BELLEVILLE, Ill. — 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 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.
