NASCAR has confirmed its long-anticipated return to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, scheduled for July 4-5, 2026, marking the first time in seven years that major NASCAR races will be held at the 1.5-mile oval track. This event will feature the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and ARCA Menards Series as part of a special Independence Day Weekend celebration.

Excitement Builds Around Next Gen Car and Race Weekend Lineup

Pat Warren, NASCAR’s Vice President of the Midwest Region, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the latest Next Gen Cup Series cars back to Chicagoland for an exciting Independence Day celebration. Warren highlighted the track’s rich history and the opportunity to engage fans throughout Illinois.

We’re thrilled to bring NASCAR racing and the Cup Series’ Next Gen race car to Chicagoland Speedway for what promises to be an incredible Independence Day weekend celebration,

said Pat Warren, Vice President of Midwest Region, NASCAR.

There is a history and tradition of great NASCAR racing at Chicagoland Speedway, so we look forward to building on the tremendous fan momentum throughout the entire the state of Illinois.

The race weekend will begin with the ARCA Menards Series event on Friday, July 3, followed by the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on July 4 and culminating with the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 5. Since the introduction of the Next Gen Cup Series car in 2022, competition on intermediate tracks like Chicagoland has intensified, fueling strong fan interest in these venues. Alongside the return to Chicagoland Speedway, NASCAR will also maintain a presence at World Wide Technology Raceway near Madison, continuing its focus on Illinois in 2026.

Local Leaders Celebrate NASCAR’s Return

Terry D’Arcy, Mayor of Joliet, welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the significance of the Speedway to the community and local economy. He described NASCAR’s return as a major event for residents and visitors alike, especially as the races coincide with America’s Independence Day celebrations.

This is a fantastic homecoming for Joliet and the entire region,

said Terry D’Arcy, Mayor of Joliet, Illinois.

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.

Chicagoland Speedway’s Legacy and Recent History

Since opening in 2001, Chicagoland Speedway has been a staple in NASCAR’s premier series calendar for 18 seasons, attracting thousands of fans. The last NASCAR Cup Series race at the track took place in 2019, when Alex Bowman achieved his first career victory driving the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports during the Camping World 400. Racing activities were paused soon after, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this upcoming return especially meaningful.

Ticket Availability and Future Updates

Race fans interested in attending can place deposits now to secure early access to tickets through ChicagolandSpeedway.com. Additional details about ticket sales and event schedules will be shared in the coming weeks. Updates will also be available on NASCAR.com and the Chicagoland Speedway website as the event approaches.