NASCAR ran its first international Cup Series points race since 1958 in Mexico City last month. It won't return in 2026, though, according to reports.
NASCAR in Mexico City will remain a one-off for now.
The Athletic reported on July 30 that NASCAR will not return to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in 2026. What’s expected to fill that slot on the schedule?
None other than a comeback of Chicagoland Speedway. NASCAR has not raced there since 2019.
Why is NASCAR not returning to Mexico City in 2026?
In June, Mexico City became the first international city to host a points-paying Cup Series event since 1958. Shane van Gisbergen won by a 16-second margin.
Finding a return date for next summer proved challenging for NASCAR and the city, though. Mexico City is slated to host five matches in the Men’s World Cup soccer tournament between June 11 and July 5.
The two sides explored a spring weekend, according to The Athletic, but turned their attention toward reuniting in 2027.
News: NASCAR won't return to Mexico City next year, with Chicagoland Speedway expected to take its spot on the 2026 Cup Series schedule, sources tell @TheAthletic. https://t.co/qX4zm6n9VX
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) July 30, 2025
What is NASCAR history with Chicagoland?
Chicagoland makes sense as a replacement. Though the track has sat largely vacant since 2019, it would keep NASCAR in the big Chicago market. Earlier this month, NASCAR announced it would not run the Chicago Street Race in 2026, instead heading to San Diego and the Naval Base Coronado.
Chicagoland rests 50 miles outside of downtown Chicago in Joliet, Illinois. The 1.5-mile asphalt track opened in 2001 and welcomed the Cup Series and Xfinity Series that same year.
Alex Bowman claimed the most recent Cup Series race at Chicagoland. Tony Stewart is the only three-time winner there (2004, 2007, 2011).
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NASCAR won't race in Mexico City in 2026. Chicagoland could fill void
Category: General Sports
