Last time out, Chase Briscoe punched his ticket to the second round of the NASCAR playoffs with a win at Darlington Raceway. Now, NASCAR heads to World Wide Technology Raceway for the 2025 Enjoy Illinois 300.<\/p>\n
Can another playoff driver punch their ticket to the second round in the shadow of the Gateway Arch? Let\u2019s dive into the race and the playoff picture.<\/p>\n
This week at World Wide Technology Raceway, we only have the 36 full-time teams.<\/p>\n
\nReady for more explosive action at @WWTRaceway<\/a>. \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/FwuY0fJkYa<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 4, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The racing at WWT Raceway is similar to a short track, though it comes in at 1.250 miles in length. Unfortunately, this means the racing has suffered from the NextGen car. Track position is going to be extremely important as passing will be exceedingly difficult.<\/p>\n
Playoff Picture Heading into Gateway<\/p>\n
As mentioned above, Chase Briscoe advances to the second round courtesy of his win at Darlington. 15 other drivers hope to join Briscoe in the Round of 12, but only 11 spots remain. Let\u2019s take a look at the standings.<\/p>\n
\n
- Chase Briscoe \u2013 One Win<\/li>\n
- Denny Hamlin +43<\/li>\n
- Kyle Larson +38<\/li>\n
- Tyler Reddick +35<\/li>\n
- Bubba Wallace +25<\/li>\n
- William Byron +25<\/li>\n
- Ryan Blaney +22<\/li>\n
- Ross Chastain +21<\/li>\n
- Austin Cindric +12<\/li>\n
- Christopher Bell +11<\/li>\n
- Chase Elliott +9<\/li>\n
- Shane Van Gisbergen +3<\/li>\n
- Joey Logano -3<\/li>\n
- Austin Dillon -8<\/li>\n
- Alex Bowman -19<\/li>\n
- Josh Berry -19<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Unfortunately for Austin Dillon and Josh Berry, I believe that without incidents for drivers ahead of them in the standings, both are likely to be eliminated. Bowman is likely also headed out after the first round. I believe Joey Logano will claw his way forward, pushing SVG below the cutline as the fourth driver eliminated.<\/p>\n
2025 Enjoy Illinois 300 Race Predictions<\/p>\n
As mentioned above, Sunday\u2019s race is going to feature a lot of difficulty passing. With that in mind, qualifying is going to be extremely important. Last year, the Penske Cars dominated a lot of the race with Austin Cindric eventually making his way to Victory Lane. I expect Cindric, Blaney, and Logano to all compete for the win here.<\/p>\n
\nHe knows a thing or two about winning in big moments. \ud83d\ude0f<\/p>\n
Another @WWTRaceway<\/a> performance like this one could spark @joeylogano<\/a>‘s title defense. pic.twitter.com\/QialHcpqEC<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 4, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Given how well qualifying has gone for Chase Briscoe, I also think he has a good chance to start up front and maintain position.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, though, I think Ryan Blaney gets it done after getting his heartbroken at WWT Raceway last year. Blaney wins and advances.<\/p>\n
Check out the schedule below so you don\u2019t miss any on-track action.<\/p>\n
Saturday 09\/06<\/p>\n
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying \u2013 2:00 p.m. CT on the CW App<\/p>\n
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying \u2013 4:40 p.m. CT on TruTV<\/p>\n
Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog (NASCAR Xfinity Series) \u2013 6:30 p.m. CT on the CW<\/p>\n
Sunday 09\/07<\/p>\n
Enjoy Illinois 300 (NASCAR Cup Series) \u2013 2:00 p.m. CT on USA and HBO Max<\/p>\n
Stay locked into\u00a0Apollo<\/a>\u00a0for more NASCAR and F1 coverage throughout the racing season! Follow\u00a0@CoachJayArnold<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0@ApolloHOU<\/a>\u00a0on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest and check out our Instagram \u2013\u00a0Apollo NASCAR<\/a>!<\/p>\n