A Historic Return to Joliet
After a seven‑year hiatus, NASCAR roars back to Chicagoland Speedway just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations. The track in Joliet, Illinois, last hosted a NASCAR national series in 2019, and its re‑entry marks a significant moment for fans and competitors alike.
This weekend’s lineup includes the ARCA Menards Series, the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the premier Cup Series, all woven into a $1 million In‑Season Challenge. Sixteen drivers will battle for a spot in the next round, with only eight advancing to the subsequent stage.
Schedule and Weather Outlook
The weekend’s program is packed with practice sessions, qualifying rounds and races for each series. Friday’s forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms, a high near 88°F and a 50% chance of rain, while Saturday brings partly cloudy skies, a high of 87°F and just a 24% chance of precipitation. Sunday’s outlook shifts to partly cloudy mornings and scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, with temperatures dropping to 84°F and a 60% chance of rain.
The weather adds an extra layer of strategy for teams, especially as the Cup Series drivers aim to capitalize on the In‑Season Challenge. Alex Bowman captured the last Cup victory at Chicagoland in 2023, while Cole Custer secured the most recent O'Reilly Auto Parts win. Both drivers are among those eyeing the prize money and the chance to shape the playoff picture.
Meanwhile, the Craftsman Truck Series will be idle until its next event at Lime Rock Park on July 11, giving teams a brief respite before the next round of competition.