World Wide Technology Raceway delivers back-to-back major events, welcomes Hot Rod Power Tour
Just two and a half days after hosting a major NTT INDYCAR SERIES weekend, World Wide Technology Raceway once again demonstrated its national prominence as a premier motorsports and live event destination by welcoming the legendary Hot Rod Power Tour, the world’s largest rolling car show.
The one-day stop in Madison drew an impressive 6,000-plus show cars and more than 15,000 attendees, transforming the raceway into a hub of automotive culture, community and celebration.
The 2026 edition of the Hot Rod Power Tour carried additional significance as part of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration, honoring 100 years of the historic Mother Road. With southwest Illinois deeply rooted in Route 66 heritage, WWT Raceway served as an ideal host location for this milestone event, further elevating its national visibility.
“This was an incredible week for our facility and our region,” said Chris Blair, WWT Raceway executive vice president and general manager. “To transition from INDYCAR to hosting one of the most recognizable car culture events in the world in just a couple of days speaks to the strength of our team, our partners and this community.”
Significant economic impact
Beyond the excitement on-site, the Hot Rod Power Tour generated a substantial economic impact across Madison and the greater southwest Illinois region.
With more than 15,000 visitors traveling to the area—many from out of state and staying overnight—the event drove significant demand for lodging, dining, fuel and retail. Using more aggressive but still realistic tourism spending benchmarks of $300–$350 per visitor per day, the event is estimated to have produced $4.5 million to more than $5.5 million in direct economic impact in a single day.
When accounting for secondary effects—such as supplier purchases, employee wages, and continued local spending—the total regional economic impact is projected to exceed $6 million to $7 million.
Local hotels were filled to capacity, restaurants and entertainment venues experienced increased traffic, and businesses throughout the region benefited from the influx of visitors.
Showcasing a premier national venue
The rapid turnaround between two national-scale events highlights WWT Raceway’s versatility, operational excellence, and growing reputation as a multi-purpose entertainment venue. From world-class motorsports competitions to large-scale lifestyle and automotive events, the facility continues to expand its reach and impact.
Events like INDYCAR and the Hot Rod Power Tour reinforce WWT Raceway’s position as a leading entertainment destination in the United States—one capable of delivering high-profile experiences that drive tourism, economic growth, and national attention to the region.
WWT Raceway extends its sincere appreciation to the many partners who make events like this possible, including local government officials, Illinois Tourism, and the Hot Rod Power Tour team for their continued collaboration and support.
The Raceway also recognizes its dedicated staff, whose commitment and professionalism enable the seamless execution of back-to-back major events at the highest level.
For more information on WWT Raceway events, visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1.
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.
