Riley Herbst Sets Blazing Pace as NASCAR Cup Series Returns to Chicagoland Speedway

Chicagoland, IL – NASCAR’s premier Cup Series made its highly anticipated return to Chicagoland Speedway on Friday, marking the first visit to the Illinois oval since 2019. In a traditional race weekend format, a 50-minute practice session provided teams and drivers an initial opportunity to gauge the historic track’s conditions. Topping the speed charts was Riley Herbst, piloting the No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota, who posted a blistering lap of 30.326 seconds, averaging 178.065 mph.

Herbst’s dominant performance was closely followed by his 23XI Racing teammate, Bubba Wallace, in the No. 23 Toyota. Wallace trailed Herbst by a mere 0.023 seconds, indicating a strong showing from the 23XI camp as they aim to make their mark on the revitalized circuit.

Kyle Larson, a driver who participated in an earlier test session at Chicagoland alongside Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney, secured the third-fastest lap, leading the Chevrolet contingent. Larson’s familiarity with the track proved advantageous, as he navigates the field in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

Following Larson were the formidable Joe Gibbs Racing duo of Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs. Hamlin, a seasoned veteran with multiple wins at Chicagoland in his career, and the promising young talent Ty Gibbs, demonstrated competitive pace, signaling their intent to contend for a strong weekend performance.

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The performance of the 23XI Racing team was particularly noteworthy, with all four of their entries finishing within the top eight. Corey Heim secured sixth place, while Tyler Reddick, in the No. 45 Toyota, rounded out the team’s strong showing in eighth. Reddick’s consistency was further highlighted by his leading performance in several key statistical categories, including the ten-lap, 15-lap, 20-lap, and 25-lap averages. He also logged the most laps of any driver during the session, completing 61 circuits of the 1.5-mile oval, suggesting a deep understanding of tire wear and race pace.

Despite a clean practice session with no on-track incidents, there were notable observations. Erik Jones, driving the No. 43 Toyota, brought his machine to the garage after reporting a potential mechanical issue, possibly related to the track’s notorious bumps. Additionally, several drivers experienced challenges with the tight turn-in for the pit road entrance, a detail that will undoubtedly be a critical factor in Sunday’s race strategy.

"Today was a bit weird," commented Tyler Reddick regarding the practice session and track conditions. "I think our Camry is really good. 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."

Reddick expressed a desire for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race to potentially "clean up" the track and widen the racing groove. He noted that few drivers ventured into the higher grooves, and none were seen running close to the outside wall, suggesting a potentially narrow racing line.

The return to Chicagoland Speedway carries significant historical weight for NASCAR. Opened in 2001, the track quickly became a staple on the Cup Series schedule, known for its challenging 18-degree banking and sweeping turns that often produced close racing and dramatic finishes. Over the years, it has hosted numerous memorable moments, including championship races and breakthrough victories for many prominent drivers. The hiatus since 2019 has only amplified the anticipation for its return, with fans eager to witness the next chapter of racing history at this iconic venue.

The traditional weekend format, featuring a single, extended practice session before qualifying and the race, is a welcome change for many in the garage. This approach allows teams more time to dial in their setups and for drivers to develop a feel for the track, particularly one that has been absent from the schedule for several years. The emphasis on a traditional format underscores NASCAR’s commitment to preserving the core elements of the sport that resonate with both competitors and enthusiasts.

The performance of Riley Herbst in practice sets a high bar for the weekend. As a relatively young driver in the Cup Series, Herbst’s ability to lead a session against seasoned veterans like Larson and Hamlin is a testament to his developing talent and the strength of the 23XI Racing program. His teammate, Bubba Wallace, has also shown flashes of speed and consistency throughout the season, and their strong one-two finish in practice suggests they could be serious contenders for the win.

The presence of multiple Joe Gibbs Racing cars near the top of the leaderboard is also a significant indicator of their competitive readiness. Denny Hamlin, in particular, has a strong history at Chicagoland, having won here multiple times in his career. His ability to adapt to the track’s current conditions, combined with the raw speed of his teammates, makes them a formidable force.

The challenges presented by Chicagoland’s surface, specifically its bumps, are well-documented. These imperfections can significantly impact car handling and tire wear, forcing drivers to be precise and adaptable. The fact that Erik Jones experienced an issue related to this is a reminder of the track’s demanding nature. The upcoming Xfinity Series race will serve as a valuable precursor, offering further insights into how the track is behaving and how the Cup Series drivers might adjust their strategies accordingly.

Tyler Reddick’s comments about tire falloff are particularly interesting. The apparent lack of significant degradation, even on an aged surface, could point to a unique tire compound or a track surface that has settled in a way that preserves tire life more than anticipated. This would alter race strategies, potentially leading to longer green-flag runs and a greater emphasis on pure speed rather than tire management. However, Reddick’s hope that the Xfinity Series will help widen the groove is a sentiment shared by many, as a broader racing surface typically leads to more dynamic and engaging competition.

The performance of Kyle Larson, a former Cup Series champion, in third place, further solidifies the competitiveness of the Hendrick Motorsports team. Larson is known for his ability to adapt to various track types and conditions, and his strong showing in practice suggests he will be a contender throughout the weekend.

As the NASCAR Cup Series embarks on its return to Chicagoland Speedway, the initial practice session has provided a compelling preview of the weekend’s action. Riley Herbst’s leading performance, coupled with strong showings from his teammates and established contenders, sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable race. The unique characteristics of the Chicagoland track, combined with the competitive dynamics of the current NASCAR landscape, promise a memorable event for fans and competitors alike. The upcoming qualifying session will further define the starting grid, but Friday’s practice has already established some clear frontrunners.

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