Madison, Ill. (May 11, 2023)— Six-time Olympic medalist and philanthropist Jackie Joyner-Kersee will be the Grand Marshal of the Enjoy Illinois 300 Presented by TicketSmarter NASCAR Cup Series Race at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) on June 4, 2023. Kersee will be giving NASCAR’s top drivers the command to start their engines before the 2:30 p.m. (CT) race.
The sports legend will also be hosting the first-ever JJK 5K Sponsored by Purina Pro Plan and Driven by ELCO CHEVROLET CADILLAC race and walk on the 1.25-mile oval track. Open to people and their dogs, the JJK 5K will take place on Saturday, June 3, after the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Toyota 200 race and will be followed by a post-race party and concert by Flo Rida on the infield stage. Kersee will present the event medals which will be available for runners, walkers and participating dogs.
All proceeds from the 5k race and walk will benefit the Jackie Joyner-Kersee (JJK) Foundation.
“Pro Plan provides fine-tuned nutrition for canine athletes and is trusted by experts and proven by champions, so partnering with hometown champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee to celebrate her achievements and encourage people to get active with their dogs is a perfect fit,” said Joe Hitzler, Pro Plan Brand Manager.
“As a proud local automotive dealer established in 1985, we are thrilled to sponsor the JJK Foundation and support their efforts to improve the lives of people in the St. Louis area. Our commitment to this cause reflects our deep appreciation for our community and our desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us,” said Lauren Hadfield, General Manager of ELCO Chevrolet Cadillac.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee grew up in East St. Louis and was the first woman in history to earn more than 7,000 points in heptathlon. Having also earned six Olympic medals, Kersee still holds the world heptathlon record, as well as the Olympic and national records in the long jump. In addition to being one of the top track-and-field athletes of all time, Kersee returned home to give back to her community. She established the JJK Foundation and JJK Center in East St. Louis 23 years ago to ensure children have access to high quality after-school programs and a safe environment within the community.
Registration information can be found at wwtraceway.com and a direct link here. Tickets sales for the Enjoy Illinois 300 race can be found online.
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 nearly 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1/4-mile drag strip; 1.25-mile superspeedway; recently expanded 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 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.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 10,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
About Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan is a leader in the advanced nutrition category, with more than 140 targeted formulas to help your pet thrive throughout every stage of life. For more information, visit www.proplan.com or follow @ProPlan on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
About ELCO
ELCO Chevrolet Cadillac is a renowned car dealership that has been serving the automotive needs of the community since 1985. Located in Ballwin, Missouri, ELCO Chevrolet Cadillac is a family-owned business that prides itself on providing exceptional customer service and a wide selection of quality vehicles. Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new Chevrolet or Cadillac or a pre-owned vehicle from any make, ELCO Chevrolet Cadillac has you covered with a knowledgeable and friendly sales team that will help you find the perfect vehicle to fit your needs and budget. Plus, their experienced service technicians and state-of-the-art service center ensure that your vehicle will be running smoothly for years to come. At ELCO Chevrolet Cadillac, they truly go above and beyond to make your car buying and ownership experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
