Why Chicagoland Speedway's return to NASCAR comes at the perfect time

Chicagoland was initially supposed to hold a race during the 2020 season, but the race weekend was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last six years, the 1.5-mile speedway in Joliet, Ill., has sat dormant. 

But its return next season isn't just a positive for fans of the speedway — it comes at the perfect time for the track to not just get back on the schedule, but become a fixture of NASCAR racing once more. 

When Chicagoland held its final race in 2019, the quality of the racing product at intermediate racetracks was on the decline. A 550 horsepower engine package that was introduced in 2019 made passing more difficult, and the increased emphasis on aerodynamics only exacerbated the struggles that drivers had when trying to pass at tracks such as Chicagoland. 

In 2025, however, the tables have turned. With NASCAR's Next Gen car that was introduced in 2022, intermediate tracks have become appointment TV. Meanwhile, the racing product at short tracks, superspeedways and road courses has suffered. 

Chicagoland's worn-out surface and wide dimensions meant it didn't suffer as much from neutered engines and aero packages as much as its 1.5-mile counterparts. But with a Next Gen car that thrives at wide, worn-out racetracks, Chicagoland has the opportunity to put on a show in its return to the calendar. 

NASCAR's decision to bring back Chicagoland also keeps a race in the Chicago area, at least in 2026. With the Chicago Street Race aiming for a 2027 return, Chicagoland will be, at the very least, a stopgap for fans in the Chicago area who have been treated to the Chicago Street Race over the last three years.

In a market where NASCAR has both literally and figuratively made plenty of noise over the last three years, it's important to bring back a track close to the Windy City that has the chance to put on one of the best races of the entire season.