NASCAR Cup Series Is Ready to Enjoy Illinois at World Wide Technology Raceway

Third time’s a charm.

At least that is what one of the winless drivers this season in the NASCAR Cup Series is hoping how their trip to World Wide Technology Raceway will result. This Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race, the Enjoy Illinois 300 (3:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), is the 15th race of the 26-race regular season schedule, and with just 12 races left to decide who makes the Playoffs, time is of the essence for drivers and teams to secure their spot.

The previous two NASCAR Cup Series World Wide Technology Raceway winners – Joey Logano (2022) and Kyle Busch (2023) – are both still looking for their first win of 2024.

This weekend’s Enjoy Illinois 300 marks the third time the NASCAR Cup Series has competed at World Wide Technology Raceway. This Sunday’s event will be 300 miles (240 laps).

Practice and Busch Light Pole Qualifying will take place on Saturday, June 1 from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

NASCAR Cup Series

Next Race: Enjoy Illinois 300

The Place: World Wide Technology Raceway

Track Length: 1.25 Mile Asphalt Oval

The Date: Sunday, June 2

The Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

The Purse: $7,776,907

TV: FS1, 2 p.m. ET

Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Distance: 300 miles (240 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45),

Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 140), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 240)

Getting to know World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway, located in Madison, Illinois just outside St. Louis, was originally built as a drag strip and road course in 1985 and was originally known as St. Louis International Raceway Park. In 1994, new ownership acquired the track. The existing tracks (drag strip and road course) were demolished over the course of 1995–1996 and a new oval speedway and drag strip were constructed.

The current 1.25-mile oval that is World Wide Technology Raceway has a unique shape and different degrees of banking in each set of turns. The backstretch is confined to run parallel with Illinois Route 203, making Turns 1 & 2 a tighter radius than Turns 3 & 4. Turns 1 & 2 have similar characteristics to New Hampshire Motor Speedway while Turns 3 & 4 are similar to Phoenix Raceway. The track’s egg shape mimics the legendary Darlington Raceway. The facility has more than 700 acres welcoming fans this weekend.

The first NASCAR national series race held at World Wide Technology Raceway was a NASCAR Xfinity Series race held on June 26, 1997. The race was won by Elliott Sadler driving a Chevrolet for car owner Gary Bechtel.

Though this will only be the third NASCAR Cup Series event this weekend at the 1.25-mile track (2022-2023), World Wide Technology Raceway has hosted 15 NASCAR Xfinity Series races from 1997-2010 and 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races from 1998-2010 and 2014-2023.

NASCAR first raced in Illinois in 1954

The first NASCAR national series race held in the state of Illinois was a NASCAR Cup Series race at Santa Fe Speedway in Willow Springs, Illinois. Santa Fe Speedway was a half-mile dirt track. The event was held on July 10, 1954 and the race was won by Dick Rathman driving a ’54 Hudson for car owner John Ditz.

In total, there have been 100 NASCAR national series races among six tracks in the state of Illinois.

The most recent track in the state of Illinois to join the NASCAR fold is the Chicago Street Race, which made its debut last season racing on the streets of Chicago – a first for the city and the sport.

Drivers to watch at World Wide Technology Raceway

At this weekend’s World Wide Technology Raceway, six NASCAR Cup Series drivers that have made both previous starts, have posted an average finish inside the top-10, led by the defending winner of this race – Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch with a 1.5 average finish.

Joining Busch with an average finish inside the top-10 is 2021 World Wide Technology Raceway winner Joey Logano (2.0), Ryan Blaney (5.0), Martin Truex Jr. (5.5) Kyle Larson (8.0) and last weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 winner Christopher Bell (10.0).

Team Penske’s Joey Logano won the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway. Logano passed Kyle Bush with two laps to go to win the race.

Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch is the defending winner of last season’s NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway. Busch passed Kyle Larson with 60 laps to go to take the lead ultimately the win.

A total of seven other drivers entered this weekend (not including Busch or Logano) have won in either the NASCAR Xfinity Series or the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at World Wide Technology Raceway: Ross Chastain (NCTS 2019), Justin Haley (NCTS 2018), John H. Nemechek (NCTS 2017), Christopher Bell (NCTS 2016), Brad Keselowski (NXS 2010), Bubba Wallace (NCTS 2014), and Martin Truex Jr. (NXS 2004).

All the on-track action begins for the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend with practice and Busch Light Pole Qualifying on Saturday, June 1 at 9:30 a.m. ET on FS1.

Confluence Festival is a nice weekend addition for fans at WWTR

This weekend’s NASCAR festivities at World Wide Technology Raceway, will be accompanied by the Confluence Festival, a showcase of innovation, talent and live entertainment that represents the region’s communities coming together in welcoming NASCAR to World Wide Technology Raceway.

A fan’s race ticket is their concert ticket to experience the electrifying excitement of the third annual Confluence Music Festival, returning to the St. Louis area on June 1-2 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Fans will have the opportunity to revel in the performances of chart-toppers Ludacris and T-Pain, along with country sensation Riley Green.

Ludacris will set the stage ablaze on June 1, followed by T-Pain and Riley Green captivating the crowd on June 2. They’ll share the spotlight with over 30 national and local acts across multiple stages, including Adam Wainwright, Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson & Cowboy Troy, Brittney Spencer, and Tim Dugger.

Playoff Bubble: Just eight postseason spots still open following Charlotte

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell scored himself a NASCAR Cup Series ‘crown jewel’ win last weekend taking home the trophy for the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 – the series’ longest race. Bell is now one of four drivers this season with multiple wins. Looking to this weekend, the Cup Series competitors turn their attention to World Wide Technology Raceway knowing time is running out to secure their spots in the postseason. Half of the Playoff field positions is already spoken for, leaving just eight spots left with 12 races to go in the regular season.

The eight drivers that have earned a spot in the Playoff by virtue of their wins are Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Brad Keselowski and Daniel Suarez.

Currently riding the cut line for the postseason is RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher, who made the Playoffs last season. Buescher is ranked 16th in the Playoff projection, 11 points up on Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe in 17th, and 30 points ahead of two-time Cup Series champion and Team Penske driver Joey Logano in 18th.

NASCAR Cup Series, Etc.

Front Row Motorsports announces expansion – Front Row Motorsports (FRM) has announced it will compete with three chartered Ford Mustang Dark Horses in the NASCAR Cup Series in the 2025 season while maintaining its championship Ford F-150 team in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

“We have a very positive outlook on the future of NASCAR and as the sport plans for success, so do we,” commented Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports. “Today that means having a plan for expanding back to three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. I always have the vision to continue to grow and improve our team and that commitment and desire never changes. I am committed to the sport and its passionate fans and partners.”

The team is aware of the work ahead, but excited for the growth.

“It is good to get the news out now as we have a lot of work to do to prepare a new team,” said Jerry Freeze, General Manager, Front Row Motorsports. “All of us on the leadership team will be working through that, obtaining the parts and pieces needed for the new team. And, most importantly, adding to the dedicated and talented staff and culture that exists today within our organization.

“Starting a new team from scratch is always a challenge, but with the opportunities in front of us, the talent we have in our leadership, and a bit of a runway to get there, I am confident that we can produce three competitive programs out of the box for the 2025 season. We haven’t lost sight of what our goals for 2024 are, to get our teams into the playoffs for both series. If we can keep up the speed on track and have a little bit of luck to come our way, we can achieve our objectives.”

Today’s announcement comes off the news earlier this year of FRM extending and increasing its relationship with Ford Performance and a competition alliance with Team Penske.

Milestone Watch: Word Wide Technology Raceway – Below are a few of the possible milestones that can be achieved this weekend and over the next few weeks in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Starts

Kyle Larson is expected to make his 350th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Nashville Superspeedway.

Austin Cindric is expected to make his 100th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Pocono Raceway

Kyle Busch is expected to make his 700th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Wins

Denny Hamlin currently has 54 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace for 11th on the all-time wins list with 55 victories each.

Martin Truex Jr. currently has 34 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie Brad Keselowski for 24th on the all-time wins list with 35 victories each.

Joey Logano currently has 32 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Fireball Roberts for 27th on the all-time wins list with 33 victories each.

Kyle Larson currently has 25 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Fred Lorenzen for 32nd on the all-time wins list with 26 victories each.

Laps Led

A total of four drivers could reach milestones in laps led this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway (240 lap event).

If Hamlin were to reach 15,000 laps led, he would become the 12th driver all-time to accomplish the feat.

Crew Member Spotlight: Word Wide Technology Raceway Weekend – This weekend at Word Wide Technology Raceway we wanted to highlight several of the team’s crew members that are from the surrounding areas of the track in Illinois (in alphabetical order of last name).

Seth Gajdours hails from Manhattan, Illinois and is the Rear Tire Changer for the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team with driver Daniel Suarez.

Andy Gillis from Urbana, Illinois is the Hauler Driver for the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team with driver Alex Bowman.

Harry Halcomb calls Mount Pulaski, Illinois his hometown and he is an Engine Tuner for the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team with driver Ross Chastain.

Nick O’Dell from Springfield Illinois is the Front Tire Changer for the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team with driver Chase Elliott.

Matt Swiderski from Garden Homes, Illinois is the Crew Chief for the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team with driver Daniel Suarez.

FOX Sports and NASCAR’s Emmy-Award-Winning Short Film Series ‘Beyond the Wheel’ Returns For Ninth Season – Beginning May 29 on NASCAR Race Hub, FOX Sports and NASCAR Studios will bring fans the latest edition of the three-time Sports Emmy-Award-winning short-form documentary series “Beyond the Wheel.” The first film, titled “One Team, One Dream: 40 Years of Hendrick Motorsports,” depicts how the organization’s culture has led to its numerous wins and championships. It premieres today during NASCAR Race Hub on FS1 at 6 p.m. ET.

The following documentaries comprise the ninth season of “Beyond the Wheel:”

One Team, One Dream: 40 Years of Hendrick Motorsports – “One Team, One Dream: 40 Years of Hendrick Motorsports” tells the story of NASCAR’s most successful race team in their 40th anniversary season. The wins and championships are well known, but this film digs deeper to gain an understanding of how Rick Hendrick’s leadership and the team members’ dedication built an unrivaled culture of excellence and perseverance. Structured around the team’s 40th anniversary at the April 2024 race at Martinsville Speedway, the film focuses on Hendrick’s leadership philosophy, empowering talented people to give their best effort. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes access with Jeff Gordon at Martinsville, and brand-new interviews with Hendrick, Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, and more, “One Team, One Dream” is a celebration of where Hendrick Motorsports has been and where it’s headed in the next 40 years.

Die-Cast Mania – “Die-Cast Mania” is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of die-cast collectible NASCAR race cars. Go inside the process of designing and creating these unique pieces of memorabilia, the history of how die-casts became the must-have item for fans, and the lengths collectors will go to build their collections. The film takes viewers back to the early 1990s to meet Fred Wagenhals, the man who convinced Dale Earnhardt and Rusty Wallace to turn toy cars into high-end collectibles, sending the souvenir market into the stratosphere. “Die-Cast Mania” also goes behind the scenes at Lionel Racing, the team behind today’s ultra-detailed models that sell out at every track. Die-cast cars are unlike any other sports memorabilia and “Die-Cast Mania” celebrates that passion.

Steve Park: Destined – “Steve Park: Destined” tells the story of Steve Park, a modified driver handpicked by Dale Earnhardt as one of the next big stars in Cup racing. Park proved him right, earning multiple wins and a devoted fan base. He also helped Dale Earnhardt Incorporated navigate Earnhardt’s death by winning the very next race. But Park’s career was derailed by a freak accident crash and a series of concussions. He worked hard to return to racing, but still carried the stigma of injury. With insight from Park’s friends, teammates, and fans, as well as through an emotional interview with the man himself, “Steve Park: Destined” is a story of what might have been… and coming to terms with what comes next.

“One Team, One Dream: 40 Years of Hendrick Motorsports” premieres Wednesday, May 29, followed by “Die-Cast Mania” Wednesday, June 5 and “Steve Park: Destined” Thursday, June 6. All will air at 6 p.m. ET on FS1’s NASCAR Race Hub simultaneously live streaming on the FOX Sports App.