Bommarito Automotive Group 500 *
Presented by Valvoline * & Axalta *
World Wide Technology Raceway * at Gateway, Madison, IL
August 23-24, 2019
Round #15
GENERAL INFO – This track was formerly known as Gateway Motorsports Park. It is about 5 minutes east from downtown St. Louis. The facility is physically located in Madison, Illinois, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. IndyCar returned to this 1.25-mile oval in 2017, making it the newest oval on the 2019 schedule. This event is the final oval race of the 2019 season. Similar to Texas, the race will begin in early evening and finish up in the dark. Exciting to watch racing under the lights!
Plenty of hotels are available in the St. Louis area, including some on the Illinois side, which may be less expensive. St. Louis is the largest city in Missouri. The city is a great tourist destination, so try and plan time to enjoy the city while visiting. A trip to the stainless-steel Gateway Arch, located on the banks of the Mississippi River is a must see. St. Louis was a crucial destination in pioneer days, known as the ‘Gateway To The West’.
IndyCar will share the track and the weekend with Indy Lights, Indy Pro 2000, K & N Pro Series and the Vintage Indy Registry group. A just-announced treat for Indy fans, retired announcer Bob Jenkins will be broadcasting as the chief announcer for the track.
The Vintage Indy Registry group’s mission is to preserve the race cars and history of the Indianapolis type race (champ) cars. They focus on cars from 1911 thru 1997. All open wheel racers from the past. If you’re a veteran fan, brings back tons of memories. If you’re a fresh fan, you will see the stark differences from cars over a century old, thru the skinny tires, riding mechanics, roadsters after WWII to the rear engine transformation, turbines and radical design changes. Always a treat when they are on the track and in the garage area.
Driver of Car #5, James Hinchcliffe will host a Red Cross Blood drive on Friday, 8/23 at the Drag Strip Tower. Hours are 11 am to 6 pm. If you donate blood, you will receive a free ticket to qualifying, complimentary parking for qualifying and a paddock pass, all for Friday. All donors will be entered in a drawing for Hinchcliffe autographed merchandise.
There is NO smoking in the grandstands. There are designated smoking areas available on the concourse, well-marked. No strollers are allowed in the grandstand. Bring a way to secure them while you enjoy the grandstand views. Parking can be an issue, get a parking permit when you purchase your grandstand tickets before going to the race. Same with ADA parking permits. Not as much walking at this facility as others, but still wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Temperature swings can be an issue, sizzling hot or chilly and maybe wet, come prepared. Seating will be hard bleacher type, so bring a cushion if you desire. There is a pedestrian tunnel near the 4th turn. Pretty good walk from many of the grandstand areas. Infield isn’t particularly noted for fan comfort. You can bring in a soft sided cooler, no larger than 14”x14”x14” and an additional carry-in item. No alcohol allowed in. Bring binoculars, scanners, camera and seat cushions. All items brought in are subject to security screening.
A WORD FROM THE SPONSORS:
* Bommarito Automotive 500 Group in the St. Louis area offering 12,000 vehicles for sale. They are Missouri’s #1 automotive dealer group since 1971.
* Valvoline is a petroleum-based business that produces motor oil and a variety of auto products since 1866.
* Axalta Coating Systems develops and manufactures coatings for light and commercial vehicles, industrial and refinish applications. Axalta has more than 13,000 employees, more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries.
* World Wide Technology is a technology service provider founded in July 1990. They provide technology and supply chain services with a focus on the enterprise commercial, public and telecom service sectors. The company offers planning, procurement and deployment of information technology products and solution selling. Their headquarters are in Missouri.
SPECIFIC LOCATION – 700 Raceway BL, Madison, IL 62060. Central Time Zone. Track general information number is 1-618-215-8888.
TRACK WEBSITE – WWTraceway.com
TRACK CONFIGURATION – 1.25 paved oval
PREFERRED AIRPORT – Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL).
PARKING – The track has some parking. Familiarize yourself with the track’s website before purchasing tickets and it is highly suggested to purchase a parking permit at the same time. Some ADA parking is available, you must purchase a parking permit. With ADA parking, make sure to bring your government issued placard or license plate.
CREDENTIALS – Credentials are located outside of the track. Off State Highway 203 North, turn to the east at the Pilot gas station. Restaurant/bar called “Lug Nutz” is where the credential office is located. The business is near the parking lot with Pilot.
ENTRY POINTS – Major entrance is located off Interstate 55 at Highway 203 North. Will call is located at this entrance, for tickets and prepaid parking.
PROHIBITED ITEMS – No alcohol. No firearms, fireworks, bicycles, scooters or skateboards. Leave at home glass containers, umbrellas, folding chairs, laser points. Service animals are allowed, pets are not. No aerosol cans, balloons, beach balls, sticks, bats, poles or clubs. All items are subject to search before entering the gate. Items not allowed in will be forfeited. Leave them at home or in the car!
TICKET INFO – Tickets are available online or by calling 1-800-293-5949. Highly recommended to purchase as early as possible. All tickets are nonrefundable. A limited amount of ADA seating is available. Check out website at WWTraceway.com to research and purchase tickets. If you are leaving the track, make sure to get your hand stamped. Hand-stamp and ticket are required for re-entry. Will call is located outside the track across from the Main Entrance. Parking permits will also be located there.
Also, don't forget about their ticket deal for INDYCARNation members: Get 20% off of Red Reserved or General Admission tickets using promo code ICN500. Here's the direct link to their race day tickets with the promo code entry - type ICN500 in the promo code, and get your discount. (* Note: the offer is not valid on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other offers. So - if you're still on the fence about making the trip, perhaps their ticket discount is enough to coerce you into making a solid weekend trip.)
CAMPING – Some camping is available at the track. Call the ticket number at 1-800-293-5949 for clarification and prices.
QUESTIONS? – WWTraceway.com
Judy Bickel, IndyCar Nation member