials in the city were hoping to reduce setup and tear-down times that caused issues with traffic.

Still, I kind of wish this was a 200-mile race for the Cup Series. Anything under 200 miles just seems short. Street course racing is different, thought. The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will hopefully not get flooded out in 2024.

Here’s the news from Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports. Just to note, Justin Haley was leading at lap 75 this year. That was until Shane van Gisbergen went on to win in 78 laps.

Chicago race lengths for 2024 changed from last year: Cup was scheduled for 100 this year (completed 78) and is now 75 for 2024 … Xfinity was scheduled for 55 this year (completed only 25) and is now 50 for 2024.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 20, 2023

This year the Chicago Street Race was seen as a positive. It gave us a new look at what NASCAR can accomplish. They can go to any city and put on an event like this, if the city wants to bring them in, that is.

While there was a bit of restructuring on the deal since Mayor Brandon Johnson was elected, the event is still happening. Imagine how much fun it will be if it doesn’t rain a historical amount in just 36 hours.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race changes

So, what does this mean? Well, it’s going to be about a two-hour race for the Cup Series. So, you can plan according to that. Earlier this year, between the rain delays and the sun setting on the race, NASCAR did the best they could in Chicago.

Shane van Gisbergen stole the show. In his first ever Cup Series start he showed out and stole this win from the NASCAR regulars. Next year, SVG is back on a more consistent schedule. He’s going to try and defend his NASCAR Chicago title, I’m sure.

Drivers like SVG and Kyle Larson could drive through the field. The course had passing zones, a lot more than people thought beforehand.

I think shortening the race does make sense in the end. Weather and daylight are real factors to consider. Not only that, this is a festival, not just a race weekend. Ideally, there will be vendors and live music from some big names, as well as other fun activities for those fans in attendance.