The possibility of NASCAR returning to downtown Chicago in 2027 has stirred debate across the garage and fanbase, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. adding to the conversation.
A report from Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic indicated that discussions between NASCAR and the city are progressing, with growing optimism that the Chicago Street Course could return to the 2027 schedule. Bianchi shared the update on X, writing:
Thanks for the submission!
“NEWS: NASCAR is moving closer to again racing in downtown Chicago, with growing optimism that the Chicago Street Course will be part of NASCAR’s 2027 schedule, sources tell @TheAthletic.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. responded with a meme of Jeff Bridges from The Big Lebowski, and wrote:
“Chicagoland…”
Chicagoland Speedway is set to headline NASCAR’s Independence Day weekend on July 5. The 1.5-mile oval had been absent since 2019, and its comeback required significant investment and preparation. If the street race returns in 2027, questions have naturally followed about whether the Windy City can sustain two NASCAR events.
For many fans, the concern is straightforward. One summed it up on X:
“I’m probably gonna be in the minority for this again, but if the Street race comes back and replaces Chicagoland next year, that’s just not right, man. All that $$$ sunk into making the track ready again just for a 1 off??? I get why people like Street racing, just ain’t for me.”
That sentiment has echoed across social media. The Chicago Street Race TV numbers subsided in 2025, and also brought logistical challenges.
At the same time, Chicagoland’s return has been positioned as a reset in a traditional market. With the schedule already tight, accommodating both events appears unlikely, especially with the city still pushing for a new date outside the Fourth of July window. For now, the situation remains unresolved as NASCAR works through those details.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts to INDYCAR rule change with “They’re on to us…”
The Chicago discussion isn’t the only officiating-related topic drawing Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s attention. IndyCar Series recently confirmed it will no longer consider pit cycles or running order when deciding to throw a full-course caution, shifting entirely to safety-based triggers. The change followed criticism from Alexander Rossi after a delayed caution during the Indianapolis Grand Prix.
IndyCar driver Louis Foster weighed in on the issue:
“It doesn’t kill the race to throw the yellow. I mean, NASCAR does it for fun. So I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have yellows. It makes the racing more interesting.”
That decision quickly crossed into NASCAR circles, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. responded on X, writing:
“They’re on to us…”
The remark was light in tone but relevant. NASCAR’s handling of cautions has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, particularly after Cody Ware’s heavy crash at Watkins Glen did not bring out a yellow flag and was neither shown on the Fox broadcast.
Edited by Sashwat Deo
