World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWT Raceway), located in Madison, Illinois, near St. Louis, Missouri, is a premier motorsports complex renowned for hosting major racing events across multiple disciplines, including NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA drag racing, and road racing series. The facility is a flagship racing venue in the Midwest, offering a versatile racing environment coupled with state-of-the-art amenities.
History
The origins of World Wide Technology Raceway trace back to 1967 when the facility opened as St. Louis International Raceway, starting as a quarter-mile drag strip. In 1985, a 2.6-mile road course and a dirt oval were added, sparking growth in popularity. The facility was renamed Gateway International Raceway in 1988. Over the years, it hosted significant events for IMSA, SCCA, and Trans-Am Series.
In 1997, the CART series held a major race there, signaling its national prominence. The facility was later acquired by Dover Motorsports in 1998, then closed in 2010 due to financial difficulties. In 2011, St. Louis developer Curtis Francois purchased and revitalized the track, re-opening it as Gateway Motorsports Park.
In 2019, World Wide Technology secured naming rights, rebranding the venue as World Wide Technology Raceway. Since then, the track has enhanced its facilities, notably adding a 2-mile road course section utilized for different race formats including Formula Drift and SpeedTour TransAm Series.
Most Famous Races Held
WWT Raceway hosts notable races such as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular season races and, since 2022, the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race. The NTT IndyCar Series also holds the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 annually. The track is famous for its diverse event portfolio, including the NHRA Mission Foods Midwest Nationals and the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Its major events attract large crowds and top professional drivers, underscoring its importance in American motorsports.
Track Information
The facility features multiple track configurations:
A 1.25-mile oval with variable banking, hosting NASCAR oval races.
A 2.0-mile, 12-turn road course that integrates part of the oval, offering a challenging course for road racing in IndyCar and other series.
A quarter-mile NHRA-sanctioned drag strip used for top-tier drag racing events.
The Kartplex, a modern karting complex supporting youth and amateur racing.
With seating capacity approximating 50,000 spectators and equipped with extensive pit, media, and hospitality facilities, WWT Raceway provides a complete motorsports experience. The venue is located just east of the iconic Gateway Arch, enhancing its regional significance.
