The 2026 eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway

     For the first time in 7 years, NASCAR heads to the oval in Joliet, Illinois. Prepare for a bumpy ride, because this track is very uneven. One of the biggest bumps is when the cars head over the pedestrian tunnel, where they almost get air. Anyway, let's get to the race.     We went green at 6:27 pm/et, but it didn't last long, because Ryan Preece and Connor Zilisch got involved in an accident off of turn 2, causing the 88 to incur heavy damage, ending his day on lap 1. Preece was able to continue on, and we finally went green on lap 7. Hamlin was in the lead after battling with Larson, but on lap 31 the yellow came out for Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith spinning into the wall. The leaders came down pit road, with Hamlin coming out first. Larson then took the lead back, then there was another caution for SVG getting into the back of Austin Hill, which looked pretty much like an intentional wreck, which makes sense because they've been involved a lot of incidents lately. That's apparently what Hill thought as well, because he proceeded to go on the radio and completely roast him, saying "Van Goobenheimer, or whatever his name is". That will stick around for a while. A few cars didn't pit, but at the end of the stage it was William Byron who would take the win.

     In stage two, the caution came out on lap 94 for Kyle Larson spinning off the exit of turn 4 and getting stuck in the grass on the frontstretch. Green flag pit stops began around lap 128, then on the next lap, more cars came down, including the stage 1 winner William Byron. Although pit stops get shaken up because the caution came out on lap 135 for fluid on the track from Tyler Reddick's car. He ended up going to the garage with a car issue, and he didn't come back on track until lap 161, and he was 29 laps down. The one who went on to win the stage was once again William Byron. 

     Byron led to start the final stage, and he was able to lead until he pitted under the green flag, giving the lead to Bell. After the pit cycle, Byron came out in the second position behind Chase Briscoe. The 24 tried to catch Briscoe, although he was falling back significantly. The 19 was able to hold on until the end.

     Well, next week we head to one of the best tracks in my opinion, EchoPark Speedway. Ok, I can't call it that, it's Atlanta.