Recap: NASCAR Cup Playoffs Debut at WWT Raceway

A sold-out crowd packed World Wide Technology Raceway for its first NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race, marking a milestone moment for the track.

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) hosted its first-ever playoff race of the NASCAR Cup Series this past weekend, drawing a sold-out crowd for Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300. After three years as a regular-season stop, this year’s race carried higher stakes as the second of ten in the playoffs—and cemented WWTR’s status as one of the sport’s most electric venues.

Three Days of Racing and Entertainment

From Friday through Sunday, fans packed the grandstands. The weekend featured NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying rounds, the long-awaited return of the NASCAR Xfinity Series to St. Louis on Saturday, and Sunday’s 300-mile Playoff showdown.

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Off the track, the Confluence Music Festival returned for its fourth year alongside the race, with country stars Jon Pardi and Ella Langley headlining and 30+ additional acts across multiple stages. Between races and concerts, fans explored autograph sessions, car displays, and interactive entertainment throughout the property.

The infield campsites quickly became their own community, extending the atmosphere well beyond the grandstands. Fans sat right on the edge of the action, with chairs lined up along the apron and the sound of engines carrying through the evening.

Locking in the Future With Renewals

WWTR tapped into the energy of the Playoffs weekend to build buzz for the future. Fans were encouraged to renew onsite for 2026 through Tixr, replacing deposits with full commitments. The track recorded a 782% year-over-year increase in renewals for 2026, locking in loyal fans well ahead of the next season—either paid in full or on payment plans.

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WWTR’s first NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Weekend added a new layer to its growing legacy and set the stage for more big racing moments to come.

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‍Next up: The NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals roll into town September 26–28, bringing three days of drag racing action and a new chapter of competition to the track.