NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway After Seven-Year Absence
The NASCAR Cup Series is set to make its long‑awaited comeback at Chicagoland Speedway, marking the first race at the 1.5‑mile oval in Illinois since the 2019 edition. The event forms part of the series’ In‑Season Challenge, with Round 2 scheduled for this week, adding a fresh layer of stakes to the mid‑season schedule.
Thirty‑nine drivers have been confirmed for the weekend, creating one of the most densely packed line‑ups of the year. Among them are several part‑time competitors who will be piloting distinctive liveries: Corey Heim will be behind the wheel of the No. 67 23XI Racing entry, JJ Yeley will drive the No. 44 NY Racing Team car, and Josh Bilicki will be in the No. 66 Garage 66 machine.
The roster also features full‑time regulars such as Ross Chastain, who will race for Trackhouse Racing with Brandon McSwain as crew chief, and Austin Cindric, who remains under the Team Penske banner with Brian Wilson guiding the setup. Austin Dillon, a veteran of Richard Childress Racing, will also be on the track, partnered with crew chief Richard Boswell II.
Beyond the individual line‑ups, the return underscores the series’ strategy of spreading events across diverse venues, giving fans in the Midwest a rare chance to see top‑level stock car racing live. The race will be broadcast nationally, and the surrounding weekend will include a series of fan‑focused activities, reinforcing the sport’s growing footprint in the region.