Sunday will mark the third NASCAR Cup Series race on the Chicago Street Course.
Will it also be the third year that rain has plagued Cup Series proceedings in the Windy City?
Or will the third time be a charm?
Based on some early signs (see the X post below from Kaulig Racing) and the current weather forecast for Sunday afternoon in downtown Chicago, don’t bet on NASCAR finally getting a break from the wet stuff.
In a not surprising turn of events, @NASCAR is in Chicago and it’s pouring. 🌧️ pic.twitter.com/bISs3qEKIp
— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) July 4, 2025
So, What Is the Forecast For Sunday At The Chicago Street Course?
In short, the forecast for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the 2.2-mile, 12-turn Chicago Street Course does not look good.
According to Weather.com super-early on Saturday morning, there was an 80% chance of rain and “numerous” thunderstorms beginning early Sunday afternoon and continuing for several hours. That’s the same time frame that the race is scheduled to run.
Not that weather delays at the Chicago Street Course are anything new for NASCAR Cup Series drivers and teams. Last year, wet weather forced a 1-hour, 43-minute red flag.
In 2023, rain played an equally significant role in on-track activities.
NASCAR Cup Series teams are putting on rain tires in Chicago. #HotPass pic.twitter.com/ODOKNgbWTA
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 2, 2023
It’s understandable, therefore, that most drivers are far from enthusiastic about the possibility of rain wreaking havoc on another Chicago Street Race.
“I hope the weather is good,” 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson said. “Rain has kind of come out of nowhere the last couple of years. I hope it goes good. The fans deserve to see a good race there.”
Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron expressed a similar sentiment. He’s not excited about the prospects of having to bolt on rain tires again, so his No. 24 Chevy can slip and slide around a soggy course.
“Honestly, I’m just hoping we have good weather this weekend in Chicago,” said Byron, the NASCAR Cup Series points leader. “The last two years it has rained, and it really changed the dynamic of how the race goes and who is a factor. It would just be cool to see how the race plays out when that element isn’t involved.”
So, What’s Not To Love About Racing In The Rain On The Streets Of Chicago?
The Hendrick Motorsports boys are hardly the only ones rooting for a dry Sunday at the Chicago Street Course.
Austin Cindric of Team Penske likewise would love to see Sunday’s race in Chicago play out on a non-wet surface.
“I hope it doesn’t rain,” he said. “Let’s be honest: It’s rained every time we’ve gone there, so it’s a place that I feel like deserves a good run in dry weather for us and the fans.”
RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher is in the same boat, pardon the pun, with regard to his feelings about another Chicago soaker.
“I’d love to be there when it’s dry one time,” Buescher said. “Surely, that can happen and we don’t have to go through some monumental rain.”
Three-time and reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano explained why rain is so problematic on the Chicago streets. In short, it’s in large part due to a notorious bump in Turn 10.
“When it rained and if it does again, that part of the track doesn’t dry very well,” Logano said. “Just kind of being at the bottom of the hill there, it seems like the water kind of puddles up there more and takes longer to dry.
“I don’t know if the sun doesn’t quite get there as good. Either way, that was the part of the track that stayed the most wet throughout the whole race.”
And that moisture in Turn 10 can spell trouble for the drivers who have to navigate it.
“It’s tricky through there, for sure, especially when it’s raining and you don’t know what your grip level is every lap,” Logano said. “You’re like, ‘Is it gonna be slicker or is it going to be more grip?’
“If it catches you off guard, you’re wrecked.”
