Ryan Blaney, the Team Penske driver, shared his thoughts on the newly announced 2026 NASCAR schedule following a washed-out qualifying session at Daytona International Speedway that awarded him the pole position for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Blaney expressed particular excitement about the changes and the reintroduction of Chicagoland Speedway to the lineup, a track he had supported for some time prior to NASCAR’s announcement.
Regarding the return of the Joliet-based track, Blaney stated,
“I think bringing Chicagoland back is a great move. With losing the Chicago Street Race, bringing in Chicagoland, at least Illinois still has a race in their state, so I’m happy with that, and Joliet isn’t terribly far away from the city.”
He elaborated on the significance of this venue, explaining,
“I think a lot of people have been trying to push for that track to make a comeback for a long time. I was pretty sad when we left there because it put on a great show. I think with this car it will put on a fantastic event, so I’m excited for that.”
Chicagoland Speedway will return to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule after being absent for six years. To make room for this and the addition of San Diego, NASCAR will remove both Mexico City and the Chicago Street Course from the 2026 calendar. The Mexico City event had been notable as the first international Cup points race since the 1950s but faced scheduling and logistical challenges that prevented its continuation in 2026. NASCAR, however, aims to bring back both Mexico City and the Chicago Street Course by 2027.
Support for San Diego’s New Street Circuit Race
In addition to Chicagoland’s comeback, the 2026 NASCAR schedule will feature a new temporary street circuit at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, planned for June 21, 2026, with coverage provided by Amazon Prime Video. Blaney voiced his enthusiasm for this event, describing the upcoming race as an exciting development for the sport.
Blaney recently visited the base, engaging with many of its leaders and getting a glimpse of the community. While he did not meet all 40,000 residents, he praised their spirit and eagerness for NASCAR’s arrival. He expressed confidence that the local population will warmly welcome the teams and fans, highlighting,
“the people there are going to roll out the red carpet for everybody, and celebrate 250 years of the Navy, as well as the quarter millennium for the country, which he believes is great to be a part of, at none other than a patriotic venue such as a US Navy base.”
Blaney’s Views on Watkins Glen and Overall Schedule
Blaney briefly addressed the scheduling change involving Watkins Glen, noting he had no issues with the date adjustment. Despite this, his overall emphasis remained positive as he praised the entire 2026 schedule. However, he made it clear that the return of Chicagoland Speedway is the highlight for him, reflecting on how much excitement the track brings to both drivers and fans.
With these key updates, the 2026 NASCAR season promises renewed energy and diverse racing venues that blend tradition with innovation. Fans can look forward to the blend of historic tracks like Chicagoland with fresh additions such as San Diego’s street course, marking the coming season as one with meaningful changes and opportunities for compelling competition.