NASCAR launch its “Drive for Success” program with Joliet Public Schools in anticipation of the league’s return to the Chicagoland Speedway this Independence Day Weekend. In partnership with Joliet Public Schools District 86 and Joliet Township High School District 204, the initiative will reward local students for academic achievement, strong attendance, positive behavior and exemplifying NASCAR’s core values throughout the school year.
March 2026 Drive for Success began recognizing students from participating elementary, junior high and high schools across Joliet with the opportunity to earn two tickets to the 2026 NASCAR Chicagoland Speedway Race Weekend, July 3–5, 2026. Each month, school principals will honor one student who exemplifies specific NASCAR core values (Authentic & Courageous, Driven & Inclusive, and Innovative & Stewarding) with an award certificate and tickets to the race.
“NASCAR is proud to be a part of the Joliet community, and Drive for Success reflects our commitment to supporting youth in the communities in which we race on a year-round basis,” said Jacque Herrera, General Manager of Chicagoland Speedway. “By recognizing students who lead with character, effort, and integrity, NASCAR is living our core values and investing in the next generation of young leaders.”
At the end of the school year, all selected students will receive two tickets for themselves and a guardian to the NASCAR Chicagoland Speedway Race.
“Drive for Success is about more than racing—it’s about celebrating the everyday wins happening in our classrooms and hallways,” said Joliet Township High School Superintendent Dr. Karla Guseman. “We’re proud to partner with NASCAR and Chicagoland Speedway to recognize students who are setting the pace through hard work, integrity and leadership.”
The program rolled out to the following participating schools for the 2026 school year:
High Schools (9–12)
Joliet Central High School
Joliet West High School
Junior High Schools (6–8)
Dirksen Junior High School
Gompers Junior High School
Hufford Junior High School
Washington Junior High & Academy Program
Elementary Schools (K–5)
T.E. Culbertson Elementary School
M.J. Cunningham Elementary School
Eisenhower Academy (1–5)
Farragut Elementary School
Forest Park Individual Ed School
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Edna Keith Elementary School
A.O. Marshall Elementary School
Pershing Elementary School
Sator Sanchez Elementary School
Carl Sandburg Elementary School
Isaac Singleton Elementary School
Taft Elementary School
Lynne Thigpen Elementary School
Woodland Elementary School
For more information on the Drive for Success program and NASCAR Chicagoland Speedway Race Weekend, visit www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com.
NASCAR will make its long-awaited return to Chicagoland Speedway on July 3-5, 2026, with ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and NASCAR Cup Series action competing on the famed 1.5-mile tri-oval for the first time in seven years. Tickets for all the racing action can be purchased at www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com.
