Since summer of 2019, Chicagoland Speedway has been left un-used by NASCAR’s top series, but that changes this upcoming 4th of July weekend.

After three years of racing on the downtown streets of Chicago, NASCAR decided it was time to bring racing back to Joliet for the first time in seven years. The facility has maintained its neatness, and undergone some slight renovations and preparations for the big weekend.

One of the more exciting things, at least for racing enthusiasts, will be the condition of the track surface. Undergoing many cold winters, hot summers, and just time in general, the asphalt has been worn down significantly, which will lead to some great tire wear, and more than likely some awesome racing.

Drivers have always been able to clock laps on the racetrack on iRacing over the years, but how much will that really prepare them for the unknowns? This weekend is expected to be incredibly unpredictable, with the lack of notes drivers and teams have, and adding in the fact that over half the drivers competing this weekend have never even stepped foot on Chicagoland.

While NASCAR is currently in talks to bring back the Chicago Street Course event for 2027, the people of Joliet and 1.5-mile track fans hope Chicagoland can maintain its spot on the schedule.

How do we do that? The fans have show out.

There seems to be still a handful of tickets available for purchase for Sunday’s main event, but hopefully by race time, it will all be sold out, and the rain will stay away.