the event, it was announced before the green flag of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 that the NTT IndyCar Series would be returning to the track for a renewed five-year contract. The 2021 edition also saw former F1 competitor Romain Grosjean make his first ever career oval track start. His debut attempt would result in a respectable 14th place finish in the Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing #51 Honda. On September 15, 2021, it was announced WWTR would be added to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for the very first time for the 2022 season. Five thousand ticket deposits were placed within the first 24 hours of the announcement. The inaugural event was secured into the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for June 5th, 2022. On March 14, 2022, the Illinois Office of Tourism was announced as the official sponsor of the event, naming the race the Enjoy Illinois 300. On June 1, 2022, WWT Raceway officially announced a capacity crowd sellout for the event, a first in track history. Soon after being awarded a NASCAR Cup Series date for the 2022 season, Francois remarked another $40 million worth of upgrades will be dedicated to the facility. One of the first enhancements was extending the Steel And Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers down a large length of the oval track's backstretch wall. A request by NASCAR, this improvement meant the originally constructed "bump out" fencing down the back straightaway would be replaced with a swing gate, making the backstretch wall continuous. Other upgrades include a complete modernization of the oval track tower's rooftop and suites, addition of infield camping sites, rejuvenated team areas, and remodeling of concession and midway spaces. The projects will occur in phases and are scheduled for completion by early 2025. At the conclusion of qualifying for the 2022 edition of the Bommarito 500, Will Power earned his 67th IndyCar pole position, tying him for most all-time with the iconic Mario Andretti. Josef Newgarden won the main event for a remarkable third time in a row—fourth time overall. Annual Events Current Events NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 (2022) NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Toyota 200 presented by CK Power (1998–2010, 2014–present) IndyCar Series Bommarito Automotive Group 500 (2001–2003, 2017–present) Indy Lights Mazda St. Louis Indy Lights Oval Challenge (1997–1998, 2000–2003, 2017–present) Indy Pro 2000 Championship St. Louis Pro Mazda Oval Challenge (2017–present) NHRA Camping World Drag