NASCAR is set to make its long‑awaited comeback at Chicagoland Speedway, ending a six‑year hiatus that has left the 47,000‑seat venue eager for a fresh crowd. The track, once capable of holding roughly 75,000 spectators, now accommodates a more intimate audience, and industry insiders expect the upcoming Cup Series event to be close to a sellout.
A New Era of Venues
The financial ledger from the inaugural Chicago street race tells a mixed story: while the event posted a $55 million loss, it succeeded in drawing a wave of first‑time attendees, with roughly eight out of ten fans never having attended a NASCAR event before.
Drivers are split on the shift. Bubba Wallace, a prominent Cup Series competitor, has voiced support for racing in Chicago regardless of whether it takes place on the historic oval or the downtown circuit, emphasizing the need for compelling competition. Austin Dillon, another veteran, welcomes fresh concepts and new locations, while Erik Jones remains attached to traditional ovals but acknowledges the strategic rationale behind expanding the calendar.
NASCAR’s recent experiments extend beyond Illinois. The series has tested temporary street layouts on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego and revisited classic road courses such as Watkins Glen in New York and Sonoma in California, while still honoring historic dates like the Fourth of July at Daytona International Speedway.
The 2026 schedule will be unveiled at the end of August 2025, a timeline that leaves the fate of Chicagoland, the street race, and potential returns to venues like Coronado hanging in the balance. Executives stress that delivering quality on‑track action and keeping fans engaged will be the ultimate metric for any future inclusion.