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Over the last few years, NASCAR has really made a big effort into going to new markets and new tracks, trying to attract new fans. Some were scheduled, others by necessity. Places like the Daytona road course got introduced due to regulations keeping sporting events from happening in certain states during the pandemic.
But, for the most part, the tracks that came on the schedule were introduced to Cup competition to give new life to the series.
It’s not very often that a track that has been part of NASCAR in years past, after many years, gets a chance to host the Cup Series after so many years of hosting the second and third-tier series.
That is what NASCAR is doing this afternoon, a new track to Cup, but a very familiar track to some. World Wide Technology Speedway is hosting Cup competition, but for many folks, this place is forever known as Gateway. Although it is considered the track that is more relatable to the St. Louis area, it is in reality one state over in Illinois. It could be beneficial to both states in the long run, especially considering the state of Illinois has not hosted NASCAR for a while after taking Chicagoland off the schedule.
No one truly knows what to expect, especially since some of the top drivers have never been here.
You add in a new car that has the capability to be unpredictable, a tight race track with little banking in either end much like Martinsville or New Hampshire, and it’s a race that could be one to bring on a surprise winner. That has already been the case this season, with 75 percent of the playoff field set, and just over three months away until the actual playoff run begins.
I just wish, since Gateway is considered the track closest to the St. Louis area, that they would have an honorary pace truck, like they did back in 2020 when President Donald Trump had his motorcade be the lead car. Although from the apron instead of on the track. It would be only fitting to see the honorary pace vehicle be Bigfoot #1, but sadly it’s not available.
One can dream, right?
But, it is a new track for Cup, and that means a new audience and a new opportunity for success. So, we now can dust off Gateway, and crown an inaugural winner. That’s something we can only do once this season, and it will be one to certainly remember.
