Get ready, Illinois, NASCAR is coming your way – start those engines!
The Enjoy Illinois 300, formerly known as the World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) marquee race, is scheduled to take place on June 6 in Madison, Illinois. The flag will drop at 2:30 p.m. and the race may be broadcast on FS1.
The upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at the track will mark its debut, joining the venue’s lineup of IndyCar and NHRA races. In an effort to expand into new markets, NASCAR has decided to move one of its two races from Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania to accommodate a stop at WWTR.
Chase Elliott currently leads the NASCAR Cup series standings with 368 points and seven top 10 finishes. Following closely behind is Ryan Blaney in second place with 347 points, four top five finishes, and three top 5 finishes. The Enjoy Illinois 300 is the 20th race on the NASCAR 2022 calendar. Kyle Larson, the defending series champion, is also competing in the race.
Larson has once again claimed the title of NASCAR Cup champion at BetRivers Sportsbook, with William Byron, Elliott, and & nbsp closely following with a total of +700 each.
In Illinois, sportsbooks offer a variety of betting options for NASCAR races, such as head-to-head matchups where bettors pick which driver will finish first, and over/unders on the winning car number.
What’s in a name, What & rsquo?
Despite being located just south of St. Louis over the Mississippi River, WWTR still maintains its Illinois identity. To further strengthen this relationship, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have decided to rebrand the race as the “Enjoy Illinois 300.”
In a press release, Pritzker stated:
The Enjoy Illinois 300, hosted by Illinois & rsquo, solidifies the World Wide Technology Raceway as the top destination for drag, open-wheel, and stock car racing. NASCAR’s return to Illinois will attract visitors nationwide to experience all that Metro East has to offer. As the state’s Chief Marketing Officer, I am committed to showcasing Illinois at its best and we are thrilled to welcome NASCAR fans to our amazing location.
Only the top 16 NASCAR Cup Series drivers qualify for the playoffs, which kick off in September. Currently, there are only 12 cars remaining out of the initial 16. The NASCAR Championship race in Phoenix on November 6 will bring an end to the season.
Enjoying the bottom line in Illinois
A study by The Rawlings Sports Business Management found that the event is expected to generate over $60 million in economic impact for the area, drawing in more than 83,000 attendees.
Curtis Francois, the CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway, expressed:
We are excited to partner with the Illinois Office of Tourism to showcase the best of Illinois as we prepare to host the biggest spectator event in the state. I am eager to welcome them on this historic journey, as we have collaborated closely with representatives from the Metro East and St. Louis to establish a premier destination for the sports industry and its passionate fans. The Illinois 300 is more than just a one-day race for newcomers. It begins with a parade through St. Louis, winding through the valley and ending at the track where drivers and vehicles will make final preparations for the event.
Two smaller circuits named NASCAR and rsquo are set to participate in a racing event in Illinois. The World of Outlaws Late Model Series will be held on Friday, June 3 at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, while the Camping World Truck Series Toyota 200 will take place at WWTR on Saturday.
Karla Flannery, the assistant director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, declared:
The state’s extensive calendar of over 250 yearly events at WWTR has significantly increased tourism. With hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, this versatile venue is unique in the United States for hosting races from all three main competition sanctioning bodies – NASCAR, INDYCAR. As WWTR continues to evolve into a vibrant entertainment hub, we are proud to support its continued economic growth and development.
NASCAR’s future schedule
Every competition happens on Sundays.
- DuraMAX Drydene 400 at Dover Motor Speedway( Del. ) on May 1.
- The Goodyear 400 race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina will take place on May 8th.
- On May 15, the AdventHealth 400 will take place at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.
- The NASCAR All-Star Open will take place at Texas Speedway in Fort Worth on May 22nd.
- The Coca-Cola 600 will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina on May 29th.
