Event Guide: Bommarito Automotive Group 500

IndyCar returns to the St. Louis area this August for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway. The NTT IndyCar Series event is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday, Aug. 20 and will serve as one of the final rounds of the season before the Grand Prix of Monterey crowns the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series champion on Sunday, Sept. 11.

For venue details, seating options, and upcoming motorsports at the track, explore the World Wide Technology Raceway venue guide.

Race weekend schedule

The Fan Walk begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 19 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Enjoy the Vintage Indy Session, Indy Pro 2000 and practice sessions throughout the day as the track prepares to host Coors Light Pole Night. That portion of the event includes USAC Silver Crown Qualifying, Indy Lights Qualifying, NTT IndyCar Series Qualifying. The USAC Silver Crown – Gateway 100 rounds out the festivities with a 100-mile, 80-lap race featuring the Champ Cars.

Gates open at 8 a.m on Sunday with the Indy Pro 2000 Race scheduled for 2:15 p.m. and Indy Lights Race at 3:15 p.m. Once the track is cleared, driver introductions will begin for the NTT IndyCar Series Bommarito Automotive Group 500.

Note: The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 is typically a 260 lap sprint on WWTR’s 1.25 mile oval (World Wide Technology Raceway confirms the 1.25-mile oval layout). In recent seasons it has often run under the lights, which changes track grip and strategy compared to daytime conditions.

Where to buy tickets

Compare seat types and pricing on the Bommarito 500 tickets page from TicketSmarter.
Ready for race day: purchase Saturday Bommarito 500 tickets.
Make it a full weekend with the 2 Day Pass.

Tip: Fans often arrive 2 to 3 hours early to ease parking and enjoy the midway, music stages, and autograph sessions when available. For typical session order and Fan Walk timing, refer to detailed weekend schedules and previews that outline practice, qualifying, and support-series timing (SpeedwayMedia’s Bommarito preview includes a full weekend schedule).

History of the race

This is the sixth annual race since World Wide Technology Raceway returned to the IndyCar schedule in 2017. Josef Newgarden won the inaugural Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in 2017, edging Scott Dixon by 0.6850 seconds. It was Newgarden’s fourth IndyCar victory of the season and third in four races. Will Power, who set the IndyCar Single-Lap track record in 2017, came back to win in 2018. Then, Takuma Sato won in 2019, but Newgarden returned to the top winning both the 2020 and 2021 races. Recent winners include Newgarden (2017, 2020, 2021), Will Power (2018) and Takuma Sato (2019) (INDYCAR’s official event page lists the race format and recent winners).

Prior to 2017, Gateway Motorsports Park did host the CART World Series from 1997 to 2000 and the IndyCar Series from 2001 to 2003. Previous IndyCar races were run under the moniker Gateway Indy 250. The facility rebranded from Gateway Motorsports Park to World Wide Technology Raceway, reflecting venue upgrades and a new era for the St. Louis track (WWTR’s announcement covers the name change and track history).

Since the return, the event has produced intense short oval battles, including editions with more than a dozen leaders and hundreds of on track passes. Night race conditions at WWTR often reward teams that adapt quickly as temperatures fall.

Drivers to watch

Newgarden, who we mentioned above, recorded his first victory of the season in a photo finish edging teammate Scott McLaughlin in the XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway. The XPEL 375 was the first oval race of the season. He also won the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America and Hy-VeeDeals.com 250. Iowa Speedway, which hosts the Hy-VeeDeals.com 250, is the other short oval on the calendar. McLaughlin also has multiple victories this season, having won the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in February and Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in early July.

Other NTT IndyCar winners this season include familiar faces like Scott Dixon, who has three runner-up finishes at WWT Raceway and 2018 champion Power. Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson and Pato O’Ward, who won the second race at Iowa, are other drivers to watch.

Planning your fan day

Arrivals and parking: Plan to arrive 2 to 3 hours early on main race day. Check your parking pass details and gate times.
Seating and upgrades: General admission and reserved tiers vary by year. Some weekends offer paddock or premium pit access for closer views of teams and cars.
Family-friendly stops: Look for family zones, kids activities, and vintage car displays when scheduled.
Essentials: Bring sunscreen, hydration, and ear protection. Review permitted items and re entry policies before you go.
Explore the venue: Review seating and future events at the World Wide Technology Raceway page.

More racing to explore

Browse the full IndyCar Series schedule and tickets.
Shop broader auto racing events and tickets.
Get more WWTR context with this Enjoy Illinois 300 event preview.

FAQ: Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway

What should I know before attending the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 weekend

The Bommarito 500 is a 260 lap race on a 1.25 mile oval that often runs in the evening. Plan for changing conditions after sunset, arrive early for parking, and consider upgrades like paddock access when available. You can secure seats and compare options on TicketSmarter’s Bommarito 500 tickets page.

How does the weekend schedule typically run, including practice and qualifying

A common flow includes a Friday fan walk with practice, support series sessions, and Coors Light Pole Night qualifying for multiple divisions. Race day features support races, pre race ceremonies, and the IndyCar main event. Always verify final times on your ticket or the event page, then purchase the pass that fits your plan through TicketSmarter.

What ticket types and upgrades are available

TicketSmarter offers general admission, reserved seating, and multi day options like a 2 Day Pass. Some years include paddock or premium pit access for closer views of teams and driver intros. Visit the venue page for seating context and event details.

How do support series like Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights fit into the event

Support series typically run practice, qualifying, and feature races across the weekend, building toward Pole Night and the IndyCar main event. TicketSmarter’s listings indicate which sessions are included with each ticket so you can see more track time.

Which drivers have historically performed well at WWTR

Josef Newgarden has multiple wins at WWTR, with contenders like Scott Dixon, Will Power, and Takuma Sato also showing strong form on the short oval. Keep an eye on oval specialists and teams that adapt quickly to night conditions. You can follow the series and get tickets for other rounds via the IndyCar Series hub.

What makes World Wide Technology Raceway a challenging short oval

WWTR’s 1.25 mile layout blends heavy braking zones with varying corner radii, which rewards precision and tire management; the track’s asymmetric tri oval design and differing turn banking create an extra challenge for setup and tire wear (WWTR details the layout and asymmetric turns in its track history). Cooler night temperatures can alter balance and grip, making in race adjustments and strategy critical.

Are there family activities or festival elements during the weekend

Many editions feature live music, fan zones, autograph sessions, and vintage car displays. Check your race weekend details and arrive early to explore. TicketSmarter listings will note multi day access and any special experiences attached to your ticket.

Where can I buy Saturday tickets right now

You can secure Saturday Bommarito 500 tickets or review all options on the Bommarito 500 page.

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Author: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Updated: 2026-01-17
About the author: TicketSmarter’s motorsports editors cover IndyCar, NASCAR, and major short oval events with on site insights and fan focused guides to help readers plan race weekends and find the right tickets through TicketSmarter.