NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway with a Sold-Out Weekend of Thrilling Racing

JOLIET, Ill. — After a seven-year absence, NASCAR made its long-awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway, and the response from fans could not have been stronger. A sold-out crowd packed the grandstands throughout the holiday weekend, creating an electric atmosphere as three premier racing series delivered exciting battles, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments at the 1.5-mile oval.

For the first time since 2019, the sounds of stock car racing echoed through Chicagoland Speedway, and the racing lived up to the anticipation. From Connor Mosack's breakthrough ARCA victory to Brandon Jones' overtime triumph in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and Chase Briscoe's impressive Cup Series win, the weekend showcased why Chicagoland Speedway remains one of NASCAR's favorite tracks.

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Mosack Scores First ARCA Victory

The racing began Friday with the ARCA Menards Series Ashley Furniture 150, where Connor Mosack captured his first career ARCA Menards Series victory in commanding fashion.

Mosack led the field to the checkered flag after 100 laps, while Lanie Buice continued her impressive season with a runner-up finish, matching the best finish by a female driver in ARCA competition. Landon S. Huffman rounded out the podium.

Ashley Furniture 150 Results
Connor Mosack
Lanie Buice
Landon S. Huffman
Daniel Dye
Thomas Annunziata

Brandon Jones Wins Rain-Delayed O'Reilly Classic

Saturday night's Cuervo 300 featured plenty of drama before the green flag ever waved. Heavy rain delayed the race by more than five hours, pushing the start until after 10 p.m. ET on Independence Day.

Once the race got underway, Connor Zilisch dominated early after winning the pole and leading the opening stage before mechanical issues slowed his charge. Chase Elliott then took command, leading a race-high 78 laps in his O'Reilly Auto Parts Series debut and appearing headed for victory.

A late caution, however, forced the race into overtime.

On the final restart, Brandon Jones lined up alongside Elliott and made the winning move entering Turn 1. Jones edged ahead through the opening corners and held off the field to celebrate NASCAR's return to Chicagoland with his first victory of the season and the eighth of his career.

Cuervo 300 Top 10
Brandon Jones
Chase Elliott
Jesse Love
Brent Crews
Austin Hill
Justin Allgaier
Taylor Gray
Sam Mayer
Cole Custer
Connor Zilisch

Chase Briscoe Captures the eero 400

Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series eero 400 capped off an unforgettable weekend with another outstanding race before a capacity crowd.

Chase Briscoe put together a dominant performance, leading 51 laps and holding off fellow Toyota driver Christopher Bell over the final run to earn the victory in NASCAR's first Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in seven years.

Denny Hamlin finished third after leading 30 laps, while William Byron led a race-high 94 laps before settling for fourth. Alex Bowman completed the top five.

eero 400 Top 10
Chase Briscoe
Christopher Bell
Denny Hamlin
William Byron
Alex Bowman
Bubba Wallace
Ryan Blaney
Ty Gibbs
Corey Heim
Riley Herbst
A Successful Return

The weekend's sold-out crowds and exciting competition made one thing abundantly clear—fans were ready for NASCAR's return to Chicagoland Speedway.

Every race featured compelling storylines, close competition, and memorable finishes. The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series delivered its first overtime finish of the season, while the Cup Series showcased multiple lead changes among several championship contenders before Briscoe sealed the victory.

From the enthusiastic fans filling every seat to the dramatic racing on the track, the return of NASCAR to Chicagoland Speedway exceeded expectations. After seven years away, the speedway once again proved why it deserves a place on the NASCAR schedule, giving fans a holiday weekend they won't soon forget and setting the stage for what many hope will become an annual tradition once again.