NASCAR says it's "pausing" Chicago Street Race

NASCAR announced Friday that it will pause the Chicago Street Race.

Why it matters: The three-year experiment to bring a major racing event to downtown Chicago streets on the Fourth of July weekend yielded mixed results amid adverse weather conditions, a less established fan base, and residents' complaints about noise and street closures.

Driving the news: A statement from NASCAR says the Chicago Street Race will "pause in 2026 to allow NASCAR to be responsive to residents' and elected officials' feedback."

• "We will continue to work together toward a new potential date and develop a plan to further optimize operational efficiencies with the goal of the event's return in 2027," the statement went on to say.

Flashback: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot negotiated the city's three-year contract with NASCAR in 2022, and some believed Mayor Brandon Johnson would end it when he took office in 2023.

Yes, but: There was well-earned speculation that after this month's race, when the contract expired, Johnson would pull out.

By the numbers: Last year's event generated $128 million in economic impact, according to Choose Chicago and the Chicago Sports Commission.

• The race attracted just over 53,000 spectators.
• In recent years, the city says, it spent an estimated $3.5 million on road work, staffing and police.

• This year, the state kicked in $5 million from its general operating fund to help offset the city's expenses.
• NASCAR paid the Chicago Park District $2 million for the race.

What they're saying: "It's disappointing that negotiators haven't been able to move this event off the July 4th weekend — especially given how NASCAR has provided Chicago the opportunity to shine on the world stage," Ald. Bill Conway said in a statement.

• Conway did applaud NASCAR for minimizing inconveniences for residents after the first event, but told Axios recently that hosting it on the holiday weekend continued to be an issue for constituents.