NASCAR: Chicago street race not being broadcast on NBC in 2025

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As a die-hard NASCAR fan with decades of racing under my belt, I must admit that the changes to the broadcast schedule in 2025 have left me somewhat divided. On one hand, I’m excited about the new media partners joining the fray – Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports. On the other, the loss of the Chicago Street Race from NBC’s calendar is a tough pill to swallow.

2023 marked an exciting milestone for me as a NASCAR enthusiast, with the introduction of the first-ever Cup Series street race held in Chicago. This event, which unfolded in early July, became one of the most captivating races to watch throughout the season, not just for me but for many others. The same thrill continued in 2024, making it two years in a row that this street race stole the spotlight on our NASCAR calendar.

Throughout both periods, the race was aired live on NBC. The shift from Fox’s schedule to NBC’s happened only a few weeks before the mid-season change.

However, by 2025, a fresh seven-year media contract will commence, welcoming Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports alongside Fox and NBC as regulars in the broadcasting lineup.

Initially, Fox will spearhead the racing season as planned, however, there will be 14 events (12 points-scoring races) rather than the original 18 (16). These races will continue to air on both Fox and Fox Sports 1. In a similar vein, NBC remains the closing act of the season, but with 14 races instead of the initial 20. The broadcast will still be shared between NBC and USA Network.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got some exciting news! For the upcoming season, both Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports will take charge of five races each, splitting responsibilities from Fox’s side and NBC’s side of the schedule. This means more racing action for me to enjoy!

With NBC’s portion now set to start in early August instead of mid-June, the Chicago Street Race is no longer on NBC.

In Chicago, Illinois, the race on the 12-turn, 2.2-mile (3.541-kilometer) temporary street course known as the Chicago Street Course is likely to be a significant miss for NBC, similar to how the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is a big loss for Fox. Interestingly, the Coke 600 will kick off Amazon Prime Video’s first five-race broadcast partnership starting in late May.

On Sunday, July 6, the Chicago Street Race is planned as the second event in a series of five races that will air on TNT Sports this year. The initial race will be held a week earlier at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

From 2025, the Cup Series will introduce an in-season competition commencing with the race at Atlanta. This tournament will encompass a series of five events, which are also the races that will air on TNT Sports prior to NBC taking over for the rest of the season.

The racing events scheduled by TNT Sports additionally feature the races taking place at Sonoma Raceway, Dover Motor Speedway, and Indianapolis Speedway.

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2024-11-25 16:02