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IMS giving away tickets through social media sites: Fans of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will want to stay logged on to the IMS pages on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace as IMS will soon give away pairs of Allstate 400 at the Brickyard tickets via these social networking Web sites. The giveaways will take place at multiple, random locations in and around Indianapolis. Some sets of tickets feature the autographs of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stars Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and more. For each ticket giveaway, IMS staff will use one of the three Web sites to alert fans of the location of the giveaway and other necessary information to claim the tickets. The first person to locate the IMS staff member at the location will win two tickets to the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, July 26.(IMS PR)(7-4-2009)
Future of Milwaukee Mile in doubt: The Milwaukee Mile office is closed, and all 12 staff members have been laid off at least temporarily. Whether the oldest auto racing facility in the country lives to see its 107th birthday is in grave doubt even among its biggest boosters. "It depends totally if I'm able to get some investors," promoter Claude Napier said Thursday in a telephone interview from Texas. Napier, president and chief executive officer of Wisconsin Motorsports, admitted to the Journal Sentinel for the first time that he had no other financial backers when he entered into a deal in February with State Fair Park, where the track is located. "I've got a hunch it's over," said Dominic Giuffre, a former promoter with his brother Frank. "It's too late." The Giuffres, promoters at the Mile from 1983-'91, have expressed interest in returning to that role. It is "very uncommon" for NASCAR to stage a race without being paid in advance by the promoter, said Ramsey Poston, a NASCAR spokesman. The races were already scheduled and television contracts in place when Napier took over. Given its dealings this year, NASCAR is not expected to grant credit to the track - no matter who operates it - to return for 2010.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(7-3-2009)
Kyle Petty Named Grand Marshal For The Coke Zero 400: Kyle Petty will serve as Grand Marshal for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. Petty, who is currently serving as an analyst for TNT, will give the command "Gentlemen, start your engines" to the 43-car field and to his father Richard Petty, who will pace the field in a replica 200th-winning #43 car.(Daytona Speedway PR)(7-2-2009)
Papa John’s Founder John Schnatter to Serve as Honorary Starter for Coke Zero 600: John Schnatter, also known as “Papa John,” the Founder and CEO, for Papa John’s pizza restaurants, will serve as Honorary Starter for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. Schnatter will wave the green flag for the 43-car field from the starter’s stand and kick off the racing action in the Independence Day holiday classic. At the age of 22, Schnatter knocked out the broom closet in his father's tavern, sold his prized 1972 Z28 Camaro, purchased $1,600 worth of used restaurant equipment and began delivering pizzas out of the back of the bar. Papa John's opened its first pizza restaurant in 1984 and today is the world’s third largest pizza company with more than 3,400 restaurants world wide. Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday night, July 4 are available online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(7-1-2009)
DIS To Honor Five Medal of Honor Recipients: Daytona International Speedway will pay tribute to five Medal of Honor recipients during the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, reinstituting a program that was first started by Bill France Sr. back in the 1970s. The Medal of Honor recipients, all from the Vietnam War, to be honored are:
* Walter Marm, a retired U.S Army Colonel from Washington, Penn.
* Kenneth Stumpf, a retired U.S Army Sergeant Major from Neenah, Wis.
* John McGinty, a retired U.S Marine Captain from Boston, Mass.
* Charles Hagemeister, a retired U.S Army Lieutenant Colonel from Lincoln, Neb.
* Gary Littrell, a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major from Henderson, Ky.
All five Medal of Honor recipients will be honored during a special luncheon at noon on Friday at the Bill France Room inside Daytona 500 Experience and will attend driver’s meetings and participate in pre-race ceremonies for both the Subway Jalapeno 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It’s bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. Tickets for the luncheon in which Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey will serve as Master of Ceremonies are $40 and can be purchased by calling Daytona 500 Experience Group Sales at (386) 681-6470.
Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday night, July 4 are available at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(7-1-2009)
NASCAR seeking payment from Milwaukee Mile: In documents obtained by the Journal Sentinel, NASCAR states that Wisconsin Motorsports, the race promoter at the Mile, owes it $1,878,228 for the two races NASCAR sanctioned earlier this month. Wisconsin Motorsports recently hosted two major NASCAR events: a Camping World Truck Series race and a Nationwide Series race. Exact attendance numbers have not been made public but it was estimated that the truck race drew about 7,000 fans, and Claude Napier, the head of Wisconsin Motorsports, said the Nationwide Series race drew in excess of 35,000 fans. The documents include an agreement that Napier signed in which he states that he is unable to pay in full the fees due NASCAR for sanctioning the races. Napier did not respond to requests for comment. Late last week, Napier acknowledged that he owed money to NASCAR but declined to provide details. He also admitted, as the Legislative Audit Bureau reported in a recent audit of the Wisconsin State Fair, that the track would lose money this year. A NASCAR spokesman, asked for comment, said the letter "speaks for itself."(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(7-1-2009)
Executive Management Changes At Indy: The Board of Directors of Hulman & Company and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that a new management team comprised of veteran IMS executives W. Curtis Brighton and Jeffrey G. Belskus will head the Hulman-George companies effective July 1. Brighton, currently executive vice president and chief legal counsel, will become president and CEO of Hulman & Company. Belskus, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer for the companies, will become president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. They will replace Tony George, who will no longer serve as president and chief executive officer of the Hulman-George companies but will remain a board member of the Hulman-George companies. "Our board had asked Tony to structure our executive staff to create efficiencies in our business structure and to concentrate his leadership efforts in the Indy Racing League," said Mari Hulman George, IMS chairman of the board. "He has decided that with the recent unification of open-wheel racing and the experienced management team IMS has cultivated over the years, now would be the time for him to concentrate on his team ownership of Vision Racing with his family and other personal business interests he and his family share." Joie Chitwood is president and chief operating officer (COO) of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC. Terry Angstadt is president of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League. Brian Barnhart is president of the competition division of the Indy Racing League. Charlie Morgan is president and COO of IMS Productions. Gary Morris is president and COO of Clabber Girl.(IMS PR)(6-30-2009)
Bristol and Banshee Music team on Music: Banshee Music is proud to announce a partnership with Bristol Motor Speedway to serve as official music provider to the racetrack. The partnership will begin with the introduction of a custom, 12-song release that captures the feel of the unique fan experience at Bristol, the excitement of racing on the half-mile track, the track’s signature night race and the raw power of the Thunder Valley drag strip. The CD is due to be released early this summer and will be available at retail and as a digital download.(BMS)(6-30-2009)
The Chase Comes to Auto Club Speedway: Southern California race fans have two great reasons to celebrate come October – Southern California’s inaugural “Chase Race” – the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 35th birthday. As if getting the fourth race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup isn’t enough, fans can also celebrate one of NASCAR’s biggest stars’ birthday in style. To help celebrate Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s birthday, Auto Club Speedway is offering an $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package, October 10-11th. Fans can also purchase Pepsi Rock n’ Rows $35 tickets and be part of the celebration. Both are expected to sell out quickly. The $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package (a $150 value) comes complete with a Saturday general admission ticket for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race – the Camping World RV Service 300 presented by Coleman; a Sunday reserved seat for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race – the Pepsi 500 and a weekend pit pass that gets race fans up close and personal to all the on-track action. In addition to the $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package, Auto Club Speedway offers free parking, allows fans to bring in their own food and other cost-savings opportunities for fans to experience a full weekend of entertainment and fun for the entire family. To purchase the $88 Dale Jr. Birthday Weekend Package or the Pepsi Rock n’ Rows tickets, call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit the new www.autoclubspeedway.com for more information.(Auto Club Speedway)(6-30-2009)
NBA Star to Serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver for Coke Zero 400: NBA basketball star and nearby Mainland High School graduate Vince Carter will serve as the Honorary Pace Car driver for the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Saturday, July 4. Carter, who currently plays for the New Jersey Nets, will pace the 43-car field prior to the green flag waving on the Independence Day holiday classic. Carter has shined off the court with his Embassy of Hope Foundation, assisting children and families in the Daytona Beach area, New Jersey and Toronto. Most recently, Carter, along with his mother Michelle Carter-Scott, donated $1.6 million to the Stewart-Marchman-Act Foundation to help build a 100-bed treatment center for alcohol and drug addiction recovery to be named “The Vince Carter Sanctuary.” Carter and his mother Carter-Scott will be honored during the Stewart-Marchman-Act Foundation Annual Dinner on Wednesday, July 1 at the Daytona 500 Club for their numerous contributions to the local community. Tickets remain available for the Independence Day holiday classic – the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola. For tickets, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS)(6-29-2009)
IMS to make announcement?: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway's board of directors is meeting again Tuesday and expected to make an announcement concerning Tony George's position. It was reported on SPEEDtv.com last month that George had been voted out of power as CEO of IMS by his three sisters, which control six of the board of director votes and had removed his wife. Laura, from her IMS position earlier in May. TG maintained he was still CEO but an IMS release admitted the board wanted George to devise a a management plan that would allow him to focus on the business which requires the greatest attention. He is also CEO of the Indy Racing League, which he founded in 1996. It's speculated that George could be replacing his mother, Mari Hulman-George, as IMS chairman of the board and that longtime NASCAR promoter Humpy Wheeler could be brought in as acting IMS president.(SPEEDtv)(6-29-2009)
Goo Goo Dools to headline concert at Chicagoland: Rock band the Goo Goo Dolls will be the headline act for the Miller Lite Rock N' Racing concert at Chicagoland Speedway on Thursday, July 9, Chicagoland Speedway announced today. The concert will once again take place at the track's Miller Lite Pit Stop, which is located behind the Speedway’s grandstands in Champions Park. Large crowds are expected for NASCAR Pole Day and the concert, so guests are encouraged to arrive early. The concert is free and will take place immediately following NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying. Tickets for Pole Day are $15 (children 12 and under are free) and provide fans with general admission access to watch practice and qualifying runs for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Tickets can be purchased by calling 888-629-RACE (7223) or by visiting www.chicagolandspeedway.com.(Chicagoland Speedway)(6-29-2009)
NHMS Looks to Reduce Carbon Footprint: New Hampshire Motor Speedway is rolling out its Green Team Initiative for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 weekend. The Green Team Initiative is a recycling program in the RV and general parking areas at the speedway. It is a part of Waste Management's Single-Stream recycling system where items such as paper, plastic, and aluminum are all recycled into one bin and then sorted at their plant. On the grounds of the speedway, campers will see green barrels for recycling and gray barrels for other trash. The green barrels will have a large yellow sticker outlining acceptable items for Single-Stream recycling. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, call their Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)(6-28-2009)
Milwaukee Mile owes NASCAR money: The race promoter for the Milwaukee Mile owes NASCAR money stemming from the races last weekend, and the Indy Racing League won't say whether it has been paid yet for its event in May. The Mile hosted the Camping World Truck Series Copart 200 and the Nationwide Series NorthernTool.com 250 last Saturday. Claude Napier, head of Wisconsin Motorsports, did not disclose attendance numbers Friday but said the turnout for the truck race was low. As for the Nationwide Series race, Napier said it was in excess of 35,000 fans. Napier acknowledged that the track would lose money this year. The Legislative Audit Bureau, which recently completed an audit of Wisconsin State Fair Park, said in its report that the Mile would lose money this year, putting added fiscal pressure on the fair. "The sanctions fees are part of an overall deal," Napier said Friday. "We have been working closely with NASCAR in resolving these issues." Asked for details, Napier said: "I don't want to get into specifics about what we owe and what we don't owe. We are working very closely with NASCAR and in particular we are working on the future."
Ramsey Poston, a NASCAR spokesman, said in a statement that, "despite having a terrific day of NASCAR racing last Saturday there remain outstanding issues which concern NASCAR. As a matter of policy I won't get into the specifics of our business dealings. However, I can say we are working closely with the track management to resolve outstanding issues." The competitors were paid, according to a Charlotte Observer story.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(6-27-2009)
Lights at NHMS still planned...but: The hope for New Hampshire Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens is that the track could also clear the hurdle of getting lights up. Standing in the way of that is an agreement that former track owner Bob Bahre made with local officials not to run night events at the track. "In a perfect world I would love to run them on a Saturday night under the lights here," Gappens said. "I think that would be a homerun and give us more flexibility." Gappens said moving past night racing agreement is still something track officials are working on. "It's something that we need to move forward with because I think we're going to see a day when NASCAR is going to require every track to have lights just from the standpoint of the money that's involved with the TV package and trying to get the event completed on the same day that its scheduled," Gappens said. "We can put up lights, there's nothing to stop us from doing that. We can put them in and if the race is schedule for 2 p.m. and we get rain we can finish. But you can't start a race on purpose at 7 o'clock at night. I will be starting to talk to local officials about what we need to do to get to that point because I do think it's vital for the speedway."(Hartford Courant)(6-27-2009)
Humpy in talks to Indy to help promote: Humpy Wheeler, who helped make Lowe's Motor Speedway a power in NASCAR, said he could be in line to help Indy-car racing improve its business. Wheeler confirmed talks with Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. officials about having his company, The Wheeler Company, offer promotional and marketing support to the IndyCar Series. Advertisement "Right now it's all in its infancy," he said. "We haven't made any deals yet; we're just in the talking stage." IMS Corp. officials have not confirmed talks with Wheeler or his son, Trip, who runs the family business. Wheeler, who in the 1960s worked with Firestone's Indy-car program, said there is a need to "objectively look" at the series.(Indy Star)(6-26-2009)
NHMS Welcomes the Newest Member of Its Team: New Hampshire Motor Speedway now has a fan-friendly mascot to match its 1.058-mile oval superspeedway. The Mile Oval Moose, known affectionately as "Milo," will start his new job at the speedway this weekend and is sure to be a fan favorite. A long-time resident of New Hampshire, "Milo" loves racing and entertaining. Attracted to speed and handy with tools for every job right down to changing a light bulb, "Milo" is a natural fit at the speedway. Equipped with his own special racing helmet, "Milo" is a force of nature behind the wheel as well. Whether in the pits tuning up a car or roaming the grandstands with the fans, Milo can be found anywhere and everywhere at the speedway on race weekend; just look for the antlers. A video of "Milo's" press conference introduction with NASCAR Spring Cup Series driver Jeff Burton can be seen at NHMS.com. To purchase tickets to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.(6-26-2009)
AMS is looking for a Chief Lighting Officer: Atlanta Motor Speedway is conducting a national search for a Chief Lighting Officer, the shining star who will have the honor to flip the “switch” to turn on the lights before Atlanta’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup night race on Labor Day weekend. The search for the Chief Lighting Officer will seek out one glowing personality to turn it on for the crowd as they hit the lights before the first night race in Atlanta Motor Speedway’s storied history. The Chief Lighting Officer will receive a prize package arguably unlike any other in racing history, with VIP race access to Atlanta Motor Speedway, inclusion in the official race souvenir program, and the winner will be introduced during pre-race driver introductions.
Selected by a panel of Atlanta Motor Speedway employees, the Chief Lighting Officer will receive:
* Passes for both the Labor Day weekend night races on Sept. 5 and 6, 2009 with one guest
* Hotel and airfare to the races
* VIP-access
* A tour of race control
* An introduction on stage at driver introductions
* The honor to flip the “switch” to turn the lights on Sunday night
* A Sunday pre-race pace car ride with guest
* An official CLO shirt
* Featured in the official race souvenir program
To enter to become Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Chief Lighting Officer, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/CLO and explain why AMS should shine the spotlight on you before Atlanta’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup night race on Labor Day weekend. To purchase tickets to Atlanta Motor Speedway’s historic first night race, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-877-9-AMS-TIX, 770-946-4211 or visit atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(6-24-2009)
Council OKs Metrolina race track: Charlotte City Council approved a rezoning Monday that will allow a developer to build a $50 million race track and amateur sports complex on the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo grounds in north Charlotte. Plans for the project, called the Metrolina Speed and Sports Center, include a 40,000-square-foot facility with rooftop skateboard park, a 200-room hotel and a banked race track. The popular flea market would stay on the site. Developer Simon Weber expects the project to create 150 jobs, and he said Monday he plans to open the complex in May 2010, when the uptown NASCAR Hall of Fame opens. City Council voted unanimously to rezone the 135.3-acre Metrolina property. Weber is also planning a 100-foot buffer between the outdoor facilities and property lines and a 3.2-acre community garden to soften noise for the nearest neighbors.(Charlotte Observer)(6-23-2009)
IMEDC Announcesd coalition to accelerate construction of Motorsports Complex: International Motorsports Entertainment and Development Corporation, IMEDC, is forming a broad based coalition of community leaders to provide the necessary platform to begin construction of its proposed state of the art motorsports facility and commercial mixed use business complex for the Minneapolis and St. Paul area of Minnesota and to accelerate this process to a fast completion. The coalition supporting this project will be comprised of representatives from Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies plus federal, state and local politicians, The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and The Minnesota Department of Tourism as well as the automotive, truck and motorsports industries. This coalition also will include representatives of insurance, hospitality, manufacturing, marketing, advertising, legal and real estate businesses as well as construction and trade unions and many other business entities. The Minneapolis and St. Paul area is one of largest un-served markets and ranks in the top 10 of all the U.S. Markets for major motorsports events. Minnesota is currently home to several corporations already involved with NASCAR, the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). These corporations include The Target Corp., Best Buy, 3M, General Mills, Northern Tool, Fastenal, Valspar and many others. Even in this current economy, motorsports activities have remained extremely popular and strong, and this well planned facility will bring much needed revenue and jobs to the state of Minnesota, in both the construction phases, and long term jobs after completion. IMEDC has already engaged many interested companies who are already part of this team coalition, but welcomes the addition of many others wanting to join the coalition.(PR Web)(6-23-2009)
Watkins Glen offers 'Smashing" Ticket Package: In the aftermath of the events that occurred during Saturday night’s NASCAR Nationwide Victory Lane celebration, Watkins Glen International is setting up a unique program to give back to the arts. To promote our soon-to-be-announced relationship with acclaimed artist Sam Bass, any fan that brings a new or used musical instrument to the WGI ticket office, located on the corner of Old Bronson Hill Road and Route 16, can purchase a ticket to the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at a discounted price, and receive an autographed Sam Bass-commissioned event poster. Sam Bass has been painting images of NASCAR racing for over 25 years. He not only designed the Gibson guitar presented at Nashville Superspeedway, but has created the artwork for the 2009 Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen event program. All instruments collected through the drive will be donated to local music organizations and local schools for use in their music departments. For tickets and information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official Watkins Glen International website at www.TheGlen.com. (WGI)(6-20-2009)
Racing School tests at North Wilkesboro: Four instructional drivers from the Buck Baker Racing School were testing North Wilkesboro Speedway in hopes of expanding their services to Wilkesboro. The owner of Buck Baker Racing School, Jeff Bowyer, said although the track, which was closed in 1996, may not be the prettiest the racing surface isn’t bad. Bowyer said, “I believe we will have the racing school here. The track is not in that bad of condition. It looks a little ugly because there’s no paint on the walls, [but] as for the track surface itself, I’ve raced on worse. The cracks aren’t big enough to worry about. Nothing’s coming up out of the track, and that’s what we were worried about; chunks coming out of the track. Right now, we see nothing like that.” Charles Collins, who is leasing the track for three months from Bruton Smith, said he is hoping to get the cracks in the track patched and paint the walls. A reality television show is also in the works to be shot at the track. The program will be called “Women, So You Think You Can Race?” and Collins said he hopes to begin shooting next month. Collins also said he hopes to hold a late model race [2 scheduled races were already cancelled] at the track before the end of the summer. As far as the Buck Baker Racing School, Bowyer said former students who have driven at other tracks have already showed great interest in driving at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Bowyer said if enough interest is shown, the track is in such good condition that they could hold a racing school session as early as next week.(GoBlueRidge.net)(6-20-2009)
Buyer for North Wilkesboro? North Wilkesboro Speedway sat dormant for nearly 14 years until this spring when a Georgia man leased the property from its owner, Speedway Motorsports. Now that company’s chairman says that the 62-year-old track may soon have a buyer. “I have people coming in tomorrow who want to buy it,” Smith said during a telephone interview on Tuesday. “I’m not sure if they have money or not — if not, it’ll be a short meeting — but they’re very serious about it.” Smith wouldn’t say who ‘they’ are. The meeting Wednesday is not with the man leasing the track, Charles Collins, though Collins says he wants to buy the track after his lease expires in August. Collins’ tenure at the speedway started in March with the purpose of using the facility to film a women’s racing reality series. He also had plans for a tractor pull, concert and stock car race in May and June, but those events were canceled, reportedly because of a lack of sponsorship. Smith said that Collins’ original lease, which expired in May, did not include plans to host a race. “I don’t know exactly what his plans are, but he had the place leased for 90 days and had not been fortunate to get anything done,” Smith said. “It’s a shame, really, because I’d really like someone to do something up there and be successful.” As to why Collins was granted an extension on his lease, “I guess he caught me at a weak moment,” Smith said.(Running Wide Open)(6-18-2009)
Bruton says 2010 Cup race at Kentucky 'doubtful': UPDATE: Hours before the NASCAR Nationwide Series Meijer 300 was to go green at Kentucky Speedway, the big question to track owner Bruton Smith was whether there would be a Sprint Cup race at the track next year. Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., sounded as pessimistic that it would happen, and Smith is not known for being pessimistic. "I would like to say, 'Yes,' but I don't know," Smith said. "It's doubtful that we get it done. It would take a tremendous cooperation from NASCAR." NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston would not totally close the door on Kentucky's Cup chances for 2010, but indicated that it is doubtful. "As we've said, there can be no consideration of a Cup date for Kentucky while the litigation is pending," Poston said. "Having said that, the sanctioning process is currently under way." Once he gets a commitment to a Cup race, Smith said he would add about 50,000 seats to the track, which currently seats 69,000, as well as add additional roads to and from the facility. He would also move pit road closer to the grandstands - "You saw what I did in Vegas," Smith said.(Scene Daily)(6-14-2009)
UPDATE: Jerry Carroll, one of the five founders and former co-owners of Kentucky Speedway, expects the group’s antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR will continue at least through the appeal scheduled to be heard next month. “Absolutely,” he said Saturday as he stood about 25 feet away from current track owner Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc. Smith and Carroll consider themselves friends, but Smith cannot convince Carroll and his partners to drop the lawsuit filed in 2005 against NASCAR and sister company International Speedway Corp. If the founders win their appeal, the case would go back to U.S. District Court for trial and, with appeals, could drag on for years.(Louisville Business Journal)(6-16-2009) Comment here
Bristol Tickets for August race selling fast: Fans who have wanted to see the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway, some of whom said they had quit trying, were able to grab tickets this week as a limited number of seats for the Sharpie 500 weekend became available. By the end of the day Tuesday, fans in 28 states and three Canadian Provinces grabbed coveted seats, a list that grew to 35 states Wednesday. The Food City 500 in March marked the 54th consecutive sellout Sprint Cup event at Bristol Motor Speedway, a NASCAR record. "We still have tickets to sell, but we're working toward our 55th straight full house," Jeff Byrd, president and general manager of BMS said. "It's a win-win situation for our fans who have tried for years in vain to get these tickets while some of our corporate partners have been forced to adjust." Tickets may be purchased by calling the BMS ticket office at (423) 989-6900 or by visiting www.bristoltix.com.(Bristol Motor Speedway PR)(6-12-2009)
Fan sues Lowe’s Motor Speedway: A spectator in the stands hit by a flying car shock absorber during a race in May 2006 in what is now the Nationwide Series has filed suit against Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Robert James Kaine claims a piece of metallic debris “sliced open [his] right thigh area just above the knee” late in the event, according to the complaint filed in North Carolina Superior Court in Concord, N.C. Kaine, who resides in Canada, claims his injuries are permanent. There were no further details of the injuries suffered by what Kaine identifies as a part of a shock. Kaine claims that the injuries were caused by the negligence of LMS because of inadequate fencing.(SceneDaily)(6-11-2009)
Delaware passes a sports-betting bill: The Delware state legislature has passed a sports-betting bill, making Delaware the only state in the East where wagering on sports will be legal. Nevada, Oregon and Montana are the only other states that offer sports wagering. Delaware hopes to have the betting system in place in time for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway in September. This means NASCAR fans will be able to place bets on their favorite drivers. “Martha, I’m putting $10 on Tony Stewart to win. How ‘bout y’all? $10 on Jeff Gordon to win?”
“We’ll do everything they do in Vegas except straight bets on one team over another,” Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway, said. He added that point spreads are needed to legally be a lottery. We’ll be the only state east of Montana where fans will be able to bet legally. “We should be able to attract a whole new demographic that we don’t get from slots.”()(6-11-2009)
Atlanta Motor Speedway Sells Out of Tent Camping: Having sold out of reserved tent camping, Atlanta Motor Speedway has opened two new campgrounds to accommodate fans attending AMS’ first NASCAR Sprint Cup night race on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5 and 6. The Legends Reserved Tent Campground and Elliott Reserved Campground have been created by Atlanta Motor Speedway to meet surging camping demand for Atlanta’s first full weekend of night racing. Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Elliott Reserved Campground is located directly behind the Elliott Grandstand overlooking Turn 3 and will include two additional rows of camping for handicap patrons. The Elliott Reserved Campground also features a large number of sites adjacent to handicap camping for additional fans. Each RV spot is approximately 45 feet long by 25 feet and costs just $150. Shaded by a tree grove, the Legends Reserved Tent Campground is located between Atlanta Motor Speedway’s main entrance and the Legends Campground. With more than 230 campsites with dimensions of 20 feet by 30 feet for $125, the Legends Reserved Tent Campground will be one of the most desired camping locations on the Atlanta Motor Speedway property. For more information on camping or tickets to Atlanta Motor Speedway first Sprint Cup night race on Labor Day weekend, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-877-9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(AMS)(6-9-2009)
No Sale or changes for Pocono: Joseph Mattioli understands that Pocono Raceway has an unusual place on the NASCAR circuit - and that's just the way the outspoken track owner likes it. The track's two races will always be 500 miles long, even as drivers and critics beg for 100 miles to be sliced off each. And those names, the Pocono 500 and Pennsylvania 500, will remain traditional and eschew corporate sponsorship. The track is a 2.5-mile triangle and boasts the longest straightaway (3,740 feet) in the series. And with a fourth-generation of Mattiolis in line to run the raceway, Pocono will never be for sale. Not to Bruton Smith. Not anyone. "If Bruton comes down Gasoline Alley with a wheelbarrow with a billion dollars, he wouldn't get borscht from me," the 84-year-old Mattioli said. "I have enough money, we don't owe any money and all three generations are working and a fourth is waiting to start. It would be like selling part of your family."(Associated Press)(6-7-2009)
Commemorative Darlington 60th Season DVD available: Darlington Raceway has worked with NASCAR Media Group to produce a special commemorative DVD of the 2009 Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com. Each DVD includes:
· Full broadcast length version of the 60th running of the Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com
· Downloadable screen savers for PC or MAC users
· Free 5X7 print from Officially licensed artist Stephen Balok
· Coupon from NASCAR.com
DVD’s can be purchased by visiting the track’s website, DarlingtonRaceway.com, for only $9.99 plus tax and shipping and handling.(Darlington Raceway)(6-1-2009)
Wheeler to take over Indy? Will legendary NASCAR promoter Humpy Wheeler be asked to take over the reins of legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway? That's part of the speculation swirling around the 100-year-old track the past few days, following Sunday's Indy 500, which showed yet another significant TV ratings drop. Wheeler, at Indy over the weekend instead of at Charlotte's Lowe's Motor Speedway, which he ran for more than 30 years for Bruton Smith, has been noncommittal about the Indy affair. Tony George, the 49-year-old who has been running the privately owned Indianapolis track for his family, has been equally noncommittal about what lies ahead, except to deny that he has been ousted as Indy boss. George says he's still the CEO. But there is pressure on George, from family members, to pump up the Indy Racing League, which has struggled to make a go of it. So NASCAR's France family isn't the only American racing giant operation under the gun in these turbulent economic times. George and his family, which owns Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League, is suddenly in the news for an internal squabble over how that family's racing operations are going. George himself denies reports that his family has asked him to step down as boss of the deal, but the mass confusion over what really has been happening this week behind closed door in Indianapolis has everyone wondering just what's up.(mikemulhern.net)(5-31-2009)
Kentucky-NASCAR hearing set for July 30th: A three-judge U.S. Court of Appeals panel will hear oral arguments in the Kentucky Speedway founders’ antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. at 9 a.m. July 30 in Cincinnati. Decisions on appeals typically come anywhere from three weeks to six months after the oral arguments in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.(SceneDaily), see past mews about the lawsuit and track on my Kentucky-NASCAR Lawsuit page and Kentucky Track News page.(5-29-2009)
Indy to devise management plan: At a regular meeting of the board of directors of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday, May 26, board members asked Tony George, chief executive officer of the IMS companies, to devise a plan for management of Hulman & Company, the Indy Racing League, Clabber Girl and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that would allow him to focus on the business which requires the greatest attention. This plan is to be presented to the board at a meeting later this year.
IMS Chairman of the Board Mari Hulman George said: “There was a general discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing all of our companies and where most of our energies need to be spent. All of our properties are doing well, given the challenges of the current economy. The Indy Racing League represents our greatest growth opportunity and therefore deserves the most attention at this point.”
Tony George said: “Contrary to published reports, I continue to serve as CEO of IMS. Our board of directors met yesterday, and we did discuss how to best confront challenges and exploit opportunities facing our businesses. This is nothing new and is something that we continually do as a board. But no changes in leadership or responsibility have been made. We don’t normally comment on board deliberations concerning our family business. However, the widespread, inaccurate reports and rumors caused my mother and me to conclude that it was necessary to set the record straight. If changes are made in the management of the company that are newsworthy, we will announce them when they are made.”(IMS)(5-29-2009)
Developers announce Denver area race track plans: A group lead by Colorado Springs developer Bill Schuck announced plans Wednesday to build a new race track in northeast Aurora [CO]. The $200 million race track would feature a 1-mile oval speedway, a 4-mile road course and a karting facility. It would seat between 65,000 and 100,000 fans on 1,500 acres on the TransPort property east of Peña Boulevard. The private venture is expected to break ground in 2010 and and will host numerous racing events, such as stock car, open wheel, midget and road racing. The developers said Wednesday the decision to move forward with plans for the track was influenced by the recent passage of Senate Bill 173, the Colorado Tourism Act, which could provide the group access up to $50 million in state sales tax revenue pay off construction bonds over a 30 year period. The bill has not yet been signed by Gov. Bill Ritter. TransPort also said it will ask Ritter and other government officials to help apply for federal discretionary stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Officials for the Florida-based International Speedway Corp. have said for more than two years that they would like to build a track in the metro area, but said any sort of venture would have to be a public-private partnership.(Denver Post)(5-28-2009)
Tony George Ousted From IMS: DENIED: The controversial, ground-breaking, tumultuous 20-year reign of Tony George at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is over. SPEEDtv.com has learned George was voted out of power in a Tuesday night board meeting in Indianapolis. A source close to the situation confirmed that the 49-year-old grandson of Tony Hulman would no longer be CEO of the Speedway after a vote of the IMS board of directors which includes mother Mari, sisters Josie, Nancy and Kathy, attorney Jack Snyder and George. Calls to Snyder and Fred Nation, IMS vice president of communications, were not returned and George did not respond to an email. George, who started the Indy Racing League in 1996, will continue as CEO of the IndyCar series and is expected to take more of a hands-on role after Tuesday's developments at the Speedway. It had been rumored for several years that his sisters were concerned with the amount of money George had spent on keeping the IRL afloat and changing the look of the Speedway. He helped orchestrate the unification of open wheel racing with Champ Car's Kevin Kalkhoven in 2008 but since then has mostly concentrated on trying to improve Vision Racing for stepson Ed Carpenter and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
It's assumed Jeff Belskus, the IMS chief financial officer, and Curt Brighton, general counsel for the Speedway, will run the show until a replacement is hired. One name making the rounds has been Humpy Wheeler, the longtime promoter at Charlotte who was at last Sunday's Indy 500 for the first time since 1970. The heirs to Tony's throne are Kyle and Jarrod Krisiloff (sons of Josie), Jesika Gunter (daughter of Nancy), Olivia Conforti (daughter of Kathy), Tony Jr. and Lauren (son and daughter of Tony and Laura George). None are on the board as yet but Jarrod Krisiloff currently works in IMS Productions and has spent the past four years learning the ropes of other departments while brother Kyle pursued a driving career in Atlantics and NASCAR before retiring to go to work for the Speedway late last year.(SPEEDtv - oops they removed the link when the story proved to be false)(5-27-2009)
UPDATE: Tony George denied a report today that he has been ousted from his key role at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, saying he still holds all leadership positions associated with the family-owned business. "I am still CEO and still president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, Hulman and Company, and CEO of the Indy Racing League," George said. According to the report -- which came from an online media company, and was picked up by two local news outlets -- a decision to dismiss George came at Tuesday night's board of directors meeting. George, however, described the meeting as "typical," as did his mother, Mari Hulman George, who is chairman of the board. Hulman George also said there was no call to oust her son, who has held leadership positions at IMS since 1990.(Indianapolis Star)(5-27-2009)
Former Kentucky Speedway owners not giving up lawsuit: One of the former owners of Kentucky Motor Speedway says he won't be bullied into dropping an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR by new track owner Bruton Smith. Richard Duchossios said Thursday he's not sure why Smith has decided to go public with claims that the former owners have a "moral obligation" to race fans in Kentucky to drop the four-year-old lawsuit against NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. Duchossios and his fellow owners sold the track to Smith last year and gave Smith the option of purchasing the lawsuit. Smith declined and the case remains on appeal. Smith has asked NASCAR to give the 1.5-mile tri-oval in northern Kentucky a date on the 2010 Sprint Cup schedule, but believes the track will not receive a Cup race as long as the antitrust case remains active.(Associated Press)(5-19-2009)
Daytona to celebrate Petty's 200th win: This year’s Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on July 2-4 marks the 25th anniversary of Richard Petty’s historic 200th NASCAR win and Daytona International Speedway will put on a celebration fit for a King and honor one of the landmark moments in the history of NASCAR. On July 4, 1984, Petty, nicknamed “The King,” captured his 200th career NASCAR victory in the Independence Day holiday classic at Daytona International Speedway with President Ronald Reagan in attendance. It was the first time a sitting President of the United States attended a NASCAR race and it was the final time Petty won a NASCAR race. During the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend on July 2-4, race fans will be able to relive the moment as Daytona International Speedway and Daytona 500 Experience motorsports attraction pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of Petty’s 200th win with a number of special activities that include:
* Petty pacing the 43-car field of the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola prior to the waving of the green flag in a replica 200th-winning #43 car
* Appearances by Petty throughout the weekend in the Sprint FANZONE, Coke Zero Club and Daytona 500 Experience
* Displays inside the Sprint FANZONE, Daytona 500 Experience and Coke Zero Club of race-winning Petty cars on loan from the Petty Museum in Randleman, N.C. The exhibit inside Daytona 500 Experience will remain on display through the end of the year
* A special $43 Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola ticket offer for the Oldfield and Lockhart Grandstands
* Exclusive ticket package that will put race fans in suite on the Frontstretch with Richard Petty for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola
For tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola, call 1-800-PITSHOP or visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(5-18-2009)
Oct race at LMS renamed: The Bank of America 500 will have a new name and a new focus when drivers and fans show up this fall for the Sprint Cup Series race on October 17 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Beginning this year, the only night-time race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup will be called the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. The name change is part of a strategic marketing effort to bring greater visibility and awareness to Bank of America's popular line of My Expression NASCAR Banking products. NASCAR Banking is the only nationwide suite of NASCAR and driver-branded personal banking products - including check cards, checks and credit cards - specifically designed for race fans. Infomation on additional ways for Fans to Experience the NASCAR Banking 500 can be found at www.bankofamerica.com/RacePoints or at NASCAR-sanctioned events and race tracks.(Bank of America)(5-17-2009)
New 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) Comment here

PAST TRACK NEWS
(links to my Track News page for that Track)
2010 Daytona 500 tickets on sale
AMS sues Pep Boys over sponsorship
Daytona 500 - Super Bowl Conflict coming?
Pocono Raceway Launches new service
Jeff Gordon involved in Niagara Race Track
North Wilkesboro alive and well, even without racing
Will Martinsville lose a race? Michigan?
Kansas Entertainment Resubmits Hard Rock Casino Bid
Bristol Officials Reviewing Saturday Night Special
Tickets On Sale For The Montreal Nationwide Race
NASCAR, no request from Kentucky for 2010 date
New DIS entrance will take place of dog track
Watkins Glen Cup race gets a sponsor
Smith wants Las Vegas to hold season-finale
Fairgrounds Speedway at Nashville offers NASCAR testing
Ky. House Approves Speedway Tax Incentive Bill
Kansas Speedway Signs Sprint Cup Series Race Sponsor
House committee approves Kentucky Speedway bill
Stock-Car Montreal signs 3-yr deal
Daytona track to be resurfaced; 2012?
Demolition begins at Birmingham International Raceway
Dover Motorsports sells Memphis Motorsports Park
ServiceMaster Clean Inks Deal with ISC & SMI Race Tracks
Iowa Speedway replaces Mansfield for Truck Series race
SMI Completes Kentucky Speedway Purchase
Tulare City [CA] Council OKs motor sports complex
New Smoking Policy at Kansas Speedway in 2010
Bailout bill gives tax break to Racetracks
Lights planned for NHMS, no reconfig
New track proposed in Minnesota
Penske pulls proposal for test track
Louisiana speedway plans unveiled
ISC Abandons Plan for Kitsap [Washington] Racetrack
ISC Discontinues Pursuit of Speedway in Staten Island
Alabama Track Complex Bears Name of Dale Earnhardt Jr
An Atlanta race to Las Vegas? denied and 'slammed'
Race Track Seating Capacity Chart Page

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Jayski's® is a registered trademark of Jayski LLC
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without permission or credit.