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NASCAR’s premier Cup Series returned to Chicagoland Speedway on Friday for the first time since 2019, with Riley Herbst setting the fastest lap in a 50-minute practice session that signaled a return to a more traditional race weekend format. Herbst, piloting the No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota, posted a time of 30.326 seconds, averaging 178.065 mph around the 1.5-mile intermediate oval. He edged out his teammate, Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota, by a scant 0.023 seconds.
The session provided an early indication of the competitive landscape as teams acclimatized to the resurfaced track. Kyle Larson, who participated in a prior test at Chicagoland earlier this year alongside Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney, led the Chevrolet contingent, securing the third-fastest lap. Behind Larson, the Joe Gibbs Racing duo of Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five, signaling strong early performance from both Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing.
The 23XI Racing team, which has been building momentum throughout the season, demonstrated its continued strength with all four of its entries finishing within the top eight. Corey Heim secured sixth place, while Tyler Reddick, in the No. 45 Toyota, claimed eighth. Reddick’s performance was notable beyond his lap time; he also led in several key statistical categories for longer runs, topping the averages for ten, 15, 20, and 25-lap durations. Furthermore, Reddick accumulated the most laps during the practice session with a total of 61, indicating a comprehensive assessment of his car’s raceability.
Despite the absence of any significant on-track incidents, the practice session was not without its challenges for some drivers. Erik Jones, in the No. 43 car, experienced an issue that prompted him to return to the garage, citing a suspected mechanical failure after encountering rough patches on the track. Additionally, several drivers encountered difficulty in executing the precise turn-in required for the pit lane entry, a detail that could prove significant in Sunday’s race, especially under green-flag pit stops.
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Drivers Navigate a Unique Chicagoland Challenge
The competitive lines taken by drivers during the practice session suggest a nuanced approach to Chicagoland’s aging surface. Few drivers ventured into the higher grooves, and none were observed running directly against the outside wall, indicating a preference for the lower and middle portions of the track. This observation led Tyler Reddick to express his hope that the upcoming NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race on Saturday could help widen the racing groove.
Reddick also commented on a peculiar aspect of the practice session: a surprising lack of tire wear, even on a track with a history of significant degradation. "I think our Camry is really good," Reddick stated. "We don’t get a lot of 50-minute practices anymore, but today was a bit weird. The falloff was pretty flat. This is the tire we run at other intermediates where we see a lot of tire falloff. The surface has age to it, but it was just strange. It didn’t act like the surface is as old as it is. You’re just trying to understand what we can fine-tune on our Toyota Camry."
He further elaborated on his team’s readiness, expressing cautious optimism. "In general, pretty happy. Feeling pretty good about where we’re at. I guess the only thing I’m holding back on — just confused about — I thought we were going to be ripping the top today, but it just took forever to clean up. Hopefully, those O’Reilly boys will go clean it up for us and we have a wide race track to work with."
The return to Chicagoland marks a significant moment for NASCAR, reconnecting with a track that has a rich history in the sport. The track, which first hosted Cup Series racing in 2001, was a staple on the calendar for nearly two decades before its hiatus. Its presence in the schedule was often characterized by close racing and strategic challenges, particularly due to its wide racing surface and the varying grip levels encountered throughout a run. The resurfacing in recent years has aimed to maintain its challenging nature while potentially enhancing closer competition.
The 2024 season has seen NASCAR experimenting with various track configurations and weekend formats. The decision to implement a traditional format for Chicagoland, including a substantial practice session, allows teams ample opportunity to gather crucial data and refine their setups. This approach is particularly beneficial for a track returning to the schedule, where historical data might be less relevant due to track evolution and the introduction of new car generations.
The performance of the 23XI Racing team in practice is noteworthy. The organization, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR Hall of Famer Denny Hamlin, has steadily climbed the competitive ladder since its inception in 2020. Their success in practice, with multiple cars in the top ten and leading in long-run metrics, suggests they are well-prepared to contend for a strong result at Chicagoland. Bubba Wallace, in particular, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career and will be looking to capitalize on the team’s evident pace.
Kyle Larson’s strong showing in third place underscores his consistent ability to adapt to various track types. As a former Cup Series champion and a driver known for his versatility across different racing disciplines, Larson’s performance at Chicagoland is expected to be a benchmark for the Chevrolet teams. His participation in the earlier test session likely provided him with invaluable insights into the track’s current characteristics.
The Joe Gibbs Racing entries, driven by seasoned veterans like Denny Hamlin and promising young talent like Ty Gibbs, also demonstrated competitive speed. Hamlin, a multiple-time winner at Chicagoland, brings a wealth of experience to the track, while Gibbs continues to impress in his sophomore season. Their presence in the top five signals that JGR is a team to watch throughout the weekend.
The challenge of the pit road entry at Chicagoland could become a critical factor in Sunday’s race. As drivers learn to navigate the tight turn-in, mistakes can lead to costly time penalties or even drive-through penalties, impacting track position and strategy. Teams will need to ensure their pit crews are not only efficient in their tire changes and fueling but also precise in their entry and exit from pit lane.
The lack of tire falloff observed by Tyler Reddick also presents an interesting strategic variable. Typically, intermediate tracks can offer significant tire wear, leading to increased pit strategy and driver adaptation. If the tires hold up better than expected, it could lead to longer green flag runs and a greater emphasis on raw car speed and driver consistency, rather than tire management. This could favor teams with inherently fast cars and drivers capable of maintaining a consistent pace over extended periods.
As the weekend progresses, all eyes will be on Chicagoland Speedway to see if the racing dynamics observed in practice translate into an exciting and competitive Cup Series event. The return of NASCAR to this historic venue, coupled with the competitive performances in practice, sets the stage for a compelling weekend of racing.
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