NASCAR’s international footprint will shrink in 2026 as plans to return to Mexico City have been dropped, according to multiple reports. Instead, the open date on the schedule is expected to be filled by Chicagoland Speedway, bringing the sport back to a familiar venue after several years away. While the Mexico City event drew strong interest, logistical challenges and scheduling conflicts ultimately kept the Cup Series from locking in a second trip south of the border.
Key Highlights
NASCAR will not race in Mexico City in 2026 due to logistical challenges.
Chicagoland Speedway is expected to reclaim a spot on the 2026 Cup Series schedule.
NASCAR’s San Diego street race will replace the Chicago street race next year, keeping the region in focus.
Chicagoland last hosted a Cup race in 2019, with Alex Bowman as its most recent winner.
Fans and drivers have long pushed for Chicagoland’s return, citing its compatibility with the Next Gen car.
Mexico City Plans Fall Through
The Cup Series debut in Mexico City was seen as an important step toward expanding NASCAR’s international presence. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez hosted the event, offering a unique challenge for teams and drivers while bringing the sport closer to its passionate fan base in Mexico. However, while the inaugural race generated buzz, the long-term feasibility of making Mexico City a permanent stop quickly came into question.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported that logistical hurdles proved too difficult to overcome.
“Not going back to Mexico City leaves NASCAR without an international Cup race in 2026, as the logistics of getting the series to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit in Mexico’s capital, along with finding a date that works for NASCAR, the teams and the track, proved challenging,” – Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
Challenges included freight transportation, travel schedules, and coordinating with both the track and NASCAR’s packed calendar. While on-track performance highlighted Shane van Gisbergen’s dominance, the overall racing product didn’t leave officials convinced that returning immediately was necessary. As a result, NASCAR has opted to redirect its focus back to domestic markets while evaluating future international opportunities.
Chicagoland’s Long-Awaited Return
With Mexico City off the 2026 schedule, Chicagoland Speedway is slated to make a long-awaited comeback. The Joliet, Illinois track last hosted a Cup race in 2019 before losing its date amid a reshuffling of NASCAR’s calendar. Since then, drivers and fans have repeatedly called for its return, pointing to the track’s 1.5-mile layout that historically produced exciting racing.
According to Bianchi, NASCAR views Chicagoland as an important market to maintain its presence in the Chicago area, especially with the shift of the Chicago street race to San Diego in 2026. The city remains the third-largest market in the United States, a critical factor in a sponsor-driven sport looking to balance regional access and revenue opportunities.
The track’s pairing with the Next Gen car is also expected to enhance racing quality. Several drivers, including 2019 winner Alex Bowman, have publicly supported the move, noting the potential for strong racing action with the current generation of Cup Series cars.
“Chicagoland’s return would likely be well-received by the industry and fans,” – Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic
If confirmed, the venue’s reinstatement will mark a new chapter for Chicagoland after years of speculation about its future in the Cup Series.
Balancing Markets and Future Expansion
NASCAR’s decision not to return to Mexico City leaves it without an international Cup Series event in 2026. This outcome reflects the difficulty of balancing expansion goals with the logistical and commercial realities of the sport’s current landscape. While the series has long considered races in Canada and even Europe, any future international events will depend on securing favorable dates and transportation support from teams and stakeholders.
For now, keeping a race in the Chicago region while introducing San Diego’s new street course allows NASCAR to maintain its presence in key U.S. markets. By returning to Chicagoland, the sport ensures fans in one of its most significant metropolitan areas can continue to attend live races, preserving a valuable connection with sponsors and local supporters.
The Mexico City experiment demonstrated international interest in NASCAR, but 2026 will mark a pause rather than an expansion. Officials have yet to comment on whether Mexico City could return in future seasons, leaving the door open for re-evaluation down the road.
News in Brief: NASCAR Set to Replace Mexico City in 2026
NASCAR will not return to Mexico City for a Cup Series race in 2026 due to logistical and scheduling complications. The open date on the calendar is expected to be filled by Chicagoland Speedway, which last hosted a Cup race in 2019. This change keeps NASCAR in the Chicago market as its street race moves to San Diego, while leaving the series without an international race next year. Fans can anticipate Chicagoland’s long-awaited return as discussions continue about future global expansion.
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