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More than one thousand Cougars will fill the stands at the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students and alumni will join race fans for an exciting, televised NASCAR race, while the University’s School of Engineering (SOE), STEM Center, Alumni Association and enrollment team greet visitors on the Raceway’s STEM Lane. SIUE is a sponsor of the Infield Main Stage presenting music artists Dasha and Old Dominion set to headline the post-race Confluence Music Festival. All events take place on September 12 and 13 at Worldwide Technology Raceway.

“There is nothing quite like the energy and excitement of NASCAR, and our enrollment team is thrilled to be right in the heart of the action at the Enjoy Illinois 300,” Kevin Wathen, EdD, Interim Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. “With thousands of race fans passing by, we will have a tremendous opportunity to reconnect with alumni, engage with current students and their families, and meet prospective students who may become future Cougars. It is a great setting to show our Cougar pride and share everything SIUE has to offer.

"We are excited to bring so many members of the SIUE community together at World Wide Technology Raceway,” Cathy Taylor, Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations. “This is a unique opportunity for our newest Cougars, alumni and friends to share an experience beyond campus, make connections and simply have a great day together. We are grateful for our partnership with World Wide Technology Raceway and their support in helping us create memorable opportunities like this for the SIUE community."

"For our newest Cougars, moments like the Enjoy Illinois 300 are exactly what we hope a Cougar experience includes,” said Miriam Roccia, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. “It’s a chance to step outside the classroom and discover everything the Metro East has to offer, right in our own backyard. These are the shared experiences that turn new students into lifelong Cougars and connect our alumni back to the place that shaped them."

In 2025, Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, stood high above the starting gate to wave the green flag for a race with nearly 500 students in attendance. This year, SIUE’s partnership with World Wide Technology continues to deliver a weekend of racing fun while highlighting the innovation, creativity and technology programs that an SIUE education provides.

"We are looking forward to connecting with race fans of all ages as we lead STEM Lane this year! We have several community partners each bringing engaging activities to help explain some of the science involved in NASCAR," said Emily Wannocott-Stanley, Program Coordinator for Community Outreach at the STEM Center.

SOE students will showcase all three racing teams with their Solar Car, Cougar Baja and Formula SAE on public display.

“We are thrilled to exhibit what the SIUE Solar Racing Team has accomplished and connect with others through STEM. This event is an incredible way to promote STEM and showcase the amazing talent at SIUE,” said Preston Wikoff, Solar Racing Team president and a sophomore in mechatronics and robotics engineering.

“The Cougar Baja team here at SIUE is incredibly excited to participate in this event and meet the car enthusiasts who keep our sport alive! It's always a great time letting kids climb around pretending to drive our race car,” said Connor Ray, Cougar Baja president and a senior mechanical engineering student. “We hope to convince everyone how great STEM is and the opportunities available to them at universities like SIUE.”

“We’re really excited to be part of NASCAR weekend and have the chance to showcase our Formula SAE team. It’s a great opportunity for us to represent SIUE, show people what we’ve been working on, and meet others who share the same passion for engineering and racing,” said Ashton Schepers, a senior in mechanical engineering and also the president of Cougar Formula Racing.

The weekend begins with a day of fan events beginning Friday, September 11, followed by two days of races. The 2026 Enjoy Illinois 300 will broadcast live on the USA Network on Sunday, September 13, starting at 2 p.m. CT. Visit the World Wide Technology Raceway information page for a full event schedule.

PHOTOS: Cougars attend 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT World Wide Technology Raceway; Cougar Baja team on Raceway’s STEM Lane