NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 racing weekend packs the house with fans, concerts, military tributes and world-class racing
Madison, IL (June 12, 2024) – With recognition and approval still rolling in, World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) has announced that year three of its NASCAR Cup Series race weekend solidified its role as a wildly popular host in the Cup Series circuit. WWTR attracted a capacity crowd, with fans streaming through the gates from 46 states and 20 countries, totaling more than 100,000 guests on-site for the third year in a row. Another 2.49 million people tuned in to watch the FS1 live broadcast, making it the number one viewed cable telecast on Sunday.
“We’re in the business of fun and our team designs the NASCAR experience to include a one-of-a-kind showcase of entertainment to engage our fans, draw big crowds and show off true Midwestern hospitality,” said Curtis Francois, WWTR owner.
The events included the JJK5K run that recognizes hometown Olympic hero Jackie Joyner-Kersee and supports her community center; fanfest and hauler parade through the Metro East and downtown St. Louis; racing themed fashion event Runway to Raceway at Neiman Marcus; professional wrestling matches; 30+ live artists performing in the Confluence Music Festival; a midway full of activities; and two days of incredible on-track competition.
Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Toyota 200 was won by Corey Heim who collected his second win at the 1.25-mile oval, leading a race-high 65 laps in his No. 11 Toyota Tundra TRD for a series-leading fourth win of the season.
Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 Cup Series race shocked everyone as Team Penske’s Austin Cindric capitalized on teammate Ryan Blaney running out of fuel heading to the white flag to snap Cindric’s 85-race winless streak.
“Hosting the NASCAR Cup Series at World Wide Technology Raceway for the third consecutive year is an incredible opportunity to showcase Illinois’ Metro East region and drive tourism, generating $60 million in economic impact,” said Daniel Thomas, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. “The success of Enjoy Illinois 300 has been remarkable, and the state of Illinois is proud to be part of growing this tradition. We hope racing fans are inspired to plan another trip to explore our great state and its diverse destinations and attractions.”
The Confluence Music Festival, envisioned and brought to life by The Steward Family and World Wide Technology as a showcase of innovation, talent and live entertainment, featured Ludacris and country music star Riley Green, joined by more than 30 national and local acts, including Adam Wainwright, Big & Rich with Gretchen Wilson & Cowboy Troy, Brittney Spencer, Tim Dugger, Blinded by Stereo, the Bobby Ford Band, Dave Grelle’s Playadors, DJ Mahf, DJ Mo Samba, DJ Nune, Dr. Zhivegas, Fanfare, JC Supercar, Lamar Harris’ Georgia Mae, Malena Smith, Matt Jordan, Red and Black Brass Band, St. Boogie Brass Band and We Are Root Mod. There were also special performances by BeBe Winans, the Madison High School Marching Band, Caroline Geringer, TJ Staten, The Muny Teens and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
The off-track entertainment also included the NASCAR Mobile Museum, NASCAR Kid Zone, IFO Car Show, and the stars of SICW Championship Wrestling in a pop-up ring on the midway. WWTR also commemorated the addition of the King’s Hat statue in honor of legendary Richard Petty who joined the dedication celebration.
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.
