A Bumpy Start at the Intermediate
The latest practice at Chicagoland Speedway marked the first on‑track activity at the 1.5‑mile intermediate since the 2019 season, and it immediately drew the attention of the series’ top drivers. Tyler Reddick posted among the fastest laps, yet he admitted he was puzzled by the surface, noting that the track felt unlike anything he had experienced before.
The most pronounced irregularities appeared in Turns 3 and 4, where patches of uneven concrete gave the cars a jarring ride. Several competitors commented on the roughness, describing the sensation as a sudden lift and drop that disrupted their rhythm.
Chris Buescher called the layout ‘rough but smoother than the simulator,’ while Ryan Blaney echoed the sentiment, adding that the track was likely to widen quickly and reach the wall. Daniel Suarez drew a parallel to Kansas, saying the bumps were larger but the overall feel reminded him of that venue, and he expressed confidence that the surface would settle and accumulate rubber.
Echoes of an Old Atlanta
Carson Hocevar, looking ahead to the upcoming race, voiced a nostalgic longing for the old Atlanta Motor Speedway, seeing in Chicagoland the closest modern analogue to that historic track. He recalled the drafting‑heavy style of Atlanta and suggested that the new surface could evoke similar strategic possibilities.
The session also reminded drivers of the series’ recent technical package, as the Cup field last ran the Gen6 car and NA18D rules package at this venue. While no cars were pushed up against the wall during practice, the anticipation of a future wall‑ride added an extra layer of intrigue to the day’s work.