NASCAR at Gateway: A Detailed Look at the Upcoming Race

As the 2025 NASCAR season continues, teams and fans are gearing up for the 28th event of the year, taking place at the WWT Raceway just outside of St. Louis. This race is particularly significant as it marks the middle contest in the Round of 16 of the playoffs. Team Penske, the defending champions of this event, will be looking to maintain their momentum, especially after Austin Cindric’s thrilling victory last year, where he triumphed over his teammate Ryan Blaney in a dramatic finish when Blaney ran out of fuel. This race is also notable as it is the first time Gateway has been included in the Cup Playoffs.

Current Playoff Standings

In the current playoff landscape, Chase Briscoe stands out as the only driver securely positioned in the Round of 12 after his remarkable performance in the Southern 500. His victory there was not only dominant but also historically significant, solidifying his place in the next round. Meanwhile, the competition remains fierce for the remaining positions. Shane van Gisbergen is currently holding onto the 12th spot, but only by a slim margin—just three points ahead of Joey Logano, the three-time and reigning series champion.

Austin Dillon finds himself eight points below the cutoff line, while Alex Bowman and Josh Berry are further back, both sitting at a deficit of 19 points. The stakes are high as every point counts in this critical stage of the playoffs.

Recent Developments in NASCAR

In the latest news from the NASCAR world, the Haas Factory Team announced a significant shift in their strategy, revealing plans to switch to Chevrolet for the 2026 season. This move also includes forming a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, which could have far-reaching implications in terms of performance and competitiveness.

In the realm of legal matters, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports faced a setback as the courts denied their request for injunctive relief. However, a compromise was reached: NASCAR will introduce new charters for these teams should they ultimately succeed in their ongoing lawsuit. This development adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex world of NASCAR.

Additionally, Kaulig Racing has made headlines by announcing that they will feature ARCA points leader Brenden Queen in his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Bristol. This decision highlights the team’s commitment to fostering new talent within the sport.

Austin Cindric is also making waves beyond the NASCAR circuit, confirming his entry in the Supercars finale on the streets of Adelaide, where he will compete as a wildcard entry for Tickford Racing. This cross-series participation showcases the versatility and broad appeal of NASCAR drivers.

NASCAR at Gateway: Race Schedule

Fans are eager to know the schedule for the upcoming NASCAR events at Gateway, and while it remains tentative and subject to change, here’s what is currently planned:

Friday, September 5th

• 5:05 PM – NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice (Available on The CW app)

Saturday, September 6th

• 3:00 PM – NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying (Available on The CW app)
• 4:30 PM – NASCAR Cup Series Practice (Available on TruTV)
• 5:40 PM – NASCAR Cup Series Practice (Available on TruTV)
• 7:30 PM – NASCAR Xfinity Series Race (160 laps) (Available on The CW)

Sunday, September 7th

• 3:00 PM EST – NASCAR Cup Race at Gateway (240 laps) (Broadcast on USA Network)

How to Watch the NASCAR Cup Series at Gateway

For those looking to catch the NASCAR Cup Series action at Gateway, here are the details:

• Date: Sunday, September 7th
• TV Start Time: 2:30 PM ET
• Green Flag: 3:05 PM EST
• Laps/Miles: The race will cover 260 laps, totaling 300 miles.
• Stages: The stages will be divided into segments of 45, 90, and 100 laps.
• TV Channels: Viewers in the U.S. can tune in to USA Network, while TSN will cover the event in Canada. International viewers will have various options for tuning in.
• Live Stream: Fans interested in an immersive experience can watch in-car cameras via HBO Max.
• Radio Coverage: The race will be broadcast on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for those who prefer audio coverage.

The Roster for the Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway

This weekend’s race features a robust lineup with 36 teams entered, and there are no part-time entries this time around. As the playoffs progress, the driver rosters remain unchanged, highlighting the intense competition and commitment of the teams involved.

Notable Playoff Drivers

Among the competitors, several drivers stand out in the playoff hunt:

• Chase Briscoe: The standout driver who has secured his place in the next round.
• Shane van Gisbergen: Currently on the bubble, he will need to fend off challenges from below.
• Joey Logano: The three-time champion is not ready to relinquish his position easily, sitting close to the cut line.
• Austin Dillon: Working hard to climb back above the cutoff.
• Alex Bowman and Josh Berry: Both drivers are looking for a breakthrough to improve their standings.

The competitive nature of the NASCAR Cup Series is on full display as these talented drivers vie for their chance at championship glory.

Anticipation for the Gateway Race

As the race day approaches, anticipation is building among fans and teams alike. The WWT Raceway promises to deliver an exciting spectacle, and with the added pressure of the playoff format, every lap will be crucial.

The unique layout of the Gateway track presents its own set of challenges, demanding skill and strategy from the drivers. As they navigate turns and straightaways, team strategies will come into play, potentially influencing pit stops, tire choices, and race pacing.

Conclusion

The NASCAR Cup Series race at Gateway is set to be a thrilling event, filled with high stakes and intense competition. As teams prepare to face off on the asphalt, the excitement is palpable. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, this race promises to showcase the best of what NASCAR has to offer. Fans are encouraged to tune in, whether through traditional broadcasting or digital streaming, to witness the unfolding drama of the 2025 season as it intensifies.