NASCAR is set to make its long‑awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway, ending a six‑year absence that has left fans longing for the roar of engines on the 1.5‑mile intermediate oval.
The Return of NASCAR to the Midwest
The track, situated just outside Joliet in Illinois, is known for its high‑speed corners and demanding tire management, traits that have historically separated the contenders from the rest of the field.
Alex Bowman captured the final victory at the venue before the hiatus, a performance that still serves as the benchmark for anyone hoping to break the streak.
Drivers to Watch
Among the names generating the most buzz, Denny Hamlin has emerged as a dominant force on intermediate circuits in 2026, posting two wins, three consecutive top‑5 finishes and eight straight races finishing 11th or better.
Kyle Larson, meanwhile, has shown he can thrive on similar layouts, delivering top‑5 results in two of his last three intermediate‑track outings and carrying that momentum into the upcoming event.
Brad Keselowski brings a storied record to the track, having logged nine straight top‑10 finishes at Chicagoland, including victories in 2012 and 2014, a streak that adds a compelling narrative to his upcoming effort.
Erik Jones is also making a strong case; the 2026 season has seen him sit just 12 points outside the Chase cutline, and his recent string of 13th‑or‑better finishes on intermediate tracks suggests he could be a dark horse.
Tyler Reddick, a consistent presence on intermediate tracks, also merits attention as he looks to break into the top tier.
For fantasy enthusiasts, the convergence of form, historical performance and points positioning makes each of these drivers a focal point of DFS strategy, with particular attention paid to Hamlin’s consistency and Larson’s recent momentum.