NASCAR's Chicago Return Sparks Excitement
The motorsport world is abuzz as NASCAR makes its long‑awaited comeback to Chicagoland Speedway, marking the first event since 2019. A sellout crowd is anticipated for the upcoming eero 400, underscoring the city's enduring appeal to fans and sponsors alike.
CEO Steve O'Donnell has publicly affirmed Chicago's significance to the sport, hinting that a street‑course race could headline the 2027 schedule. The proposal is tied to NASCAR's existing contract with Amazon Prime, which already features a Chicago street event on its calendar.
Series officials have indicated that only a single race will be held in Chicago next season, choosing the street‑course option over a second points race at the speedway. This decision follows data showing that attendance dips when two major events occupy the same city within one year.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. had previously floated the idea of both a Chicago street race and a Chicagoland event in 2027, a notion that now appears to be moving closer to reality. Fans have repeatedly demonstrated that an annual race in the city can consistently draw full houses, reinforcing the economic case for the venture.
If the street race materializes in 2027, it could pave the way for a return to Chicagoland in 2028, creating a staggered schedule that maximizes exposure while preserving the novelty of each format. The move also aligns with broader efforts to diversify NASCAR's calendar and tap into urban markets.