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Chicago, IL – The highly anticipated return of the NASCAR Cup Series to Chicagoland Speedway, marking the sport’s first visit to the Illinois track in seven years, has seen a late alteration to the competitor field. The No. 66 Garage 66 Ford, piloted by Josh Bilicki, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming race. The decision, announced by the team on Thursday, reduces the initial entry list of 39 cars to 38, impacting one of the three open teams vying for a spot on the historic oval.
The No. 66, a Ford Mustang fielded by Carl Long’s Garage 66 operation, was among the contingent of teams attempting to qualify without a charter, a common practice for smaller, independent operations in the NASCAR Cup Series. This year’s event at Chicagoland presented an opportunity for these teams to showcase their capabilities on a significant stage, especially given the track’s long hiatus from the Cup schedule. The other open teams entered were the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota, driven by rising talent Corey Heim, and the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, with veteran J.J. Yeley behind the wheel.
The withdrawal of the No. 66, however, underscores the perpetual challenge faced by non-chartered teams in securing the necessary financial backing to compete at the sport’s highest level. A statement released by the team cited a "lack of sponsorship" as the direct cause for their inability to participate. "Unfortunately, Carl had to make the call to withdraw Garage 66 from this weekend’s race at Chicagoland Speedway due to lack of sponsorship," the team’s post on social media conveyed. The sentiment of disappointment was palpable, with the team adding, "We are sad to miss out on NASCAR’s July 4th weekend, but we look forward to the No. 66 returning very soon."
This announcement follows a concentrated effort by the team to secure financial partners. As recently as June 30th, the Garage 66 team was actively utilizing social media platforms to solicit interest from potential primary sponsors for the Chicagoland event. This outreach highlights the often precarious financial landscape for teams operating outside the established charter system, where securing sufficient funding for each race can be a week-to-week endeavor.
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The No. 66 Ford has a history of participation in the NASCAR Cup Series this season, having entered eight races with a rotating roster of drivers. Josh Bilicki, a known commodity in the Xfinity Series and a capable competitor in the Cup Series when opportunities arise, was slated to make his second start of the 2026 season in the No. 66. Bilicki has previously demonstrated his ability to navigate challenging race conditions and deliver respectable performances, often making the most of limited resources. His presence in the No. 66 would have added another layer of interest to the open team competition.
The withdrawal means that only two open teams will now contend for starting spots in the 39-car field. The absence of the No. 66 team also means one less opportunity for a driver to prove themselves on a national stage and for a team to gain valuable experience and exposure. The economics of NASCAR racing are notoriously complex, with significant costs associated with car preparation, travel, pit crew operations, and sanctioning fees. For teams without the guaranteed revenue stream that charter teams benefit from, sponsorship is not merely an enhancement but a fundamental requirement for participation.
Chicagoland Speedway, a 1.5-mile D-shaped oval located in Joliet, Illinois, has a storied history in NASCAR. It hosted Cup Series races annually from its opening in 2001 until 2019, often serving as a crucial juncture in the playoff picture. Its return to the schedule this year was met with enthusiasm by fans and competitors alike, eager to experience the track’s unique racing characteristics once again. The track is known for its wide racing surface and multiple grooves, which can lead to exciting side-by-side action and strategic racing. However, the challenge for open teams is to not only prepare a competitive car but also to attract the sponsorship necessary to cover the substantial expenses of participating in a Cup Series weekend.
The No. 66 team’s stated intention to return "very soon" suggests a continued commitment to the sport, contingent on their ability to solidify their financial support. The team’s efforts to find sponsors, even in the immediate lead-up to a race, are indicative of the agile and often desperate measures employed by independent teams in pursuit of their racing ambitions. The NASCAR landscape is dynamic, and while the allure of competition at the highest level remains strong, the financial realities can often dictate participation.
Josh Bilicki’s racing career has been marked by a persistent drive to compete at the Cup Series level, often through opportunities with teams like Garage 66 that provide a platform for independent talent. His previous Cup Series starts have showcased his determination and skill, and he has consistently expressed a desire to be a regular contender. The withdrawal from Chicagoland represents a missed opportunity for him to add another notable performance to his resume and for the No. 66 team to gain valuable data and experience at a historic venue.
The NASCAR Cup Series season is a grueling marathon, with 36 regular-season races followed by the playoffs. Each race presents unique challenges, and the ability to consistently perform requires not only driver talent and engineering expertise but also a robust financial foundation. The situation with the No. 66 Garage 66 team serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing economic disparities within the sport and the hurdles that independent teams must continuously overcome. While the focus of many will be on the championship contenders and the established teams, the struggles and aspirations of the open teams are an integral part of the NASCAR narrative, representing the grassroots spirit and the unwavering pursuit of racing dreams. The team’s commitment to returning, however, offers a glimmer of hope for continued engagement and the potential for future competitive outings.
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