Venues and racetracks are crucial to the NASCAR experience. While some tracks boast rich histories and others feature cutting-edge facilities, only a few offer a perfect blend of both. World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is one such gem. Known as the St. Louis Raceway Park, WWTR has thrilled fans with exciting NASCAR races, as well as unique experiences like IndyCar and NHRA events.

But the story of WWTR is far from over. With next season’s NASCAR schedule now public, several venues have become hot topics in the racing community. Among the buzz, WWTR has received particularly exciting news. NASCAR has given this Illinois-based track a golden opportunity—one that many see as a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

What is NASCAR’s big gamble on St. Louis?

The 1.25-mile oval racetrack has been the home of Enjoy Illinois 300 since 2022. Kyle Busch was the winner of the inaugural race, while Austin Cindric won it the previous time. The next edition of the race, too, is just around the corner. It has been a unique test of skill and strategy for the drivers and teams because of its varying degrees of banking in the turn. The racetrack has a rare 11 degrees of banking on turns 1 and 2. On the other hand, the banking degree shrinks to a 9 at turns 3 and 4.

But it’s the complexity of the racetrack that has given the venue an edge over others. The venue is set to host the first race of the playoffs in the 2025 season. The announcement has delighted the fans and WWTR community, and it became more visible when Curtis Francois, the owner of WWTR, talked about NASCAR’s decision to host the playoff race at the Illinois-based venue. Expressing his thoughts on Kenny Wallace’s YouTube channel, he said, “I think there are several things. One, the way the community has come together to support NASCAR racing in our region. I think is surprising to everyone. But St. Louis always shows up when it comes to big-time sports. We always show up when it comes to the playoffs.

Talking about the support from the community WWTR has been receiving over the years, Francois further added, “I think the fans have demonstrated they’re gonna support the racetrack. They’re supporting the racetrack. The community is supporting the racetrack. The businesses are behind us. Our local officials and elected officials are all here pulling the rope with us, so you look at all that coming together and the fact that St Louis is a big sports town, playoffs seems to be a natural.”

While the WWTR owner acknowledges all the love and support they have been getting from the local community, the situation before he acquired the racetrack in 2011 was very different. Back then, it looked like the people had forgotten the lost heritage they had in the form of this venue.

WWTR: From ruins to glory

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The story of WWTR’s revitalization is an exceptional one. It came into existence as a drag strip in 1967. It was then known as the St. Louis Raceway Park. But the surrounding community wanted more. This is why it was extended to a road course in 1985. When the golden era of NASCAR came to its peak, the venue was changed into a 1.25-mile oval track in 1997. Its name was changed once again to Gateway Motorsports Park.

The venue did receive a new name, but its condition was deteriorating after a few years of intense NASCAR racing. The Dover Motorsports, its owners then, decided to close the venue down on November 3, 2010. It remained closed for a few months until September 2011. Curtis Francois, its current owner, decided to renovate the facility and make it worthy of racing once again. The venue got a new name under its new owner and has not looked back ever since!

Share your fond memories of the WWTR with us, and do share your thoughts on Curtis Francois’ words in the comments down below.