A Comeback Seven Years in the Making
The roar of engines will echo across the Illinois prairie this weekend as NASCAR makes its long‑awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. The 1.5‑mile D‑shaped oval, known for its steep banking and uneven surface, last hosted a Cup Series event in 2019, and the upcoming eero 400 will mark the first top‑level race at the track in seven years.
The weekend’s schedule blends tradition with novelty. Practice and qualifying will unfold on Friday and Saturday, giving teams a chance to dial in setups on a surface that demands both precision and resilience. Veteran drivers such as Denny Hamlin, who holds the record for the most Cup starts at the venue among returnees, and Mark Martin, who celebrated a 2009 victory by leading 195 of 267 laps, are expected to bring a wealth of experience to the grid.
Among the 38 drivers who competed in the last Cup race at Chicagoland, only 18 are back, including Cody Ware, whose only prior experience on the track dates back to a 2014 Nationwide Series outing. Newcomers are relying heavily on simulator technology to familiarize themselves with the layout’s quirks, while seasoned competitors like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano share insights on navigating the track’s unique challenges.
Beyond the on‑track action, the event underscores the collaborative effort between NASCAR, the ARCA Menards Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, each bringing its own brand of excitement to fans. As the weekend approaches, anticipation builds not only for the racing itself but also for the spectacle of a storied venue reclaiming its place on the national motorsport stage.