The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs head to World Wide Technology Raceway for a crucial Round of 16 showdown. The Enjoy Illinois 300 takes place Sunday, September 7, in Madison, Illinois, just across from the Gateway Arch. With drivers chasing spots in the Round of 12, tension will be high. Chase Briscoe secured his advancement with a Darlington win, while others face pressure to keep their seasons alive. The weekend also includes the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ long-awaited return to the track.
Key Highlights
NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 is Sunday, September 7, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.
Race marks the second event of the Round of 16 in the Cup Series Playoffs.
Chase Briscoe is already locked into the Round of 12 after winning at Darlington.
Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, Alex Bowman, and Josh Berry sit below the cutline entering Gateway.
NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to World Wide Technology Raceway for the first time since 2010.
Playoff Stakes at Gateway
The Enjoy Illinois 300 marks the second race of the three-event Round of 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. A victory here locks a driver into the Round of 12, making the race critical for contenders under the cutline. Chase Briscoe’s win last weekend at Darlington Raceway provided him breathing room, but others face uncertainty. Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, Alex Bowman, and Josh Berry arrive in Madison needing strong results to avoid elimination.
World Wide Technology Raceway, located just outside St. Louis, has only hosted the Cup Series since 2022. This season, it holds even more weight with its first-ever Playoff event. The 1.25-mile oval, with its unique shape and varying corners, demands precision and adaptability. Drivers who master restarts and manage tire wear often find success at Gateway.
How to Watch the Enjoy Illinois 300
Fans can tune in to USA Network at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 7, for live coverage of the Enjoy Illinois 300. The broadcast marks part of USA’s continued coverage of the Cup Series, which carries all remaining races aside from four on NBC.
Practice and qualifying for the Cup Series take place on Saturday, September 6, with coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET on truTV. The qualifying session follows directly afterward at 5:40 p.m. ET, also on truTV.
Coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs shifts to USA Network this weekend with the Enjoy Illinois 300 from Gateway.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Returns to Gateway
The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to World Wide Technology Raceway for the first time since 2010, adding another layer of excitement to the weekend. The series raced 15 times at the track between 1997 and 2010 but has been absent since then. Now, fans will see its stars take on the Madison oval once again.
Practice for the Xfinity Series begins Friday, September 5, at 5:05 p.m. ET on the CW App. Qualifying follows on Saturday, September 6, at 3 p.m. ET, also on the CW App. The feature event, the Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog, runs Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW Network.
Fans who need help locating their local CW affiliate can use the network’s online station guide by entering their zip code. This ensures viewers won’t miss the Xfinity Series’ long-awaited return to Gateway.
News in Brief: How to Watch the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300
World Wide Technology Raceway hosts its first NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race on Sunday, September 7, with the Enjoy Illinois 300 at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network. Chase Briscoe has already advanced to the Round of 12 with his Darlington victory, while Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, Alex Bowman, and Josh Berry aim to recover from below the cutline. The NASCAR Xfinity Series also returns to Gateway for the first time since 2010, highlighted by the Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog.
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