NASCAR finally returns to the bumps of Chicagoland
It has been 2,562 days since the Cup Series last turned a wheel at Chicagoland Speedway, and the return to this bumpy, 1.5-mile track is massive. With nearly half the field having never raced here, the lack of experience is going to be a fascinating variable. We last saw this place in 2019, and the memory of those banger finishes—including Alex Bowman’s first career win—is still fresh for those who pay attention.
For my money, you have to look at the specialists for this surface. Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports is the clear favorite; with a 6.2 average finish and two runner-up spots here, he is a machine on old asphalt. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Tyler Reddick from 23XI Racing. Even without a previous Cup start at this track, his dirt-racing roots make him a natural fit for this kind of low-grip, treacherous surface.
It is not all about the favorites, though. Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing is a sleeper to watch, having put together nine consecutive top-10 finishes at this track. As for the struggles, Joey Logano of Team Penske is currently navigating a rough patch on intermediate circuits, making him a difficult pick for this trip to the heartland. This is a return to a classic, and I honestly cannot wait to see how it unfolds.
