08/13/2026
NASCAR Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway Officially Launches Sept. 11 with Cup Time STL Short Track Classic III at Belle-Clair Speedway
BELLEVILLE, Ill. (Aug. 12, 2026) β The countdown to the 2026 NASCAR Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway officially begins on Friday, Sept. 11, when the Cup Time STL Short Track Classic III takes center stage at the new Belle-Clair Speedway.
The highly anticipated event marks the official kickoff to NASCAR Weekend festivities and brings an action-packed night of dirt track racing back to one of the region's most historic motorsports venues. Fans will be treated to competition featuring the KKM Midget Challenge, KKM/NARA Winged Micro Sprints, UMP DIRTcar Modifieds and the Gateway Vintage Racers.
The event will represent the second KKM Midget Challenge appearance at the new Belle-Clair Speedway, following the successful debut of the division during the facility's grand opening on Aug. 2. The winners from the debut weekend were Mike Harrison, Jacob Denney and Billy Lieb.
Among the notable competitors expected to participate are NASCAR legends Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader, two of the most recognizable names in Midwest motorsports. In addition to the racing action, numerous members of the NASCAR industry are expected to attend, make special appearances and participate in interviews throughout the evening, giving fans a unique opportunity to interact with personalities from the sport.
"This event is a perfect way to launch the 2026 NASCAR Weekend," said Chris Blair, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway Executive Promoter and EVP and GM of WWT Raceway. "Bringing together dirt track racing, NASCAR personalities, legendary drivers and the return of Friday night racing at Belle-Clair Speedway creates a special experience for race fans across the Midwest."
The Sept. 11 program also marks a historic milestone as the first-ever Friday night race at the newly reopened Belle-Clair Speedway, a venue that became synonymous with Friday night racing throughout generations of its storied history.
To commemorate the occasion, every attendee will receive a free, one-night-only "My Track Is Back" souvenir decal. Additionally, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway poster, available exclusively while supplies last.
Event Schedule
4:30 p.m. β Spectator Parking Opens
5:00 p.m. β Advance Purchase Spectator Gates Open
5:30 p.m. β Box Office / Day-of-Show Spectator Gates Open
6:00 p.m. β Practice Begins
6:30 p.m. β KKM Midget Group Qualifying
7:00 p.m. β Opening Ceremonies
Ticket Information
Tickets are on sale now.
Adults (Advance): $20
Kids Ages 6-12 (Advance): $10
Children 5 & Under: Free
Tickets can be purchased online at TIXR.com.
For complete event information, visit www.BelleClairSpeedway.com.
About the Cup Time STL Short Track Classic III
The Cup Time STL Short Track Classic III serves as the official kickoff event for the 2026 NASCAR Weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway, bringing together premier dirt-track competition, NASCAR personalities and motorsports fans for a celebration of racing heritage at the newly revitalized Belle-Clair Speedway.
About Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is a premier ΒΌ-mile dirt oval located within the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park complex in St. Clair County, Illinois. Owned by St. Clair County and opened on August 1, 2026, the speedway was developed as an economic tourism driver to attract visitors from across the region while generating positive economic impact for local businesses and communities.
Designed to host a diverse schedule of dirt track racing, concerts, festivals, and special events, the facility serves as a year-round destination for entertainment and community engagement. The speedway is leased and operated by Curtis Francois, with event promotion led by veteran motorsports executive Chris Blair and day-to-day operations managed by Toby Kruse.
As part of the historic Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park complex, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is committed to delivering high-quality events, supporting regional tourism, and enhancing St. Clair County's position as a leading destination for motorsports and live entertainment in the Midwest.
Media Contact:
Public Relations: [email protected]
Website: www.BelleClairSpeedway.com
Tickets: https://www.tixr.com/groups/belleclairspeedway/events/-cuptimestl-short-track-classic-199702
Get your Short Track Classic Tickets at Belle-Clair Speedway in Belleville by Belle-Clair Speedway from Tixr.
