This weekend, NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly drivers will face off at WWT Raceway (Gateway) for the second round of the 2026 Chase for the championship. Denny Hamlin, last year’s winner at Gateway, leads the standings, holding a 12-point advantage over Southern 500 victor Christopher Bell. This article provides all the details fans need to follow the Gateway action, including the complete weekend schedule, viewing options, and the full list of participants.
Latest News Highlights
- Josh Berry has signed with Legacy Motor Club for the 2027 NASCAR Cup season.
- Carson Hocevar is known for having a unique and often debated honor code.
- A recap of winners and losers from the challenging Southern 500 at Darlington.
- The Southern 500 has intensified competition early in the NASCAR Chase.
- Denny Hamlin recently criticized Spire Motorsports as “unserious,” which elicited a response from Carson Hocevar.
NASCAR at Gateway Weekend Schedule
Saturday, September 12
- 1:00 pm EST – NASCAR O’Reilly practice (CW APP / ESPN UNLIMITED)
- 2:05 pm EST – NASCAR O’Reilly qualifying (CW APP / ESPN UNLIMITED)
- 3:30 pm EST – NASCAR Cup practice (truTV / HBO Max)
- 4:35 pm EST – NASCAR Cup qualifying (truTV / HBO Max)
- 7:30 pm EST – NASCAR O’Reilly race, 180 laps (THE CW / ESPN UNLIMITED)
Sunday, September 13
- 2:30 pm EST – NASCAR Cup pre-race show (USA)
- 3:00 pm EST – NASCAR Cup Series race, 240 laps (USA)
How to Watch the NASCAR Cup Series at Gateway
- Race date: Sunday, September 13
- Race start: 3:10 pm EST
- Race length: 240 laps, divided into stages of 45, 95, and 100 laps
- Tires allowed: 10 sets
- TV coverage: USA Network, TSN (Canada), plus various international broadcasters
- Live streaming: Available on USA Network platforms
- Radio: Coverage by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway Entry List
There are 36 drivers registered for the NASCAR Cup event at Gateway, with no chartered entries, marking the fifth race of the season without open entries.
Fan Take: This race at Gateway is pivotal as it can greatly influence the momentum early in the Chase, making every point crucial for championship hopefuls. NASCAR fans should watch closely, as the strategies and performances here might set the tone for the remainder of the season and highlight emerging talents in the sport.
Source: www.motorsport.com
