The Chicago Street Course in iRacing is unlike any other venue in the sim. Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, this 2.2-mile (3.54 km), 12-turn street circuit winds through Grant Park, incorporating iconic city landmarks and sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
Layouts Available
- 2023 NASCAR Cup Layout (2.2 miles): The definitive configuration, built for NASCAR’s first-ever street race. Featuring long straights, tight 90-degree corners, and two critical braking zones, it mirrors the real-world event used in the NASCAR Cup Series.
- Prototype / Alternate Configs: iRacing also includes prototype versions used during testing phases, giving racers additional variations on the same streets.
Key Characteristics
- Street circuit DNA: Narrow racing surface, unforgiving walls, and minimal runoff define every lap.
- Technical braking zones: Heavy braking into Turns 4, 7, and 11 makes them prime overtaking spots but also hotspots for incidents.
- Long straights: Balbo Drive and Lake Shore Drive allow cars to stretch their legs, creating slipstream battles.
- Bumpy surface: True to street circuit tradition, surface grip changes and curb management are constant factors.
- Scenery immersion: Racing past Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and surrounded by skyscrapers, Chicago delivers an atmosphere unmatched in iRacing.
Chicago’s inclusion shows iRacing’s ability to bring modern motorsport experiments—like NASCAR’s first urban event—directly to its members with laser-scanned precision.
