Episode 2: Curtis Francois, CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway

Curtis Francois is the owner of World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), located east of downtown St. Louis in Madison, Illinois. A lifelong St. Louisan, real estate developer and former professional racecar driver, Curtis is dedicated to making the metropolitan St. Louis region a premier racing destination.

Curtis purchased the racetrack in 2011, investing millions of dollars into renovations and repairs. Today, the track hosts NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR Series and the NHRA Midwest Nationals, as well as over 300 other event days. WWTR was recently awarded a coveted NASCAR Cup Series race, which will take place on June 5, 2022. WWTR is the only venue in the U.S. to host the elite series from each of the three major race sanctioning bodies.

Curtis is committed to community engagement. The track has a continued partnership with Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center. The partnership with JJK focuses on motorsports curriculum and has included visits to the center with guest speakers, race cars, activities and challenges.

Curtis’ dedication to making racing more diverse is shared with World Wide Technology Founder and Chairman Dave Steward. Curtis shares with Dave a desire to continue to develop STEM initiatives, technological enhancements for fan experience, and community outreach and diversity.

WWTR’s charitable foundation, Raceway Gives, serves as a community asset, technology showcase and singular motorsports crown jewel that focuses on STEM education and diversity. It seeks to create a larger STEM footprint by bringing an expanded and unique curriculum to a youthful and diverse potential fan base and their families.

Most recently, Curtis received the 2021 Comcast Community Champion Award and the Missouri Athletic Club Jack Buck Award. He has also earned the 2018 Innovator Award from Explore St. Louis in recognition of his work in restoring the raceway to prominence. In 2020, WWTR was the recipient of NASCAR’s “Drive for Diversity” Award, which showcased its commitment to opening the world of motorsports to everyone, regardless of race.

Curtis graduated from Westminster Christian Academy in 1982 and is currently the school’s board chairman. He attended University of Missouri while owning and operating an auto dealership. He is one of the founding owners of Dent Wizard. Curtis serves on many civic boards including the Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Madison County, the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, the St. Louis Regional Chamber and the St. Louis Sports Commission.