World Wide Technology Raceway sets the stage this Saturday for the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ regular-season finale, the Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog. For the first time in fifteen years, the Xfinity field returns to the 1.25-mile oval outside St. Louis, with playoff berths and pride on the line. The race carries the weight of local tradition and national interest, blending a landmark sponsorship with Nu Way Concrete Forms and Blues Hog and a field of 38 drivers battling under the lights.
Key Highlights
First Xfinity Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway since 2010.
The Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog serves as the 2025 regular-season finale.
Nu Way Concrete Forms and Blues Hog anchor the event with regional sponsorships.
38 confirmed drivers, including top contenders Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier.
Playoff spots at stake add intensity to the 200-mile showdown.
Gateway’s History in NASCAR
World Wide Technology Raceway has seen its share of ups and downs. Originally opening in 1997 as Gateway Motorsports Park, the track quickly found a home on the NASCAR schedule with Truck and Busch Series events. Its mix of long straights and sharp turns challenged drivers and created memorable battles. But by 2010, financial struggles forced a shutdown, halting its NASCAR presence.
In 2012, businessman Curtis Francois stepped in, reviving the facility and investing in major improvements. Rebranded as World Wide Technology Raceway in 2019, the track once again became a hub for national series. The NASCAR Cup Series’ arrival in 2022 sealed its reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier racing venues. Fans in the St. Louis region, long devoted to stock car racing, have embraced its return with sold-out events and strong television ratings.
The Nu Way 200’s Return
The Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog carries symbolic weight as NASCAR returns the Xfinity Series to the track for the first time in fifteen years. The race also ties into local pride, with Nu Way Concrete Forms celebrating its 70th anniversary as title sponsor and Blues Hog showcasing its barbecue roots to fans at the venue.
The event’s 160 laps promise to be tense, as it doubles as the regular-season finale. Drivers hovering around the playoff cutline must perform under pressure, while championship contenders aim to add another win to their résumés. As fans file into the grandstands, the event also reflects how regional sponsors keep NASCAR connected to its communities, much as it has done since its early days.
Drivers to Watch
The 38-driver field offers no shortage of contenders, but five names stand out based on their recent form and track-specific skills.
Connor Zilisch: Currently leading the Xfinity points standings with eight wins and a series-high fourteen top-five finishes, Zilisch’s consistent speed and closing ability make him a prime favorite to capture the victory.
Justin Allgaier: Second in the standings, Allgaier’s experience and excellence in flat-track racing—paired with twelve top-five finishes and a record of strong performances under pressure—position him as a serious threat.
Sam Mayer: Sitting third in points, Mayer has demonstrated both raw speed and composure in 2025, mounting several major charges to the front at high-grip ovals and recording multiple top-five results.
Jesse Love: As a breakout star with multiple wins this season, Love’s adaptability and qualifying form could push him toward the front, especially with strong recent showings on similar circuits.
Austin Hill: A perennial contender, Hill’s aggressive but calculated driving style suits the track’s combination of short straightaways and technical corners; he enters the weekend with a solid record in 2025 and previous Gateway success in other series.
Anticipation Builds
The regular-season finale is always about more than the winner’s circle. Playoff positions hang in the balance, and the energy of Gateway’s return adds another layer of intrigue. Fans will not only see championship contenders tested but also watch how younger drivers handle the pressure of elimination scenarios.
Sponsors and local partners also benefit from the exposure, with Nu Way and Blues Hog positioned prominently in broadcasts and at-track activations. Their involvement highlights how NASCAR continues to merge national attention with community pride.
As the field takes the green flag Saturday night, anticipation runs high that the race will not only shape the playoff field but also mark another important milestone in Gateway’s ongoing motorsport legacy.
News in Brief: Predictions for NASCAR’s Nu Way 200 at Gateway
The 2025 Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog marks the return of the Xfinity Series to World Wide Technology Raceway for the first time in fifteen years. With Nu Way Concrete Forms and Blues Hog anchoring the event as sponsors, the 160-lap race serves as the regular-season finale, featuring 38 drivers battling for playoff positions. Top contenders include Connor Zilisch, Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer, Jesse Love, and Austin Hill. Fans can expect intense racing under the lights as the playoff picture comes into focus.
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