World Wide Technology Raceway
Start those engines! Action, camping, and entertainment await RV-goers at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. It’s time to go!
Event information
World Wide Technology Raceway, at 2031 Collinsville Road, Fairmont City, Illinois, is an excellent racing facility. Just five minutes from downtown St. Louis, it’s in the center of all the action while contributing to it at the same time.
World Wide Technology Raceway, formerly known as Gateway International Raceway and Gateway Motorsports Park, has been around since 1967. It held its first major event in the late 1990s and has also played host to IndyCar and NASCAR series.
The raceway has had its ups and downs, including closure and two name changes. Now, however, it’s a standout facility and one that can play host to nearly 80,000 spectators at any one time. The grandstands are rarely empty for headline events, and thousands of campers make their way to Illinois to make use of their camping facilities. Infield, general, Nitro Farm, and tier 1 camping are all popular options for RV-goers.
Those who visit Illinois for a trip to the World Wide Technology Raceway also get to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. The track is conveniently close to both Horseshoe Lake and the Mississippi River, and there are plenty of tourist attractions to pique your curiosity. During your stay at the race track, you may find it difficult not to also take a trip to the St. Louis Zoo, City Museum, or Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.
Without further ado, it’s time to dust off the RV, grab the family, and start the trip to Fairmont City, Illinois.
Tickets
Before you pack your suitcase and organize time off work, make sure you’ve booked your tickets to your event of choice. You can do so from the organizer’s website, with different event advertising leading you from the main track website to third-party sites. The World Wide Technology Raceway offers additional information on schedules, pricing, and specific events. Your ticket covers general admission, but parking and camping may be extra.
Explore World Wide Technology Raceway RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
In the past, traffic flow has been a problem for those trying to make their way to the racetrack. It’s far better now with recent improvements, but drivers should put their concentration hats on to make sure they arrive at the World Wide Technology Raceway safely.
Highways I-55, I-70, and the Stan Musial Veteran’s Memorial Bridge may be the most direct route to the race track, with all visitors encouraged to enter the venue from Collinsville Road to the Dirtplex entry gate. From here, the parking staff will collect a fee and direct you to where you need to be.
Parking areas
General parking is available via Collinsville Road, as well as single-day RV parking with no overnight privileges. Single-day parking has been costly in the past, so you may like to consider camping onsite for the duration of the event or arrange public transport to and from the venue daily. If you are camping at World Wide Technology Raceway, you can enter via Gate 2 at Collinsville Road and make your way to either general camping, infield camping, Nitro Farm, or tier 1 camping areas, depending on what you have organized.
Public Transportation
Even though thousands of new parking spaces were created at the race track, it’s not always that convenient for RV-goers to make their way to the venue every day. If you are not camping onsite, you’ll need to make use of public transportation.
In past years, there has been a race track shuttle service that runs from the Fairview Heights MetroLink Station to the race track before and after the racing action for headline events. Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi or private ride service to or from the raceway.
Where to stay
Onsite
Onsite camping is a wonderful option for families looking to break away from the hustle and bustle. There is a general camping area, Nitro Farm camping, tier 1 camping, and infield camping. There are no service hookups at any of these spots, but you are welcome to use your charcoal or propane grill.
There are "no pets" and "no motorized vehicle" policies in these campsites, which means you may need to arrange for someone to look after Fido and your golf cart before you hit the road.
RV spots are limited to 15 x 50 feet, with a height restriction of 18 feet. RVs must also be fully self-contained, and with tags to show officials that you paid your camping fee at the gate.
Nearby
If you would prefer the convenience of service hookups, or you want a little more freedom to come and go as you please, then why not stay at one of the many other local campgrounds in the area? Within an hour’s drive of the race track, there are half a dozen or more campgrounds, mobile home estates, and campgrounds that welcome RV-goers. You can then see more of what the city has to offer.
Getting around
Even though you won’t be able to use private motorized vehicles, bicycles, or scooters around the race track, you won’t have to worry about weary feet. You can hire golf carts in advance of headline events. The natural layout of the track also means you can get to where you need to be quite quickly. The grandstand is central to the action, and parking lies on the outskirts of the track. There is also a well-appointed hospitality area to grab a bite to eat and take a rest.
What to pack
Clothing
What you pack for your trip to Illinois can depend on the time of year and the event you attend. NASCAR, for example, has often been held in June. June in Illinois is shorts and t-shirt weather. To be on the safe side, pack plenty of breathable layers that you can remove or add to, as well as comfortable footwear. There’s also no harm in popping a few wet weather items in the RV for good measure.
Gear
As you pack your RV to get ready to leave, don’t forget those few items that are going to make life a lot easier. You need to be fully self-contained, so fill your water tanks and empty your waste ones. Pack a soft-sided cooler, a camera, seat cushions, a scanner, binoculars, and plastic or aluminum cans and bottles.
Leave your alcohol, firearms, folding chairs, pets, noisemakers, laser pointers, and any dangerous or inconvenient items at home. You will also need something to cook on, so make sure you have plenty of gas in your RV kitchen or charcoal ready to tip into your grill. You can bring cash with you or use the ATM in the hospitality area near the infield.
Health & Safety
Always think about what you will need and won't be able to purchase after leaving home. Pack your medical supplies, prescription medication, and anything else you need to remain comfortable. Don’t forget toiletries, a personal first aid kit, and sun safety supplies either. There are restrooms at the track for your convenience.
Where to eat
Cooking
If plan to cook at the track, rather than purchasing all your goods pre-made, then you will be pleased to know you can haul out your charcoal grill. Propane gas cookers are also allowed, but fires are not. Before you head to the track, you can stock up on supplies at many of the nearby grocery stores, including one grocery store and convenience store within a seven-mile distance of the venue.
Restaurants
In Fairmont City, just minutes from the racetrack, are a range of different eateries to suit various palates. Try ethnic cuisine, fast food restaurants, and intimate establishments. There are even bars, grills, cafes, and buffets a short distance away. Whether you stop in the proximate Fairmont City or take a trip into St. Louis, you won’t be going hungry.
Vendors
Central to all camping and parking areas is the hospitality area. Here, you can withdraw cash then line up for your vendor of choice. You can expect all different kinds of treats, including deep-fried goods and refreshing beverages. Bring cash and a card if possible to avoid missing out on your first pick at the World Wide Technology Raceway.
Safety
Security
Security will be tight at the World Wide Technology Raceway. At all gates, track personnel will be making sure that spectators don’t bring in hard-sided coolers, large bags, alcohol, weapons, glass, or anything that could harm others. Take the time to put anything that could hold up the screening process in your RV before you make your way over to the racing action.
Weather
The coldest time of year in Fairmont City, Illinois, is, of course, winter. December, January, and February will reach temperatures no higher than 40, meaning you’re going to need to check the traffic reports before you hit the road to make sure there are no weather hold-ups. Many headline events are in June, July, and August, so you can expect temperatures around the mid-80s during this time of year.
Medical
If your personal first aid kit is not enough to take care of any accident or injury at the race track, then it might be time to take a trip into town. The nearest hospital is by Forest Park in St. Louis, around ten miles away from the track. You can also stock up on extra first-aid supplies at the pharmacy over the Mississippi River near The Gateway Arch, six miles away.
