NASCAR is set to make a much‑anticipated comeback at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, with the eero 400 scheduled for early July. The event marks the series’ first appearance at the 1.5‑mile oval since 2019 and forms part of the Cup Series’ in‑season challenge, a points‑rich stretch that has already delivered surprising results.
A Historic Return to Joliet
Fans will see a full weekend of on‑track action, including multiple practice sessions, a knockout‑style qualifying format and the final race on July 5. The weekend’s structure mirrors the traditional road‑course and short‑track weekends, giving teams a chance to fine‑tune setups before the main event.
The points battle heading into the weekend is led by veteran Denny Hamlin, who tops the current standings. However, the recent upset in the previous round — where Alex Bowman edged out Tyler Reddick — has reshuffled the leaderboard and added extra intrigue to the upcoming race.
The schedule also highlights other recent highlights, such as Shane Van Gisbergen’s back‑to‑back victory at Sonoma Raceway, and it sets the stage for a series of high‑profile events at tracks ranging from North Wilkesboro to Las Vegas in the weeks that follow.
Beyond the competition, the return to Chicagoland is being billed as a celebration of the sport’s history, with local fans expected to fill the grandstands and create a vibrant atmosphere that underscores the series’ deep roots in the Midwest.
As the season progresses, the remaining calendar promises a mix of classic ovals, road courses and superspeedways, each offering its own set of challenges and opportunities for drivers like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace to contend for the championship.