NASCAR officials have confirmed that both Chicagoland and Kentucky will not be part of the 2021 schedule when it is released tomorrow, marking the first tracks to be removed from the Cup Series since 2004, when NASCAR announced Rockingham’s date would not be on the 2005 schedule. Chicagoland confirmed and posted this statement on there website:

With the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule unveiling, came the unfortunate news that Chicagoland Speedway will not be part of that lineup. In addition, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Gander Trucks and ARCA will also not be returning to Chicagoland Speedway in 2021.

The move away from NASCAR racing at Chicagoland Speedway is one of many changes reflected in the 2021 schedule, and by no means a reflection of the support our fans have demonstrated. Rather, it is a desire and an important step for the industry to incorporate new markets and new courses into the schedule, and expand the variety of competition. All of our fans have exhibited a tremendous amount of allegiance and patience over the past year, during which time we all have experienced significant challenges. While we share your disappointment around this news, we truly appreciate and value your commitment to the sport and to the track. Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway has been a central member of the Joliet / Greater Chicagoland area for 20 years, and we will continue to operate as an integral part of our community. As far as NASCAR racing at the Chicagoland Speedway, it’s difficult at this time to speculate on what 2022 might bring.  We will continue to work with NASCAR on potential future opportunities beyond 2021 and will keep you updated. Finally, due to the corresponding impact on the shared resources between Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway, and the future uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Route 66 Raceway will unfortunately not be hosting drag racing events in 2021. We hope you and your family continue to stay safe and healthy. Thank you for your continued support.

NASCAR’s schedule is expected to address fan complaints of too many races being held on 1.5-mile to 2-mile tracks. The Athletic reported last week that NASCAR is expected to shift the non-points All-Star Race from Charlotte Motor Speedway to Texas Motor Speedway, which will lose one of its two point-paying races to make way for the addition of a road course race at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk told The Athletic he met with a contingent that included Chicagoland track President Scott Paddock and was given “a few different reasons” for the race being dropped. “This is bad for (the city of Joliet). It was a great event,” he said. “It certainly helped businesses, local restaurants and hotels. I haven’t talked to the (city) council but I know are very disappointed by it. As far as they know it’s a one-year decision right now. There’s no indication either way about what would happen moving forward.”

NASCAR is expected to release the full 2021 Cup Series schedule on Wednesday afternoon. XFINITY and Truck Series schedules will be released at a later date.

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