World Wide Technology has announced its naming rights deal for WWT Raceway has been extended for five-years as the region gears up for the third NASCAR Series Enjoy Illinois 300 racing weekend which begins on Friday.
“Our partnership is deeply rooted in World Wide Technology’s and the Steward Family’s commitment to community. It reflects the company’s innovative approach to technology, which aligns so well with the science of motorsports and racing,” said Curtis Francois, WWTR owner and CEO.
“The last five years are a blur of big wins, thousands of new fans, new technology, more diversity in the stands and on the track, and significant economic impact in the communities around us who so need it.”
Enjoy Illinois 300 drew more than 57,000 for the main event last year and thousands for weekend festivities ahead of the big race.
In April, NASCAR President Steve Phelps said at WWT Headquarters that David Steward Sr., founder and chair of World Wide Technology, has a commitment to diversity and inclusion which is shared by the family-owned racing organization.
“We are fundamentally a different sport than we were in 2019. We needed to make changes,” said Phelps.
“With our partners like David Steward and (NASCAR owners) the France family we did change.
“From May to June, following the death of George Floyd, we took a stance on social justice. Ten days later we banned the Confederate flag. Some asked ‘what are you doing? That isn’t your core fan base [wants’]
“People called it courageous. It was a business decision. Did it make me sleep better? Yes.”
Phelps said he and NASCAR’s goal at the start of each year “is to get more diverse and get younger.’
He called Black driver Bubba Wallace “a flag bearer” for the sports diversity effort.
After a rope that looked curiously like a noose was found in his garage in Talladega, Wallace responded with class.
“It was hard for Bubba in 2020. It was difficult and he handled it with grace. Bubba Wallace is a winner.
Wallace will race here this weekend and will be making several promotional appearances in the East St. Louis area.
Phelps added that NASCAR are more than its drivers and its fans.
“Do people of color want to work in NASCAR? Do young people want to work with us now? Yes, they do,” he said.
“We are caring. We are welcoming.”
