The NASCAR O'Reilly Series is set to make its long‑awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway this July 2026, marking the 20th event of the season and the only race of the year at the Illinois venue.
Series officials have confirmed that the weekend will feature a unique qualifying procedure: each driver will complete a single flying lap, and the resulting lap times will be used to construct the starting lineup.
The metric system will dictate the order in which competitors take to the track, ensuring a level playing field and adding a strategic element to the brief but decisive session.
The event will be known as the Cuervo 300, a nod to the sponsor that will also define the race's branding and promotional activities.
NASCAR last competed at Chicagoland in 2019, and the upcoming appearance signals a revival of interest in the 1.5‑mile oval, which has been a staple of the touring circuit for decades.
Qualifying Mechanics
Under the new format, drivers will be divided into groups that run their solitary laps in succession. The fastest time across all groups will earn pole position, while the remainder of the grid will be ordered by those performances.
A deep field of competitors, including veterans such as JJ Yeley and rising stars like Chase Elliott, will battle for position, with names such as Ryan Ellis, Brandon Jones and Harrison Burton also expected to feature prominently.
Fans can anticipate a blend of experience and youthful energy as the grid takes shape, promising an exciting weekend that revives the historic partnership between NASCAR and the Illinois speedway.