During a recent episode of his popular podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. let slip a comment that has set NASCAR fans into a frenzy, suggesting that the Chicago Street Course could be making a comeback on the 2027 calendar.
The road to a 2027 return
The conversation is rooted in a broader pattern of schedule revisions that NASCAR has been iterating since 2021, a period marked by the addition, removal and relocation of tracks across the United States.
Earnhardt’s remark specifically referenced the possibility of the Grant Park event replacing the existing race at Chicagoland Speedway, a move that would reshape the Midwest portion of the tour.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic amplified the rumor in May, reporting that a tentative agreement between NASCAR and the Chicago municipal government is “closer to reality than ever,” though both parties have yet to issue an official statement.
While the prospect excites many, the absence of a formal announcement means that the 2027 schedule remains subject to change, and the final lineup will likely be confirmed only after the usual post‑season review.