
Shane van Gisbergen Eyes Chase Spot as NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland
Shane van Gisbergen's recent top‑five finish at Nashville and the series' return to Chicagoland Speedway set the stage for a tight playoff battle.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Joliet, Illinois, United States across Nascar, Basketball.

Shane van Gisbergen's recent top‑five finish at Nashville and the series' return to Chicagoland Speedway set the stage for a tight playoff battle.

At Sonoma Raceway, Penske’s lineup delivered a blend of progress and setback, with Cindric breaking into the top‑15 and Blaney cementing another top‑10 run.

NASCAR is set to return to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet next weekend after a seven‑year hiatus, offering fans and aspiring drivers like Jori Parys a chance to experience stock‑car racing firsthand.

Shane van Gisbergen dominated the NASCAR Cup Series road course event at Sonoma Raceway, leading 74 of the final 83 laps before crossing the finish line in first place. The New Zealand driver celebrated with a burnout, acknowledging the strong effort of his competitors.

Shane van Gisbergen led most laps and held off Chase Briscoe to claim his eighth road course win at Sonoma, cementing his status as the premier driver on twisty tracks and setting the stage for the upcoming oval showdown.

Tyler Reddick leads the NASCAR Cup Series after 17 races, but Denny Hamlin's recent wins have narrowed the gap to eight points. The upcoming race at Sonoma Raceway is expected to favor Reddick, yet Hamlin's resilience makes the contest finely balanced.
Four Illinois high school baseball teams captured state championships across four classes, delivering dramatic comebacks, rain‑delayed contests, and standout performances that will resonate throughout the sport.

The 2026 Illinois High School Association baseball state finals will take place in Champaign and Joliet, featuring semifinal matchups across Class 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A, culminating in championship games on June 13.

Denny Hamlin narrows Tyler Reddick's lead to 51 points, while four pivotal events — Pocono, Naval Base Coronado, Sonoma and Chicagoland — will determine the playoff field.

NASCAR plans a 2027 return to Chicago, aligning the street race with the Sueños music festival as city officials and the racing series negotiate a revised deal that promises greater financial and logistical benefits.

NASCAR is preparing to race in Chicago again in 2027, potentially sharing the weekend with the Sueños music festival. Close talks between city representatives and NASCAR leadership aim to address past concerns and secure a mutually beneficial deal.

Alex Bowman will miss the upcoming O'Reilly Auto Parts NASCAR race at Nashville Superspeedway after being sidelined by vertigo, with Kyle Larson slated to take his place. Larson, fresh off two victories this season, enters as the favorite.

After a 1‑5 season, Keokuk High School appoints Jomarre “JoJo” McNair as its new head coach, tapping a alum who once dazzled on both the gridiron and the baseball diamond.

NASCAR is exploring a 2027 comeback for its downtown Chicago street race, building on the positive reception of the 2023‑2025 editions and aiming to relocate the event away from the holiday weekend.

NASCAR is working to bring back its Chicago Street Course race to the 2027 schedule, building on lessons from the 2023‑2025 edition and a new media partnership with Prime.