NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland, Eyes Historic Short-Track Expansion

NASCAR brought racing back to Chicagoland Speedway in 2026 after a seven-year absence, marking a significant shift in the sport’s venue strategy. The 1.5-mile oval in Joliet, Illinois hosted its first Cup Series race since 2019, drawing a sellout crowd with more than 59% of ticketholders experiencing a NASCAR event for the first time.

Chase Briscoe won the eero 400. Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon finished 24th after a right rear tire problem, but his return to Chicagoland after seven years symbolized NASCAR’s broader scheduling transformation.

The Chicagoland return came as NASCAR simultaneously expanded into new markets. The downtown Chicago street race, which ran for three years, was not renewed for 2026. NASCAR replaced it with a street race on Naval Base Coronado, which sold out. Corey Heim claimed his first career victory at the Coronado event.

Dillon was struck by the Coronado race’s commercial strength. “I think the merch sales were very close to the Daytona 500 for that race. It was the best one of the year,” he said, highlighting merchandise sales that rivaled the sport’s flagship event.

Beyond Coronado, NASCAR has tapped historic venues. North Wilkesboro Speedway and Bowman Gray Stadium have recently reemerged on the NASCAR schedule. The sport previously experimented with dirt racing at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Dillon’s comments point to real appetite for further expansion at legendary short tracks. The NASCAR Cup Series has not appeared at South Boston Speedway since 1971, and has never competed at Stafford Speedway in Connecticut. NASCAR left Kentucky Speedway after 2020, clearing potential calendar space for new scheduling moves.