In a bold and impassioned statement, NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick has publicly called for the organization to scrap the Chicago Street Race and instead return to a historic track beloved by fans and drivers alike. Harvick, who retired from full-time racing in 2023 but remains a prominent voice in the sport, shared his strong opinion during a recent interview, expressing concern over the direction NASCAR is heading with its current schedule and track selections.

Harvick acknowledged the novelty and excitement that street races bring to the table but criticized the Chicago event for lacking the essence of true stock car racing. “It’s flashy, it’s different, but it’s not what built this sport,” Harvick said. “We need to focus on racing at tracks where the fans are passionate and the racing is authentic. That’s what makes NASCAR great.”

He then suggested a replacement that lit up social media — the return of Rockingham Speedway, often referred to simply as “The Rock.” The North Carolina oval, once a staple on the NASCAR calendar, was removed from the Cup Series schedule in 2004 after years of declining attendance. Despite its disappearance from the top-tier series, Rockingham still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many racing enthusiasts, including Harvick.

“There’s history there. The kind of racing that happened at Rockingham — that’s what stock car fans miss. Side-by-side battles, tire management, a driver’s track,” Harvick said. “That’s where we need to go back if we really care about the roots of the sport.”

His comments sparked a wave of reactions across the NASCAR community. Some fans applauded his words, agreeing that the modern schedule has drifted too far from traditional racing venues. Others argue that NASCAR needs to evolve and adapt to attract new audiences, and events like the Chicago Street Race represent progress in that direction.

Nevertheless, Harvick’s comments come at a time when NASCAR is actively evaluating its future. The sport has made significant changes in recent years — from introducing the Next Gen car to hosting races at previously untested locations like the Los Angeles Coliseum and Chicago’s downtown circuit. While innovation is clearly part of the current strategy, Harvick believes there must be a balance between the new and the old.

“The show matters, but so does the soul of the sport,” he added. “We can’t forget what made us who we are.”

It remains unclear whether NASCAR officials will seriously consider Harvick’s plea, but his voice carries weight. As a former champion and a respected analyst, Harvick’s perspective reflects the sentiment of many longtime fans who yearn for a return to tradition — one checkered flag at a time.