START TIMES ANNOUNCED FOR 2026 NASCAR WEEKEND AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY
Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by WWTR
MADISON, Ill. (Nov. 12, 2025) – NASCAR today announced the start times for the 2026 schedules including a 2 p.m. CT start for the 5th annual Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series Race on Sept. 13 and a 6:30 p.m. CT start for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Sept. 12 at World Wide Technology Raceway.
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (previously Xfinity Series) returns for a twilight start. The under-the-lights action will begin Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast exclusively on The CW Network, capturing the high-speed entertainment.
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the 1.25-mile oval for the 5th annual Enjoy Illinois 300 with a similar schedule to the 2025 event. The 300-mile event will begin with an afternoon start at 2 p.m. CT on Sept. 13 and will be broadcast on the USA Network.
In addition to the NASCAR action, Confluence Music Festival is back for a weekend full of first-class music and entertainment.
Tickets for all major events for 2026 at WWT Raceway are currently in the renewal phase and go on sale Dec. 1 with exclusive Cyber Monday offers. Please visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1 for more information.
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 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 | WWTR Public Relations & Media Manager | 314.517.5125 | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com
