NASCAR Revives Midwest Tradition with 2026 eero 400 at Chicagoland
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will feature a much‑anticipated return to Chicagoland Speedway, where the eero 400 will headline the 21st race weekend of the season. The 1.5‑mile oval, last seen on the Cup calendar in 2019, is set to welcome fans back after a two‑year hiatus caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Odds released ahead of the event paint Denny Hamlin as the early favorite at +250, while Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell follow at +450, +650 and +700 respectively. The betting market reflects a deep field that includes past champions such as Daniel Suarez, who captured victory at nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway in late May, and Alex Bowman, the 2019 Chicagoland winner.
Fans can expect a packed weekend of on‑track action, with the track’s unique layout and high‑speed banking poised to deliver dramatic passes and strategic pit work. The return also marks a symbolic milestone for the series, underscoring its commitment to diverse venues across the United States.
Among the drivers slated to compete are a who’s‑who of the sport: Chase Elliott, Ty Gibbs, William Byron, Carson Hocevar, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace, Erik Jones, Ross Chastain, Ryan Preece, Austin Cindric, Shane van Gisbergen, Austin Dillon, Zane Smith, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Michael McDowell, Connor Zilisch, Riley Herbst, A.J. Allmendinger, John H. Nemechek, Josh Berry, Austin Hill, Noah Gragson, Ty Dillon, Todd Gilliland, Cole Custer, Cody Ware and J.J. Yeley. Their presence guarantees a competitive showcase of talent on the Illinois oval.