Primetime Television, High-Energy Concerts One Month Out at Bommarito Automotive Group 500
Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by WWTR
The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 has been moved to primetime television on FOX, and musical guests of Soul Asylum, Sponge and Cracker to headline Celebration of 66 Fest
MADISON, Ill. (May 15, 2025) – The ninth annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at World Wide Technology Raceway is one month out on Father’s Day, June 15, with a brand-new primetime television spot. The 2025 race is bound to be better than ever with the under the lights race and musical headliners of Soul Asylum, Sponge and Cracker as part of the Celebration of 66 Fest presented by Discover Downstate Illinois.
In 2025, the competition will be no different, but with the new 7 p.m. CT start time, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers will battle it out under the lights in an epic spectacle on primetime television. For the first time ever, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will race in the coveted prime time Sunday night spot on FOX.
The INDY NXT by Firestone series, the developmental series to INDYCAR, is also set to race later at 3:30 p.m. CT on FS1 instead if the original 11 a.m. start time on Sunday, June 15. The developmental series will take on the oval at WWT Raceway for practice at 12:05 p.m. and qualifying at 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, June 14.
As the first oval after the Indianapolis 500, the 1.25-mile oval in Madison is guaranteed to be action packed, as it has been in years past. In 2024, the statistics proved how competitive the 260-lap event was with numerous track records being set and with thrilling statistics: 676 passes, 254 for position, 115 passes inside the top 10, 44 passes inside the top 5, 21 lead changes and 11 different drivers leading.
The new time for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 will bring cooler temperatures and the track will be more competitive than ever on primetime television. Father’s Day weekend just got better with a thrilling race under the lights at a fan favorite track.
Saturday, June 14 is full of on-track action with three racing series taking on the 1.25-mile oval. The track goes hot at 9:15 a.m. with USAC Silver Crown practice, and the series will have qualifying at 1:05 p.m. and their feature race at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The Ranken Technical College USAC Silver Crown Route 66 Classic presented by Welsch Heating & Cooling is the fastest race on the Silver Crown calendar and has been increased to 66 laps in part of the Celebration of 66 Fest presented by Discover Downstate Illinois.
The weekend is not reserved just for racing. Alongside the high-speed action, the Celebration of 66 Fest presented by Discover Downstate Illinois will bring the ‘90s rock action with Soul Asylum, Sponge and Cracker on the Turn 4 Midway Stage.
On Saturday, June 14, American rock-band Cracker takes the Turn 4 Midway Stage after USAC Silver Crown’s feature race. The band with a wide discography that has been established during their over 35 plus year career features sound with influences of rock, punk, grunge, psychedelia, country, blues and folk.
The all-star music lineup rolls into Sunday, June 15, when Sponge and Soul Asylum take the stage for two pre-race concerts.
Touring in support of their 10th studio album that was released in 2024, “Planet Girls,” Sponge brings their 30-year career of music to WWT Raceway fans. The band formed in 1992’s exceptional set list will also feature hits such as “Wax Ecstatic” (#10 Billboard Mainstream Rock) and “Have You Seen Mary” (#7 Billboard Mainstream Rock).
To wrap up the start-studded music festival, the Grammy Award winning band Soul Asylum will perform pre-race at 4:45 p.m. where the Minnesota band will get the crowd pumped before the NTT INDYACR SERIES starts take on the 1.25-mile oval. The final concert of the Celebration of 66 Fest will include hist off their plethora of albums including “Grave Dancers Union” that included Grammy Award winning song “Runaway Train.”
This action-packed weekend has something for everyone this Father’s Day: from free music to high-speed action, fans are in for two days of non-stop entertainment. To purchase tickets to the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 please visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 Ext. 1.
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com | (314) 517-5125 (cell)
