Above: Curtis Francois (right) accepts his plaque from Tim Moore, Executive Director of the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame. (Photos courtesy Bill Greenblatt/UPI St. Louis)
ST. LOUIS, September 14, 2023 – Curtis Francois, owner and CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, September 14, during the 2023 Enshrinement Dinner at the Missouri Athletic Club in downtown St. Louis.
Francois was enshrined along with a stellar cast of local sports celebrities, including: former tennis pro Justina Bricka, former NFL player Demetrius Johnson, St. Louis City CEO Carolyn Kindle, former Cardinals pitcher Jason Motte, former football coach Rick Gorzynski, chess philanthropist Rex Sinquefield, Cardinals broadcaster John Ulett, contributor Frank VIverito, and St. Louis Blues legend Chris Pronger.
“It certainly is an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Francois. “To be included with the greatest names in St. Louis sports history truly is a humbling experience. I’m always singing the praises of St. Louis. We have a deep commitment to St. Louis and are proud to be a part of its vibrant sports community – and the community itself.”
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the only track in the world to host the premier series of NASCAR, INDYCAR, and NHRA . 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 1/4-mile drag strip, 1.25-mile superspeedway, 2.0-mile road course, the Gateway Kartplex (a 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: induction into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, 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.
(Bill Greenblatt/UPI St. Louis)
