WWTR Transforms Into a Three-Ring Circus of Speed, STEM and Side-by-Side Action
Last Updated on May 1, 2026 by WWTR
MADISON, Ill. (April 30, 2026) – Engines, activities and adrenaline collided at World Wide Technology Raceway this past week as the entertainment facility transformed into a three-ring circus of nonstop activity, featuring INDYCAR testing, regional drag racing, youth STEM activities, camping and competition karting all in a matter of days.
The week’s headliners arrived early as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone made their way to the track just over a month ahead of the 10th annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 on June 6-7. INDY NXT by Firestone opened the oval action with a full-field test on Wednesday, April 22, where Myles Rowe and Lochie Hughes topped the speed charts, similar to the 2025 event where Hughes secured the win and Rowe finished runner-up.
Following the developmental series, six drivers from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES took the oval for a high-profile test featuring a star-studded lineup. The lineup included six-time series champion Scott Dixon, four-time series champion Alex Palou, Kyffin Simpson and rookies Mick Schumacher, Dennis Hauger and Caio Collet.
After the NTT INDYCAR SERIES moved out on Friday, April 24, more than 900 Scouts moved into the infield as part of their Scouts Xccelerate weekend. The weekend was highlighted on Saturday, April 25, as the Gateway Garage was full of STEM activities and the Drivers Meeting Room was filled with the annual Council Pinewood Derby sponsored by the Raceway Gives Foundation.
Scouts from all over the region congregated at WWT Raceway for a weekend full of educational activities and merit badge opportunities. Scouts also had the opportunity to participate in a Soap Box Derby demonstration in preparation for the May 31 event in The Hill.
The roar of engines could be heard throughout the facility as the season opener for the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 3 heated up April 23-26 on the drag strip. The four-day event featured high-speed competition as the best racers from all over the region competed to take the opening victory of the season.
The event brought out hundreds of racers from all over the region to compete, and this year’s first event served as the first time Sportsman Motorcycle was part of the divisional. The series returns for its second weekend at WWT Raceway for the double divisional Oct. 7-10.
Engines buzzed at the Gateway Kartplex all weekend as the Kartplex hosted two of their competition karting series. The Ignite Series competed on Saturday, April 25, with the Super Comp Series competing on Sunday, April 26.
From championship-caliber testing to drag racing and hands-on STEM experiences, every corner of WWT Raceway was energized, proving that when it comes to nonstop action, the “three-ring circus” isn’t just a metaphor, it’s a reality.
Keep up to date with WWT Raceway on social media or at wwtraceway.com. Tickets to see the NTT INDYCAR SERIES back in primetime are available at wwtraceway.com or by calling the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | WWTR Public Relations & Media Manager | 314.517.5125 | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com
