The eero 400, NASCAR’s premier Cup Series event at Chicagoland Speedway, has officially sold out, signaling a strong resurgence of Midwest racing after a two‑year pandemic pause.
Ticket holders represent fans from 31 different countries and all 50 U.S. states, with more than half identifying as first‑time NASCAR attendees, underscoring the event’s expanding national appeal.
The sell‑out comes as the venue, which opened in 2001 and has hosted top‑level stock car competition for 18 seasons, benefits from the recent introduction of the Next Gen Cup Series car, a platform that has heightened competition on intermediate tracks like the 1.5‑mile oval in Joliet.
A Midwestern Comeback
Local officials and track operators say the surge in attendance reflects a broader revival of interest in intermediate‑track racing across the United States, a trend amplified by the Next Gen car’s closer competition and the speedway’s modern amenities.
The weekend’s supporting races added extra excitement: Brandon Jones captured victory in the Cuervo 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event on Saturday, while Connor Mosack won the Ashley Furniture 150 ARCA Menards Series race on Friday.
The main attraction, the eero 400, is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Central Time, or 6 p.m. Eastern, promising a prime‑time showdown for the international crowd.