NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway: Less Than a Month Away

The wait is almost over. In less than a month, NASCAR will make its highly anticipated return to Chicagoland Speedway for the first time since 2019, bringing one of the sport's biggest weekends back to Joliet, IL.

From July 3–5, 2026, race fans will once again fill the grandstands as NASCAR's top drivers battle on the 1.5-mile oval that has produced some of the most memorable finishes in the track's history. The Independence Day weekend event will feature three days of racing action, including the ARCA Menards Series on Friday, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday, and the NASCAR Cup Series eero 400 on Sunday.

The excitement begins on Friday, July 3, with a full day of on-track activity as teams prepare for the weekend's competition. Fans attending Friday's events will have the opportunity to watch NASCAR practice sessions throughout the day before the ARCA Menards Series Ashley Furniture 150 takes center stage under the lights at 7 p.m. CT. It's the perfect opportunity to get closer to the thrills, speed, and unforgettable moments that make race weekend special.

The action continues on Saturday, July 4, as the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series takes the green flag at 4:30 p.m. CT, giving fans a chance to celebrate Independence Day with high-speed racing and family-friendly entertainment. Then on Sunday, July 5, the weekend reaches its climax with the eero 400 NASCAR Cup Series race beginning at 5 p.m. CT, as NASCAR's biggest stars battle for victory in Chicagoland Speedway's long-awaited return to the national spotlight.

The return of NASCAR to Chicagoland Speedway marks a major moment for racing fans throughout Illinois and the greater Chicago region. Known for its wide racing surface, multiple grooves, and thrilling side-by-side competition, the speedway has long been a favorite among drivers and spectators alike. Over the years, the track has hosted dramatic finishes, breakout victories, and championship-defining performances.

With the calendar now turning toward July, anticipation continues to build as teams prepare to return to Joliet and fans make plans for what promises to be an unforgettable holiday weekend. Reserved grandstand seating is available for both Saturday and Sunday's headline events, giving fans the opportunity to experience every lap, every battle, and every memorable moment from some of the best seats in the house.

As the countdown continues, one thing is certain: NASCAR is coming back to Chicagoland Speedway, and race weekend is now less than a month away. For longtime fans and first-time attendees alike, the return of stock car racing to Chicagoland is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the summer.

Get your tickets here for an unforgettable NASCAR weekend in Joliet!