JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — Anticipation is growing in Joliet as NASCAR gets ready to make its long-awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway for the first time in seven years, with fans kicking off the celebration at a downtown festival ahead of race weekend.
The NASCAR Cup Series is scheduled to compete in Joliet during the weekend of America’s 250th birthday, bringing the sport back to a track that has been quiet on the Cup schedule for years. Before drivers take to the speedway, fans gathered in downtown Joliet for a rally marking NASCAR’s return.
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“It’s great to have it all back. I love it. That’s what the track is built for,” Sandy and Stephanie said.
The fan event brought plenty of attractions to the city’s downtown, including classic cars, custom vehicles built by local enthusiasts, food and drink vendors along Chicago Street, and live music that helped set a festive tone.
“I think it’s really cool. I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Khimari Poe said.
Attention now turns to Chicagoland Speedway, where the race weekend schedule begins with practice on Friday, followed by a Saturday race and the NASCAR Cup Series event on Sunday.
“It’s gonna be exciting since this is their first time coming back in seven years, so it’ll be exciting to see what these cars can do,” Brian Stanley said.
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For many fans, the comeback is more than just another race weekend — it marks the end of a long wait and the return of a major motorsports tradition to Joliet.
“I’m loving it I’ve been waiting for it this is my home for nascar man,” Bob McNaughton said.
Drivers are also welcoming the return to Joliet. NASCAR driver Zane Smith, who is racing this weekend, spoke about the track’s history and what it means to him.
“The mile and a half of Chicagoland, the racing that it brought back in all of its races just brought some legendary finishes. Hopefully I’m a part of it this year, racing for my first win, it’s my 100th start this weekend, so I’ve always loved this place,” Smith said.
As the weekend approaches, fans and drivers alike are ready for NASCAR’s return to Joliet, with hopes that weather will cooperate for a full slate of racing.
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