While NASCAR is bypassing the Chicago Street Race next summer, it is filling the void on the schedule with a Cup Series race during July Fourth weekend at the long-dormant Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.

The announcement Wednesday marks the first return for NASCAR to the Joliet track since it was idled in 2019. It also seeks to keep NASCAR momentum alive in the Chicago area after three years of holding the nationally televised street race in Grant Park.

“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 state of Illinois,” Pat Warren, regional vice president of NASCAR, said in a news release.

Last month, NASCAR put the Chicago Street Race on hold for 2026 after completi

See Full Page