Ty Dillon and Freddie Kraft recently shared their perspectives on NASCAR’s plans for the 2026 season, focusing on the new race in San Diego and the possibility of bringing back Chicagoland. During the Door Bumper Clear podcast, they reacted to the announcement of a road course race set to be held at the Coronado Base in San Diego next year, highlighting its significance in the schedule.
Dillon expressed enthusiasm about the San Diego venue, noting its appeal not only as a city but also because of its proximity to the Navy Seals training location. Regarding Chicagoland, he reflected positively on his experiences at Chicagoland Speedway and expressed hope for NASCAR’s return there since the Chicago Street Race has been removed from the 2026 calendar.
San Diego is an awesome city,
Ty Dillon said.
It’s also close to where the Navy Seals train, which is kind of a cool thing, too
. —Ty Dillon
Chicagoland, I felt like the last time I ran there, it was one of my favorite tracks and they took it off the schedule, of course,
Dillon noted.
I had some good experiences there, so I’m looking forward to going back.
—Ty Dillon
Chicagoland’s Possible Return and Schedule Adjustments
Freddie Kraft, the spotter for Bubba Wallace, indicated that the rumors about Chicagoland’s comeback will likely intensify as the 2026 season approaches. He also confirmed that both the Mexico City race and the Chicago Street Race are expected to be removed from the schedule next year.
I think Mexico just comes off next year just for the fact that they don’t have a place for us to race,
Kraft explained.
Next year, they have the World Cup there. So now, they’re trying to figure out where to put it on a schedule and line it up.
—Fredie Kraft
Kraft also hinted at the likelihood of NASCAR gaining an additional off-week in the summer of 2026 due to the extended 39-week season, which will feature 37 races.
I’m thinking we’re going to get maybe that summer off week back, which would be nice,
Kraft remarked. —Fredie Kraft
Background on NASCAR’s History with Chicagoland and San Diego Venues
NASCAR once hosted Cup Series events at Chicagoland Speedway annually from 2001 until 2019. Although the 2020 race was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, return efforts to this 1.5-mile facility have not yet materialized. Meanwhile, the new San Diego race is set to take place on the Coronado Base, an announcement supported by recent reports from Kelly Crandall and Jordan Bianchi, who covered NASCAR’s exploration and formalization of a street course event in the San Diego area for 2026.
Implications for NASCAR’s 2026 Season
The introduction of the San Diego road course and the adjustments involving Chicagoland and Mexico City reflect NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to adapt its schedule in response to venue availability and strategic considerations. For drivers like Ty Dillon, the prospect of returning to familiar tracks like Chicagoland is welcomed, while the new San Diego race brings fresh challenges and excitement.
The removal of some events to accommodate others, as well as the possibility of an additional off-week, suggests the 2026 season will feature a carefully balanced but evolving calendar. Fans and participants alike remain attentive to further announcements as the sport prepares for these changes.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Ty Dillon’s wife?
A. Recently, the Channel 4 soap revealed that Dillon is the dad of Leah Barnes’s new baby boy, James. After the show’s one-year time skip, Leah had her baby, and many residents thought the father was Charlie Dean, who is not around.
Q. Who is older, Austin or Ty Dillon?
A. The older Dillon brother, who is 27, almost chose a different career than racing. His brother, Ty, is currently 25 years old.
