NASCAR’s Return to Chicagoland Speedway
After a seven‑year absence, NASCAR announced that the 2026 Cup Series schedule will once again feature the 1.5‑mile D‑shaped tri‑oval in Joliet, Illinois. The track, known for its progressive banking and multiple racing grooves, last hosted a Cup race in 2019, when Alex Bowman claimed his maiden victory.
Chicagoland Speedway opened in 2001 on roughly 930 acres at a cost of about $130 million. Over the years it has been a staple of the Midwest racing scene, drawing fans from across the United States and generating excitement with close finishes, including Kyle Busch’s 0.001‑second win over Kyle Larson in 2018.
The upcoming return follows the track’s loss of its Cup date during the 2020 schedule realignment prompted by the COVID‑19 pandemic and shifting series priorities. Its reinstatement reflects both fan demand and the venue’s reputation for delivering side‑by‑side racing as the surface ages, creating multiple grooves that keep competitors battling side‑by‑side.
Legends and Records
Tony Stewart holds the record for the most Cup victories at the venue with three wins, while Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr., and Kevin Harvick each added two triumphs to the track’s lore. Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick are among the multiple‑time winners, underscoring the competitive depth the track has historically offered.
The final Cup race before the hiatus was won by Alex Bowman in 2019, marking his first Cup Series victory. Since then, the track has continued to host Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series events, preserving its racing heritage while the Cup Series took a hiatus.
Fans can look forward to seeing how the progressive banking and evolving surface will shape next year’s competition, with expectations that the track’s multiple racing lines will once again produce memorable finishes and intense battles for the checkered flag.