The 2026 NASCAR Chase will culminate with a double‑header weekend at Gateway Raceway, also known as World Wide Technology Raceway, located in Madison, Illinois. The event pairs the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with the premier Cup Series, reuniting a historic combination that last appeared at the track in 2022.
Gateway Raceway is a semi‑flat, 1.250‑mile oval situated just east of St. Louis, Missouri. Its distinctive layout features two pronounced turns that shape an egg‑like oval, providing a unique challenge for drivers accustomed to the tighter confines of short tracks.
The Cup Series made its debut at Gateway in 2022, and the following season hosted its inaugural Chase race, establishing the venue as a regular fixture on the playoff circuit. Meanwhile, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, which has been part of the track’s schedule since 1997, returned in 2025 after a 15‑year absence, signaling a renewed interest in the historic oval.
Weather Outlook
Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, the Nu Way 225, is slated for 6:30 PM Central Time. Forecasts call for a high of 85°F before the green flag, cooling to 82°F during competition and dropping to 76°F after the checkered flag, with a modest 10% probability of light showers.
Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 Cup Series event will take place at 2:00 PM CT. Temperatures are expected to peak at 86°F throughout the race, with no anticipated precipitation, promising dry conditions for the premier series.
Organizers have noted that the weather forecast will be refined as the weekend draws nearer, ensuring that teams and fans receive the most accurate information for planning.