The 2025 World Wide Technology Raceway weekend, running September 5–7, promises ideal conditions for NASCAR fans and competitors alike. Forecasts show temperatures in the 70s (°F) throughout the three-day event, offering a comfortable environment for drivers and spectators. Rain chances are minimal at just 5 percent, meaning track conditions are expected to remain dry for the entirety of the Xfinity and Cup Series sessions. This sets the stage for uninterrupted practice, qualifying, and races, allowing teams to focus on strategy and speed.
Key Highlights
Mild temperatures in the 70s (°F) expected all weekend.
Only a 5% chance of rain, minimizing weather-related delays.
Dry track conditions allow full Xfinity and Cup Series sessions.
Fans advised to bring light jackets for cooler mornings and evenings.
Nu Way 200 and Enjoy Illinois 300 races scheduled without anticipated weather interruptions.
Track Origins and Evolution
World Wide Technology Raceway, located in Madison, Illinois, has a rich history reflecting decades of American motorsports growth. The track opened in 1967 as St. Louis International Raceway, a modest eighth-mile drag strip. By 1971, the drag strip extended to a quarter-mile, establishing itself as a venue for close-quarter racing. The 1980s brought a 2.6-mile road course, attracting IMSA and Trans-Am events, expanding the track’s appeal to multiple racing series.
In 1997, the facility debuted a 1.25-mile oval, which would eventually host notable CART events. Under Curtis Francois’ leadership since 2011, the raceway has been revitalized, emphasizing its status as a premier multi-series motorsports venue. These updates have ensured the track remains competitive while retaining its historic character, providing a challenging yet fan-friendly layout for NASCAR events.
NASCAR Stars to Watch at the Cook Out Clash
Friday, September 5, 2025, kicks off with Xfinity Series practice at 5:05 p.m. ET, giving teams their first on-track opportunity to test vehicles and adjust setups. Evening sessions focus on pit crew evaluations and fine-tuning strategies, setting the stage for competitive races later in the weekend.
NASCAR
WWTR Gateway
ETFri
5:05-CW App-Xfin practiceSat
3-CW App-Xfin qual
4:30-TruTV-Cup p&q
7-CW-Prerace
7:30-CW-Xfin race 35-35-90Sun
2:30-USA-Prerace
3-USA-Cup race 45-95-100NWS: Temps 70s, 5% rain
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 2, 2025
Saturday, September 6, offers a full slate of action. The Xfinity Series qualifying session at 3:00 p.m. ET will determine starting positions for the Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog. Cup Series practice at 4:30 p.m. ET gives drivers time to refine their setups before qualifying at 5:40 p.m. ET. Under the lights, the Xfinity Series takes the green flag for the 7:30 p.m. ET Nu Way 200, delivering high-speed drama for fans.
Sunday, September 7, centers on the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Gates open at noon, with pre-race festivities beginning at 1:00 p.m., and driver introductions at 2:30 p.m. The race is expected to feature intense battles for playoff positioning, highlighting the track’s challenging 1.25-mile layout. Post-race celebrations are scheduled for 6:00 p.m., completing a full weekend of racing action.
Impact of Weather on Racing and Fan Experience
Weather forecasts indicate minimal disruption to both racing and fan experience. Dry track conditions allow teams to execute tire and setup strategies without concern for rain or slick conditions. Drivers can focus on lap times and pit efficiency, ensuring clean and competitive racing.
Temperatures: Expect mild conditions in the 70s (°F) throughout the weekend, providing comfortable racing weather for drivers and fans alike.
Rain Chances: Only a 5% chance of precipitation, so the likelihood of weather-related delays is minimal.
Impact on Racing: Dry track conditions are expected for both the Xfinity and Cup Series events, allowing teams to run full practice, qualifying, and race sessions without interruptions. Tire and setup strategies should not be heavily influenced by weather.
Fans will also benefit from favorable conditions, with comfortable temperatures throughout the weekend. Light jackets may be useful during cooler morning or late-afternoon periods, but the minimal chance of rain ensures that viewing areas and hospitality zones will remain accessible. Overall, weather is expected to enhance the spectator experience rather than limit it, supporting an energetic and engaging NASCAR weekend.
News in Brief: What NASCAR Fans Should Know About Weather at WWTR
The 2025 World Wide Technology Raceway NASCAR weekend from September 5–7 promises dry and mild conditions with temperatures in the 70s (°F) and only a 5% chance of rain. Xfinity Series practice begins Friday at 5:05 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying and Cup Series sessions Saturday, including the Nu Way 200 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 starts at 3:00 p.m. ET, preceded by gates opening at noon and pre-race festivities. Fans can enjoy uninterrupted racing with minimal weather concerns; bring light jackets for cooler periods.
ALSO READ: 2025 World Wide Technology Raceway: Full NASCAR Weekend Guide
