NASCAR has made significant changes to the next season’s schedule that have ruffled many feathers in the racing community. The organization released the 2024 season schedule on October 4, generating both excitement and derision with the return of the Chicago Street Race. But there is a concerning update. Recently, the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend has announced a major change to the race. And it did not sit well with the fans, to say the least.

The annual Chicago Street Race became a much-talked-about event after only its first appearance in 2023. However, a significant transformation is underway for the 2024 edition of this race, which has left fans buzzing. While the street race is scheduled to make a return in early July as part of the 2024 schedule, the twist lies in the race length.

After running just 78 of 100 laps this year, NASCAR makes further cuts

The Chicago Street Race, held in the heart of the Windy City, is a critical part of NASCAR’s mission to expand its fan base and bring motorsport to urban settings. The 2023 event was a resounding success, drawing in fans from all across the country. It helped bolster local economies with millions in revenue and set records for broadcast viewership.

However, unpredictable weather marred the event, resulting in the Xfinity Series race being cut short and postponed to Sunday, only to be declared as finished without another lap being run. Darkness forced the Cup Series race to end prematurely as well, with Shane Van Gisbergen taking a historic win on his debut. The event also faced a backlash from the local authorities due to the disruption faced by the people in local communities. Despite all that, NASCAR found a way to return to Chicago in 2024 through negotiations.

However, a recent announcement has shown that the race will be cut short. The 2024 Chicago Street Race, which previously consisted of 100 laps covering 220 miles, will now be trimmed to 75 laps, spanning 165 miles. The Xfinity race, too, will see a reduction from 55 laps and 121 miles to 50 laps covering 110 miles. The Grant Park 220, which was already the shortest race in the Cup schedule, will be renamed Grant Park 165.

The tweet by NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend was captioned, “We?re pleased to introduce your 2024 #NASCARChicago race lineup. #GrantPark165 | #TheLoop110.”

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Shortening the race distance did not sit well with the racing community and they did not mince words to let NASCAR know how they felt about it.

Stock car racing fans are livid by NASCAR’s decision to shorten the Chicago Street Race

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As soon as the news of the shortened race distance broke, racing fans across the community erupted with disappointment and anger. The decision to reduce the length of the Chicago Street Race did not sit well with many, and they took to social media to voice their displeasure.

One fan exclaimed, “Cool, now they can charge more for less.” Another fan chimed in, “Dumb. Go back to Chicagoland Speedway.” Yet another frustrated fan shared, “Spending that kind of money on a Cup race ticket, it damn well better last a good three hours or so,” underlining the value that fans place on the length and quality of the racing experience.

One fan expressed excitement but added a note of skepticism, stating, “I’m excited and can’t wait to go again, but why shorten the race?” From a broader perspective, another fan opined, “Yeahhhhh, I don?t like shortening the race this much. No cup race should be shorter than 200 miles imo,” emphasizing the desire for longer and more engaging races.

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Fans who hold a passion for thrilling and extended races are voicing their concerns. They’re feeling that the move may lead to more expenses for less track action.