The Chicagoland Speedway, inactive since the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season, may soon host top-tier racing again by 2026. This potential return has gained strong support from Ryan Blaney, a noted fan of the track, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., both advocating for the venue’s revival as part of <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR’s future schedule.
Chicagoland Speedway, a 1.5-mile tri-oval intermediate track, was removed from the NASCAR Cup Series after 2019 due to concerns about the racing quality, which many found predictable and lacking excitement. Blaney has publicly emphasized that bringing this track back would help attract younger fans and enhance NASCAR’s appeal overall. Dale Earnhardt Jr. echoed these views, highlighting the entertainment value a return could bring.
Renewed Optimism Fueled by Next Gen Car and Industry Support
Motorsports journalist Adam Stern recently mentioned on social media that a Cup Series race might be held at Chicagoland Speedway in 2026. Following this news, Dale Earnhardt Jr. tweeted,
“I’d gamble that it would be one of the most entertaining races of the season.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
This optimism stems from the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, which is expected to significantly improve competitive racing. Many believe that these new vehicles will change the dynamics on tracks like Chicagoland, turning previously processional races into thrilling events. Fans, who have expressed frustration with an increase in road courses on the NASCAR calendar, are likely to welcome this shift enthusiastically.
Chicagoland’s Potential Return Hinges on Chicago Street Course Negotiations
Since Chicagoland Speedway’s removal, NASCAR has explored other racing venues to maintain a presence in the Illinois market. In 2021, the series visited Road America, followed by races on the Chicago Street Course under a three-year agreement that started in 2022. That contract has now expired, and NASCAR officials are currently negotiating to extend or renew arrangements for the city event.
If these talks fall through, NASCAR may have no choice but to revisit the Chicagoland Speedway. The track remains a critical asset due to the regional market’s importance, and its return could fill the gap left by uncertain city course agreements. Additional news suggests San Diego is being considered as a potential host for a Cup Series race on its streets in 2026, which could influence scheduling decisions.
Ryan Blaney’s Enthusiasm Highlights Track’s Untapped Potential
Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series champion, has voiced his strong desire to return to Chicagoland repeatedly. Last month, he said,
“I wish we could go back to Chicagoland. That place is great. It puts on a great race.”
—Ryan Blaney
He further expressed confusion about the track’s removal, stating,
“I don’t know why we stopped going there in the first place. I guess I do know. They wanted to go to the city of Chicago and not Joliet. I would love to see that track come back personally.”
—Ryan Blaney
Blaney’s comments highlight the affection and respect drivers hold for the track, viewing it as an exciting venue that has been missed by both participants and fans alike.
Implications of a Chicagoland Return for NASCAR’s Future
Reintroducing the Chicagoland Speedway into NASCAR’s Cup Series schedule would mark a significant moment for the sport, signaling a willingness to revisit traditional venues alongside newer street courses. The combination of renewed interest, advanced car technology, and advocacy from prominent figures like Ryan Blaney and Dale Earnhardt Jr. suggests the track could once again attract large audiences and provide compelling racing.
As negotiations continue with the Chicago Street Course and other markets, the outcome will shape NASCAR’s strategic direction for 2026 and beyond. If Chicagoland makes a successful comeback, it would reinforce NASCAR’s commitment to balancing innovation with legacy tracks in order to diversify the racing experience and reclaim fan excitement in key regions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Ryan Blaney ever won Talladega?
A. Blaney won the fall race at Talladega by a very slim margin of 0.007 seconds against Ryan Newman, moving on to the Round of 8. He managed this despite spinning onto pit road earlier in the race.
