NASCAR is bringing top-tier racing back to Chicagoland Speedway in 2026. The move marks Chicagoland Speedway’s first major event in seven years and signals a major revival for Joliet’s racing scene.
The NASCAR Cup Series will headline the Fourth of July weekend. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will join the weekend with a points-paying race on July 4. The Cup Series will race at the oval on July 5. The holiday timing positions the race weekend as both a racing showcase and a regional celebration.
NASCAR officials say the decision comes after years of fan demand.
“Our fans have been asking for a race in Joliet for the past several years,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice president. “If you look at the racing product on our mile-and-a-half tracks, they’ve been some of the most competitive and compelling events that we’ve had in our season, and we’re confident that Joliet is going to deliver exactly that.”
Photo credits: Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Chicagoland Speedway is a 1.5-mile oval. It last hosted a Cup Series race in June 2019. Alex Bowman won that event driving for Hendrick Motorsports. The track has hosted 19 Cup races, including the 2018 finish where Kyle Busch edged Kyle Larson in a dramatic battle.
The 2026 race weekend is part of NASCAR’s evolving competition format. The Cup race will serve as Round 2 of the In-Season Challenge. Drivers will compete head-to-head for a $1 million prize. The event will be broadcast on TNT Sports, giving it strong national exposure.
For Joliet, the impact is significant. City leaders expect increased tourism, spending, and national attention.
“This is a fantastic homecoming for Joliet and the entire region.” Mayor Terry D’Arcy said, “Chicagoland Speedway has been a cornerstone of our community for more than two decades, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome NASCAR’s top stars back to our backyard. The economic impact and excitement this brings to our city is tremendous, and celebrating America’s birthday with some of the best racing in the world right here in Joliet is something special that our residents and visitors will never forget.”
NASCAR’s revival at Chicagoland Speedway puts Joliet back on the national racing stage.
