A rain‑soaked showdown at Chicagoland
The NASCAR O'Reilly Series race at Chicagoland Speedway was pushed back by inclement weather on July 4, 2026, turning what should have been a straightforward weekend into a test of endurance for teams and drivers.
Stage 1 saw Connor Zilisch take the checkered flag, showcasing early dominance before the rain intensified and forced a temporary halt to proceedings.
When the green flag returned, Chase Elliott claimed Stage 2, extending his lead in the championship standings and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
The race culminated in overtime, where Brandon Jones, piloting the No. 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing, executed a decisive move to pass Elliott and claim his first victory of the season.
The win marks the first triumph at Chicagoland since Alex Bowman's 2019 victory, ending a drought that had lingered through several seasons of competition.
Jones' performance was highlighted by what commentators described as elite speed, allowing him to outpace a former Cup Series champion in the final laps and secure the win in spectacular fashion.
Team owner Joe Gibbs praised the crew's resilience, noting that the restart between Jones and Elliott might rank among the most memorable moments of Jones' NASCAR career.