MADISON, Ill. – World Wide Technology Raceway is preparing to host its first NASCAR Cup Series playoff race and a NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025, a big step forward for motor racing in the St. Louis region.
The Enjoy Illinois 300, traditionally held at WWT Raceway in June, will shift to September and become the second race of the ten-event NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
WWT Raceway officials formally announced plans Thursday afternoon.
Enjoy Illinois 300 will move to Sunday, Sept. 7 in 2025. The race will remain the only NASCAR Cup Series event to be contested on a 1.25-mile oval next season, keeping its original format of 240 laps and 300 miles.
In June, WWT Raceway packed a sellout crowd for Enjoy Illinois 300, more than 57,000 fans, for the third consecutive year.
“We can’t thank NASCAR enough for rewarding this tremendous sports market with a race of this magnitude,” said Curtis Francois, World Wide Technology Raceway owner and CEO. “The St. Louis region is accustomed to great playoff event memories with the Blues, Cardinals and other sports teams over the years and now we can finally add NASCAR to that esteemed list. NASCAR selecting us for a prized Cup Series Playoff race is a tribute to all the support, especially from our dedicated fans, that they witnessed the first three years we hosted sold-out races. The continued evolution of World Wide Technology Raceway could not be possible without the unwavering support and commitment from David Steward and his entire family.”
During the same weekend, WWT Raceway will host a NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. The Xfinity Series, NASCAR’s premier development league, returns to the raceway for the first time since 2010. WWT Raceway hosted the Xfinity Series 15 times between 1997 and 2010.
“Ever since I purchased and reopened the track, one of the most-asked questions has been ‘When will the Xfinity Series come back?’” said Francois. “I’m happy to finally share with our loyal fans that they are coming back in 2025. We greatly appreciate NASCAR’s willingness to reunite us with the Xfinity Series, which previously had been a staple and fan favorite at this facility.”
Officials say the Enjoy Illinois 300 festivities have become a significant platform for Illinois tourism, attracting thousands of NASCAR fans across 20 countries and 48 states, while generating $60 million in economic impact to Illinois’ Metro East region.
