After a seven‑year absence, NASCAR is set to roar back onto the 1.5‑mile oval of Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday, July 5, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The eero 400 will kick off the second half of the 2026 season, reviving a venue that last hosted a NASCAR national series in 2019.
The track’s removal from the 2020 and 2021 calendars was a direct result of COVID‑19 restrictions, and a planned street race in downtown Chicago that ran for three seasons was subsequently scrapped. Its return signals a concerted effort by the series to re‑engage fans in the Midwest.
A New Broadcast Landscape
Under a fresh media‑rights agreement, TNT Sports will broadcast the race live, while Amazon Prime Video also receives five events each across the new deal. NBC, which had previously held the rights, will not air the Chicagoland race, marking a significant shift in the series’ television distribution.
The TNT Sports presentation will be anchored by a three‑person announcing crew that includes veteran Adam Alexander, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., and former driver‑turned‑analyst Steve Letarte. Their combined experience is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Midwest showcase.
Fans can anticipate a blend of traditional racing excitement and modern production values as the series leverages the new partnership to enhance coverage, graphics, and digital streaming options for viewers across the United States.