NASCAR will no longer provide attendance estimate: NASCAR will end its policy of providing estimated attendance figures in its race reports this season. Spokesman Kerry Tharp said tracks still will have the option of providing crowd estimates, but it will be their prerogative. "NASCAR's race reports generally becomes a box score for the media, and box scores from sporting events do not generally provide estimates," Tharp said. Of the 23 tracks that play host to races in NASCAR's premier series, 21 are owned by publicly traded companies such as International Speedway Corp. and Speedway Motorsports Inc. Officials with those tracks have said they don't provide attendance figures because they don't want to provide earnings guidance.(USA Today)(2-17-2013)

Race Track Seating Capacity / Attendence Chart Page
NOTE: NASCAR is not reporting track attendence starting in 2013

Most points wins by a driver for each 'active' race track - by track (total races):
Atlanta: Dale Earnhardt - 9 wins (105 races held)
Auto Club / California: Jimmie Johnson - 5 (24)
Bristol: Darrell Waltrip - 12 (105)
Charlotte: Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Jimmie Johnson - 6 (108)
Chicago: Tony Stewart - 3 (12)
Darlington: David Pearson - 10 (109)
Daytona: Richard Petty - 10 (132)
Dover: Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Jimmie Johnson - 7 (86)
Homestead: Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart - 3 (14)
Indianapolis: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson - 4 (19)
Kansas: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth - 2 (15)
Kentucky: Kyle Busch & Brad Keselowski - 1 (2)
Las Vegas: Jimmie Johnson - 4 (16)
Martinsville: Richard Petty, 15 (129)
Michigan: David Pearson - 9 (87)
New Hampshire: Jeff Burton - 4 (36)
Phoenix: Jimmie Johnson - 4 (34)
Pocono: Jeff Gordon - 6 (70)
Richmond: Richard Petty - 13 (114)
Sonoma: Jeff Gordon - 5 (24)
Talladega: Dale Earnhardt - 10 (87)
Texas: Carl Edwards - 3 (24)
Watkins Glen: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart - 4 (30)
(5-11-2013)

Tracks with the most Sprint Cup Points Races have been held:
Daytona International Speedway 132 races (since 1959)
Martinsville Speedway 129 (since 1949)
Richmond International Raceway 114 (since 1953)
Darlington Speedway 110 (since 1950) Charlotte Motor Speedway 108 (since 1960)
Atlanta Motor Speedway 105 (since 1960)
Bristol Motor Speedway 105 (since 1961)
North Wilkesboro Speedway, 93 [1949-1996]
Talladega Superspeedway, 88 (since 1969)
Michigan International Speedway, 87 (since 1969)
Dover International Speedway, 86 (since 1969)
(5-11-2013)

Track Drying System Info and News page

2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule

Bruton Smith could move fall race out of Charlotte: NASCAR mogul Bruton Smith says there is a strong possibility that he will move the Bank of America 500 out of Charlotte, NC. The Bank of America 500 is one of two annual races held at Smith's Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with May's Coca-Cola 600. The BoA 500 is held in October. "I know you're not gonna cut this one out, but I've been having some strong conversations about one of these events being moved," Smith told WBTV's Paul Cameron in an exclusive interview. "And Las Vegas is a great place - it's the entertainment capital of the world - and they want another event." In addition to owning the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the North Carolina native owns eight NASCAR tracks, including the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which host eleven NASCAR Sprint Cup events. The only Sprint Cup race that is currently held on the LVMS is the Kobalt Tools 400, which is held in early March. Smith says he's flown out to Vegas several times to talk about moving a Sprint Cup race to his track there. "They've made me offers to move one," Smith said. "But you can't just move the race though, doesn't NASCAR have to move it?" Cameron asked. "I know they would approve this," Smith responded. "And say the October race... Las Vegas. You're gonna get a lot of phone calls about this - I'm gonna predict that." Smith says the idea of moving to Vegas is not just a fishing expedition. "I've made two trips out to Vegas and it costs money to go out there. I know all the powers out there," he told WBTV. "I have a lot of friends in Las Vegas - I have businesses out there, I have six businesses in Las Vegas." The Charlotte Motor Speedway is based in Concord, North Carolina. Smith has been involved in legal fights with Cabarrus County for years over money he is owed. Smith says he initially kept the track there after a $80 million deal was presented to him, $60 million from Cabarrus County and another $20 million from the state. He says the county still hasn't come through with their end of the deal. When asked if he thought he could make more money at a race in Las Vegas versus having a race in Charlotte, Smith's answer was simple. "Yes, yes, yes. Oh yes," he said. "Plus, we're discussing a ten-year contract for a lot of money every year." Smith played a major role in getting NASCAR to move the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards from New York to Las Vegas five years ago. When it comes to a timeline on the potential move, Smith says this isn't a spur of the moment idea. "Oh, now there you're pinning me down. I don't know how soon, that's just, it's something that's been in the stages now for at least a year." So what's it going to take to move the race from Charlotte to Vegas? "When the game is over, it'll be money, money, money. Money will move it," Smith said. "I'd say [the chances] are about 70/30."(wbtv.com)(5-20-2013)

HLN News Anchor & Country Music Recording Artist Robin Meade to sing Coke 600 National Anthem: Robin Meade, host of HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade" has been added to a star-studded lineup that will join the largest Memorial Day weekend celebration in the country at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday. Meade, who is also a New York Times best-selling author and emerging country artist, will kick off the ultimate test of man and machine  NASCAR's only 600 mile contest  by performing the national anthem. Other celebrities scheduled to appear during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend include HISTORY's Rick Dale, of "American Restoration;" decorated veteran and No. 1 best-selling author Lt. Col. Oliver North; and Papa John's founder, John Schnatter. In addition, country music megastar and NBC's newest "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" winner, Trace Adkins, will perform a free concert for all Coca-Cola 600 ticket holders on Friday, May 24. Fans can get two frontstretch tickets to the Coca-Cola 600, with the best views of the world's largest HDTV and all the action on pit road, for just $99 when they purchase online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by phone at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-21-2013)

Stay the Entire Weekend and Camp at AMS: For the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 weekend, many race fans will flock to Atlanta Motor Speedway to fulfill their need for speed on the historic 1.54-mile speedway. But AMS wants its customers to take in more than just the race, and the perfect way to do that is with an array of camping options available for the Labor Day weekend date, Aug. 30-Sept. 1. AMS knows that campers come with many different situations and needs, whether it is a RV requiring full hook-ups, pop-up units or classic tent camping, the near 900-acres of property at the speedway will offer a fit for each person. A limited-number of infield camping spaces is currently available. Join fellow die-hard race fans in getting the full race weekend experience from inside the track. All practices, qualifying and race action can be viewed from your infield position, as well as socialize with your camping neighbors. Outside campgrounds open on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 8:00 a.m. allowing campers to enjoy the entire race week and build-up to race weekend for an affordable price. Infield and trackside camping will open on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 2:00 p.m. See a complete list of camping options and ticket options at atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(5-21-2013)

Great Clips Named Title Sponsor of NASCAR "Fast Friday" in Sonoma: Sonoma Raceway will kick off NASCAR's dynamic new two-day qualifying format with "Great Clips Fast Friday" at the 2013 Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sprint Cup Series event. Great Clips, the world's largest salon brand, will become title sponsor of this critical practice day on Friday, June 21, as NASCAR and the raceway unveil an exciting new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying procedure for Northern California race fans. This final timed practice session on Great Clips Fast Friday will lock in groups for qualifying on Saturday morning. In addition to becoming title sponsor of Fast Friday, Great Clips continues as the Official Hair Salon of Sonoma Raceway for the second consecutive year. Great Clips will also set up a mobile salon at the raceway during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and IZOD IndyCar® Series event weekends. Stylists from local salons will give haircuts for a suggested donation of just $10, with proceeds benefiting Speedway Children's Charities, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway. The one-year agreement also includes hospitality, signage and other assets during race weekend. Great Clips will also receive the right to use the Sonoma Raceway name and logo for promotional purposes.(Sonoma Raceway)(5-21-2013)

Pole Tix honor Earnhardt's 1993 sweep: Twenty years after NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt drove into the record books with an exhilarating sweep of both the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway is honoring the legendary driver's accomplishment with a limited edition LiftMaster Pole Night commemorative ticket. For just $20, Earnhardt fans and enthusiastic race historians can get their hands on this unique keepsake, which marks Earnhardt's memorable back-to-back wins at his hometown track. The tickets feature photos of Earnhardt with the trophies he earned at the 1993 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600. Earnhardt entered the 1993 All-Star race with two victories in the special event already in his possession. Danny Lawrence, who was then the team's assistant engine builder and second gasman, noted the environment created by the All-Star race was electrifying. "When (we pushed the car) around the corner (onto the frontstretch), it sounded like an earthquake (the way) people were roaring. It sent chills through your bones," Lawrence said. Earnhardt struggled with his car during the race's first two segments. However, when it came time for the race's 10-lap shootout, Earnhardt once again reigned supreme. After Earnhardt jumped the restart, NASCAR threw the yellow flag, lined up the cars again with Earnhardt still in second, and then threw the green flag. Earnhardt didn't jump the second restart. This time he passed Martin with slightly more than a lap remaining for the victory. "That was all him. Our car really wasn't that good," Lawrence said.
When it came time for the Coca-Cola 600, Earnhardt once again produced a phenomenal performance to win stock car racing's longest event for the third and final time. He shook off two penalties and came from a lap down on two occasions to become the first driver to win the Coca-Cola 600 at night. "What Dale Earnhardt was able to do was damn near impossible," said Danny "Chocolate" Myers, Earnhardt's long-time gasman who now co-hosts a show on XM-SIRIUS Satellite Radio. "It was through sheer dedication and determination that he was able to pull it off." Earnhardt's victory made him the first driver to claim two consecutive Coca-Cola 600 victories since Darrell Waltrip in 1988-89. And Earnhardt accomplished the feat with an event record of 145.504 mph, breaking the old one of 145.327 mph set by Richard Petty in a Dodge in May 1975. "Dale would tell us all the time, 'Boys, we're making history', but we never thought about it, Lawrence said. "It was neat to be able to go to any race you wanted to and you felt like you had a chance to win. When we had a bad day it was when we finished 12th. If we had a 12th-place car, he somehow would finish fifth. It was awfully neat to be working on that deal back then when he was so good. He wasn't happy unless he was winning. He was cool under pressure. He always thought if the race was still running he still had a chance of winning it. He never overdrove it; he never got in trouble. That's why he was the best."
Tickets to race events at Charlotte Motor Speedway are available through the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267)(CMS)(5-20-2013)

Possible Funding to expand Iowa Speedway, Cup race?: A major expansion of the Iowa Speedway in Newton, IA could hinge on whether state lawmakers approve $8 million in additional funding. State Representative Dan Kelley, a Newton Democrat, hopes to convince lawmakers to put public dollars behind the project. Thursday afternoon, Kelley said the Speedway wants to lure a Sprint Cup series race to town. To help those efforts, the Speedway would use the public money to expand its current 40,000 seat capability to up to 100,000, the crowd size the Sprint Cup series race could attract. Kelley said, "We're bringing a sports entity that is at its highest level to the state of Iowa. We have many sporting opportunities for fans in the state that are just wonderful. We have the I-Cubs, the Barnstormers, Iowa Hawkeye fans and Cyclone fans and so forth. This is the highest level of motorsport in the world. That's what we're fighting for today." Channel 13 has also learned if state lawmakers reach a deal on the extra funding for the Speedway that would also open up a potentially even bigger deal. Sources close to the deal say an outside group is interested in bringing even more dollars to the project to develop the area around the Speedway. Current Speedway owner and racing legend, Rusty Wallace, had plans to develop that area in the past but never pulled off the deal. Sources say this new outside group would have a better chance of accomplishing that goal. (whotv.com)(5-20-2013)

Country music group Gloriana to play free concert at Dover: Race fans will be treated to a very special pre-race event, as country music group Gloriana will play a free concert for fans in Victory Plaza the morning of the June 2 "FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The award-winning trio will also perform the National Anthem for the day's race. Singer-songwriter Sara Haze, whose music has been featured in television shows such as "Safe Haven" and "The Hills," will be the opening act for Gloriana's morning concert. NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway May 31-June 2, 2013 for the June 2 "FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the June 1 "5-hour ENERGY 200" NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the May 31 "Lucas Oil 200" NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.(Dover Intl Speedway)(5-20-2013)

Coca-Cola 600 officials and war hero's: A United States senator, a lieutenant governor and a military hero will lead race fans in the commencement of the nation's largest Memorial Day celebration as they serve as race officials for the 2013 Coca-Cola 600. Sgt. Aaron Causey will be Grand Marshal; U.S. Sen. Tim Scott will serve as Honorary Starter and Tennessee's Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey will serve as Honorary Race Director for the 54th running of NASCAR's only 600-mile race at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.
"It is our pleasure to welcome these distinguished elected officials, as well as a military hero to the 2013 Coca-Cola 600," said Lauren C. Steele, senior vice president, corporate affairs, Coca-Cola Consolidated. "It is exciting to have these state leaders to recognize America's servicemen and women at the largest Memorial Day celebration in the country. We are honored to have a true American hero announce those famous words: 'Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!'"
As race officials, Scott and Ramsey will be honored at a pre-race event, attend the official drivers meeting, address the crowd of more than 140,000 fans, participate in the pre-race spectacular and present the trophy to the winning driver in Victory Lane. As Grand Marshal, Causey will give the race command, while Scott will wave the green flag over the 43-car field to start NASCAR's most challenging race. As Honorary Race Director, Ramsey will ride in an official pace car.
Causey graduated from EOD school at Eglin Air Force Base in August 2001 and was then stationed in Aviano, Italy. He served in Iraq in 2004 along with many other international missions during his years in Aviano. In 2006, he left the Air Force to continue working in EOD, transferring to the Army. He deployed to Iraq 2006-08 out of Fort Stewart, Ga., then was stationed in Mannheim, Germany 2008-10. Later in 2010, he was stationed at Fort Drum, NY and deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011. On Sept. 7, 2011, he was performing dismounted operations in an attempt to disarm a suspected IED when one detonated under him. He ultimately lost both legs above the knees, two fingers, suffered broken arms and hand injuries, shrapnel wounds over most of his upper body, loss of tissue, and multiple other serious injuries. He lives with his wife of three years, Kat. After recovery is complete, they intend to stay in the DC-metro area and build a new life together.
Scott is a U.S. senator representing the great state of South Carolina. His goal is simple: to positively affect the lives of the American people. That path has taken him from a successful small businessman, to being elected to Charleston County Council, the South Carolina State House, the U.S. House of Representatives, and now the U.S Senate.
Ramsey is serving his fourth term as Lt. Governor of Tennessee. A small businessman himself, he has become a leading voice for economic growth in his state and region. He and his wife, Sindy, live in Blountville.
Continuing its tradition as the biggest Memorial Day Weekend celebration in America, the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will pay tribute to veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Welcome Home Our Troops Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will also include a performance of "I Will Give My All" by country music artist Jamie Tate and the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus, a bagpipe performance of "Amazing Grace" by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipe Band and "Taps" played by a Fort Bragg bugler. There will also be a 21-gun salute from the Fort Bragg Firing Squad.
Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-17-2013)

Indianapolis Motor Speedway reduces capacity by an estimated 10%: Since last year's Indianapolis 500, thousands of grandstand seats overlooking Turn 3 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway have been removed. Gone, too, are several rows of seats on the front straightaway, reducing capacity at the venerable venue by another couple of thousand. Those alterations follow the removal of the First Turn Terrace, a bleacher section that five years ago sat on the inside of Turn 1. It was torn down to extend the IMS road course. The result of the changes means the May 26 Indy 500 will have the smallest seating capacity since 2000, the last time the Speedway had a major makeover. In 2004, The Indianapolis Star inspected the world's largest sports facility and counted 257,325 seats. Today, that figure is at 235,000. That's an estimated 11,600 seats removed in the North and Northeast Vistas, 5,136 gone in the Turn 1 infield and the loss of the low-row seats. It adds up to nearly a 10 percent reduction in capacity, although IMS officials declined Wednesday to reveal the actual total, a closely guarded secret since Tony Hulman bought the facility in 1945.(Indianapolis Star)(5-16-2013)

Kentucky Speedway's First Top Cop Challenge to be Part of Police Memorial Week: Cincinnati Chief of Police James Craig is inviting officers from eight regional law enforcement agencies to compete for a ride in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts pace car by testing their stock car racing skills in Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) cars during the first Top Cop Challenge at Kentucky Speedway May 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Officers representing the City of Cincinnati, Butler Co., Ohio, Hamilton Co., Ohio, City of Florence, Ky., City of Lexington, Ky., Gallatin Co., Ky., Oldham Co. Ky., and the Kentucky State Police will open the Top Cop Challenge with a two-officer team competition that will ultimately determine three officers who will have the chance to become Top Cop.
Each team member will race six timed laps around the speedway's 1.5-mile tri-oval. The team which generates the fastest average during its session will be the Top Cop Challenge Team Champion. The winning team will be awarded tickets to the Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts and the Friday, June 28 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Feed The Children 300. Tickets will be distributed among needy families in the team's community. The highest-ranking officers from the quickest three teams will advance to a final round in which they will drive 10-lap segments. The officer with the fastest cumulative time will be crowned Top Cop. In addition to the pace car ride, the Top Cop will be recognized during Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts prerace ceremonies Saturday, June 29, and receive a one-year supplies of both Coca-Cola and Quaker State Motor Oil to be donated to the cause of their choice. The Top Cop Challenge is just one event that will remember fallen officers throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana during Police Memorial Week May 13-19. Fallen officers will be honored with a Police Memorial Parade that will begin May 17 at 11 a.m. at Fountain Square on Fifth Street and travers to the Cincinnati Police Memorial at the corner of Central Parkway and Ezzard Charles Drive.(Kentucky Speedway)(5-16-2013)

Fans bring millions in economic impact to Charlotte: It's difficult to overstate just how big the 10 Greatest Days in Racing are at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with fans from around the globe tuning in to watch NASCAR's best battle for up to $2 million at the Sprint All-Star Race and endure the season's toughest test of man and machine at the Coca-Cola 600. Dedicated fans from all 50 states and as far away as Queensland, Australia will travel to the heart of NASCAR country to take in all the excitement of back-to-back weekends at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Millions more will tune in as NASCAR is broadcast worldwide to more than 150 countries and in more than 20 different languages. Approximately 5,000 people work at the speedway during each NASCAR event weekend. In addition, with fans camping or staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants and visiting area attractions like the team race shops and NASCAR Hall of Fame, the economic impact to the region has been estimated at $250 million to $275 million. But the impact isn't just felt on race weekends. In 2012, more than 150 community groups and nonprofits partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway to assist in race operations, earning more than $600,000 for their respective groups throughout the year. During NASCAR event weekends last year, Speedway Children's Charities also generated funding to support 36 local nonprofit and charity groups.(CMS)(5-14-2013)

CMS, NCDOT and State Highway Patrol prepare fans for race week traffic: In preparation for the 10 Greatest Day in Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway May 17-26, speedway officials are making sure race fans and area residents are fully equipped to handle race day traffic by providing safe and efficient travel routes and information. With help from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the City of Concord, Charlotte Motor Speedway is working to ease travel for fans heading to and from the races. Here are tips from Charlotte Motor Speedway and NCDOT:
Best Routes
For motorists traveling from South Carolina:
Take I-77 North to the I-485 outer loop (Exit 1B) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
For motorists traveling from west of Charlotte:
Take I-85 North to I-485 (Exit 48) to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 (Exit 33). An alternate route is I-85 North to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South. Through traffic should remain in the left two lanes of I-85 North to avoid delays near Exit 49.
For motorists traveling from east of Charlotte:
Take the I-485 outer loop to U.S. 29 North (Exit 32) or N.C. 49 North (Exit 33).
For motorists traveling from north of Charlotte:
Take I-85 South to Poplar Tent Road (Exit 52) to Pitts School Road to U.S. 29 South.
Officials recommend motorists take the I-485 outer loop to N.C. 49 North, which is usually less congested than other suggested routes.
Commuters that use I-85 can expect delays beginning on Friday afternoon, May 17, and continuing Saturday May 18 as fans make their way to the speedway for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The following week, increased traffic is expected around the speedway May 23-26. Commuters should plan to adjust driving time, if possible, or use an alternate route.
NCDOT will utilize overhead message signs and portable message signs to alert motorists of problem areas and suggested alternate routes around incidents and congestion. The Department advises motorists to check for real time traffic information by calling 511 or by signing up for updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_charlotte.
Traffic maps are posted on Charlotte Motor Speedway's website at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/maps/.(CMS)(5-14-2013)

Daytona offers #88 package for July race: Daytona International Speedway will offer a special ticket package for the upcoming Sprint Cup Series event on Saturday night, July 6 at the "World Center of Racing" that includes a question and answer session with #88 National Guard driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. The #88 Package, available starting at $88 per ticket for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, includes:
" A grandstand ticket to the 160-lap, 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway
" 15-minute question-and-answer session with Dale Earnhardt Jr. inside an air-conditioned tent in the frontstretch hospitality village
" $10 in Daytona Dollars that can be used for food and non-alcoholic beverages at any Daytona International Speedway concession stand
" Special Daytona International Speedway giveaways
Tickets for No. 88 Package are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/88 or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(5-13-2013)

Richmond Tickets on sale May 23: Following one of the most thrilling finishes of the NASCAR season last month at Richmond International Raceway, fans are excited that short track action returns to America's Premier Short Track September 6-7 for the "One Last Race to Make The Chase" weekend. Tickets for both nights of racing go on sale May 23. The Saturday, September 7, Federated Auto Parts 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, known as "One Last Race to Make The Chase," is the final event before the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The Federated Auto Parts 400 is a race circled on every driver's calendar, as many will be fighting for one of the 12 spots in The Chase  NASCAR's 10-race finale that determines the series champion. The weekend gets started Friday, September 6, with a full day of on-track activity, highlighted by the Virginia 529 College Savings 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. Friday's advance tickets start at $30, with kids 12 and younger admitted free with a ticketed adult in general admission. In addition to tickets for the races, fans can upgrade their race day experience with Friday Pre-Race Pit Passes ($50) and Saturday 3-Wide Fan Hospitality ($80), which includes a Pre-Race Pit Pass, as well as food, beverages, driver question & answers sessions, and much more.(RIR)(5-12-2013)

Finger Eleven headlining concert at Michigan:Burlington, Ontario, Canada's own Finger Eleven will headline the free and always popular post-race concert in Lot 10 at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, June 15. The show will begin shortly after the Alliance Truck Parts 250 Nationwide Series race. The concert is free to anyone with an Alliance Truck Parts 250 race ticket, an infield wristband or an APEX wristband. Tony Lucca from the popular television show "The Voice" will open the concert and hand it off to Finger Eleven. Rock music's Finger Eleven earned their confidence album by album, tour by tour and song by song. The band has worked the road non-stop since 1998 and has released successful albums such as their debut Tip and follow-up, The Greyest of Blue Skies. By the time the band released its third album, self-titled album, Finger Eleven had built a successful career. The band has produced such songs as "Them vs. You vs. Me," "Paralyzer" and "One Thing."(MIS)(5-11-2013)

Daytona launches mobile ticketing site: Daytona International Speedway, which will next showcase the stars of NASCAR on July 5-6 for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, launched a new, mobile-friendly option that makes it even easier for race fans to purchase tickets to a wide variety of events directly from their smartphones. The new mobile ticketing site gives race fans the ability to easily purchase event tickets at the "World Center of Racing," Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access and much more. Fans can simply visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com on a mobile device and select the "Tickets" link next to an event. Moovweb helped launched the new mobile ticketing site at Daytona International Speedway as well as the other 12 International Speedway Corporation facilities.(DIS)(5-11-2013)

Sheryl Crow to perform pre-race concert for Coke Zero 400: Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, whose long list of hits include "All I Wanna Do," "Soak Up The Sun" and her latest single "Easy," will perform a hour-long pre-race concert prior to the 55th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway. Through a special VIP Ticket Package, race fans can get unprecedented access to the 60-minute pre-race concert that will be staged on pit road in the tri-oval area of the "World Center of Racing." With packages starting at $115, the VIP Ticket Package includes: A reserved grandstand ticket for the Coke Zero 400, Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access, Admission to the VIP viewing area in front of the stage for the pre-race concert by Crow. VIP Ticket Packages can be purchased online.(DIS)(5-10-2013)

Keselowski, Kenseth, Kahne and others headline NASCAR Hall of Fame Pit Party: Brad Keselowski will join NASCAR stars Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne, legends Bobby and Donnie Allison and team owner Joe Gibbs for appearances at a one-of-a-kind infield Pit Party sponsored by the NASCAR Hall of Fame at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Pit Party will be a fan-friendly event taking place on pit road from 12:30pm-4:15pm before the only 600-mile race on the NASCAR circuit. The party will feature driver appearances, live music from national recording artist Benton Blount, concessions, racing displays and more. Access to the Pit Party is included with the purchase of a pit pass or a driver introduction pass. In addition to fan forums with Keselowski, Kenseth, Kahne, the Allison brothers and Gibbs, the Pit Party will feature vintage military vehicles and displays from the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Pit passes are $100 for adults, $50 for children 14-18 and free for kids 13 and under with a paying adult. Driver introduction passes are $150 for adults and $75 for kids 13 and under. Pit passes must be purchased in addition to a race ticket.(CMS)(5-10-2013)

Iowa Senate passes bill that would help Speedway fund improvments: An appropriations bill approved by the Iowa Senate includes $8 million in state money spread over four years for the Iowa Speedway at Newton to upgrade the track's facilities to attract NASCAR Sprint Cup races. The track money was included in the so-called standings appropriations bill passed by the Senate on Tuesday night. The special appropriation received no debate, although Sen. William Dotzler, D-Waterloo, who pushed for the funding, said Wednesday that both the Democratic and Republican caucuses were aware the track money had been inserted into the spending package. The legislation says the state money would be appropriated to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for the development and promotion of a national sporting event at the automobile racetrack location in the City of Newton. The Newton speedway has already hosted the Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Nationwide Race, but Sprint Cup races would be "the big Kahuna" for the facility, Dotzler said. Those races could draw more than 100,000 fans and nationwide media coverage for one of the most popular events in the country,he said. But the track would need to expand its stands, restrooms, and concession stands and make other upgrades to offer the next-level races, Dotzler said. The $8 million state appropriation would be provided to the Newton speedway in increments of $2 million for four years, starting in fiscal year 2014.(Des Moines Register)(5-9-2013)

Daytona upgrades in doubt after bill's failure: The Florida Legislature has ended its 2013 session, passing the largest budget in state history. But the legislature did not deliver tax subsidies that would have benefited Daytona International Speedway's ambitious development plans. Indeed, Speedway President Joie Chitwood said that the failure to pass the legislation is sending the flagship track for the International Speedway Corporation back to the drawing board to decide the feasibility of the track's plans. "We are clearly disappointed by the outcome last week in the Florida Legislature," Chitwood said in a statement released on Tuesday. " We made a very compelling case for what could have been a successful public/private partnership with the State of Florida to create jobs and generate real economic growth. We also had substantial local, regional and statewide support. However, given this setback to our project, we are forced to reassess the proposed redevelopment and closely examine a number of factors such as its timing, size and scope, before we decide on next steps." Last October, Chitwood announced plans that would develop the area around the Speedway as a business and entertainment complex. And last January, he unveiled additional plans for the Speedway itself, adding a new tower, additional entrances and a fourth tier of seats along the front straight.(Autoweek)(5-8-2013)

Atlanta Offering Buy One, Get one Frontstretch Seats for one week: For one week only, Atlanta Motor Speedway is making an unbelievable discount offer available to fans for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500 on Sunday, Sept. 1. Starting Sunday, May 5 at 6:00pm/et, race fans can purchase buy one, get one Lower Champions Grandstand seats located at the start/finish line. This offer represents at 50 percent discount off the normal value, allowing purchasers to get two fronstretch tickets for only $99. This promotion is only available while supplies last for up to one week, and will end at 11:59 pm/et on Sunday, May 12. Tickets available for the special promotion are in limited supply, and fans are strongly encouraged to act quickly before supplies run out. One of the best areas to watch the race from at AMS, start/finish line seats in the Lower Champions Grandstand allow fans to have an amazing view of the 1.54-mile facility. A clear look at the pits will give fans the chance to watch pit strategy unfold before their eyes, with many races often won or lost in the pits. AdvoCare 500 tickets are on sale now and adult tickets start at just $39. Student tickets cost just $19. Other specials are available while they last. For more information, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com or call the AMS Ticket Office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX or (770) 946-4211.(AMS)(5-6-2013)

Speed Street announces music acts in Charlotte: Three acts with either No. 1 songs or "Song of the Year" honors will headline this year's Food Lion Speed Street festival later this month in Charlotte's uptown. The celebration, tied to the two weekends of major NASCAR events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will take place May 23-25. Once again, it offers free admission. Featured acts on the three nights are SWV (Sisters With Voices) on May 23; Jamey Johnson on May 24; and Survivor on May 25. While Speed Street will stretch along South Tryon Street and several other uptown thoroughfares, the music portion of the entertainment will take place at the Coca-Cola Stage, on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near the NASCAR Hall of Fame. SWV, a trio of New York-based soul and R&B singers, had a No. 1 single in the 1990s with "Weak" and followed with a No. 2 pop hit with "Right Here/Human Nature." The group disbanded in the late 1990s but reformed several years ago and has been touring and making frequent television appearances. Jamey Johnson is a country artist, with several Grammy nominations to his credit. His "Give It Away" was named the Academy of Country Music's Song of the Year in 2007, and he followed that with the same award in 2009 with "In Color." Survivor became one of music's biggest acts in the 1980s, perhaps best-known for its No. 1 single "Eye of the Tiger," which gained secondary fame as the theme song in a "Rocky" movie. Survivor also had a big hit in 1985 with "Burning Heart." Also on the Saturday card is the Florida-based rock group Sister Hazel.(Charlotte Observer)(5-6-2013)

Pocono Completes Extensive Road Course Upgrades: Pocono Raceway has completed their extensive road course renovation project. This includes the resurfacing of all infield road courses, the addition of multi-directional curbing and upgraded participant amenities. Each of the 17 track layouts can be run in either clockwise or counter clockwise directions, allowing for a total of 34 configurations. The courses range in distances from a technical half-mile layout to a 2.53-mile national circuit. FIM multi-directional curbing was added to all the corners and the run-offs were smoothed and leveled. All available configurations can be found by visiting www.poconoraceway.com/roadcourses.
Two new structures were added that include meeting rooms, classrooms, the Garage Grill Cafe and modern restrooms and showers for both competitors and guests conveniences. Additionally, 100 Infield RV spots have been opened for use. Complete with power, water and sewer hookups, these spots are available for both competitors and guests to enjoy while utilizing the road courses. For track rental availability, rates and RV Reservations, please contact Pocono Raceway's Operations Department at 570-646-2300. Pocono Raceway is the world's largest solar powered sports facility. The Raceway developed a 25 acre, three megawatt solar farm that provides the energy needs of the Raceway as well as adding electricity to the local power grid.(Pocono Raceway)(5-6-2013)

In wake of Boston bombings, NASCAR asks teams to be more vigilant: In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, NASCAR teams have been warned by the sanctioning body to be on the lookout for errant backpacks and other packages in the garage area. NASCAR called a special, crew chiefs-only meeting Saturday morning at Richmond International Raceway, asking race teams to increase their level of vigilance this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway and beyond. The warning is not believed to be the result of any specific threat against NASCAR or Talladega Superspeedway, but part of a broader focus on safety at major sporting events across the country. "They asked us to keep our eyes open," said one NASCAR crewman, on the condition of anonymity. "They want us to monitor our garage stalls more closely, to make sure there is nothing there that doesn't belong. I didn't get the impression that there was any specific threat," he said. "It was just a request to stay vigilant."(Godfather Motorsports)(4-30-2013)

Reserved Pit Road Camping package created for Cheez-It 355 at The Glen: Watkins Glen International unveiled a new camping area that allows fans to get closer to the action than ever before for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen. The Reserved Pit Road Camping is located behind the Pit Terrace Grandstands and is just a few steps away from all the exciting NASCAR action on pit road. Reserved Pit Road Camping features a paved 20' x 40' space with water and electric. Guests will receive a reserved camping spot, four weekend Pit Terrace tickets and four Fan Walk passes for just $1,995. This package is perfect for a family or group of friends who want to make the most of their Cheez-It 355 at The Glen weekend. Fans interested should act fast as space in this area is very limited. A dedicated sales representative has been assigned to handle this exclusive area and is available by calling 607-535-2486 ext. 322. In addition to being the most exclusive campground in the infield, Pit Road Camping is also the last remaining infield camping option. All other infield spaces are sold-out for the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen. Limited space remains available in GEICO Caveman Unreserved Campgrounds and Family Camping outside the track.(WGI)(4-28-2013)

Talladega, Daytona to reinforce crossover gates: Two NASCAR tracks will reinforce their crossover gates with extra cables following the February Nationwide Series crash at Daytona International Speedway that injured at least 28 fans. Talladega Superspeedway, which hosts a pair of NASCAR races next weekend, has implemented the changes to all of their gates after an engineering firm hired by Daytona made the recommendations after reviewing data from the Feb. 23 crash. Kyle Larson's car made contact with a gate opening on the last lap, sending an engine, tire and debris flying into the stands and injuring several fans. Daytona track president Joie Chitwood III said the additional cables will be added for redundancy in the system. The track will also put tethers between the gate frame and the posts. That work will be completed in time for the July 5-6 races there. Chitwood said the removal of the gates was not considered, nor was it an option to move seats back further from the fence area. Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's senior vice president of operations, said Larson's car is still being evaluated and there will be no immediate changes made in regard to safety. In addition, O'Donnell said no changes are expected with the restrictor plate at Talladega next week  including a smaller plate that would slow the cars down.(USA Today)(4-25-2013)

CMS announces Coca-Cola 600 Pre-Race Show: Charlotte Motor Speedway is continuing the rich tradition of paying tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces with a Welcome Home Our Troops pre-race spectacular at the May 26 Coca-Cola 600. The program will include a one-of-a-kind air parade with 10 vintage warbirds, a patriotic flyover and a flight by an American bald eagle over the infield during the national anthem.
Bridging the worlds of military and motorsports, the pre-race flyover will include P-51 Mustangs, owned by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Jack Roush. The Welcome Home Our Troops Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will also include a performance of "I Will Give My All" by country music artist Jamie Tate and the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus, a bagpipe performance of "Amazing Grace" by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipe Band and "Taps" played by a Fort Bragg bugler. There will also be a 21-gun salute from the Fort Bragg Firing Squad.
Fans will be able to salute the troops when 600 soldiers from Fort Bragg walk through the grandstands to the infield to participate in pre-race ceremonies.
In addition, NASCAR drivers and Charlotte-area VIPs will participate in special welcome home and military dedication video messages that will be displayed on the world's largest HDTV, and a gigantic American flag the size of a football field will be unfurled across the frontstretch.
Medal of Honor recipients Bob Patterson (Vietnam), Gary Littrell (Vietnam) and Walter Joseph Marm (Vietnam) will be recognized on the pre-race stage.(CMS)(4-24-2013)

House OKs IMS bill, despite dispute over funding source: A bill to help pay for $100 million in improvements at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway passed the House on Mondaybut only on its second try, as some lawmakers expressed frustration about a funding source for the project. That fundingmoney now dedicated to the horse racing industry for purses and breeding programsis actually part of another bill. But several lawmakers viewed the pair as a package, despite insistence by the Speedway bill's sponsor, Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, that lawmakers should consider the proposals separately. SB 91 also creates a new $1 tax on the tickets for major events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and captures new sales and income tax revenues generated there. Those revenue streams would be used to help pay off the bonds.(more at the Indianapolis Business Journal)(4-22-2013)

Darrell Waltrip Named Grand Marshal of Toyota/Save Mart 350: Legendary driver Darrell Waltrip, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, has been named Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend at Sonoma Raceway, June 21-23. The event marks the series' 25th annual event in Sonoma. Waltrip will be honored on Friday, June 21, of race weekend at the Children's Champions Grand Marshal's Banquet at beautiful Cline Cellars in Sonoma. The gala is a fundraiser for the Sonoma Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. He will also take part in pre-race activities on Sunday, June 23, and participate in the official command of, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines." Waltrip, who currently serves as the lead analyst for NASCAR on FOX, is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion with 84 Cup Series victories, tying him for third with Bobby Allison on all-time list. He is the winner of the 1989 Daytona 500 and the only five-time winner of the Coca-Cola 600 (1978, '79, '85, '88 and '89) at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "I am honored to have my name associated with Sonoma Raceway," said Waltrip, who was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005. "I've always loved road racing both as an active driver and as a broadcaster. Sonoma is such an historic race track that when we got to go there with stock cars 25 years ago, it was magical. It's a great race track in the beautiful Northern California wine country."
"Darrell is not only one of the greatest drivers in the history of our sport, but also one of the most popular personalities. He'll be a terrific addition as we celebrate the 25th running of NASCAR in Sonoma," said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. "He's been a welcome guest in America's living rooms during the NASCAR broadcasts and we will be honored to have him as our guest and Grand Marshal in June." Great ticket options are still available for the 25th Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in Sonoma, including the Silver Celebration Special, which includes a $25 savings and limited-edition die-cast car. Visit www.racesonoma.com/nascar or call 800-870-RACE for details.(Sonoma)(4-19-2013)

New website to assist Michigan Speedway guests: Whether you are a first-time visitor to Michigan International Speedway or a long-time guest, NASCAR's fastest track has a new website to help educate guests about MIS and NASCAR. The track has launched www.myMISpeedway.com to aid guests before they attend NASCAR events at the track. With a growing number of fans at MIS being first-timers or guests who are returning after an absence, one of our track's missions has become to educate fans to help them make the most of their experience while at the track. myMISpeedway.com features videos that describe everything at MIS from how to use the trams to how to use FanVision. What is the Rookie Pit Stop at MIS? How does a guest navigate the New Holland Fan Plaza? Watch a series of short videos as Curtis and other speedway employees walk guests through everything needed to know to being a NASCAR fan. Like anything, the website will evolve as content and competition change. The speedway's staff will always be on the lookout for new content and fun ways to make the website helpful, educational and worthwhile.(MIS)(4-15-2013)

Kentucky announces fan initiatvies: Kentucky Speedway is introducing fan-first initiatives that reward long-time season ticket customers, welcome first-time visitors and focus on family entertainment. Season ticket customers that have supported the speedway for 10 years or longer will receive reserved parking for each June and September race day, 20 $1.00 discount coupons that can be used for race-day food and non-alcoholic drink purchases as well as a coupon good for a 20 percent discount off a merchandise purchase from the Kentucky Speedway Gift Shop. Customers also will receive 10-year recognition premiums such as a full-size Kentucky Speedway flag, lanyard and window decal. Five- to nine-year season ticket customers also will be rewarded with reserved parking for each race day along with unique premiums such as a five-year hat, lanyard and window decal. First-time fans will be able to attend educational presentations on Quaker State 400 race day and visit a dedicated page on the speedway's Web site. First-time fans also will receive special communications in the months preceding the Quaker State 400 tripleheader weekend.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-13-2013)

Earnhardt Jr. to appear at Chicagoland's Fan Zone: National Guard driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., winner of NASCAR's NMPA Most Popular Driver Award for a record-tying 10 consecutive years, will join fans to kick off the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup this September. Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to appear in Chicagoland Speedway's Checkered Flag Fan Zone for a question-and-answer session with fans on Sunday, Sept. 15, prior to the GEICO 400. Located just outside the main entrance, the Checkered Flag Fan Zone provides race fans with a unique hospitality opportunity to enhance their race day experience. In addition to behind the scenes driver access and a full buffet meal in a climate-controlled tent with unlimited soda, water and three beer tickets, (must be 21 years of age or older) fans will also have access to music, entertainment and prizes.(Chicagoland Speedway)(4-13-2013)

Darlington Raceway could keep tax money if seats are widened: A bill that could allow Darlington Raceway to watch out for both its fans' bottoms and the track's bottom line is headed to the South Carolina Senate. The Senate Finance Committee passed a proposal Tuesday that would allow the track to keep its 5 percent tax on tickets even if the speedway's capacity falls below 60,000  in the event bigger seats are one day needed to accommodate fans. Darlington Raceway currently seats 62,000. But track president Chris Browning says the speedway is considering widening its 18-inch wide seats as an amenity for the crowds. "One of the things a lot of stadiums are doing is widening seats to make fans more comfortable," he explained. But he said reducing seating capacity because of bigger seats has tax implications. The bill before lawmakers would delete the reference to the track's 60,000 fans while allowing it to keep the tax proceeds as a NASCAR sanctioned motor speedway that plays host to at least one race a year of the preeminent NASCAR racing series.(Associated Press/Augusta Chronicle)(4-11-2013)

Fans rename June Pocono race "Party in the Poconos 400": Pocono Raceway and Walmart announced the new name for the June 9 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, as voted on by race fans, will be the "Party in the Poconos 400 Presented by Walmart." Additionally, fan voting for the official June 7  9 race weekend concession item, from three fan-submitted pierogi recipes, begins today. "Party in the Poconos 400" was chosen, following a four-week, fan-driven vote between three fan-submitted race names. Nearly half of the overall votes for the new race name were in favor of "Party in the Poconos 400." The other race name submissions were the "Race More, Live Better 400" and the "Pocono for the People 400." Fans will continue to have their voices heard as they vote on the official race weekend concession item, to be sold at select Raceway vendor locations. Voting begins today and fans will vote on one of the following fan-submitted pierogi recipes: Hot Honey Buffalo Wing, Loaded Baked Potato or Sweet Cinnamon Sugar. To vote, please visit walmarturl.com/fandriven400. Concession item voting ends on May 6. Additionally, Pocono Raceway and Walmart are making the 400-mile June 9 race more affordable for fans by offering 16,000 Concourse Grandstand Tickets for $25 each. (Pocono Racineway)(4-9-2013)

Bruton Smith renews lawsuit over incentives: The mogul behind one of the country's largest auto racing track operators is trying to resurrect a lawsuit claiming local officials reneged on an offer of $80 million in incentives to land a new drag strip and upgrade the Charlotte Motor Speedway. A three-judge state Court of Appeals panel will hold a closed-door discussion Tuesday to determine whether the lawsuit will be heard by a jury. A judge last year dismissed the lawsuit against Cabarrus County by Speedway Motorsports Inc. and Charlotte Motor Speedway, both based in Concord and headed by magnate Bruton Smith. At issue is whether Smith can enforce what his lawyers say was an oral agreement that ended threats to move the 135,000-seat speedway and build a new drag strip somewhere other than the heart of NASCAR country. The contract wasn't put in writing until after the new drag strip opened the following year, with terms the track operator rejected. If the lawsuit doesn't move forward, Speedway Motorsports could have to wait up to 40 years to be reimbursed for road and other upgrades around the track. It's not clear if SMI -- which owns the track and seven others in Georgia, Tennessee, California, Kentucky, Nevada, New Hampshire and Texas -- has yet seen any of the $80 million announced in 2007. A track spokesman declined comment and lawyers for both sides did not respond to requests for comment last week. A decision is expected in about three months. If the case moves forward, it could be appealed to the state Supreme Court.(Associated Press/ESPN)(4-9-2013)

FedEx, Autism Speaks return as Dover race sponsor: For the third straight year, FedEx Corp. , Autism Speaks and Dover International Speedway will team up, as FedEx will serve as the title sponsor for the "FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, June 2, 2013. The announcement of the renewed partnership is coupled with the news that for the second straight year, the Autism Speaks Day at the Races event will be part of the June 2 race. Last year, this was the first-ever opportunity for those on the autism spectrum and their families to attend a NASCAR race, with a special ticket package set in a sensory friendly area within the air-conditioned grandstands at the Monster Mile. The NASCAR Unites Track Walk, benefiting Autism Speaks and The NASCAR Foundation, will follow the Saturday, June 1 "5-hour ENERGY 200" Nationwide Series race. Fans will have the opportunity to walk a lap around the one-mile, concrete oval where the top drivers in the sport do battle all weekend long. Another returning aspect to help raise awareness for Autism Speaks throughout the weekend will be the Autism Speaks puzzle piece decals for drivers in all three national touring series to display on their cars throughout the weekend. In 2012, 47 drivers participated in this aspect of the weekend.(Dover Speedway)(4-5-2013)

Atlanta announces new public hospitality ticket upgrade: Already one of the few tracks in NASCAR to offer a tent-covered, pre-race gathering for race fans inside the track, Atlanta Motor Speedway is presenting customers the opportunity to gain even more access and amenities in 2013 with the announcement of the High Speed Hospitality ticket upgrade for ticket holders of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AdvoCare 500, Sunday, Sept. 1 at AMS. For only $60 per person, the AdvoCare 500 hospitality upgrade gives purchasers an infield hospitality package which includes a pit tour prior to the race, food and beverage, entertainment by a live DJ and a cash bar. Menu items for the afternoon include hot dogs, sirloin burgers, fried chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, peach pie, iced tea and lemonade. Spectator gates for the AdvoCare 500 will open at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, and the hospitality tent will open at 3:00 p.m. Pit tours will be offered from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the hospitality tent closing at 8:00 p.m., just following the green flag of the AdvoCare 500.(AMS)(4-4-2013)

Homestead starts refer a fan program: Homestead-Miami Speedway announced its Refer A Fan program where ticket purchasers receive benefits when they refer an individual who also purchases tickets to the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship race, the Ford EcoBoost 400 (Nov. 17). The incentive, available to any fan that has purchased tickets for the Ford EcoBoost 400, automatically activates when a new purchaser provides the account number of an existing seat holder at the time of purchase. More info at homesteadmiamispeedway.com/referafan or by calling the Homestead-Miami Speedway Ticket Sales department at 305.230.5255.(HMS)(3-26-2013)

Indy events add $510 in Indiana Economy: Events and operations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and associated motorsports businesses generate more than $510 million annually to the Indiana economy, according to a study by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute. The study addressed the direct and indirect economic contributions made by IMS through its operations, spending by out-of-state visitors to the Indianapolis 500, Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard and Red Bull Indianapolis GP annual events, and the presence of nearly all INDYCAR race teams and the Dallara facility in the Indianapolis area, which are attracted to Indiana due to the presence of the Speedway.(see full report at IMS.com)(3-26-2013)

NASCAR Weekend in Sonoma Features Silver Celebration: It seems like just yesterday Ricky Rudd and Rusty Wallace were swapping paint along the hillside at Turn 7 at the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Sonoma in 1989. Rudd survived the battle and took the checkers by just .05 seconds over Wallace in what is still the closest margin of victory for a NASCAR Cup race at Sonoma Raceway. That race included legends like Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott and Richard Petty, among others. Fast-forward to 2013 and stock-car racing is alive and well in Northern California as Sonoma Raceway celebrates the 25th running of the Toyota/Save Mart 350, June 21-23.
The raceway has plenty in store for race fans in honor of this very special weekend, including: Silver Celebration Ticket, Silver Celebration Q&A, Historic Stock Car Display, Web-site special photo galleries and commentary, Social Media contests & special driver ticket giveaways and Bring on the Jets a very special 25-minute jet show on Sunday, June 23, by the Patriots Jet Team. This special weekend can mean only one thing: tickets will go fast. Act today by calling the raceway at 800-870-RACE (7223) or visit racesonoma.com/nascar for the latest information regarding the Silver Celebration of NASCAR in Sonoma.(Somona Raceway)(3-26-2013)

NASCAR promoter lobbies for tens of millions in tax breaks: International Speedway Corp. and NASCAR promoter just won an extension of a lucrative tax break from the federal government. The company says interest among its most avid fans is at a five-year high. And it has signed a new television deal with Fox Sports valued at more than $2.4 billion over eight years  a 36% jump over its current TV-rights deal. ISC is lobbying the state Legislature for a package of tax breaks that could save it close to $100 million during the next 30 years. ISC says the tax breaks would help persuade it to go forward with a sweeping renovation and expansion of Daytona International Speedway, home of the storied Daytona 500 and other racing events. The company's tentative plans call for everything from the installation of escalators, concourses and wider seats in the grandstand itself to a mixed-use commercial development just across the street. Adding pressure to get a deal done, ISC executives say the amount of money they ultimately decide to invest in the project is directly tied to whether the Legislature gives the company its tax breaks. "It's definitely going to affect whether or not it [the project] gets approved or at what size or scope," said Joie Chitwood III, an ISC vice president and the president of Daytona International Speedway. The legislation (HB 1049, SB 1394) was initially written by ISC lobbyists. It is being sponsored in the Legislature by a pair of Volusia County Republicans: Sen. Dorothy Hukill of Port Orange and Rep. David Santiago of Deltona.(Orlando Sentinel)(3-20-2013)

August Pocono race named GoBowling.com 400: Pocono Raceway and Strike Ten Entertainment, the sponsorship activation arm of the bowling industry, jointly announce a groundbreaking, multi-faceted partnership deal that brings together two of the nation's favorite sports brands: NASCAR and GoBowling.com, the official brand of bowling. For the first time ever, the 2013 and 2014 August NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races will be renamed the "GoBowling.com 400" as part of this freshly inked two-year sponsorship. In addition to the renaming of the GoBowling.com 400, TPocono Raceway and Strike Ten Entertainment will deploy an integrated sponsorship campaign that will extend across multiple platforms including traditional marketing, digital and social media as well as event activations. The partnership program will also include a series of GoBowling.com-themed bowling league promotional contests and in-center marketing elements, as well as other initiatives to be rolled out across the more than 4,000 participating bowling centers.(Pocono Raceway)(3-13-2013)

Lowe's extends sponsorship of Vegas race: Lowe's Companies Inc. will continue its successful partnership with Las Vegas Motor Speedway by remaining the title sponsor of its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. An extension of the agreement was announced in Las Vegas as the Kobalt Tools 400 weekend kicked off. "Lowe's is a company with a long and storied history in NASCAR, and has been a wonderful partner for the past three years," said LVMS president Chris Powell. "We're very excited that they have decided to extend the agreement, and we're looking forward to helping Lowe's build its brand within the NASCAR community and beyond." The event, which has been known as the Kobalt Tools 400 since the partnership began in 2011, has been one of the best-attended and highest-rated events on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit. The race has ranked in the top five in both attendance and ratings over the past 10 years.(LVMS)(3-9-2013)

Military cuts could limit flyovers: The military flyover for Sunday's Daytona 500 may be a rarity at NASCAR events -- and sporting events in general -- moving forward. Military spending cuts of 30 percent have forced the Air Force to trim flying hours by 18%. That will come from air shows, including the Thunderbirds aerobatic flying team that will perform prior to Daytona 500. Daytona International Speedway did not have its traditional flyover for the Rolex 24, Thursday's 150-mile qualifying races, and one is not planned for Saturday's Nationwide Series race. There is a plan in place if automatic budget cuts known as "sequestration" are triggered on March 1 to suspend all Air Force flyovers immediately except for the Thunderbirds, which will be suspended on April 1. "If sequestration kicks in, we'll be looking not to support any future NASCAR races," Wendy Varhegyi, the chief of the engagement division for Air Force public affairs, told ESPN.com. Varhegyi said the suspension of flyovers would include all sports "at least through the end of the fiscal year [Sept. 30]." Luke Air Force was not allowed to provide a flyover for the March 3 Sprint Cup race at Phoenix. Instead, a private company has provided the track a B-17 that is not a part of Air Force inventory. Las Vegas Motor Speedway has an agreement with the Thunderbirds based nearby at Nellis Air Force Base for its March 10 Cup event. But Speedway Motorsports, which hosts 11 other Cup events in addition to the Vegas race, has a "tentative hold" on flyovers. NASCAR officials said they are working with the military and tracks to find a compromise that will allow flyovers to remain at events.(ESPN)(2-23-2013)

Walmart Puts NASCAR Fans in the Driver's Seat at Pocono: Walmart is putting race fans in the driver's seat with the "Fan Driven 400"  an innovative, socially-driven program that gives fans a voice in branding the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on June 9 at the Pocono Raceway. Starting today through May 27, fans can submit ideas and vote via Walmart's Local Facebook pages on details including the official race name, a signature concession and the pace car design. In addition to the Fan Driven 400, Walmart will once again offer its $99 Walmart Family Track Pack, which includes four discounted race tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas a savings of more than $100. Walmart will also be hosting in-store events with race car displays, racing simulator machines and special appearances by fan-favorite drivers in every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race market. Beginning today through May 27, 2013, fans can vote online to customize the "Fan Driven 400" at walmarturl.com/FanDriven. The timeline for voting on various race components will be as follows:
Race Name Submission (2/14  2/25): Customers can submit a name of their choice (32 character limit).
Race Name Vote (3/11  4/8): Vote for one of the three race name options and see the Facebook user's name and photo who developed each submission.
Concession Item (4/8  5/6): Vote for one of three types of pierogies, sourced via The Pocono Fan Council.
Pace Car Design (5/6  5/27): Vote on one of three designs for the Pace Car, sourced via The Pocono Raceway.
Walmart is also making the Pocono 400 race on June 9, 2013 more affordable by offering 16,000 Concourse Grandstand tickets at a discounted price of $25. Tickets can be purchased online starting Feb. 15 at Walmart.com/NASCAR or through Pocono Raceway at poconoraceway.com.
Walmart Family Track Pack
The $99 Walmart Family Track Pack will be available online at Walmart.com/NASCAR and in select Walmart stores for the following races:
· CocaCola 600, Charlotte  May 26, 2013
· Dover 400, Dover  June 2, 2013
· Quicken Loans 400, Michigan  June 16, 2013
· Coke Zero 400, Daytona  July 6, 2013
· Lenox Industrial Tools 301, New Hampshire  July 14, 2013
· Pennsylvania 400, Pocono  Aug. 4, 2013
· Cheez-it 355, Watkins Glen  Aug. 11, 2013
· Pure Michigan 400, Michigan  Aug. 18, 2013
· AdvoCare 500, Atlanta  Sept. 1, 2013
· Sylvania 300, New Hampshire  Sept. 22, 2013
· AAA 400, Dover  September 29, 2013
· Bank of America 500, Charlotte  Oct. 12, 2013
· Ford 400, Homestead  Nov. 17, 2013
(Pocono Raceway)(2-16-2013)

Segway to target the NASCAR market: Segway Inc. announced that it's 'Teaming Up For Security' with BCM Solutions, Inc., the motorsports industry's largest security provider. BCM Solutions will deploy Segway Patrollers beginning with the 2013 and 2014 NASCAR and IndyCar race seasons to enhance its overall security efforts. Across all racing series, each season includes nearly 100 races throughout the United States.(Segway)(1-11-2013)

Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund set up: Pocono Raceway has established the Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund to benefit the victims of the lighting strike tragedy which occurred following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 5, 2012. Donations will be accepted at any PNC Branch or by mailing checks/money orders, addressed to "Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund" to the following address:
Pocono Raceway
Attn: Pennsylvania 400 Memorial Fund
1234 Long Pond Road
Long Pond, PA 18334
(Pocono Raceway)(8-7-2012)

Emergency texting available to race patrons: International Speedway Corporation (ISC) has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message based communication system at all of its 12 motorsports facilities. The service was introduced last weekend during the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway. The system allows fans to communicate with the racetrack's command post if assistance is needed inside the facility. The technology was tested at Homestead-Miami Speedway last November during the final weekend of the NASCAR season. Instructions will be posted throughout each racetrack and will be broadcast through audio and video public announcements. Besides Darlington and Homestead-Miami, ISC owns and/or operates Daytona, Talladega, Michigan, Richmond, Auto Club Speedway, Kansas, Phoenix, Chicago, Martinsville and Watkins Glen. The Fan Text Messaging Service is also being used by several professional and college teams, as well as at events such as the Super Bowl, BCS National Championship and World Baseball Classic.(Associated Press)(5-14-2009)