The following is a statement from Cory Jobe, President & CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau
**Media Interviews Available by Request**

“We want to commend Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Office of Tourism for their support and investment in the aptly named “Enjoy Illinois 300” NASCAR Cup Race when it debuts at World Wide Technology Raceway the first weekend in June.

“World Wide Technology Raceway is an economic engine for Madison County – not only during race weekends but throughout the entire year. In a recent report conducted by Tourism Economics and Sports Tourism EPA, it was revealed that the sports tourism industry accounts for over $45 billion of direct spend economic impact nationally, and generates over $14.5 billion of tax revenue, nearly $7 billion accrued by state and local governments. In addition to the significant direct financial impact, these sporting events become a source of civic pride and improve the quality of life locally with improved infrastructure and business recruitment and retention.

“We have the perfect location in Great Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois for outdoor recreation and sports tourism. Easy access by car; competitive pricing; safe and secure communities and facilities; open spaces filled with hiking and biking as far as the eye can see.

“Sports tourism is an economic driver for Madison County and all of us at Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau look forward to working with the raceway to develop additional sports tourism products.”

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(The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is a certified Destination Marketing Organization serving Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin, Montgomery and Greene counties. The bureau is dedicated to educating visitors about the region by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels.)