The Chicagoland Speedway, dormant since hosting its last NASCAR Cup Series race in 2019, may soon return to the spotlight, fueled by growing enthusiasm from drivers like Ryan Blaney and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The ongoing discussions about reinstating the track into the NASCAR schedule highlight the significance of the Ryan Blaney Chicagoland NASCAR Return, signaling a potential revival set for 2026.
After being removed in 2020 due to predictability and declining excitement, the 1.5-mile tri-oval intermediate track has awaited its chance to prove its value again. Blaney has openly expressed his strong support for bringing the Speedway back, believing that its return is vital for NASCAR’s aim to captivate younger and broader audiences. Earnhardt Jr. has also joined in advocating for this comeback, emphasizing the entertainment potential the track holds with the new generation of cars.
Renewed Enthusiasm from Drivers for Chicagoland’s Return
Veteran motorsports reporter Adam Stern recently indicated on social media that a NASCAR race at Chicagoland could be scheduled for 2026, reigniting optimism among fans and drivers. Dale Earnhardt Jr. responded on Twitter, stating,
“I’d gamble that it would be one of the most entertaining races of the season.”
This anticipation is significant amid dissatisfaction with an increasing number of road courses on the NASCAR calendar, as Chicagoland offers a traditional oval racing experience that many fans and drivers miss.
The track was initially removed because previous races grew too predictable and failed to fully engage viewers. However, the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022 is expected to revolutionize race dynamics at Chicagoland, potentially restoring excitement and unpredictability to the events held there.
Challenges Linked to Schedule and Market Considerations
Following Chicagoland’s removal, NASCAR shifted its focus to venues like Road America in 2021 and then entered a three-year agreement with the Chicago Street Course starting in 2022. With this contract now concluding, negotiations for its renewal are underway, but it remains uncertain whether it will continue or if NASCAR will return to Chicagoland instead. The Chicago metropolitan market is highly valuable to NASCAR, making a presence in the region crucial for the sport’s growth and visibility.
Additionally, talks about a new street race in San Diego for 2026 present another layer of complexity to NASCAR’s future scheduling decisions. Despite this, Ryan Blaney is clear about his preference for Chicagoland. Last month, Blaney remarked,
“I wish we could go back to Chicagoland. That place is great. It puts on a great race.”
He also expressed confusion over the track’s earlier exclusion:
“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.”
Potential Impact on NASCAR and Its Fanbase
If the Chicagoland Speedway returns to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, it could mark a notable shift toward regaining traditional, high-speed oval races that many fans and drivers long for. The reintroduction of the track aligns with the broader strategy to engage audiences dissatisfied with the proliferation of road courses. This move could also strengthen NASCAR’s market presence in the Chicago region and enhance the overall excitement of the Cup Series.
Ryan Blaney and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s vocal support underscores the trust and belief in the track’s ability to host thrilling races once again. As contract discussions progress, more updates are expected soon, with the possibility that Chicagoland could reclaim its place as a key destination on the NASCAR calendar.