Denny Hamlin reacts to NASCAR announcement after | Sports News

Despite Denny Hamlin’s best efforts, NASCAR will not be returning to the streets of Chicago for a fourth 12 months in 2026, though the Joe Gibbs Racing star is optimistic about San Diego’s newly introduced street course race.

The future of Chicago’s avenue race was thrown into doubt when the town’s three-year settlement with NASCAR got here to an finish following Shane van Gisbergen’s masterful sweep of the course in early July.

Just over two weeks later, NASCAR introduced, by way of a hilarious video that includes Carson Hocevar and Joey Logano amongst different Cup Series stars, that they might be racing on the Naval Base Coronado on Father’s Day weekend in 2026, serving to rejoice the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary.

“I’m excited to go to San Diego,” Hamlin commented on his ‘Actions Detrimental‘ podcast. “Certainly, if we were going to stay on the streets somewhere, I’ve advocated that I’d like Chicago. I think we should stay in Chicago.

“They’re going to work out whatever deal they’ve got with the city there, and maybe, hopefully, I wouldn’t count on it. I think it was more of a soft breakup than anything.

“San Diego is a good alternative. When you think about the cities, okay, now we’re back in Southern California again. That should be good for hopefully our sponsors, and do some activation out there.

“Obviously, I don’t know the layout. You kind of see like somewhat, what it could be. They said close to a three-mile track. That’s a really long track. So, we’ll see. I’m going to stay positive about it, because it looks like it’s going to be very cool. Certainly, the city is one that is a great place to go.”

As Hamlin eluded to, it seems his push for NASCAR to return to Chicago’s avenue circuit didn’t pan out. This choice by NASCAR will come as a blow for 23XI Racing, which Hamlin co-owns alongside Michael Jordan, as the workforce has a number of high-profile companions within the Windy City.

Although all is just not misplaced, as in accordance to The Athletic, they’ll probably stay within the space, with Chicagoland Speedway supposedly returning to the calendar subsequent season for the primary time since 2019.

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And whereas the usually hectic avenue circuit in Chicago received’t see any racing in 2026, NASCAR has said its intention to probably return the next 12 months. “Our goal is for the Chicago Street Race to return in 2027 with an event that further enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike, as we work together towards a new potential date, shorter build schedule, and additional tourism draws,” a letter from Julie Giese, the NASCAR-appointed Chicago Street Race president, learn per The Athletic.

Aside from Chicago, Mexico City can be seemingly in line to be dropped from the 2026 schedule due to varied logistical challenges, together with the town appearing as one of 16 hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, as with Chicago, Mexico City may make a comeback in 2027.