
NASCAR Revives Chicagoland Speedway for 2026 In‑Season Challenge
The Cup Series returns to Illinois after a seven‑year absence, featuring a full slate of teams and crew chiefs for the second round of the NASCAR In‑Season Challenge.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Trackhouse Racing across Nascar.

The Cup Series returns to Illinois after a seven‑year absence, featuring a full slate of teams and crew chiefs for the second round of the NASCAR In‑Season Challenge.

With an improved average finish on ovals and a top‑five at Nashville, Shane van Gisbergen is poised to secure a playoff spot, while NASCAR’s comeback to Chicagoland Speedway promises fresh drama for fans and teams alike.
Shane van Gisbergen led 59 laps at Sonoma despite car issues, holding off Kyle Larson and a field of competitors. Celebrities attended, and Red Bull’s presence sparked a light‑hearted comment from the winner. Tyler Reddick’s power‑steering problems dropped him to second in the standings.

With half the season complete, the series has seen tighter racing, surprise victories and emerging leaders across teams and tracks.

As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series reaches its midpoint, standout performances from Daniel Suarez, Carson Hocevar and Ty Gibbs contrast sharply with the challenges facing Joey Logano, Connor Zilisch and Ross Chastain.

Sixteen drivers remain in the In‑Season Challenge, battling for a $1 million prize at Chicagoland Speedway, where a key Hendrick Motorsports duel and a returning 1.5‑mile venue promise high stakes.

After a strong performance at Nashville, Shane van Gisbergen eyes a Chase spot while NASCAR prepares to reopen Chicagoland Speedway after a seven‑year hiatus.

Shane van Gisbergen’s improving performance on oval tracks, his crew chief’s emphasis on qualifying, and NASCAR’s return to Chicagoland Speedway set the stage for a pivotal playoff battle.

Shane van Gisbergen edged out the competition at Sonoma Raceway, crossing the finish line just 0.357 seconds ahead of his rivals despite a subpar car. Crew chief Stephen Doran praised the driver’s ability to overcome the challenges, noting the result’s importance for the championship picture.

Daniel Suarez, Carson Hocevar and Ty Gibbs have turned the 2026 season into a breakout campaign, whereas Joey Logano, Connor Zilisch and Ross Chastain find themselves on the outside looking in as the Chase picture sharpens.

Shane van Gisbergen’s recent progress on NASCAR’s oval circuits has positioned him within striking distance of the playoffs, even as the series prepares to revisit Chicagoland Speedway after a seven‑year hiatus.

Denny Hamlin moves to the top of the NASCAR Cup Series standings after Tyler Reddick’s power‑steering failure, while Trackhouse Racing climbs and the next race looms at Chicagoland.

A power‑steering failure eliminates the tournament’s top seed, propelling Alex Bowman into the next round. Denny Hamlin reclaims the points lead, Ty Gibbs dominates stages, and Shane van Gisbergen emerges as the early favorite as the field narrows to 16 for the Illinois race.

Shane van Gisbergen is climbing the NASCAR Cup Series standings on oval tracks, securing his first top‑five finish at Nashville and aiming for a Chase spot as the series revives its presence at Chicagoland Speedway.

Shane van Gisbergen's recent top‑five finish at Nashville and the series' return to Chicagoland Speedway set the stage for a tight playoff battle.

Shane van Gisbergen’s transition to NASCAR’s oval circuit is gaining momentum, with the New Zealander aiming to break into the playoffs. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson prepares for a comeback at a refurbished Chicagoland Speedway, and the Chase standings remain razor‑thin.

Shane van Gisbergen captured his second victory of the season at Sonoma, boosting Trackhouse Racing’s position, while safety adjustments to short‑track bumpers and cross‑series events spark further conversation.

Denny Hamlin reclaimed the points lead by a single point after a power‑steering failure dropped Tyler Reddick, while Shane van Gisbergen’s victory and Ty Gibbs’ podium reshaped the standings ahead of the Chicagoland showdown.

Shane van Gisbergen led 74 of the final 83 laps at Sonoma, edging Chase Briscoe by 0.357 seconds. The victory moves him to 14th in points and sets up a showdown at Chicagoland Speedway.

Red Bull has rolled out a limited‑edition NASCAR‑themed can showcasing Trackhouse Racing drivers Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen, available only at Circle K locations in 8.4‑ and 12‑ounce formats.

Shane van Gisbergen's eighth road‑course win at Sonoma puts him on track to eclipse Jeff Gordon's record and redefine the sport's competitive landscape.
Connor Zilisch’s seventh‑place run at Sonoma Raceway marks his debut top‑10 in the NASCAR Cup Series, highlighting both his rapid ascent and the challenges his team continues to navigate.

Shane van Gisbergen victorious at Sonoma, thanks sponsors, aims for Chase.

A power‑steering failure forced Tyler Reddick to finish 36th at Sonoma, allowing Denny Hamlin to move into the points lead by a single point.