NASCAR’s upcoming doubleheader at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis will feature the Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 on September 13, 2026, followed by the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Nu Way 225 on September 12, 2026.
A Tire Strategy Tailored to WWTR
For the first time this season, Cup Series teams will be equipped with Goodyear’s left‑ and right‑side Racing Eagle tires, designated D‑5244 for the left side and D‑5266 for the right, a combination that has only been tested previously at Iowa Speedway in August 2026.
Rick Heinrich, Goodyear’s NASCAR product manager, noted that WWTR’s unique track conditions generate additional heat and stress on the rubber, and teams will draw on data from last year’s race at the one‑mile venue and from Iowa Speedway to fine‑tune their setups.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will also run on Goodyear Racing Eagle tires, using codes D‑6142 on the left and D‑6116 on the right, with the event scheduled for 180 laps covering 225 miles and recommended pressures of 14 psi on the left side and 31 psi on the right front, dropping to 28 psi on the right rear.
The Cup Series race will consist of 240 laps totaling 300 miles, with recommended inflation pressures of 14 psi for the left front and left rear and 30 psi for the right front and right rear.
Both events will require inner liners because the track measures a mile or longer, a requirement that adds another layer of preparation for teams seeking optimal performance.
Beyond the American doubleheader, Goodyear’s Racing Eagle tires are also scheduled for use in the European Le Mans Series’ Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone, highlighting the brand’s global presence in motorsport.