Chicagoland Speedway returns for the 2026 In-Season Challenge

The 2026 In-Season Challenge shifts gears to Chicagoland Speedway this Sunday for a reunion seven years in the making. After a Round 1 at Sonoma Raceway defined by shocking upsets—including the early exit of series points leader Tyler Reddick at the hands of Alex Bowman—the field is desperate to find some rhythm on the only 1.5-mile track in the bracket.

This circuit is a total wildcard. With its original surface intact since 2001, teams are bracing for a massive tire conservation battle across 267 laps. Denny Hamlin enters as the favorite, wielding a dominant 2.5 average finish on intermediates this year. However, all eyes are on the Hendrick Motorsports garage, where teammates Kyle Larson and William Byron will collide in what is undoubtedly the round’s heavyweight bout. Both are hunting their first wins of the season, and while Larson boasts a stellar 6.17 average finish at this track, the momentum is anyone’s guess.

Elsewhere, Joe Gibbs Racing sees Ty Gibbs and Chase Briscoe go head-to-head in a clash that feels like a pure toss-up. Ryan Blaney faces a dangerous challenge from Shane van Gisbergen, whose recent performance on larger ovals has been nothing short of impressive. With Toyota currently acting as the benchmark for speed, Christopher Bell is also looking to outlast Chris Buescher in a matchup where the No. 20 car’s raw pace could overcome his recent inconsistency.