NASCAR Revives Chicagoland Speedway for 2027 Cup Series
The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will feature a return to Chicagoland Speedway, a 1.5‑mile oval located just outside Chicago in Joliet, Illinois. The decision comes after months of contentious talks between NASCAR, city officials and the state of Illinois over the cost and logistics of a downtown street circuit that had been slated for the same year.
The move marks a full circle for a venue that first opened its gates to the series in 2001 and remained a staple until 2019. Following a $5 million investment in 2026, the track received upgraded grandstands, improved lighting and a refreshed pit lane, upgrades that drivers praised after the most recent race.
Chase Briscoe captured the 2026 event and, in victory lane, highlighted the new surface and layout, saying the track now offers a ‘perfect blend of speed and handling’ that could set a new standard for Mid‑west racing.
NASCAR’s calendar already lists most of the season’s dates, and the addition of Chicagoland fills gaps in June and July, providing teams and fans with a high‑profile weekend that avoids clashes with other major sporting events.
While the street‑course concept is not entirely dead, officials have hinted that a temporary layout at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego could still appear in 2028, giving the series a West Coast showcase without displacing the newly secured Illinois venue.
NASCAR executives expressed confidence that the revitalized Chicagoland facility will serve as a premier destination, citing strong driver feedback and the track’s proven ability to deliver competitive on‑track action.