Hamlin Takes Pole at Chicagoland as Larson Looms
Denny Hamlin secured pole for the NASCAR Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway, edging out Kyle Larson by just 0.001 seconds and entering the event as the points leader.
Jul 4, 2026
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Michael McDowell
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Michael McDowell across Nascar.
Denny Hamlin clinches pole at Chicagoland in a photo‑finish
Denny Hamlin secured pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series event at Chicagoland Speedway, edging Kyle Larson by just 0.001 seconds. The result propels Hamlin to the championship lead while Tyler Reddick prepares to start 13th.
Jul 4, 2026
NASCAR Makes Its Long‑Awaited Return to Chicagoland Speedway
After a seven‑year hiatus, the Cup Series roared back to Illinois, with Hamlin and Larson battling for the front row and a host of familiar names set to battle the 400‑mile showdown.
Jul 4, 2026
Hamlin Secures Pole as NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway
Denny Hamlin will lead the grid at Chicagoland Speedway on July 5, 2026, as the series returns after a six‑year absence, with a $11.2 million prize on the line and a fierce points chase among the top drivers.
Jul 4, 2026
Hamlin Takes Pole for Chicagoland 400 as Larson Falls Just Short
Denny Hamlin secured pole position with a 30.296‑second lap, edging Kyle Larson by 0.001 seconds. Michael McDowell will start at the rear after a pre‑qualifying inspection failure. The race will feature a full field of teams and drivers, broadcast on TNT and HBO MAX.
Jul 4, 2026
NASCAR’s long‑awaited return to Illinois
After a four‑year hiatus, the Cup Series roars back to Chicagoland Speedway, with Hamlin on pole, Larson close behind, and a full 38‑car field ready for Sunday’s race.
Jul 4, 2026
Hamlin Takes Pole as NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway
Denny Hamlin secured the pole with a 30.296‑second lap, averaging 178.241 mph, while Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher followed in the top three.
Jul 4, 2026
NASCAR Qualifying at Chicagoland Speedway Introduces 2025 Metric Ahead of Chicago 400 Broadcast
A new 2025 qualifying metric sets the lineup for Sunday’s 267‑lap race at Chicagoland Speedway, with new non‑chartered entries and a live TNT broadcast.
Jul 4, 2026
NASCAR eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway: Betting Picks and Weather Forecast
With the race scheduled for July 5, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET, analysts highlight tire management, historical performances and driver form as key factors for bettors.
Jul 4, 2026
Rain Forces NASCAR to Reorder Chicagoland Starting Grid
NASCAR called off Saturday's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying at Chicagoland Speedway due to thunderstorms, opting for a brief practice session. Should Cup qualifying also be canceled, the starting order for Sunday's 38‑car eero 400 will be determined by reversing the metric scores, giving Ty Gibbs the pole and J.J. Yeley the last spot. The race will air live on TNT at 6 p.m. ET.
Jul 4, 2026
Hamlin Leads NASCAR Cup as Analysts Size Up Chicago Challenge
Denny Hamlin’s recent surge to the top of the standings, driven by solid performances and Tyler Reddick’s misfortune, sets the stage for a deep dive into the upcoming Chicago race, where tire dynamics and rivalries could reshape the playoff picture.
Jul 4, 2026
Hamlin Leads Odds as NASCAR Revives Oval Racing at Chicagoland
Denny Hamlin tops the betting board at +300, with Tyler Reddick and Kyle Larson close behind, while veteran Brad Keselowski eyes a historic win.
Jul 4, 2026
NASCAR In‑Season Tournament Heads to Chicagoland for Round Two
The second round of the NASCAR Cup Series In‑Season Tournament lands at Chicagoland Speedway, featuring sixteen drivers, key rivalries and strategic battles.
Jul 4, 2026
NASCAR Cup Series Returns to Chicagoland Speedway for Practice Ahead of Sunday Race
NASCAR drivers took to Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday, marking their first practice session since 2019. Riley Herbst set the fastest lap while Erik Jones was forced to exit with damage.
Jul 3, 2026
NASCAR Revives Chicagoland Speedway for 2026 eero 400
After a seven‑year absence, NASCAR returns to Chicagoland Speedway with a streamlined qualifying system that promises a fresh competitive dynamic for the 2026 eero 400.
Jul 3, 2026
NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway in July 2026 with a New Qualifying Format
After a seven‑year hiatus, the NASCAR Cup Series will race at Chicagoland Speedway in July 2026. The event will use a streamlined qualifying system where each driver completes one lap to determine the starting order for the eero 400.
Jul 3, 2026
NASCAR Revives Midwest Tradition with 2026 eero 400 at Chicagoland
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series will host the eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, marking the first 1.5‑mile race since Charlotte Motor Speedway in late May and reviving a venue last seen in 2019.
Jul 3, 2026
NASCAR’s 2026 Season Hits Midpoint with Eero 400 Qualifying Showdown
The halfway mark finds NASCAR teams battling for position at Chicagoland Speedway, where qualifying metrics are already shaping playoff prospects.
Jul 3, 2026
Qualifying Order Sets the Stage for the Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway
NASCAR’s halfway point arrives with the Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, where qualifying metrics determine starting grids and shape playoff prospects.
Jul 3, 2026
Speedway Children’s Charities Offers Exclusive Race Weekend Experiences for Charity
Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) Atlanta is hosting a series of auction items and fan experiences during the Quaker State 400 to raise funds for local children in need.
Jul 2, 2026
NASCAR Makes a Comeback at Chicagoland Speedway After Seven-Year Absence
The Cup Series returns to the 1.5‑mile oval after a long hiatus, with Hamlin favored and Reddick close behind.
Jul 2, 2026
NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway After Seven‑Year Absence
The Cup Series heads back to Illinois this weekend, where most of the field will encounter the 1.5‑mile track for the first time with the Next Gen car, sparking fresh storylines for fans and analysts alike.
Jul 2, 2026
NASCAR’s In‑Season Challenge Returns to Chicagoland Speedway for Round 2
The second round of the 2026 NASCAR In‑Season Challenge lands at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois. The 1.5‑mile track, silent since 2019, has been resurrected for this event, bringing its classic layout back to life after a seven‑year hiatus.
Jul 2, 2026
Chevrolet Leads NASCAR’s Chicagoland Return Amid New Track Challenges
Chevrolet’s star‑studded lineup heads back to Chicagoland Speedway as the track’s aged surface promises fresh drama for NASCAR’s top drivers.
Jul 2, 2026