This year, the increasing intensity of the battle for the NASCAR playoffs takes center stage in Second City, as only four open spots for non-winners now remain on the playoff grid. One such spot was filled last week, when local hero Chase Elliott won in Atlanta to stamp his place in the playoffs and clear the way for his run at a second Cup title.

Before the street race, there's the race behind the scenes to get the track, grandstands, cars, and other preparations ready for the main event.

As NASCAR prepares to return to the streets of Chicago this weekend, the talk surrounding the race isn't focused on the on-track action. Instead, fans, industry members and citizens of the Windy City are wondering about Chicago's future in NASCAR beyond 2025.