World Wide Technology Raceway prepares for big weekend, safety challenges

INDYCAR to race twice this month at raceway in Madison

World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison says NITT INDYCAR Series races will take place each day of the weekend of Aug. 29-30 during the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Weekend.

The weekend will be known as the Bommarito Automotive Group Race to MEGA Savings Weekend. The Bommarito Automotive Group will receive title sponsorship to both nationally-televised INDYCAR races.

Both races will consist of 200 laps – a combined total of 500 miles around the challenging 1.25-mile oval.

INDYCAR qualifying will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29. The first of two laps will be used to qualify the car for the first 200, and the second lap will be used to set the field for the second 200.

Saturday’s INDYCAR race will be followed by the ARCA Menards Series event.

On Sunday, the INDYCAR race will be preceded by the NASCAR Truck Series event at 11 a.m.

“World Wide Technology Raceway has been committed to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since its return to our track in 2017,” said Curtis Francois, owner and CEO of WWTR (shown). “Our goal always has been to be a great partner with INDYCAR while working with the sponsors, teams and drivers to provide a safe, yet comfortable, entertainment experience for our tremendous fans.”

Hosting two INDYCAR races in one weekend “is a dream for the St. Louis racing community. Despite the unprecedented challenges we all face, it will enable us to provide a historic event for our city in a safe environment. Safe social interaction is at the core of our event and we are doing everything possible to make sure our fans have a worry-free experience,” Francois said.

The Bommarito Automotive Group came on board as a sponsor in January of 2017.

“This is a tremendous win to recognize them for their efforts with not one, but two nationally-televised races for their dedication to motorsports. This will be the most historic event ever held at this venue,” Francois said.

World Wide Technology Raceway has been actively involved with some of motorsports’ leading sanctioning groups to develop standards for conducting live spectator events during the pandemic, he said. In addition, track officials have worked with local, regional and state officials to coordinate reopening plans that have benefited tracks throughout the industry.

Due to limited seating capacity – which may change leading up to the event – fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Most likely the venue will utilize most available seating based on the adjusted seat-distancing diagrams.

Other safety measures:

– The Wallace Grandstand in Turns 1 and 2 will be open on Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30, to provide additional distancing and comfort for fans. The Wallace Grandstand features additional, permanent restroom facilities and a separate entry point from other seating areas.

– The WWTR ticket staff has undertaken extensive seat model research and will be working with same-household/family groups to provide safe distancing between parties.

– Fans will be required to have masks for entry into the venue. Attendees are strongly recommended to practice proper health recommendations prescribed by the Center for Disease Control. Masks will be required while in common areas such as restrooms, midways and concession areas or anytime six feet of distancing cannot be maintained.

– Track personnel will conduct temperature screening at all entry points. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will be asked to visit with on-site medical staff prior to entry into the venue.

– All food service locations will follow state of Illinois recommendations for outdoor dining. The concession area footprint will be changed to provide more distance between point-of-sale locations to enable attendees to spread out and avoid lines. Remote ordering and pick-up of food items will be available on race day. Most foods will be wrapped.

– Increased sanitation practices will be implemented before, during and after each event. Areas that will be cleaned throughout the event include restrooms, handrails, all entrances to permanent structures, public furniture and seating areas, all rooms prior to and immediately after use, offices and kitchen areas. The janitorial team adheres to the recommendations set forth in the U.S. EPA’s Emerging Pathogen Policy regarding cleaning disinfectants.

– Print-at-home, paperless ticket transactions are preferred. This will eliminate the need to stand in line to purchase tickets and it enables us to offer contact-free entry, which will be as simple as point-and- click.

– Clearly-marked entry and exit pathways will be in place to maintain a clearer flow in and out of the venue. Grandstand walkways will feature directional arrows.

– Permanent restrooms will have contact-free entry. All permanent restrooms will be well stocked with soap and a restroom attendant to ensure maximum cleanliness.

– Temporary restrooms will be placed throughout the venue with hand washing and/or sanitizing stations adjacent to each bank of restrooms.

– Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the facility. These stations are mobile, which will allow us to deploy them based on event schedules and traffic patterns.

– All WWTR security, fire and safety, EMT and paramedic personnel have guidelines from local, regional and state public health agencies on how to recognize possible symptoms and the necessary steps to mitigate exposure to others.

– Customers who feel ill or believe they may be at risk are asked to stay at home.

– Similar to the other sports and entertainment venues in the area – coupled with efforts to not rummage through personal belongings – the track is moving to clear (transparent) bags (aside from coolers) for this event. It will be the fan’s responsibility to open their own coolers for inspection, but the transparent bags will help expedite entry and limit exposure during bag check.

In an effort to accommodate fans who previously purchased tickets and need seating adjustments, the following ticketing schedule will take place:

• Now through Aug. 28: Checkered Flag, Red Reserved, Wallace Grandstand and Gray Level seating (weekend or single-day) on sale at advance price.
• August 29-30: Gate pricing on all remaining available tickets.

Visit www.WWTRaceway.com.