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As NASCAR tests new ideas with street races and international tracks, there’s chatter that the series might bring back an old friend: Chicagoland Speedway. The 1.5-mile oval in Joliet, Illinois, hasn’t hosted a Cup Series race since 2019 but rumors are growing that it might be back in 2026.

A big reason? The current deal for the Chicago Street Race. While nothing’s official, some insiders think NASCAR may abandon the street track after 2025. That opens the door for Chicagoland which still has a fully built facility and wouldn’t take much work to get race-ready.

Fans and industry voices are already buzzing. FOX’s Bob Pockrass says he thinks Chicagoland could return if the street race goes away. Talking on the Beating & Banging podcast, he said, “I think they will bring Chicagoland on the schedule in some way, shape, or form. You don’t just build up interest in that market and then leave it totally, right?”.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also mentioned there was a “chance” Chicagoland can come back. On Reddit, fans are saying renovations are happening at the track and NASCAR employees have hinted at a comeback.

NASCAR: Camping World 400-Qualifying
Credit: Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images

Some even noticed small updates to the track’s website. There was also a moment during a livestream where Carson Hocevar may have teased Chicagoland’s return. But NASCAR hasn’t said anything publicly yet.

If the track does come back, it would be a return to tradition. While NASCAR’s schedule has changed a lot in recent years many fans still prefer good old oval racing. Chicagoland could offer that without the challenges and costs of running a temporary street race. 

And while the street race has brought in big money, a permanent oval might be a more stable option in the long run.

Of course, something would have to be dropped to make room and the street race is the obvious choice. But other underperforming tracks or potential international events like Mexico City could also be on the chopping block, though that one seems likely to stay.

Right now, nothing is official. The Chicago Street Race is happening this weekend and NASCAR hasn’t announced anything about 2026. But with track activity picking up and trusted voices pointing towards a return Chicagoland Speedway is quickly becoming one of the hottest topics in the NASCAR rumor mill.

Is the track really coming back? We’ll likely know more by late summer but for now fans are hopeful and keeping a close eye on Joliet.

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