NASCAR’s Cup Series returned to Chicagoland Speedway for a highly anticipated qualifying session that determines the starting order for Sunday’s 267‑lap race on the 1.5‑mile oval.
A metric for the modern era
The series introduced a metric in 2025 that replaces the system used from 2020 through 2024, using a single timed lap for each driver to calculate the lineup.
Two non‑chartered entries have been added since the last Sonoma event, expanding the field. NY Racing Team will field the No. 44 Chevrolet for J.J. Yeley, while 23XI Racing will run the No. 67 Toyota for Corey Heim, who most recently won at Naval Base Coronado.
Garage 66 announced the withdrawal of its No. 66 Ford driven by Josh Bilicki from the entry list, further shaping the roster.
The Sonoma race marked only the second event of the season to feature the full complement of 36 chartered cars, underscoring the transition toward a more inclusive grid.
All 38 drivers are now locked into Sunday’s race, a milestone that reflects the series’ expanding field.
Broadcast details
Fans can watch the Chicago 400 live on TNT beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET on July 5, with the qualifying order already published.
The broadcast will be anchored by TNT’s coverage team, bringing the excitement of the track to viewers across the United States.
A host of seasoned competitors including Ty Dillon, Cody Ware, Austin Hill, Noah Gragson, Josh Berry, Riley Herbst, Todd Gilliland, Austin Dillon, Tyler Reddick, John Hunter Nemechek, Daniel Suarez, Cole Custer, Joey Logano, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Erik Jones, Zane Smith, Bubba Wallace, Denny Hamlin, A.J. Allmendinger, Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, Brad Keselowski, Connor Zilisch, Chris Buescher, Austin Cindric, Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, William Byron, Carson Hocevar, Ryan Preece, Christopher Bell, Shane van Gisbergen, Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, Kyle Larson, and Ty Gibbs prepare to battle for position.