NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet After 7 Years With Fan Festival Before Race Weekend - Internewscast Journal

NASCAR returns to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet after a seven-year absence, with celebrations starting before race weekend and a downtown fan festival kicking off the lead-up. The NASCAR Cup Series is scheduled to compete in Joliet during the weekend marking America’s 250th birthday, bringing the sport back to a track that has been quiet on the Cup schedule for years. Fans gathered in downtown Joliet for a rally that included classic cars, custom vehicles from local enthusiasts, food and drink along Chicago Street, and live music. The race weekend schedule begins with practice on Friday, followed by a Saturday race and the Cup Series event on Sunday. Drivers also welcomed the return, with NASCAR driver Zane Smith discussing the track’s history and saying the mile-and-a-half circuit has produced “legendary finishes,” while aiming for his first win in what he described as his 100th start at the venue. Organizers and attendees are hoping weather will cooperate.