Grant Park 165 Preview

Winning the Grant Park 165 at the Chicago Street Course demands exceptional precision, adaptability, and unshakable composure on one of the most technical and unpredictable circuits in NASCAR. 

The 2.2-mile, 12-turn temporary layout winds through downtown Chicago, featuring narrow, concrete-lined streets with little margin for error and virtually no runoff areas. Success hinges on a driver’s ability to master tricky elevation changes, slick surfaces, and tight corners that punish the slightest mistake.

With passing zones limited and restarts often chaotic, qualifying well and executing flawless pit strategy are critical to gaining and maintaining track position.

Drivers must strike the perfect balance between aggression and control while remaining alert for sudden changes in weather and race dynamics. In a venue where every inch counts, a disciplined approach and calculated risks often separate winners from the field.

Alex Bowman broke an 80-race drought with his win at the 2024 Grant Park 165 on July 7, notching his eighth career Cup Series victory. The race, shortened to 58 laps due to impending darkness, saw Bowman’s decision to stay on wet-weather tires prove decisive. 

He held off late pressure from Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs to claim the win, while Joey Hand and Michael McDowell completed the top five. Bowman’s triumph under street circuit conditions underscored his sharp strategic thinking and smooth driving under pressure—making him the defending champion heading into the 2025 edition.

Chase Elliott captured the 2025 Quaker State 400 on Saturday, earning his first win of the season and the 20th of his Cup Series career. In classic superspeedway fashion, Elliott pulled off a last-lap pass on Brad Keselowski to win by 0.168 seconds, just ahead of Alex Bowman and Tyler Reddick. 

The dramatic finish also marked Elliott’s ninth top-10 at Atlanta, further solidifying his consistency at high-speed venues. Meanwhile, William Byron continues to lead the Driver Standings with 631 points, followed by Elliott at 594 and Kyle Larson at 589.

Shane van Gisbergen stands out as one of the premier road course talents in the NASCAR Cup Series, bringing international experience and a sharp racing intellect to a field that often struggles with street circuits. 

A three-time Supercars champion, van Gisbergen made history by winning his NASCAR debut at the 2023 Grant Park 165, immediately proving his adaptability and technical command. He added another milestone victory at the inaugural Viva México 250 on June 15, highlighting his continued rise in the Cup Series.

Van Gisbergen’s driving style—marked by exceptional car control, fearless precision, and the ability to navigate narrow street layouts with surgical accuracy—is tailor-made for a venue like Chicago.

In the 2024 edition of the Grant Park 165, he ran up front early before a late-race incident knocked him out of contention, but not before reaffirming his prowess on street circuits. His instincts in changing conditions, combined with his ability to execute late-race moves without overextending, make him a top-tier threat.

Heading into the 2025 race, van Gisbergen’s blend of elite road course skills, situational awareness, and high-pressure execution make him a prime candidate for a top-five finish. Whether managing the wet, handling late restarts, or threading through Chicago’s unforgiving barriers, he continues to prove that he’s not just a road course specialist—but one of the sharpest drivers in the field when it comes to the sport’s most complex environments.

Pick: Shane van Gisbergen | Dafabet