The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will make a notable comeback at Chicagoland Speedway, bringing the series back to the Illinois venue for the first time since 2019. The race, branded as the eero 400, is set to take place in July and will mark the first competitive weekend at the track in several years.
Qualifying for the event will follow a straightforward one‑lap format. Every driver will take a single flying lap, and the resulting lap times will directly dictate the starting lineup. This simple metric eliminates the need for multiple rounds or group assignments, aiming to streamline the process and heighten on‑track action.
A fresh approach to the grid
The new qualifying procedure emphasizes pure speed over strategy, meaning teams will focus on delivering their best single lap without the complications of knockout stages or group placements. Drivers will have only one attempt, making each session a high‑stakes sprint that can dramatically reshape the race outlook.
The driver field for the 2026 eero 400 reads like a who’s who of modern NASCAR. Names such as Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Denny Hamlin are joined by rising talents including Ty Gibbs, Zane Smith, and Shane van Gisbergen. The roster also features veteran competitors like Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Alex Bowman, ensuring a blend of experience and youthful vigor.
Beyond the on‑track spectacle, the return to Chicagoland reflects NASCAR’s broader effort to diversify its schedule and revisit historic venues. The move is expected to draw significant regional interest, filling the stands with fans eager to see the new qualifying format in action and to cheer their favorite drivers in a setting that has been absent from the Cup Series for nearly a decade.