If you could add ONE track to the NASCAR Cup schedule, what would it be? Vote: forms.gle/BHWtqthEkbvS8KQRA

We just wrapped up a media call with NASCAR's Ben Kennedy and the schedule queen Julie Giese. Some highlights: -- Internationally, NASCAR likely to stick to North America for the foreseeable future. Kennedy cited logistics and the lack of off-weeks as a reason, but floated the Clash could still be used in that slot to get to Brazil or Europe at some point. -- For the 2028 military base race, Kennedy said they gave the Department of War a wish list, including some bases in markets NASCAR is currently not in like the Pacific Northwest, and now NASCAR will need to visit these bases and narrow them down to figure out what could work. -- It was important for NASCAR to align the off weeks across the entire national series to give the industry a break -- Giese has continued to have conversations about a street race with all of the local stakeholders in Chicago and they've committed to continuing those conversations to see where it goes in the future -- NASCAR believes the Chicago market is capable of holding two races (oval and street course) -- NASCAR is committed to maintining the current schedule structure of 36 points races and two exhibitions "as of now," according to Kennedy -- Aside from saying they thought it was a cool event, NASCAR didn't indicate either way whether they'd like to be part of the National Mall race (or do it by themselves someday) -- Kennedy noted the Clash back at Daytona may be temporary; he said NASCAR heard from fans that they "would like to see the Clash return there for a year" and seemingly left the door open for it to go elsewhere after Daytona debuts its new lighting next spring -- It sounds like NASCAR could see some major schedule structure changes for the next media rights deal in 2032. Kennedy described it like this: "As we think about that next media rights cycle and putting all cards on the table, I think that's an opportunity for us to think big and bold."

NEWS: Sources tell @TheAthletic NASCAR has made a decision on where in Chicago it will race in 2027: Chicagoland Speedway.

Expect several tracks to announce 2027 dates over next couple of weeks. NASCAR likely still weeks away from finalizing 2027 schedule but tracks with early 2027 dates wanted to announce so can sell tickets ... My understanding is San Diego and Chicago street still TBD is hold up.

Which tracks are likely moving into the Chase next year and which are moving out? Where will the All-Star Race go? What about San Diego and Chicago? And what is Rockingham's future? nytimes.com/athletic/7478380…

Ben Kennedy on Chicagoland or Chicago street for next season: "It could be both. It’s a market that’s strong enough that absolutely we could have two events there in the future." - @ChicagoTribune chicagotribune.com/2026/07/0…