NASCAR Cup - Gateway

The Enjoy Illinois 300 brings NASCAR Cup Series racing to World Wide Technology Raceway, formerly known as Gateway Motorsports Park. This race marks the second event in the Round of 16 of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. The 300-mile race takes place on the unique 1.25-mile oval located in Madison, Illinois, just east of St. Louis. The 2026 edition represents the fifth consecutive year that World Wide Technology Raceway hosts a NASCAR Cup Series race, continuing the track's growth as a major destination for premier stock car racing.

World Wide Technology Raceway Circuit Details

World Wide Technology Raceway features an asymmetrical oval configuration that challenges drivers with distinct corner characteristics. The 1.25-mile oval creates close racing and strategic opportunities. Turns 1 and 2 have a tighter radius with steeper banking, similar to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Turns 3 and 4 offer more sweeping corners that resemble Phoenix Raceway. This egg-shaped design mirrors tracks like Darlington Raceway and Mobility Resort Motegi. The backstretch runs parallel to Illinois Route 203.

The facility sits on 700 acres and serves as the largest outdoor entertainment venue in the St. Louis Metro East region. The track offers seating for approximately 78,000 fans. World Wide Technology Raceway stands as the only track in North America to host events from NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA, showcasing its versatility.

Technical Specifications for the Gateway NASCAR Cup Race

NASCAR Cup Series cars at Gateway run with 750 horsepower engines, the standard configuration for tracks measuring less than 1.5 miles in length. The cars use the short-track and road-course aero package, which includes a three-inch rear spoiler and fewer diffuser strakes. This package promotes closer racing and more passing opportunities.

All Cup Series cars feature mandatory A-post flaps at every track, including Gateway. These flaps prevent cars from lifting off the ground during a spin. NASCAR requires the surface underneath each flap to be bright orange for visibility and safety purposes.

Gateway Motorsports History and Track Development

The facility originally opened as St. Louis International Raceway in 1967, starting with a drag strip. A 2.6-mile road course joined the venue in 1985. The current 1.25-mile oval was constructed in 1997. The track faced financial difficulties and closed in 2010. Curtis Francois purchased and reopened the facility in 2011, revitalizing racing in the St. Louis area.

World Wide Technology acquired naming rights in 2019, renaming the venue to World Wide Technology Raceway. The first NASCAR Cup Series race at Gateway took place in 2022, establishing a new chapter for the facility. The venue now includes the oval, a quarter-mile drag strip, infield road course configurations measuring 1.6 miles and 2.0 miles, and a karting complex.

What Makes Gateway Special

The track hosts the Confluence Music Festival during NASCAR race weekend, combining motorsports with entertainment. The asymmetrical oval creates different racing lines and strategies compared to traditional symmetrical ovals. Drivers must adjust their approach between the two distinct corner types, making setup decisions critical.

Gateway Motorsport Park offers playoff racing where every position matters. The Round of 16 format adds pressure as drivers fight to advance in the championship battle. The combination of the unique track layout, playoff intensity, and festival atmosphere creates a distinctive experience for fans following the NASCAR Cup Series.