Chicagoland Speedway returned to the NASCAR calendar after a 7-year hiatus and hosted the race on one of America’s most celebratory days, the 4th of July Weekend. But as is always the case, there is a lot of talk about the NASCAR calendar for 2027, this time with special attention to the 4th of July weekend. 

As one side debates over which Chicago race remains on the calendar, the other side debates which race would be best suited for the celebratory weekend.  Journalists Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic discussed the matter of scheduling on their podcast The Teardown, and both insiders have different opinions. 

“Wouldn't be my first choice. My answer is Pocono," Bianchi replied when Gluck asked whether he would like Chicago on the 4th of July. "Pocono is the family-friendly track that caters to families, and their camping is huge. Because of that, I think it’s a great opportunity to do a big family-friendly blowout, fireworks shows, barbecues, and have that, and the audience is there."

There is a dedicated Kid Zone, free race tickets for children 12 and under, and an inclusive playground. Bianchi also added the Pennsylvania connection of Pocono and the links to the colonial days as another reason to back up his suggestion. 

Gluck, however, went the other way.

“My first instinct would be Atlanta," he said. "Something under the lights, fireworks kinda thing. It’s maybe the best track. It’s just consistently amazing shows right now.”

While both debated the topic, one mutual suggestion was getting a new track in. 

Insiders suggest a new track to start new traditions

NASCAR has a lot of traditions steeped in it, and the biggest example is probably the ever-present Coca-Cola 600 as the Memorial Day weekend race in Charlotte. 

On the same podcast, Gluck suggested that maybe moving back to Daytona, a track that has previously hosted the 4th of July weekend race, could make sense. But for that to happen, the regular-season ender would have to be shifted to a different track. 

Gluck also made another suggestion.

“I’d love to see like a new tradition started and just say, ‘Look, we’re going to make this a 4th of July tradition, and we’re going to try to go to whatever X track.’ Whatever it is decided," he added. "Like, let’s get some date equity in this.”

Bianchi supported Gluck's opinion, noting that Atlanta has built a strong reputation and could be considered the most exciting track on the circuit.

"I would rather try to find a track that maybe needs that boost," he added. "Maybe it’s lacking that buzz or whatever it is. Pick a track, and we’re going to make that the 4th of July. That’s that track’s cachet.”

While Bianchi and Gluck debated the subject, another suggestion that has come up is San Diego, as reported by Bill Center of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Having hosted the first-ever NASCAR race at an active military base and created one of the toughest road course circuits, the layout is perfect. 

The military and NASCAR, all celebrating American Independence, seem like the perfect fit. But we’ll have to wait and see which way NASCAR goes. 

Which track would you like to see hosting the 4th of July race? Let us know. 

Read more at Daytona Racing Digest.

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar