NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway
The NASCAR Cup Series is set to make its long‑awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend, marking the first race at the 1.5‑mile oval in Illinois since the 2019 edition. The event, officially called the eero 400, will take place on Sunday, July 5, at 6 p.m. Eastern and will be televised on TNT, with a companion broadcast on the Motor Racing Network for radio listeners.
Betting Favorites and Contenders
Denny Hamlin enters the weekend as the clear favorite, listed at +320 odds, and is chasing his fourth victory of the season. A win would tie Tyler Reddick’s series‑high five wins, a milestone that has kept the veteran’s campaign buzzing.
Close behind, Tyler Reddick sits at +550 after capturing the Daytona 500 earlier this year, though he is eager to rebound from a string of sub‑par finishes that have seen him slip down the standings. Kyle Larson, the defending champion, follows at +600, while Christopher Bell is next at +850, hoping to break his own winless streak in 2026.
Long‑shot entries include Alex Bowman, who captured the last Chicagoland race in 2019 and is priced at +7000, as well as rising talents Carson Hocevar at +2500 and Erik Jones at +5500. Each of these drivers brings a distinct narrative, from Bowman’s comeback attempt to Hocevar’s rookie momentum and Jones’s experience on intermediate tracks.
Fans can place wagers through DraftKings Sportsbooks, a partner that has integrated its betting platform with the series’ broadcast. The race promises a blend of historic significance, competitive odds, and a showcase of emerging talent as the series looks to cement its mid‑season schedule.