Previewing the NASCAR Cup Race at the Chicago Street Course: A Look at the DNQ Possibility

In an unusual twist for contemporary NASCAR, the upcoming Cup race at the Chicago Street Course is set to feature a DNQ (did not qualify) scenario. This weekend’s race will see the usual 36 full-time chartered teams joined by five additional open entries vying for the last four spots on the starting grid. One of these entrants will not make the race, marking the first DNQ since the Daytona 500 at the beginning of the season. In fact, this will be the first non-Daytona race to have a DNQ since Texas Motor Speedway in 2018.

A Closer Look at the Open Entries

Will Brown — No. 13 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Will Brown represents Kaulig Racing with the No. 13 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. For those unfamiliar with NASCAR, Brown may not be a household name, but his credentials are impressive. He is the reigning champion of the Australian Supercars series and is currently leading the 2025 championship, showcasing his talent on an international level. Brown stepped into the shoes of Shane van Gisbergen at Red Bull Triple Eight after SVG transitioned to NASCAR. He has one previous Cup start under his belt, participating in the 2024 race at Sonoma. In that event, he qualified 24th but finished in 31st place. Despite the challenges he faced, his experience in high-pressure environments makes him a driver to watch.

Austin Hill — No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Austin Hill, driving the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, is a familiar figure in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With a wealth of experience in stock car racing, Hill is looking to make his 12th start in the top tier of NASCAR. He competed in last year’s Chicago Cup race, where he started in 34th position and ultimately finished 31st. Hill boasts an impressive record in the Xfinity Series, including 13 career wins. While many of these victories have come on drafting tracks, he has also demonstrated competitive speed on road and street courses. Notably, he had memorable battles with SVG at Sonoma and Circuit of the Americas last year, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level.

Josh Bilicki — No. 66 Garage 66 Ford

Josh Bilicki, piloting the No. 66 Ford for Garage 66 (previously known as MBM Motorsports), represents a smaller operation compared to the more prominent teams. However, Bilicki’s experience is noteworthy; he is the most seasoned Cup driver among the five open entries, having completed 103 starts in the series. Bilicki is no stranger to road courses, having participated in two previous Cup races at the Chicago Street Course. In 2023, he started 27th and finished 23rd, while in the 2024 race, he qualified 39th and secured a 28th-place finish. His familiarity with the course could play a significant role in his performance this weekend.

Corey Heim — No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota

Corey Heim is driving the No. 67 Toyota for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. This team represents the largest entry on this list, and Heim has proven his mettle as a capable racer. He is looking for his sixth Cup start this weekend, and he comes into this race with an impressive track record in the NASCAR Truck Series, where he is the current championship leader. In the 2025 season, Heim has already achieved five wins, including a recent dominating performance at Lime Rock Park, where he led 99 out of 100 laps. Although this will be Heim’s first time racing at the Chicago Street Course, his strong performance in other series indicates that he might adapt quickly.

Katherine Legge — Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet

Katherine Legge, representing Live Fast Motorsports with her Chevrolet, is another driver aiming to secure a spot in the race from a smaller, single-car team. Legge possesses considerable experience as a road racer, competing in various prestigious series, including IMSA, where she has earned four wins and achieved a second-place championship finish in the GTD category. She has also participated in four Indianapolis 500 races, as well as competitions in the DTM, WEC, and Formula E. Despite encountering challenges in her NASCAR journey, Legge is a skilled driver. If she manages to qualify for the race, it will mark her third appearance in the Cup Series this year, adding to her growing experience in stock car racing.

The Stakes of Qualification

The competition for the last four starting spots will undoubtedly be intense. Each driver will be keenly aware that only the fastest four will secure a place in the race, while the slowest entry will be sent home. The pressure of qualifying adds another layer of excitement and drama to the weekend, as the drivers not only battle against each other but also against the clock. This scenario is particularly significant as it highlights the competitive nature of the sport and the unpredictability that fans have come to love about NASCAR.

The Importance of the Chicago Street Course

The Chicago Street Course is a unique addition to the NASCAR schedule, providing a fresh challenge for drivers accustomed to traditional oval tracks. This urban circuit requires a different skill set, including precise handling and strategic thinking, as drivers navigate tight turns and varying road conditions. The layout of the course can lead to unexpected outcomes, making it a favorite among fans who enjoy the unpredictability of street racing.

In addition to the technical challenges posed by the street course, the atmosphere surrounding the event is electric. Racing in a city environment allows fans to engage with the sport in a more intimate way, as they can witness the action up close and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The combination of the challenges presented by the course and the lively atmosphere creates a distinctive experience for both drivers and fans alike.

Conclusion

As the NASCAR Cup race at the Chicago Street Course approaches, the anticipation surrounding the potential for a DNQ adds an intriguing twist to the weekend’s events. The five open entries, each with their unique backgrounds and experiences, will be vying for a coveted spot on the starting grid. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect a thrilling display of racing as these drivers push their limits in pursuit of success.

From Will Brown’s international accolades to Austin Hill’s Xfinity Series victories, Josh Bilicki’s road course familiarity, Corey Heim’s dominance in the Truck Series, and Katherine Legge’s diverse racing background, each driver brings something special to the table. The Chicago Street Course promises to be a testing ground for these competitors, creating an unforgettable experience for NASCAR fans.