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McDonald’s Bids Farewell to NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race: Bubba Wallace’s Over $200 Billion Worth Partner Drops Its Historic Founding Sponsorship With NASCAR

David Castro by David Castro
January 11, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Bubba Wallace Cheers as Teammate Tyler Reddick Secures Championship-4 Spot with Homestead Win

Oct 26, 2024; Homestead, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) during qualifying for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Just two years after NASCAR introduced the Chicago Street Race to its calendar, one of its biggest sponsors, McDonald’s, is reportedly pulling the plug on its partnership. The Chicago-based fast-food giant, once a founding partner of the event, is no longer listed on NASCAR Chicago’s partner page, signaling the end of a sponsorship worth an estimated $2 million annually.


McDonald’s and NASCAR: A Promising Start That Faded Quickly

When NASCAR launched its bold street race concept in 2023, McDonald’s seemed like a natural partner. As a Chicago institution and one of the world’s most recognizable brands, McDonald’s helped solidify the event’s local connection. While it wasn’t the race title sponsor—NASCAR opted for the “Grant Park 165” moniker—the fast-food giant’s iconic golden arches were omnipresent on the track, on television broadcasts, and across radio promotions.

Despite its high-profile involvement, the sponsorship lasted only two years. According to Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern, McDonald’s has officially ended its founding partnership, leaving NASCAR scrambling to fill a $2 million gap in the event’s funding.


What Went Wrong?

While McDonald’s departure hasn’t been officially explained, several factors could have influenced the decision:

  1. Diminished Returns on Investment:
    NASCAR’s street race format was designed to bring new energy to the sport, but it may not have delivered the anticipated ROI for McDonald’s. The event saw moderate success but struggled to reach the same hype levels as traditional NASCAR races.
  2. Shifting Marketing Priorities:
    McDonald’s remains a sponsor of 23XI Racing and Bubba Wallace, suggesting that the corporation hasn’t soured on NASCAR entirely. Instead, the company might be reallocating resources to partnerships with greater reach or direct impact on its brand.
  3. Lingering Legal Tensions:
    McDonald’s continued involvement with 23XI Racing, a team embroiled in an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR, raises questions about whether internal politics played a role in its decision to exit the Chicago partnership.

A Big Loss for Chicago and NASCAR

The loss of McDonald’s is a significant blow to both NASCAR and the city of Chicago. The sponsorship had provided local credibility and financial support, and its absence leaves a noticeable void in the event’s branding. The golden arches were a fixture around the 2.2-mile circuit, including fan entrances, concert stages, and directional signage—key touchpoints for attendees.

Moreover, with 2025 marking the final year of NASCAR’s current agreement to host the race in Chicago, this withdrawal casts uncertainty on the street race’s future. Without local corporate giants like McDonald’s backing the event, NASCAR may struggle to justify renewing its contract or maintaining its street race concept in Chicago.


What’s Next for NASCAR’s Street Race Concept?

As NASCAR looks to keep its street race format alive, the focus may shift to other cities. If the Chicago Street Race loses steam, NASCAR could explore locations with stronger local support or higher sponsor engagement. For McDonald’s, the decision to exit may also signal a shift in how corporations view the street race format compared to traditional NASCAR venues.


Did the Street Race Fail to Deliver?

The departure of McDonald’s has sparked debates among fans and industry insiders. Some see it as a sign that NASCAR’s street race experiment hasn’t met expectations, while others argue that corporate sponsorships often evolve based on broader marketing strategies.

Fans on social media have speculated about the underlying reasons, with one asking:
“Did NASCAR overpromise on the Chicago race’s potential? Or is McDonald’s simply shifting gears?”


A Pivotal Moment for NASCAR

The McDonald’s withdrawal underscores the challenges NASCAR faces in balancing tradition with innovation. While the street race was designed to attract new audiences and revitalize interest in the sport, its long-term viability now hangs in the balance.

As NASCAR prepares for its 2025 season, the pressure is on to deliver compelling events that keep fans engaged and sponsors invested. Whether that means doubling down on the Chicago Street Race or pivoting to a new city remains to be seen.

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