NASCAR Cup - Chicago

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois for the first time since 2019. This marks a significant comeback to the 1.5-mile oval track that has hosted Cup Series racing 19 times throughout its history. Racing fans in the Chicago area will see top-level stock car competition back at this intermediate track located just outside the city.

Chicagoland Speedway Circuit Details

Chicagoland Speedway features a 1.5-mile oval configuration with an asphalt surface. The intermediate track provides multi-groove racing opportunities that allow drivers to take different lines through the corners. The facility sits in Joliet, Illinois, making it accessible for fans throughout the greater Chicago region.

Race Weekend Schedule

The weekend includes multiple racing events across different series. Practice sessions take place on Friday evening under the lights. The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series competes on Saturday. The NASCAR Cup Series race runs on Sunday evening. This full weekend of racing activity provides fans with multiple opportunities to watch competitive action on the track.

Broadcast and Coverage

TNT Sports will broadcast the Chicagoland Speedway race as part of their NASCAR coverage. The event is also included in the In-Season Challenge format for the season. This coverage ensures fans can follow the action whether they attend in person or watch from home.

Technical Specifications for the Series

The Cup Series introduces increased horsepower specifications at tracks under 1.5 miles and road courses this season, moving from 670 to 750 horsepower. While Chicagoland Speedway measures exactly 1.5 miles, these technical changes impact the overall competitive balance throughout the season. Teams prepare their setups specifically for intermediate tracks like Chicagoland.

Attending the Event

Tickets are available for the race weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. The facility also offers camping passes for fans who want to stay on-site throughout the weekend. The venue accommodates large crowds and provides views of the racing action from various seating areas around the oval.

Historical Context

Alex Bowman won the last Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in 2019. The track has produced competitive racing over the years, with drivers needing to manage tire wear and track position throughout long runs. The return of Cup Series racing to this facility brings back memories of past battles at the Illinois oval.

What to Expect

The race at Chicagoland Speedway features the full field of NASCAR Cup Series drivers competing on a track that rewards both speed and strategy. Intermediate ovals like this one often produce close finishes as teams balance car setup between qualifying speed and race-long performance. The multi-groove surface allows for passing opportunities throughout the field.

Season Context

The Cup Series season includes several notable changes and additions. Dover Motor Speedway hosts the All-Star Race. A new street race takes place in San Diego at Naval Base Coronado. North Wilkesboro Speedway returns to the Cup Series points schedule for the first time since 1996. The Championship Race moves to Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Chicagoland race fits into this expanded and varied schedule as the series returns to traditional oval racing venues.

The return to Chicagoland Speedway represents a restoration of Cup Series racing to the Chicago market at a purpose-built oval facility. The track's history with the series combined with the competitive nature of 1.5-mile tracks makes this race an important part of the season. Fans can experience professional stock car racing at a venue that has proven its ability to host premier motorsports events.