Chicago's Oval Revival
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is back on the 1.5‑mile oval at Chicagoland Speedway in Illinois this weekend, marking the series’ first return to the track in two weeks after a stretch of road‑course events.
Denny Hamlin has opened the weekend as the clear favorite, with sportsbooks listing him at +320 to take the checkered flag. The driver has not only won the last three oval races but also sits atop the points standings, giving him a psychological edge heading into Sunday’s contest.
Tyler Reddick is being viewed as Hamlin’s most direct challenger, priced at +550. Reddick’s recent surge has put him in the conversation as the only driver besides Hamlin who appears capable of breaking the veteran’s streak on the intermediate tracks.
Top Contenders
Behind them, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney round out the top tier of contenders, each carrying odds of +600, +850 and +1000 respectively. Their performances in recent weeks have shown they can contend for the win, adding depth to the field.
Longshots in the Field
Longshots are also in the mix, with several drivers priced at +50000 or higher. Among them are Ty Dillon, Cole Custer, JJ Yeley and Cody Ware, each listed at +70000, reflecting the wide‑open nature of the race and the potential for unexpected upsets.
Fans attending the event can expect a lively atmosphere as the series continues its tradition of delivering high‑stakes competition on the Midwest’s premier oval. With Hamlin’s recent dominance and a deep pool of challengers, the stage is set for a race that could reshape the playoff picture.