Austin Dillon may have crossed the finish line in 24th place at Chicagoland Speedway, but the veteran driver left the 1.5‑mile oval with a positive impression of the racing product. Despite a tire problem that dropped him to the back of the field, Dillon emphasized that the event showcased multiple racing grooves and a level of tire wear that kept competitors battling for position.
The Illinois venue, which felt familiar to Dillon from his 2019 outing, drew a sold‑out crowd before the green flag, with more than 59 percent of ticket holders identified as first‑time NASCAR attendees. Merchandise sales at the track rivaled those seen at the Daytona 500, underscoring the growing appetite for live stock‑car action.
A Vision for Historic Venues
Dillon specifically pointed to South Boston Speedway and Stafford Speedway as prime candidates for future events, arguing that their storied pasts and tight configurations would deliver the side‑by‑side competition fans crave. He also floated the idea of reviving Kentucky Speedway, a dormant track that could be reactivated to add another historic short‑track date to the schedule.
Dirt, Fans, and the Next Gen Experience
The driver highlighted the success of the Next Gen car on dirt surfaces, suggesting that a second dirt‑track event could replicate the excitement seen at the recent street race on Naval Base Coronado, which sold out before the green flag. Dillon believes that expanding dirt‑track dates would diversify the calendar and attract new audiences.
He praised the surge of new attendees and the robust merchandise sales, drawing a parallel to the atmosphere at the Daytona 500. Dillon’s overall message is clear: NASCAR should choose another short track that’s a fan favorite and run a race on it, breathing new life into venues that have long been part of the sport’s heritage.