NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Report - Gateway
September 12, 2026
Enjoy Illinois 300
Madison, Illinois – September 12, 2026
Joey Logano, driver, No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse - 1st
Ryan Blaney, driver, No. 12 Menards/Atlas Ford Mustang Dark Horse - 3rd
Austin Cindric, driver, No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang Dark Horse - 13th
GATEWAY GAINS: Team Penske enters Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway looking to continue its strong history at the 1.25-mile oval outside St. Louis. Joey Logano emerged as the pole winner in Saturday's qualifying session and will lead the field to green. In four Cup Series races at the facility, Team Penske has earned two victories while consistently placing its cars near the front of the field.
Logano has been one of the most consistent drivers at World Wide Technology Raceway since the Cup Series debuted at the track in 2022. Logano won the inaugural event and is the only driver to record a top-five and top-10 finish in each of the four Cup Series races at the facility. The driver of the No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse also enters the weekend with momentum after earning two victories over the last seven races.
Ryan Blaney has also produced consistent results at World Wide Technology Raceway, finishing sixth or better in three of his four starts. Blaney has maintained an average running position of eighth or better in each of the four races at the track. The No. 12 team has already found success this season at tracks with characteristics comparable to Gateway, earning victories at Phoenix Raceway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Austin Cindric delivered Team Penske its second World Wide Technology Raceway victory in 2024 and has finished inside the top 20 in all four of his Cup Series starts at the track. The driver of the No. 2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse owns an average finish of 11th at the facility.
UP NEXT: Sunday's green flag at WWTR is set to fly just after 3 p.m. ET with coverage on USA, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.