The NASCAR Cup Series is set to return to the concrete jungle of Chicago, Illinois, for the third annual Grant Park 165 and Round 2 of the In-Season Challenge. The event features a talented field of 16 drivers competing for the coveted $1 million prize.
Shane van Gisbergen is currently the favorite to take home the win, having already secured his first Cup Series checkered flag in this same race two years ago. Van Gisbergen’s Australian Supercars background and experience on street circuits give him an edge over the competition.
However, Christopher Bell is a strong contender as well, with 51 laps led across both street races and a second-place finish in last year’s event. Bell has excelled on road courses this season, leading the field in Speed Rating, Long Run Speed Rating, Passer Rating, and Restart Rating.
Other drivers to watch include Alex Bowman, who is gaining momentum after finishing 11th or better in three consecutive races; Tyler Reddick, a dominant force on road courses since joining the Next Gen era; and Ty Gibbs, still seeking his first Cup Series win but with a strong showing on the street course.
Racing Insights’ advanced statistical formula projects Shane van Gisbergen as the winner, but it’s clear that several drivers have a legitimate shot at securing the top spot. The Grant Park 165 is shaping up to be an exciting event, with many questions still to be answered.
Source: https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/07/03/racing-insights-can-bell-break-bad-luck-or-will-new-winner-emerge-at-chicago