And he’s done it again. Two weeks ago, Carson Hocevar lit up the world by dropping a cryptic track on his Instagram, instantly making him one of the hottest personalities on the grid. At just 22, this Michigan native has proved himself aggressive and talented, earning 3 Cup top 10s, a pole at Texas, and an electrifying runner-up at Atlanta so far in 2025. Yet it’s not just his on-track moves that fans are talking about; it’s his unpredictable flair and willingness to share behind-the-scenes pictures that keep everybody guessing what’s next.

Recently, amid the whole battle with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and a $50,000 fine, the Spire Motorsports driver grabbed attention and ignited buzz across social media once again, fueling speculation without giving away much. He didn’t hold back with the pictures, and neither did the fans. The comment section erupted, guesses flew, and the suspense was building.

Carson Hocevar sparks Chicagoland buzz again

Hocevar stirred the NASCAR pot earlier this month when he posted an aerial view photo from a helicopter ride, cruising above a weathered but unmistakable oval—Chicagoland Speedway. With the aerial shots of the track, fans knew exactly what they were looking at: a quiet giant in Joliet, Illinois, that once hosted some of the most electric finishes in NASCAR history. That post initially reignited whispers about the track’s awaited return in 2026.

Fast forward to today, it was classic Hocevar—bold, cryptic, and perfectly timed. This time, he took to social media again. He didn’t drop a lengthy caption, just wrote, “Where’s everyone at?” fully confirming the revival of the track. This video of him showing the track woke up a lot of NASCAR fans, bringing back nostalgia. A full thread of the different angles of Chicagoland was shared by Carson on X, too.

Built in 2001, Chicagoland Speedway was once a crown jewel on the NASCAR schedule, hosting annual Cup Series races up till 2019. It produced absolute nail-biting races like Tony Stewart’s fuel mileage miracle in 2007 and Kyle Busch’s door-banging finish against Larson in 2018. But as NASCAR shifted toward road courses and new markets, Chicagoland was left behind before COVID hit. Since then, the venue has sat quiet, with overgrown grass and ideal grandstands standing like a forgotten monument to stock car glory.

Now, that silence may be broken. Earlier in the week, Dale Earnhardt Jr., speaking on his podcast, added fuel to the speculation fire: “I guess we might not go back to the Chicago Street Course. There’s a chance that Chicagoland could come back, I’m hearing. But I’m not 100% sure about that. There’s a chance to race in the streets, I guess, of San Diego, or create some sort of course there. That’s pretty realistic.” He even floated the idea of San Diego as a future street course alternative, signaling that the winds of change are in full swing.

The 1.52-mile D-shaped oval was built on what became one of the Midwest’s largest motorsport complexes, taking up at least 1,300 acres of land with a $130 million investment. But it saw all three national series abandon it after 2021.

And it’s not just Dale Jr. backing the revival; Ryan Blaney, speaking to media at the Michigan International Speedway, threw his support behind the track. He went on to say, “I’d like to see it come back, because I think it’d be a great racetrack. It always was. If we’re naming places, I’d love to see (Chicagoland) come back.” 

The drivers missed it. The fans missed it. And now, thanks to Carson’s timely picture drop, the buzz is back. As the 2026 schedule begins to take shape, NASCAR seems to be weighing tradition against trend, and Carson might have just reminded everyone that sometimes old school still has unfinished business. And that sent the fans into overdrive.

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Fans lose it over Carson Hocevar’s cryptic tease

NASCAR fans have this very peculiar characteristic. One of them includes picking up on hints extremely fast. The fans were not just noticing; they were decoding. As one fan posted Carson’s Chicagoland pictures on Reddit, the others did not waste time adding their thoughts in the comment section.

One fan summed it up perfectly: “Yeah, they’re going back. No way Hocevar is casually in Joliet breaking into an abandoned racetrack and posting it.” It wasn’t just curiosity; it was confidence. That post didn’t feel like a stunt. It felt like a soft launch. For many, Chicagoland still holds more than just asphalt memories; it’s a familiar hum in the background of their NASCAR story. One fan noted how it felt like a home track for Hocevar. “Dudes pumped for sure. It’s like a home track to him (yes, I understand Michigan is a track), I assume. It’s pretty close to Portage.” There is a Midwestern pride that ties drivers and venues together, a quiet bond that might be roaring back to life.

Even fans who once brushed off the track are feeling the nostalgia run in. “Yes, please. Revive Chicagoland is such a fantastic track, my favorite oval ever,” one wrote, echoing a growing shift in tone. The time away has made hearts grow fonder, and Carson’s teaser didn’t just tap into excitement; it unearthed long-buried loyalty. And then some never stopped believing. “Funny how this was one of my least favorite tracks, but now I’m excited to see it come back,” one passionate fan declared, while another saw potential in the abandoned track.

From the surface to the setting, there is a growing sense that NASCAR left something great behind. And now, thanks to one bold young driver and his camera, Chicagoland’s second chance might be closer than ever.