Giuffres out of Milwaukee Mile deal: In unusually caustic language, the presumptive promoter of the Milwaukee Mile on Friday accused the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board and its chairwoman, Susan Crane, of sabotaging a proposed operating agreement. "Apparently, Sue Crane and her board just simply don't understand business, business protocol or good faith contract negotiations," Frank and Dominic Giuffre wrote in a letter to the board. "We now have no intention of going anywhere with Sue Crane and her board, because you quite simply can't be trusted," they wrote. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm out of auto racing," Frank Giuffre said Friday afternoon. The Giuffre group would have become the fourth promoter in six seasons, following State Fair Park, Milwaukee Mile Holdings (2006-'08) and Wisconsin Motorsports. NASCAR included the Mile on its 2010 Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series schedules. Officials have said they want to return but won't do so until debts left by the previous promoter are satisfied. Wisconsin Motorsports LLC, led by Claude Napier, left owing NASCAR upward of $1 million for 2009. With the Mile contract a dead issue, at least for now, those races and the future of the track are again in doubt. A NASCAR official could not be reached for comment.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(11-21-2009)

Buzz Aldrin to pace the Ford 400: What was once thought impossible came true 40 years ago when the world witnessed the first ever moon landing. Homestead-Miami Speedway will celebrate the 40-year anniversary of this incredible accomplishment by honoring the “best of the best”—the NASA Apollo astronauts—during NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 20-22). Legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin will headline pre-race ceremonies as Honorary Race Chairman for Sunday’s Sprint Cup Ford 400. As one of the world’s most recognizable astronauts—the second human to step foot on the moon—Aldrin will be honored on-stage during pre-race festivities before getting into a 1969 Ford Mustang to lead the pace car and race field. For great seats and hospitality options for Ford Championship Weekend, call (866) 409-RACE or visit THEChampionshipTrack.com. To learn more NASA and the 40th Anniversary of Apollo visit: www.nasa.gov or www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.(HMS)(11-19-2009)

National Anthem at Homestead: Anika Noni Rose—voice of lead-character Tiana in Disney’s upcoming film “The Princess and the Frog” is scheduled to be singing the national anthem for the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday.(HMS)(11-19-2009)

All Remaining Tickets for Coke 600 and All-Star Race on sale: With renewals completed, all remaining tickets for the May 30 Coca-Cola 600 and May 22 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway are on sale now. Beginning at $49, a wide selection of grandstand seating options are available for the Coca-Cola 600, including a number of premium frontstretch seats. Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race start at just $30. In addition to the Coca-Cola 600 and the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, tickets are also available for the May 21 North Carolina Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race; Windstream Pole Night Qualifying on Thursday, May 27; and the TECH-NET Auto Service 300 powered by CARQUEST NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday night, May 29. The Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office, located on the second floor of Smith Tower, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS)(11-19-2009)

Homestead to hold NASCAR Hauler parade: The celebration of NASCAR’s Championship finales at Homestead-Miami Speedway kicks into high gear this Wednesday, Nov. 18, as race-car haulers en route to Ford Championship Weekend will gather downtown Miami, rumble across MacArthur Causeway, on to South Beach and up Ocean Drive. At the parade’s conclusion near 9th Street, fans are invited to a FREE South Beach fan festival at Lummus Park that will feature the Championship-contending drivers in two of NASCAR’s top series. Drivers scheduled to participate include Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards of the NASCAR Nationwide Series, and Ron Hornaday Jr. of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The Top 5 drivers in the Championship standings of both series will be available for autographs, as well as a Q&A session. All three of NASCAR’s top series will be crowned during Ford Championship Weekend Nov. 20-22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and phenomenal seats are still available for NASCAR’s series-crowning weekend by calling (866) 409-RACE or by visiting THEChampionshipTrack.com.
Haulers are tentatively scheduled to depart from Bicentennial Olympic Park downtown Miami at 2:30pm/et, with an estimated arrival at Lummus Park set for 3:00pm/et.(HMS)(11-17-2009)

Bobby Allison Named Ford 400 Honorary Starter: With a history dotted with legendary family names like Petty, Earnhardt and Allison, NASCAR runs deep in tradition. Homestead-Miami Speedway will honor that tradition by naming Miami-native Bobby Allison as Honorary Starter for the Ford 400 during NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend, Nov. 20-22. One of NASCAR’s most beloved competitors, the 1983 Sprint Cup Champion and three-time Daytona 500 winner will wave the Green Flag to start NASCAR’s Championship-finale Ford 400 on Nov. 22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In addition, Allison will be honored during pre-race festivities and be available to fans via exclusive hospitality appearances. For great seats and hospitality options for Ford Championship Weekend, please visit THEChampionshipTrack.com or by calling (866) 409-RACE.(HMS)(11-16-2009)

Grand Marshal named for Ford 400: Stock cars weighing in at 3400 pounds tearing around a 1.5-mile oval, trading paint and burning rubber, charging through dust and debris. Competing for motorsports’ ultimate prize—the Sprint Cup Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway —can be a dirty job, so who better to deliver the most famous words in racing at NASCAR’s Nov. 22 Championship finale than Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs”? Creator and executive producer of the Emmy-nominated series, Rowe will provide the Grand Marshal command of “Gentlemen, start your engines!” to the 43 Sprint Cup drivers competing in the Nov. 22 Ford 400, the headline event of NASCAR’s series-crowning Ford Championship Weekend. “I'm very proud to be the Grand Marshal of the Ford 400 Sprint Cup Championship,” said Rowe, CEO of mikeroweWORKS.com. For great seats and hospitality options for Ford Championship Weekend, please visit THEChampionshipTrack.com or by calling (866) 409-RACE.(HMS)(11-16-2009)

2010 Watkins Glen tickets on sale: Tickets for the 2010 season at Watkins Glen International will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, November 14. The great deals and new options for the 2010 season give fans more ways to save and more choices then ever before. The Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen has some of the biggest savings with general admission tickets starting at only $60 and reduced priced McDonald’s Family Grandstand tickets, $65 for adults and $20 for kids 15 and under, returning. New in 2010 - fans will also have the option of purchasing Sunday-only reserved grandstand seats to this event. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will return for their 25th Running at The Glen, August 5-8, when they compete in the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen on Sunday, August 8th. Tickets for the entire 2010 season will go on sale to the general public on November 14, 2009. For more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(11-14-2009)

Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway is open: Nearing the $5 million mark in monies raised for children’s agencies in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, AutoTrader.com Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway began adding to that total Nov.13 with yet another new, spectacular display. Proceeds from Autotrader.com Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA benefit the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, a non-profit foundation dedicated to distributing funds to qualified children’s charities. Funds from the foundation directly aid children in the Tri-Cities area. Tickets for Speedway In Lights, open nightly 6-10 p.m., Nov. 13-Jan. 2, are available at the BMS gate. More info on my Racing Charities page.(11-14-2009)

Fans can “Ask the GM” of Atlanta Motor Speedway: For fans eager to pick the brain of a veteran of the racing industry, Atlanta Motor Speedway’s newest online feature, “Ask the GM,” will provide just this opportunity with Ed Clark, president and general manager of AMS. Atlanta Motor Speedway recently added “Ask the GM” to the track’s official website, giving fans the opportunity to question and gain insight from Clark. Upon visiting the “Ask the GM” webpage, fans can submit questions to Clark and one or more questions will be answered and posted online each week. Fans can “Ask the GM” by clicking the “Ask the GM” link under the “Contact” tab on the Atlanta Motor Speedway homepage or by visiting atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(11-14-2009)

ISC close to selling Staten Island land UPDATE: International Speedway Corp is nearing a deal to sell 676 acres of land in Staten Island, New York, on which it had hoped to build a track, the race track owner's chief executive said on Wednesday. "We do have a sale that we do think will occur in the near future," CEO Lesa France Kennedy said in a telephone interview. "We have more details to work out."(Reuters)(10-24-2009)
UPDATE: International Speedway Corp. (ISC) has found a buyer willing to pay $80 million for more than 676 acres on the West Shore — the largest privately-owned piece of undeveloped industrial land in the city and the place where the race car company’s plans to build a NASCAR track crashed and burned. ISC announced this afternoon a deal to sell the land to KB Marine Holdings for $80 million — nearly $30 million less than ISC paid to buy and assemble the property, a former oil tank farm, back in 2004. KB Marine Holdings plans to use the property for port-related and warehousing uses, and was recently formed to acquire underused properties in port cities, a spokesman said. The preliminary details on the purchase agreement were released today and the deal is expected to close no later than Feb. 25. KB Marine Holdings put $1 million down on the deal. ISC dropped its race track proposal in 2006 in the face of mounting political opposition to the plan, and a deal in 2007 to sell the land to international warehouse developer ProLogis fell through.(Staten Island Live)(11-13-2009)

Kansas Speedway presented American Flag Flown in Afghanistan: Kansas Speedway has been presented an American flag that was flown aboard an OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Tail #321 during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 09-10. “On behalf of the entire Kansas Speedway staff, we’re honored to be presented this flag by Maj. Matthew Weinshel and we will proudly display it in our offices,” said Kansas Speedway President Jeff Boerger. “We’re thankful for all of the brave men and women in our military who protect our freedom on a daily basis. The staff at Kansas Speedway was fortunate to meet several US Special Operations Command members, including Maj. Weinshel, prior to our 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and many of those that joined us on that day are currently serving overseas.” Maj. Weinshel changed units to the 82d Combat Aviation Brigade in December, 2008, specifically Task Force Saber. Task Force Saber is the tip of the spear in the aerial fight against insurgents in Afghanistan’s southern province of Kandahar. It’s comprised of two troops, OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, one company of AH-64D Apaches, two UH-60C Blackhawks, one company of Pathfinders and aviation unit maintenance troop, a forward support troop and a headquarters element. Maj. Weinshel was the pilot during this operation. The US Special Operations Command took part in a special pre-race ceremony in 2008, delivering the pace car for the Kansas 400.(Kansas Speedway)(11-11-2009)

Press Conference at North Wilkesboro UPDATE: on Tuesday November 10th at 1:30pm/et there will be a press conference at The North Wilkesboro Speedway, located on US 421 in North Wilkesboro, NC. In a show of "Community Unity" Speedway Associates Inc. has opened this press conference to the public requesting that they come and sit in the stands to hear of plans to have racing back at the track in 2010. More info at Save The Speedway.(11-8-2009)
UPDATE: The ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts announced that the ‘King’s Ransom 300’ has found a new home at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. The event will once again be televised and draw the top short track drivers from around the country to compete. “After talking with the new ownership group at North Wilkesboro Speedway, I know that we share the same vision of reviving short track racing”, stated Ron Varney ASA Late Model Series President. “North Wilkesboro Speedway has a long history of short track racing and we are very excited to be able to carry on that tradition”, finished Varney.
“On behalf of the Speedway Associates Team and North Wilkesboro Speedway, we are incredibly honored to have the ASA Late Model Series bring it's famed Kings Ransom 300 to our historic speedway. We commend everyone with ASALMS for working so very hard to continue the mission in saving short track racing abroad”, stated Alton McBride Jr. President & Director of Operations SAI (North Wilkesboro Speedway). For more information about the ASA Late Model Series visit www.asalatemodels.com.(ASA Late Model Series PR)(11-10-2009)

Tickets on sale for Dover's May races: Race fans can reserve great seats for the May 14-16, 2010 race weekend at Dover International Speedway, featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, as tickets are currently on sale. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Dover ticket office at 800-441-RACE or online at DoverSpeedway.com. Tickets for Dover's "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup" weekend, Sept. 24-26, 2010, will go on sale to the public on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. Returning fans still have the opportunity to renew their same seats for the September 2010 race weekend until Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. Dover International Speedway continues to offer event ticket insurance for all events, along with an array of ticket options including special three-day ticket packages, all-inclusive hospitality packages, early buy discounts, and a variety of payment plans.(Dover International Speedway)(11-10-2009)

Watkins Glen donates prints to USS New York crew: Over the years, Watkins Glen International has worked very hard to show its support of the men and women of the United States military, but its most recent donation is a first for the historic road course. With the help of the drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup and IndyCar Series, The Glen was able to donate specially signed and framed prints to the captain and crew of the U.S. Navy’s newest addition – the USS New York. These prints are the only ones signed by all of the drivers from each series and are just the latest of The Glen’s efforts which have included military discounts on tickets, featuring all branches in pre-race ceremonies, supporting the Climb to Glory Charity at nearby Fort Drum, and a wide range of fly-overs. The top drivers of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series signed one of the event posters for the 2009 Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen that was designed by renowned artist Sam Bass. The sailors of the USS New York will find the names of almost every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver that competed at The Glen this year. The donation was made following a request from the U.S. Navy for items and memorabilia from major sites and attractions around New York State to be placed in the soon-to-be commissioned ship. The goal is to enhance the connection between the ship and the state for which it is named as well as provide numerous displays throughout the ship to represent various aspects that have formed the culture of New York.
The USS New York is the fifth ship in the LPD 17 San Antonio class of amphibious transport dock ships to be built. It is very unique from the other four ships of this class for two specific reasons. The first, and most important, is that steel from the World Trade Center wreckage was used in the construction of the bow stem of the ship. The bow stem is the part of the ship that reaches the farthest forward where it cuts through the water and also helps provide hull integrity. The second is that state names have typically been reserved for submarines but an exception was made in the case of the USS New York. George Pataki was the Governor of New York in 2001 and, following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, he sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy, Gordon England, asking the Navy to please revive the name USS New York and give it to a surface ship that would fight in the war on terror. The USS New York is currently docked in New York City for its commissioning ceremony which will be held on Saturday, November 7. The general public is welcome to tour the state-of-the-art ship until Wednesday, November 11. More information about the USS New York can be found by visiting www.ussnewyork.com.
Tickets for the entire 2010 season will go on sale to the general public (non-renewal customers) November 14, 2009. For more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or log on to the official website at www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(11-9-2009)

Special Pre-Sale Event for Texas Tickets: In a year where Texas Motor Speedway has offered its lowest ticket price ever for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race with the $20 “Backstretch Buster” seats, sold $1 seats in a special promotion for the June IndyCar Series race and unveiled a special two for $99 Dickies 500 frontstretch ticket package, “The Great American Speedway!” is extending a thank you Sunday to all its fans attending the Dickies 500. Dickies 500 fans received a “thank you” flier that also will give them the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets – and secure the best available seats – to next year’s Samsung Mobile 500 through a special online pre-sale code on the flier. In addition, fans that purchase a Samsung Mobile 500 ticket during the pre-sale period of Monday and Tuesday will receive a free ticket to The Dallas Morning News Qualifying Day for the Sprint Cup Series and Rattlesnake 150 ARCA RE/MAX Series race, both of which will be held Friday, April 16. The Samsung Mobile 500 is scheduled for Sunday, April 18. Tickets for the Samsung Mobile 500 – as well as the O’Reilly 300 Nationwide Series race Saturday, April 17 – will go on sale to the public Wednesday, following the close of the two-day, pre-sale period. For additional information, contact the TMS ticket office at (817) 215-8500 or visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(11-9-2009)

Fairgrounds Speedway closes: The end came quicker than expected for Fairgrounds Speedway [formerly Nashville Speedway] as track operator Danny Denson has decided to cancel the scheduled season-ending All-American 400. The race had originally been set for last weekend but was postponed due to a rainy forecast and rescheduled for the end of the month. Denson reconsidered, but Wednesday decided to cancel the race and close the track due to ongoing problems with Metro. “There had been so much negative attention that we decided to go and end it now,” said Denson, referring to plans by Mayor Karl Dean, and the Fair Board vote, to shut down the entire Fairgrounds next June 30. “It’s impossible to promote a race in this kind of atmosphere. It’s all over. It’s a sad day for our sport and our city,” he said. The track opened in 1958 on a Metro-owned site that had hosted some form of racing since 1904. The closing of Fairgrounds Speedways leaves Nashville Superspeedway in Wilson County as the only major-league race track in Middle Tennessee. That track is considered unsuitable for local-division racing. “I don’t know where young drivers just starting out are going to race,” said Sterling Marlin, a three-time track champion whose son Steadman and daughter Sutherlin raced at the Fairgrounds this season.(Nashville City Paper)(11-8-2009)

Atlanta Motor Speedway to Host Accident Avoidance Workshops: Atlanta Motor Speedway will play host to a series of Accident Avoidance Workshops in November and December, providing student drivers the opportunity to simulate emergency situations often overlooked in driver’s education courses. The Accident Avoidance Workshop is a two-part program designed to prepare student drivers to respond to emergency situations. Each participant will attend a 150-minute classroom session, followed by a four and a half hour session of emergency driving simulation the following weekend. Each student-parent team participates in their own vehicle, allowing young drivers to experience their own car’s capabilities. Parents sit in the passenger seat, as the driver experiences first hand the effects of losing control, distracted driving and insufficient following distance in a controlled environment. The program costs just $195 for seven total hours of training and $10 will be donated to each participating student’s respective school’s PTSA. Due to limited classroom availability in the Accident Avoidance Workshops, interested students are encouraged to act now. For more information, dates and times or to register for the Accident Avoidance Workshops, call (770) 971-0571 or visit www.accidentavoidanceworkships.org. Accident Avoidance Workshops Dates are scheduled for 11/18, 11/21-21; 12/16, 12/19-20.(AMS)(11-8-2009)

Coke Zero Tickets on sale: On Saturday, Nov. 7, race fans will have their first opportunity to purchase tickets for Daytona International Speedway’s racing doubleheader on July 3, 2010 – the 52nd annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Rolex Series 250 Grand-Am sports car race. Single-day Sprint Tower seats are available starting at $150 and ticket prices for frontstretch grandstand seats start at $40. Also available beginning on Saturday, Nov. 7 will be tickets to the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night, July 2, where the new NASCAR Nationwide Series car will make its race debut. To buy tickets or more info, go to www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-7-2009)

Milwaukee Mile deal could get done: The Wisconsin State Fair Park Board on Friday unanimously agreed to work with local businessmen Frank and Dominic Giuffre on an contract to promote races at the Milwaukee Mile. The board said it would try to reach agreement as soon as possible. The new group is tentatively called the Historic Milwaukee Mile Operating Group LLC. Craig Barkelar, the fair's interim executive director, said both sides hoped to finalize a deal in a matter of days. Besides the Giuffre brothers, the new group includes billionaire John Menard; John Kaishian, owner of the Crystal Ridge ski hill in Franklin and longtime owner of the old Hales Corner Speedway; and the Decker family, owner-operators of the World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River. Giuffre's group replaces Historic Mile LLC, led by Tony Machi, which failed after several months of negotiations to come up with the needed funds to satisfy NASCAR and fair officials. Assuming the deal passes muster with NASCAR and fair negotiators, the next step for the Giuffres is to secure arrangements to host two NASCAR races next June 18 and 19 at the track.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(11-7-2009)

Bruton to build race tracks in the Mid East? Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc., is in negotiations to build three race tracks in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar. It is not clear yet if Smith and SMI would assist in ownership and/or operation of the facilities, or simply construct them and hand over the keys to the Emir of Qatar and his royal family, but Smith said Friday that he hopes to have all the details worked out soon, perhaps within another week. Smith said he was approached about construction of the tracks by the Emir of Qatar, Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani -- and not the other way around. The Emir was in the international news recently for reportedly offering 400 million euros to purchase the former Elysee Palace Hotel in Paris. The Emir is said to be a great fan of all forms of auto racing, and several of his representatives met late last week with Smith and his associates to put the finishing touches on an agreement to have SMI build the three tracks in Qatar. That didn't quite come to pass, but Smith said the two parties are moving closer toward finalizing everything so construction can begin. Smith said the preliminary plan is to have each track seat no more than 40,000 and that he has been informed the Emir has a unique plan in mind for filling them.(NASCAR.com)(11-7-2009)

Cancer in remission for TMS president: During NASCAR race weekend in April, Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage gathered a small handful of friends in his office overlooking Turn 1 to share some news. Usually when Gossage has something to say, drum rolls and neon lights aren't enough. But this time, the master promoter was void of fanfare. He was understated and to the point. "He told us he had cancer," said Kyle Petty, a longtime close friend of Gossage. "It was four or five guys sitting in that office and we're a lively bunch when we're together. We were quiet. It was hard to take. Honestly, I was shocked, crushed and devastated. I think when anybody tells you that they've been diagnosed with cancer, your mind goes to the worst place." Gossage knew he'd need his friends if he was to get through a difficult year of hospital visits and chemotherapy. He wasn't sure what to expect, only that doctors caught the cancer early enough to treat it aggressively. Now, seven months later, Gossage is doing what he's done since the track opened in 1997: Trying to sell as many tickets as he can for a NASCAR race in Texas. Prior to Sunday's Dickies 500, he'll take pride in stepping on a makeshift frontstretch stage to welcome fans and drivers at prerace introductions. "The cancer is now in remission," said Gossage, who still won't disclose what type of cancer he had. "I'm just thankful to all my friends. They really helped me get through it. I've never been through anything like that in my life." At the time he told his buddies, Gossage and his wife, Melinda, had decided to keep the news private. Only a few folks in the TMS management group were even aware at the time of Gossage's condition. Gossage returned to work around Labor Day and is back to a normal schedule. He's lost 30 pounds and doesn't want to gain them back. The beard has returned, with more gray than before. And Gossage has what looks like a buzz cut. He has several Texas Motor Speedway hats that he wears in public.(in part from ESPN.com, see full article there)(11-7-2009)

Shelby Autos returns to sponsor Vegas race: Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., will return in 2010 as the sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Shelby teamed up with LVMS this past March for the Shelby 427. Next year's event on Feb. 28 will be called the Shelby American to honor the 45th anniversary of the Shelby G.T. 350 and 427 Cobra introductions in 1965. March's race was known as the Shelby 427 and featured a 427-mile, 285-lap race. The event will return to its traditional 400-mile, 267-lap distance in 2010. The 2010 NASCAR Weekend will kick off with qualifying for the Shelby American NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Friday, Feb. 26. The Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race is set for Saturday, Feb. 27. Tickets for all 2010 events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, including the Shelby American on Sunday, Feb. 28, can be purchased by calling 1-800-644-444 or online at www.lvms.com. Neon Garage, Lucky 7 Preferred parking and driver introduction passes also are on sale.(LVMS)(11-6-2009)

Napa’s Goines Enjoys Ride of Lifetime at Infineon: Napa’s Howard Goines took the ride of a lifetime on Friday at Infineon Raceway. Goines, who is 88 and battling prostate and bone cancer, piloted his newly-restored 1929 Model A Ford around the world-famous road course, marking the first time he has been behind the wheel in six months. “I never thought this would happen. To be able to drive around the track three times, that’s a lifetime memory,” said Goines, a Bay Area resident for more than 65 years. “The doctor said I couldn’t drive, but I guess I proved him wrong.” Goines began restoring the Model A three years ago, but was unable to finish the project because of illness. Good friends Larry Aldrich, Jerry Belden, Ken Midile, George Smith, Randy Stegman and his grandson, Jordan Heath, completed the restoration. Once complete, Heath decided to contact Infineon Raceway to see if his grandfather could tour the road course. It was a total surprise for Goines, as he came through the front gate at Infineon Raceway on Friday morning. “I’ve been around these cars for 45 years, and it was really nice to get out here on the track and see what it’s like,” said Goines, who has restored more than 10 Ford Model A machines over the years. “I can’t believe my grandson helped set this up. What a great surprise.” In all, four of Goines’ restored Model As paraded around the track, driven by friends and family. More than 15 people also came out to watch Goines fulfill his dream. It was truly an emotional day. “My grandfather taught me how to drive a stick shift in a Model A when I was younger, so to be here with him and ride around the track with him was really special,” Heath said. Goines, who was born in Spiro, Okla., served in the Army-Air Force and spent most of his professional career as an iron worker and finally at Dymo Industries. He has been married to his wife, Elsie, for 67 years.(Infineon Raceway)(11-6-2009)

Milwaukee Mile promoter pulls out UPDATE: Tony Machi, whose investor group wanted to promote races at the Milwaukee Mile, told Wisconsin State Fair Park officials on Tuesday that his group is pulling out. Machi's decision means the future of the historic racetrack is in jeopardy. The 106-year-old track is the oldest continuously operated speedway in the country. Machi said Tuesday that his group, which includes local businessman Jim Beaudoin, could not reach agreement with NASCAR. NASCAR has scheduled two races next summer at the track, but wanted Machi's group, Historic Mile LLC, to pay sanction fees run from last summer's races as well as the fees for the two races next summer. Machi said he had funding for the 2010 races, but could not come up with funds to pay NASCAR. With Historic Mile out, the focus now shifts to the Giuffre brothers, local businessmen who have promoted races at the track before. The Giuffres had made their intentions known months ago, but State Fair officials elected to negotiate with Historic Mile first.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(11-4-2009)
UPDATE: Despite the latest setback in signing a new race promoter, racing at the Milwaukee Mile in 2010 remains a possibility, a NASCAR spokesman said Wednesday. After a three-month process, Historic Mile LLC informed State Fair Park on Tuesday that it could not secure the financing necessary and would withdraw as the prospective promoter. Almost immediately, park management turned its attention to a group led by Frank Giuffre, a former promoter, and his brother, Dominic. That group was rejected in August, when the park board of directors instead chose to sign a letter of intent with Historic Mile. The racetrack is on the agenda of a fair board meeting Friday. "We're in touch with the fair board, and Milwaukee is a very important market to us and we're considering every option available," said Ramsey Poston, managing director of corporate communications for NASCAR. Poston refused to place a timeline on the decision-making process. Throughout its discussions with NASCAR, Historic Mile faced deadlines that were extended numerous times. NASCAR has scheduled Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races for June 18-19. The Giuffres ran the track from 1985-'91 and had negotiated for promotion rights again before the 2006 season. Although Frank Giuffre has been critical of the board's selection process, he has maintained interest and has produced letters of credit from local banks for $10 million each. "We're just excited about reviving racing in Milwaukee. We hope to conclude negotiations on Friday," Giuffre said. Giuffre said his investor group includes billionaire John Menard; John Kaishian, longtime owner of the old Hales Corners Speedway; and the Decker family, owner-operators of the World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River. Poston said NASCAR had no feelings, positive or negative, about the Giuffre group.(Milwaukee Journal)(11-5-2009)

Dover Motorsports writes down value of Memphis track: Without its NASCAR and National Hot Rod Association events, Memphis Motorsports Park, which was going to be sold for $10 million before the potential buyer couldn't secure financing, has dropped in value by $7.478 million, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Dover Motorsports, which announced Friday it was closing the Memphis facility that included a .75-mile oval where NASCAR conducted one Camping World Truck and one Nationwide series race a year, noted the write-down in its third quarter results. Dover had been listing the value of the Memphis track as $10 million, so with the write-down it now lists the facility's value without its NASCAR and NHRA events as $2.522 million. Dover also noted that its NASCAR weekend in September saw lower attendance, sponsorships and corporate spending as a result of the weak economy and poor weather. For the first nine months of 2009 - which is virtually Dover's entire racing season with the exception of the Memphis Nationwide race - Dover has recorded a net loss of $1.324 million compared with a net profit in 2008 of $6.398 million.(SceneDaily)(11-3-2009)

Atlanta partners to offer low hotel rates for 2010 Kobalt Tools 500: Atlanta Motor Speedway has again partnered with a number of area hotels to provided discounted room rates as low as $59 for fans attending the 2010 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend on March 5 - 7. Continuing a program that makes attending NASCAR race weekends at Atlanta Motor Speedway more affordable, the Speedway's current partner hotels feature room rates of no more than $120 and do not require a multi-night stay. Of the partner hotels, six feature rates of $70 or less for the 2010 Kobalt Tools 500 race weekend. Race fans can directly access the list at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/fans/hotels/.(AMS)(11-3-2009)

Construction begins on Daytona Frontstretch Renovation: Construction on phase one of Daytona International Speedway’s frontstretch renovation will begin this week. Phase one of the frontstretch renovation will be focused on the old dog track property located behind the Keech and Lockhart Grandstands and will include new fan amenities such as:
* Two additional gate entrances
* Relocation of the Turn 1 tram stop closer to the center of the frontstretch grandstands
* New exterior pedestrian boulevard that will eventually stretch from Turn 1 to Turn 4
* New and improved directional signage, landscaping and lighting
Construction is expected to be completed for Speedweeks 2010 and the 52nd annual Daytona 500. Tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500, which start at $55, as well as other Speedweeks 2010 events, are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(11-2-2009)

MIS to allow dogs in Graves Farm Campground: In an ongoing effort to help fans make their race weekends more affordable, Michigan International Speedway is allowing dogs in its Graves Farm Campground for the 2010 season. Many race fans who are pet owners incur costs to board their dogs when they head to the Irish Hills track for its NASCAR events. Opening the Graves Farm Campground to campers and their dogs will give fans the opportunity to camp with their pups. Rules apply for race fans and their dogs in the Graves Farm Campground:
* The campground is open to dogs only.
* Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times
* Dogs must remain within the confines of the pet owners’ campsite
* Leashed dogs may be walked on the walking trail
* All owners must clean up after their dog
* Dogs are not permitted in the New Holland Fan Plaza or through the ticket gates unless they are service dogs
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike. The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2010 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. Current, 2009 customers will have the chance to renew at the best pricing available when they receive their renewal packets. New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2010.(MIS)(11-2-2009)

Talladega announces renovations; new ticket prices: Immediately following the AMP Energy 500, construction crews will descend on Talladega Superspeedway and begin work on a two-phase $13-million grandstand renovation project. More than half of the stadium’s grandstand will be replaced with larger seats and wider aisles in time for the April 25, 2010 Aaron’s 499. The remaining seats will be replaced in time for the Oct. 31, 2010 AMP Energy 500. Accompanying the renovations is a new pricing structure for many Talladega seat locations. Single-day seats in the Gadsden, Lincoln, Anniston and Talladega Towers have been reduced to $95 from $120. Two-day tickets in the Allison Grandstands, one of the best values in all of motorsports, have been further reduced to $49 from $60. Race fans will also find new lower prices on certain infield camping locations. Phase One of the renovation project will span from the Gadsden grandstands in Turn Four through section C of the OV Hill South grandstands in the Tri-oval. New 21-inch seats with armrests and cupholders will replace the current 17-inch seats and seat aisles will also be widened to 48 inches from 36. Grandstand renovations also include the building of new premium level seats and additional ADA seating at the top of various sections. New semi-ambulatory seats will also be spread throughout the stadium to accommodate fans.(TSS PR)(11-1-2009)

Racing for Wildlife preserves Talladega mountain ridge: Racing for Wildlife, a organization spearheaded by NASCAR driver Ryan Newman to preserve land for hunting, fishing and other outdoors activities, announced its first property acquisition this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The 1,100 acres along the eight-mile ridge of Rebecca Mountain in the Talladega National Forest will allow the U.S. Forest Service to complete a portion of the Pinhoti Trail, which connects Rebecca Mountain to the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. The property will be available for hiking, camping and recreation.(Alabama Live)(11-1-2009)

Dover Motorsports shuts down Memphis track: Dover Motorsports, Inc. announced that it was ceasing all operations at Memphis Motorsports Park and that it would not be promoting any events in Memphis in 2010. As previously announced, the Memphis facility had been under an agreement of sale to Gulf Coast Entertainment but Gulf Coast was unable to secure financing. "This was a difficult decision for us, but one that ultimately was dictated by economics," said Denis McGlynn, President and CEO of Dover Motorsports. "We greatly appreciate the many years of dedication shown by our Memphis employees and their efforts to make Memphis such a great destination for the racing community - from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies. For all concerned, including the Memphis community, it is truly sad to see Memphis Motorsports Park taken off the racing schedule. NASCAR has approved the realignment of our NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events from Memphis Motorsports Park to our Nashville and Gateway facilities." The realigned events and dates are as follows:
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Nashville Superspeedway, April 2, 2010, (together with NASCAR Nationwide Series event on April 3, 2010)
NASCAR Nationwide Series, Gateway International Raceway, October 23, 2010.(Dover Motorsports PR)(10-30-2009)

Pocono Raceway owner honored: WVIA announced Dr. Joseph Mattioli as the 2009 Great Pennsylvanian. To celebrate WVIA-TV will premiere a new biographical film, Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward, on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. on WVIA-TV. It will also be shown in the Abeloff Theater on the East Stroudsburg University campus that night. Dr. Mattioli is the sixth Great Pennsylvanian in WVIA’s original series. The impact of Dr. Joseph Mattioli’s Pocono Raceway has gone far beyond the world of auto racing to become an economic and social center of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region. Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward is a one-hour WVIA original documentary film celebrating the life and accomplishments of Dr. Joseph Mattioli, from his humble beginnings in the rural coal regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania to becoming an incredible businessman, all the while living life by two rules: always do what you love and always move forward. The Mattioli family’s philanthropic efforts in education and health care continue to improve the lives of everyone they touch. More info and schedule at wvia.org.(10-27-2009)

Darlington Raceway receives Landscape Design Award: Darlington Raceway has received the prestigious Landscape Design Award from the Landscape Critics Council of South Carolina. The award is given annually to a business in the state of South Carolina that exhibits well manicured and unique landscape displays. The award is voted on by members of the Landscape Critics Council of South Carolina. Darlington’s new tunnel entrance, infield camping areas, hospitality village and main administration entrance played a large role in swaying voters to select Darlington Raceway as the Landscape Design Award winner. Tickets to the 2010 Southern 500, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Darlington 200 are on-sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway)(10-26-2009)

LVMS to host fan, charity event during NASCAR Champion’s Week: Las Vegas Motor Speedway and NASCAR are bringing Champion’s Week to the race fans. Speedway and NASCAR officials have created the Chasers for Charity Fanfest to be held Dec. 2 in the Neon Garage and Blackjack Club at LVMS. The event will include a free-admission fan event throughout the afternoon as well as a charity roast of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. The fanfest will serve as the kickoff for NASCAR’s inaugural Champion’s Week in Las Vegas.
“One of the key elements to bringing NASCAR Champion’s Week to Las Vegas was creating an event for race fans,” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “This event will bring the drivers and the fans closer together and raise money for charity in the process. We’re very appreciative of NASCAR’s efforts to make this a special fan event that we hope becomes a tradition during Champion’s Week.”
The event will consist of a charity roast of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. The fanfest will feature appearances by the champion as well as drivers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The charity portion of the event will begin with a procession of the Chase drivers and the champion through the Neon Garage. A reception in the speedway media center will follow the procession, with credentialed fans having an opportunity to mingle with the drivers. The event will culminate with the roast in the Blackjack Club. Admission to the reception and roast is $250 per person and will be limited to the first 300 people due to space limitations. Proceeds from the event will benefit Speedway Children’s Charities.
The fanfest will allow fans free admission to the Neon Garage beginning at 11:00am on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Live entertainment and car displays will entertain race fans for the early part of the event. At approximately 2:00pm, the Chase for the Sprint Cup drivers and the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will arrive and walk a red carpet through the Neon Garage. The roast will be shown via closed-circuit television throughout the Neon Garage. Over the next few weeks, the speedway will be announcing more elements of this inaugural event. To purchase tickets to the roast, please log on to www.lvms.com or call 1-800-644-4444.(LVMS)(10-19-2009)

BMS wins $397,000 tax case: A Nashville judge has ruled that Bristol Motor Speedway does not have to pay a $397,000 tax assessment from the state of Tennessee. Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle, in an order unsealed Friday, ruled in a dispute over money the racetrack brings in from the broadcast of NASCAR races. The speedway last year challenged the assessment, claiming the state Department of Revenue was illegally taxing the track. Speedway officials argued that television rights are intangible and that any money derived from the sale of them is not subject to Tennessee sales or business taxes. The suit also claimed the state wrongfully taxed the speedway for money it makes from mailing fees on tickets and from leasing space to vendors. Lyle wrote that the assessments "do not fall into the category of tangible personal property." The judge also ruled that "the relationship ... from the NASCAR agreement is more in the nature of a joint venture than contract of service by the (track) to NASCAR."(Kingsport Times News)(10-19-2009)

Steel construction under way for MIS infield project: Construction crews have begun erecting steel at the site of Michigan International Speedway’s $17 million suite and media center building project. The two-story project design calls for 30 corporate suites that span the second floor of the structure. The suites will sit atop a state-of-the-art media, technology and meeting center. Print, radio and TV journalists will have ample space to work and cover MIS’ popular events. Separate rooms for large press conferences and competitor meetings will also be housed on the first floor, near a new kitchen and press dining area. Demolition of the old suite/media center building occurred the day after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 race last August. The scope of Phase One of the project also includes modifying pit road and the current fire lane. The speedway’s fueling station in the garage will also be moved. The project is the largest at MIS since the construction of the suite tower in 2005. In that venture, the speedway’s motorsports fan display area was also expanded and paved. Phase One of the master plan redesign of the infield is just one piece of an ongoing transformation at MIS. In all, MIS will have spent more than $55 million since 2005 on various capital improvement projects from enhanced seating to a new scoreboard and public address system, to better campsites and directional signage — all with the fan in mind. Future hopes for the speedway include an eventual Phase Two of an infield renovation to create a fan walk-style entertainment area with fan-accessible garages. The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2010 will go to renewal customers and new customers who make a $30 goodwill deposit. Current, 2009 customers will have the chance to renew at the best pricing available when they receive their renewal packets. New customers can log onto www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2010.(MIS)(10-18-2009)

2010 Brickyard 400 Tix on sale: Tickets for the 2010 Brickyard 400, scheduled for Sunday, July 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, are on sale now. Fans have three methods to purchase tickets for one of the premier races on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule:
*Online: Visit the Tickets section of indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
*Phone: Call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.
*In person: Visit the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street.
Online orders can be made at any time. Hours for phone orders and the ticket office are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.(IMS)(10-14-2009)

Indy staff plants trees: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway provided the manpower and NASCAR the material to add a little more green to Indianapolis’ Gustafson Park on Oct. 13. A total of 36 IMS employees volunteered their time to plant 40 trees in the 30-acre Indy Parks facility, located at the intersection of 30th Street and Moller Road – located a mile northwest of Turn 4 of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. Gustafson plays a key role for the nearby Eagledale neighborhood and Northwest High School, serving as a gathering place with its shaded picnic area, community swimming pool, football fields and baseball diamonds. The tree planting at Gustafson Park is part of NASCAR’s Green Flag Tree Planting Program. For every green flag waved during the 2009 Brickyard 400, NASCAR pledged to donate 10 trees to the local community. There were a total of four green flags during the race, won by three-time Brickyard 400 winner Jimmie Johnson. The program was launched during the 2009 season, at select NASCAR venues, with plans to expand it in 2010. The tree-planting event also comes one day before the kickoff of 2010 Brickyard 400 ticket sales, as tickets officially go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the ticket office in the IMS Administration Building at the corner of 16th Street and Georgetown Road, by phone at (800) 822-INDY or online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(IMS)(10-14-2009)