ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - World Wide Technology Raceway had a busy start to the month of June with NASCAR Cup Series making its way to the track in Madison, Illinois, and the track says the weekend was another overall success.
The raceway says the race weekend attracted a capacity crowd, with fans streaming through the gates from 46 states and 20 countries, totaling more than 100,000 guests on-site for the third year in a row.
On the broadcasting side, another 2.49 million people tuned in to watch the race on Fox Sports 1 live, making it the number one viewed cable telecast on Sunday.
"We’re in the business of fun and our team designs the NASCAR experience to include a one-of-a-kind showcase of entertainment to engage our fans, draw big crowds and show off true Midwestern hospitality," said Curtis Francois, the raceway's owner in a release.
There were plenty of festivities in events over that weekend. The race weekend kicked off with JJK5K run that recognizes hometown Olympic hero Jackie Joyner-Kersee and supports her community center. Fans to were able get a chance to a Fanfest and hauler parade through the Metro East and downtown St. Louis the Friday before the race.
In addition to the Cup Series race that saw Austin Cindric win in a thriller ending, NASCAR also had their Truck Series race at the track on Saturday, which was won by Corey Heim. In addition, over 30 live artists performed over the weekend as part of the Confluence Music Festival. The festival featured the likes Ludacris, Riley Green and Cardinals legend Adam Wainwright performing.
"Hosting the NASCAR Cup Series at World Wide Technology Raceway for the third consecutive year is an incredible opportunity to showcase Illinois’ Metro East region and drive tourism, generating $60 million in economic impact," said Daniel Thomas, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism.