NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland
The NASCAR Cup Series is set to make its long‑awaited comeback at Chicagoland Speedway this weekend, bringing the eero 400 to the 1.5‑mile oval for the first time since 2019. The race, situated just 45 miles northeast of downtown Chicago in Joliet, Illinois, marks a pivotal moment for the sport as it revives a historic venue while the championship battle intensifies.
Denny Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 for Joe Gibbs Racing, has surged to the top of the Chase standings, edging out Tyler Reddick by a single point. Hamlin’s recent form on 1.5‑mile tracks is impressive — five top‑10 finishes in his last six outings at Chicagoland and six straight top‑five results across similar layouts — giving him a clear edge as the competition heads into its climax.
The driver field promises plenty of intrigue. Almost half of the expected lineup will be making their Cup debut at Chicagoland, including standout performances from Shane van Gisbergen, who climbed to 14th in the standings after a Sonoma victory, and Chase Briscoe, who has risen from 17th to 11th in just six races. Meanwhile, Ryan Preece has jumped four spots to 15th, and veterans like Joey Logano and Ross Chastain sit just below the cutline, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
The race also highlights the evolving landscape of team participation. Three full‑time Cup teams — 23XI Racing, Trackhouse Racing and Kaulig Racing — were absent from the track’s most recent event, meaning many drivers will encounter the 1.5‑mile surface for the first time under championship pressure. Brad Keselowski remains the sole current driver ranked in the top‑10 for laps led at Chicagoland, underscoring the unique challenges the track presents.
Beyond the on‑track action, NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race office continues to plan a future street‑circuit event alongside Lake Michigan, signaling a long‑term commitment to the region. Fans can expect a weekend that blends tradition with fresh storylines, as the series looks to cement its return to the Midwest and keep the championship battle wide open.