NASCAR Cup Series: Chicago Street Course Qualifying Update
In a notable development for the NASCAR Cup Series, this weekend’s race at the Chicago Street Course will feature a rare DNQ (Did Not Qualify) scenario, as five open entries vie for the final four spots on the grid. Among the established 36 chartered teams, only one of these entries will be eliminated in qualifying, marking the first instance of a DNQ since the Daytona 500 earlier this season.
Overview of Open Entries
-
Will Brown – No. 13 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
- The reigning champion of the Australian Supercars series, Brown leads the 2025 championship and replaces Shane van Gisbergen at Red Bull Triple Eight. He has one previous Cup start, finishing 31st at Sonoma in 2024.
-
Austin Hill – No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- A veteran of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Hill aims for his 12th Cup start. Last year, he finished 31st at the Chicago Cup after starting 34th, demonstrating competitiveness on road courses.
-
Josh Bilicki – No. 66 Garage 66 Ford
- Bilicki brings the most experience of the group with 103 Cup starts. He has two previous attempts at the Chicago Street Course, with a best finish of 23rd in 2023.
-
Corey Heim – No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota
- Competing for 23XI, Heim, the current Truck Series championship leader with five wins this season, aims for his sixth Cup start. This will be his first appearance at the Chicago Street Course.
- Katherine Legge – Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet
- Legge, an accomplished road racer with extensive IMSA and DTM experience, seeks to make her third Cup Series start this year. Her journey in NASCAR has been challenging but she possesses the capability to compete effectively in this event.
Implications
With the competitive landscape shifting, the potential for a DNQ adds an extra layer of suspense to qualifying. The familiarity among some drivers with road course dynamics may play a crucial role in determining who secures the remaining spots on the grid. As preparations continue leading up to race day, all eyes will be on these aspiring competitors to see who can shine under pressure.
Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the qualifying rounds at the Chicago Street Course.
