The NASCAR Cup Series is set to make its long‑awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend, marking the first event at the Illinois venue since 2019.
The race forms part of the series’ In‑Season Challenge, with Round 2 of the competition unfolding under the bright lights of the eero 400.
A 39‑Driver Grid
Thirty‑nine drivers will take the green flag, a roster that blends seasoned veterans with a handful of part‑time entries.
Among the part‑time drivers, Corey Heim will pilot the No. 67 23XI Racing entry, while JJ Yeley climbs into the No. 44 NY Racing Team car and Josh Bilicki prepares the No. 66 Garage 66 machine.
Crew Chiefs Lead the Way
The remainder of the field is anchored by full‑time teams, each bringing a distinct driver‑crew chief pairing. Ross Chastain, for example, will race for Trackhouse Racing with Brandon McSwain as his crew chief, while Austin Cindric continues his partnership with Team Penske under Brian Wilson.
Other notable combinations include Austin Dillon’s stint with Richard Childress Racing alongside Richard Boswell II, and Noah Gragson’s move to Front Row Motorsports with Grant Hutchens.
Championship contenders such as Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports, crew chief Cliff Daniels) and Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing, Jeremy Bullins) are also on the entry list, alongside rising stars like Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell.
The crew chiefs, a who’s‑who of the sport, feature Alan Gustafson with Chase Elliott, Paul Wolfe with Joey Logano, and Stephen Doran guiding Shane Van Gisbergen at Trackhouse Racing.
The eero 400 will run under the traditional NASCAR format, offering 200 laps of high‑speed competition that awards valuable points toward the regular‑season championship.
Fans can expect a blend of strategy and raw speed, as teams adjust setups for the 1.5‑mile concrete oval that has historically produced tight battles.
What’s at Stake
With the In‑Season Challenge entering its second round, the results at Chicagoland could shape the momentum heading into the summer stretch.