Ryan Blaney on 2026 NASCAR schedule made headlines after a rainy day at Daytona International Speedway handed him pole position and offered the Team Penske driver an opportunity to react to updates on the next Cup Series lineup. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s race, Blaney expressed both excitement and relief about key changes, emphasizing the return of Chicagoland Speedway and a new race in San Diego.
Chicagoland Speedway’s Comeback after Six Years
Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, is set to return to the Cup Series slate after a six-year hiatus, marking a significant track change that Blaney has supported for a long time. The schedule reshuffle means Illinois will continue to host a major event, even as the Chicago Street Race and Mexico City are dropped for 2026 to make room for San Diego and Chicagoland events.
“I think bringing Chicagoland back is a great move. With losing the Chicago Street Race, bringing in Chicagoland, at least Illinois still has a race in their state, so I’m happy with that, and Joliet isn’t terribly far away from the city.”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver
Blaney also highlighted the enthusiasm among drivers and fans for this return, recalling that the outgoing track had been the site of many memorable races and predicting even better competition with the current generation of race cars.
“I think a lot of people have been trying to push for that track to make a comeback for a long time. I was pretty sad when we left there because it put on a great show. I think with this car it will put on a fantastic event, so I’m excited for that.”
—Ryan Blaney, Team Penske driver
The revised lineup means Chicagoland is joined by Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, while downtown Chicago’s temporary circuit and Mexico City will be missing in 2026 due to scheduling and logistical hurdles. NASCAR, however, has indicated that both Mexico City and Chicago could return for the 2027 season.
San Diego’s Temporary Street Circuit Joins the Calendar
The 2026 NASCAR schedule introduces a new event at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, scheduled for June 21 and set to be broadcast by Amazon Prime Video. Blaney expressed approval for this addition as well, describing the venue as an exciting patriotic location and recalling his recent visit, where he met leaders and some residents of the base. He noted the buzz among the local community, who look forward to the event.
According to Blaney, the event in San Diego will also mark two major anniversaries: 250 years of the US Navy and the quarter-millennium of the United States. He believes the celebration at such a venue adds significance to the schedule and underscores NASCAR’s broadening reach.
Alongside these additions, Blaney briefly addressed the moving of Watkins Glen’s race date, stating he saw no issues with the change and emphasizing his overall satisfaction with the lineup, while making clear that Chicagoland remains his top pick.
NASCAR’s Broader Plans and Next Steps
NASCAR’s adjustments reflect both ongoing challenges and ambitions for the Cup Series. While Mexico City’s absence is notable—after hosting the first international points race since the 1950s—series officials remain determined to bring international and urban events back in the future. The schedule changes, including the emphasis on established tracks like Chicagoland and bold new venues such as Naval Base Coronado, illustrate the evolving landscape of NASCAR competition and its ongoing commitment to fan engagement in key markets.
