The third time’s the charm! That’s what will be going through the minds of winless NASCAR Cup Series drivers while making their way to the World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday. After 19 of 26 races in the regular season, the clock is ticking for drivers and teams looking to secure their playoff spots, as well as take some big bucks home. Even the last two winners of the Enjoy Illinois 300, Joey Logano (2022) and Kyle Busch (2023) are still in search of their first win in 2024 and will hope that the weather doesn’t impact their race.

With just 12 races to decide who makes the playoffs, weather conditions can severely affect drivers’ chances. All eyes will be on practice and qualifying on June 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

NASCAR will be heading to the World Wide Technology Raceway for the third straight year, and excitement is at an all-time high. However, the on-track action at Enjoy Illinois 300 could be severely affected by rain if weather forecasts come true. After severe weather affected the Coca-Cola 600 last weekend, AdventHealth 400, and Daytona 500 this season, drivers will be praying to the weather gods that the trend doesn’t continue this weekend.

According to Weather.com, the forecast at World Wide Technology Raceway calls for a high of 72° and a 90 percent chance of rain on Saturday. Meanwhile, the forecast for Sunday isn’t looking pretty either, with a high of 82° and a possibility of a thunderstorm.

This could have a severe impact on Sunday’s race, which will be 300 miles long (240 laps), and have a big purse. With a lot at stake, drivers will not just compete for a playoff spot but also cash prizes. NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass confirmed on X the total prize money pool that will be distributed for the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series. He wrote, “Purses for WWTR Gateway/Portland includes all payouts, all positions, contingency awards, contribution to season-ending pts fund, charter payouts for racing and historical performance, etc. Cup (Gateway): $7,776,907, Xfinity (Portland): $1,408,568, Trucks (Gateway): $752,252.”

Drivers to watch at the World Wide Technology Raceway

The first name that you need to keep an eye on is Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch. The defending winner of the Enjoy Illinois 300 has a 1.5 average finish at the track. Even though he has failed to win a single race so far this season, Busch has performed well on the World Wide Technology Raceway, having finished no lower than 2nd in the last two editions. He also led the most laps in 2022, despite Joey Logano securing the win, but made amends the following year with a majestic performance.

Even the veterans are supporting Rowdy. “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour” podcast, explored a detailed analysis of the driver, which he believes will be a strong contender to win at the Illinois Cup race on Sunday. Kevin Harvick, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is going to win the Enjoy Illinois 300 this weekend. He said, “I’m gonna go with Kyle Busch. I just think something good has to happen for those guys. I mean, it’s gonna happen. It’s got to happen this week So I’m pulling for him.“

Following Busch with an average finish inside the top 10 is 2022 Enjoy Illinois 300 winner Joey Logano (2.0), and defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, who has also failed to win a single race this season. Martin Truex Jr, and last weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 winner, Christopher Bell, have also performed well on this track. Other drivers could be, Kyle Larson and NASCAR points leader Denny Hamlin, who will be favorites to secure a win on Sunday.

Who do you think will win the Enjoy Illinois 300? Let us know in the comments!