Dale Earnhardt Jr. backs Chicagoland return as NASCAR faces major schedule adjustments in 2026, following uncertainty around the Chicago Street Race and the rise of other venues. Earnhardt, a well-known advocate within the sport, supports bringing NASCAR’s three national series—Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks—back to the long-dormant Chicagoland Speedway near Chicago, as shifting priorities create major openings in the upcoming race calendar.
Earnhardt Endorses NASCAR’s Return to Chicagoland
Once seen as a central fixture for NASCAR events, the Chicagoland Speedway (CLS) has not hosted a NASCAR race since 2019, aside from hosting a motocross playoff in the fall of 2023. The track, located about 50 miles from downtown Chicago, has otherwise been silent, drawing attention from fans and insiders hoping for its revival. The growing uncertainty surrounding the Chicago Street Race—currently paused for at least the 2026 season—means NASCAR is eager to maintain its presence in the region.
Amid speculation, Earnhardt signaled clear enthusiasm for the track’s revival on his broadcast:
“I feel like that was the worst kept secret,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer. He noted anticipation about how the reshuffling could affect core venues, emphasizing that the current mix of potential additions like San Diego and possible omissions such as Mexico City and the Chicago Street Course create a clear rationale for bringing Chicagoland back.
“There could be nothing else that comes out about the schedule. It might be San Diego and Chicagoland comes back and we lose Mexico City and the Chicago Street Course and that’s that.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Hints at Inside Knowledge of Schedule Changes
Earnhardt’s remarks suggest he may be aware of additional developments beyond what is publicly known, possibly due to his involvement with the Amazon Prime and TNT Sports broadcast teams set to cover ten midseason races. As speculation continues, he offered further insight:
“But I’ve heard about some other things that might happen,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer. Adding,
“And if they do, boy, that’d be fantastic. So, the schedule’s going to keep changing every year, and I like that. I like the fact that we can get Chicago back.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
The uncertainty is compounded by logistical and financial challenges. Earnhardt frankly acknowledged that restoring Chicagoland Speedway would require significant investments.
“I think that getting Chicagoland back is going to cost some money,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer. Revamping the track could take between five and ten million dollars, as it needs extensive repairs and preparations to become race-ready again.
Despite those hurdles, Earnhardt remained positive, highlighting the qualities that made Chicagoland a favorite among drivers and fans. Its abrasive surface and notable bump in turns three and four promise to make races challenging, especially for the current generation of cars.
“And that’ll make the car drive like (expletive) everywhere else. And so that’s good. That’s a good thing. So I’m excited about Chicagoland.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Anticipation Builds for Chicagoland’s Spotlight Race
As discussions intensify, Earnhardt conveyed confidence in the comeback of Chicagoland Speedway on the racing calendar. He implied a strong likelihood he would be part of the broadcast team for this highly anticipated return, giving fans even more reason to pay attention.
“I feel like it’s going to be a race that you’re gonna want to tune into and you’re going to be entertained and enjoy,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
Industry insiders see this as a major signal, reinforcing speculation that Chicagoland’s homecoming is all but assured. Meanwhile, fans and stakeholders await official confirmation as shifting events like the San Diego Street Race and uncertainties around Mexico City open new doors for venues with rich NASCAR histories.
With established personalities like Earnhardt at the forefront and NASCAR leadership faced with pivotal decisions, the return of Chicagoland Speedway could become a central storyline in the evolving, unpredictable landscape of the sport’s 2026 schedule.
