NASCAR Returns to Chicagoland Speedway for Critical Goodyear Tire Test
After a hiatus spanning several years, NASCAR is finally returning to the 1.5-mile oval at Chicagoland Speedway. The track will host a crucial Goodyear tire test on Tuesday, April 21, marking the first time cars have been on the pavement since 2019. This session serves as the foundational step for the return of national series racing events scheduled for July.
The test, which runs from 11 a.m. To 3 p.m., is free and open to fans, offering an early glimpse of the action before the summer races. Goodyear will use this window to collect essential data and refine tire compounds to ensure optimal performance, grip, and durability for the upcoming race conditions.
The Driver Lineup: Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Six teams will participate in the session, providing a comprehensive data set across different car styles and manufacturers. The NASCAR Cup Series contingent features one driver representing each major OEM partner:
- Ryan Blaney: Representing Team Penske and Ford.
- Kyle Larson: Representing Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet.
- Denny Hamlin: Representing Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota.
Joining them on the track will be three drivers from the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, adding a different dynamic to the tire wear and surface reaction data:
- Justin Allgaier: JR Motorsports (Chevrolet).
- Brandon Jones: Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota).
- Nick Sanchez: AM Racing (Ford).
Technical Goals and the Gen 7 Car
This event is more than just a shake-down; it is a critical technical milestone. According to FanBuzz, this session marks the first time the Gen 7 car will tackle the intermediate track. Engineers will focus on measuring long-run consistency and tire wear to adjust performance for the high speeds expected in July.
While the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series are preparing for their return, the Craftsman Truck Series will not participate in this test, as the series will not be part of the track’s return in July.
Proven Experience at Chicagoland
The selected drivers bring significant history to the 1.5-mile surface, which will help Goodyear interpret the data more effectively.
Cup Series Experience
- Denny Hamlin: A former winner at the track (2015) with 14 starts and seven top-10 finishes.
- Kyle Larson: Boasts four top-five finishes across six starts, including a memorable 2018 battle with Kyle Busch.
- Ryan Blaney: Has four starts at the venue with a career-best fourth-place finish in 2016.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Experience
- Justin Allgaier: A veteran of the track with 12 starts, eight top-10s, and two wins (2011, 2017).
- Brandon Jones: Holds a career-best fourth-place finish from 2019 and an average finish of 9.3 over four starts.
- Date/Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Significance: First on-track activity at the speedway since 2019.
- Gen 7 Debut: First time the Gen 7 car will run on this intermediate track.
- Fan Access: Admission is free for the public.
- Objective: Develop tire compounds for the return of racing in July.
Looking Ahead to July
The data gathered on April 21 will be instrumental in shaping the competitive landscape for the July races. By analyzing the feedback from the three OEM partners and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drivers, Goodyear can ensure the tires are tuned for both speed and safety on a surface that hasn’t seen national series action in seven years. For fans and teams alike, this test signals that the long wait for the return to Joliet, Illinois, is nearly over.