Chicagoland Speedway
Parking Guide 2026
NASCAR is back in the Chicago area — this time at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet for a Fourth of July weekend you won’t forget. Here’s everything you need to know about parking, getting there, and making the most of race weekend.
The Weekend Schedule
July 3
Kids 12 & under FREE
July 4
Kids 12 & under FREE · Independence Day
July 5
+ Mitchell Tenpenny post-race concert
This is a big deal. Chicagoland Speedway hasn’t hosted NASCAR since 2019, and the 2026 return is framed around America’s 250th birthday celebration. Expect massive crowds across all three days.
Parking: What You Need to Know
General Parking Is Free
Unlike the Chicago Street Race downtown, general parking at Chicagoland Speedway is free. This is a traditional oval speedway with massive surface lots — you’re not fighting for a $60 garage spot. That said, Fourth of July weekend means you need to arrive early.
Heads up: Premium parking with tailgating space was available for purchase but sold out. General parking remains free. Arrive early — the lots fill fast on holiday weekends.
Tailgate Parking
Tailgate parking (closest to the track) was sold out as of this writing. If you want prime real estate for a pre-race setup, check ChicagolandSpeedway.com for any released inventory closer to the event. Otherwise, general lots are your best bet — and they’re free.
Camping
Camper load-in begins Thursday, July 2 at 8 AM and runs through 11 PM. If you’re doing the full weekend, camping is a great option — you park once and you’re done. Check the speedway site for specific camping lot assignments and amenities.
On a holiday weekend, I-55 southbound from Chicago toward Joliet gets brutal. Plan to leave the city by noon on Saturday and Sunday if you want to avoid the worst of it. Coming from the southwest suburbs? You’re already ahead of the game.
Getting There From Chicago
By Car (Most Common)
Chicagoland Speedway sits about 35 miles southwest of downtown Chicago via I-55 South. Take I-55 South to Exit 257 (US-30 / Lincoln Hwy), then follow speedway signage. On race days, expect heavy traffic in the final 5–10 miles — this is normal for oval speedways. Build in extra time.
- From the Loop: ~45 minutes without traffic, 90+ minutes on race day
- From O’Hare: ~60 minutes, take I-294 South to I-55 South
- From Midway: ~40 minutes via I-55 South — closest major airport
By Metra
Metra’s Rock Island District Line stops in Joliet. From downtown Chicago’s LaSalle Street Station, you can ride out to Joliet and catch shuttle service to the speedway. This is genuinely one of the better options on a holiday weekend — you avoid the parking lot exodus after the race entirely.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft work fine for getting to the speedway, but post-race rideshare pickups at any major motorsport venue are chaotic. Have a plan: designate a specific meeting spot away from main exits, and expect surge pricing immediately after the checkered flag.
What to Bring
- Pre-packaged food and drinks in a soft-sided cooler (no glass)
- One clear backpack (18x18x4 max) or day pack — all bags are searched
- Ear protection — oval racing is loud
- Sunscreen — the grandstands get full afternoon sun in July
- Cash or card (both accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
- A scanner app if you want to hear team radio communications
Kids deal: Tickets for kids 12 and under are FREE on Friday and Saturday. Sunday (Cup Series) is 50% off for kids 12 and under. One adult ticket required per child purchase. Call 855-796-7223.
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race: What Happened to It?
If you’re searching for the Grant Park street race that ran in 2023, 2024, and 2025 — that event is on pause for 2026. NASCAR and the City of Chicago agreed to take a year off to plan a better event setup, with a goal to return to the downtown Chicago street circuit in 2027.
In the meantime, the action moves to Joliet. The Chicagoland oval is a completely different experience — traditional speedway racing, infield access, camping, and that classic NASCAR atmosphere you don’t get on a temporary street course.
Hotels Near Chicagoland Speedway
Joliet has solid hotel options close to the track. Book early — July 4th weekend fills up months in advance. Your best bets are along US-30 and near the I-80/I-55 interchange. Hotels.com and Expedia are good starting points; filter by Joliet, IL and sort by distance to the speedway.
- Courtyard Joliet Downtown (about 5 miles)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Joliet/Plainfield
- Holiday Inn Joliet City Centre
Alternatively, staying in the southwest Chicago suburbs (Orland Park, Tinley Park, Mokena) puts you close with more dining options.
Quick Summary
- General parking is FREE — but arrive early
- Tailgate/premium parking sold out — check for released inventory
- Camping load-in starts Thursday July 2
- I-55 from Chicago is your main route — expect delays race days
- Metra Rock Island line to Joliet is a solid alternative
- Kids free Friday & Saturday, 50% off Sunday
- The downtown Chicago Street Race returns in 2027