Gateway Raceway to reopen: A group of investors, led by real estate developer and former professional race car driver Curtis Francois, have reached an agreement to operate the Gateway International Raceway for the 2012 racing season. "With the 2012 racing season fast approaching, we had to move quickly and negotiate a lease for the facility," Francois said. "We were excited to reach an agreement with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to return in October 2012 with the NHRA Midwest Nationals. This event is very important for the future viability of the track and illustrates the interest the industry has in revitalizing this wonderful entertainment venue." Gateway International Raceway, previously owned by Dover Motorsports, Inc. out of Dover, Delaware, ceased operations in November, 2010 citing the inability to run the operations with acceptable returns. The new, local investors have plans to expand the use of the facility, and operate in a manner that will be more cost-effective for the long term. About 50 full-time jobs and up to 300 part-time jobs are expected to result from the reopening of the track, and officials are optimistic about the impact this investment will have on the overall region. Thursday, the NHRA released its 2012 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule and the reopening of the Gateway track was highlighted as a premier event.(KSDK)(11-5-2011)

Gateway to run some drag races in 2012: A group of investors, led by real estate developer and former professional race car driver Curtis Francois, have reached an agreement to operate the Gateway International Raceway for the 2012 racing season. "With the 2012 racing season fast approaching, we had to move quickly and negotiate a lease for the facility," Francois said. "We were excited to reach an agreement with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to return in October 2012 with the NHRA Midwest Nationals. This event is very important for the future viability of the track and illustrates the interest the industry has in revitalizing this wonderful entertainment venue." Gateway International Raceway, previously owned by Dover Motorsports, Inc. out of Dover, Delaware, ceased operations in November, 2010 citing the inability to run the operations with acceptable returns. The new, local investors have plans to expand the use of the facility, and operate in a manner that will be more cost-effective for the long term. "We are currently working with state and local governments to put together a redevelopment plan that will allow us to purchase the facility and lay a firm financial foundation for the track. We've received incredible interest and support from the racing industry, state and local officials, local businesses and racing fans," Francois said. "We are very excited about the jobs this investment can create and the overall economic impact it can have on the region."
"My staff and I have been working closely with Curtis Francois over the past few months as this deal was nearing completion, and we are excited with this great news," said Mark A. Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman. "I've known Curtis for many years and I look forward to the reopening of the Gateway Raceway as it means so much to our region, and in particular St. Clair County. The Raceway will once again attract crowds and fans from throughout the region and country."
"I'm delighted that the Gateway International Raceway will be reopened and once again become a wonderful entertainment center for the region," said City of Madison Mayor John Hamm. "This nationally renowned facility is a breath of fresh air for the City of Madison. New operator Curtis Francois has been great to work with and every City Council Member has given me the green light to get this deal done."
About 50 full-time jobs and up to 300 part-time jobs are expected to result from the reopening of the track, and officials are optimistic about the impact this investment will have on the overall region. Thursday, the NHRA released its 2012 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule and the reopening of the Gateway track was highlighted as a premier event. Francois says plans are for the track to open for a full season of racing sometime in the March of 2012, and there are plans to hold some limited racing events yet this year. "We are excited to return to the St. Louis area, as we have a very strong fan base in the region and they have always supported NHRA Drag Racing," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.(KSDK)(9-15-2011)

Latest on proposed Branson area racetrack: Members of the Taney County [Southwest Missouri] Planning Commission on Monday approved controversial plans and a permit to build a $250 million NASCAR-style track on 800 acres south of Hollister. The 4-2 vote in favor of the Branson Sports Entertainment Complex came with hefty conditions, however. In addition to complying with local development codes and state and federal requirements, developer Russell Cook will be required to make any transportation upgrades needed to handle the increased traffic and finish all infrastructure improvements before moving ahead with construction. He also must build four sound measuring stations within a half-mile of the track. He could face a fine of $5,000 if the noise level exceeds 68 decibels (normal conversation with someone a few feet away is about 60 decibels). Representatives for both Cook and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris [sponsor of the #1 Chevy] -- who has publicly opposed the project -- greeted the restrictions with cautious optimism. Commission chair Shawn Pingleton lobbied Monday for penalties on the order of $5,000 per decibel above 68 decibels on the first violation and $10,000 per decibel point on the second, but member Ray Edwards used the lesser penalty in his amended motion to approve.(News Leader)(7-19-2011)

Original owner gets involved with sale of Gateway: Original Gateway International Raceway owner Chris Pook and his former construction manager and general manager Rod Wolter have been asked by the track’s current landowners to help facilitate the sale of the Madison track. "We’ve been in discussion with Chris and Rod for several weeks and we’ve just finalized the consent of the group to engage them," said Clayton attorney Bob West, who represents one of the landowners. "I don’t know if afraid is the right term, but the group recognized that these guys had a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience, a lot of credibility in the racing industry that would let them speak with authority to people that the owners would not otherwise have the opportunity to gain an audience with." West also denied Gateway has been sold to Moroso Investment Partners, a Florida firm that owns Palm Beach International Raceway. That group purchased Memphis Motorsports Park at auction in December from Dover Motorsports Inc. and finalized the deal on Jan. 31 for $2.062 million. And, until Feb. 18, Dover had owned parts of and leased parts of Gateway from the four landowners. But the Delaware-based company terminated its leases with the foursome and is no longer involved. Pook originally bought the Gateway property in 1995 and opened the track in 1997. Wolter, 70, who still resides in Edwardsville, was Pook’s construction manager and general manager until Pook sold the facility to Dover Motorsports in 1998.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(3-17-2011)

Businessman wants to build track south of Branson: Businessman Russell Cook says he thinks Taney County (Missouri) would be a perfect site for a speedway for NASCAR races. Cook proposes a 1 ¼-mile track on 800 acres he owns near Branson Airport. Cook, who is in construction and land development, says he hopes to start construction by February on the track. He says it would seat 80,000 to 100,000 people and cost an estimated $150 million. Cook says a group of investors from Atlanta has agreed to help finance the project. He says he hopes to take formal plans to the Taney County Commission next month. The proposed site is northeast of the junction of U.S. 65 at Missouri 86 between Hollister and Ridgedale, south of Branson. Cook says the track likely would have to start with Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series events before being considered for a Sprint Cup race.(ky3.com)(12-2-2010)

Gateway Raceway shut down: The owner of Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis says it will cease all operations at the track. Dover Motorsports Inc. said in a release Wednesday that the track could no longer be operated with "an acceptable return." The company previously announced that it would not seek to run any NASCAR Series events at the facility in 2011. The track ran its final NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Oct. 23, 2010. The majority of the track is leased from third parties. The company owns approximately 150 acres of the facility and has been in discussions with several interested purchasers.(Yahoo Finance/AP)(11-3-2010)

No Nationwide or Truck races at Gateway: Dover Motorsports, Inc.announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gateway International Raceway has notified NASCAR that it will not seek 2011 sanctions for its two Nationwide Series and one Camping World Truck Series races. Vice President and General Manager of Gateway, Terry Harmeson stated, “This was a difficult decision in light of the many years of earnest and continued efforts on everyone’s part to develop a viable market for these events in one of our nation’s greatest cities. We remain committed to fulfill the balance of our 2010 schedule including our October 23rd NASCAR Nationwide race which will provide our fans the opportunity to see Danica Patrick compete here for the first time. We also plan to explore various ways to change the economics at Gateway both from the revenue and expense side.”
Denis McGlynn, President & CEO of Dover Motorsports, stated, “We have a group of extremely dedicated and talented employees who make Gateway a great destination and we deeply appreciate all the support we have had from the racing community over the years – from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies. However, economics dictate that we evaluate all of our options for this facility, including its possible sale.” (GIR)(7-28-2010)

Allgaier to Lead Gateway Fans in Command to Start Engines: The four most famous words in racing, “Drivers, Start Your Engines” have been spoken by thousands of different people in thousands of different ways over the course of NASCAR’s history. At Gateway International Raceway Saturday, July 17, there will literally be thousands of voices giving that command all at once prior to the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race as the fans have been named as the official grand marshals of the event. Leading the fans to the command will be Riverton, Ill., native and reigning NNS Raybestos Rookie of the Year Justin Allgaier.(Gateway PR)(7-8-2010)

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)

Batycki leaves Gateway Raceway: Gateway International Raceway Vice President and General Manager Lenny Batycki says he has left Dover Motorsports Inc., the parent company of the track. Gateway, located in Madison, Ill., near St. Louis, Mo., hosts races in NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck series. "It just came to a conclusion that I didn't fit Dover's management style," Batycki said, "and we've parted ways." Batycki was hired in December 2006 after serving as team president for the now-defunct Biagi DenBeste Racing team in what was then known as the Busch Series.(Scene Daily)(10-2-2009)

Gateway won't be sold..for now: All the rumors about Gateway International Raceway being sold can now be put to rest. The local group that had inquired about purchasing GIR from Dover Downs Entertainment, the company that owns Gateway among its four tracks, has broken off talks. "I wished that I had better news to report," said Kenny Nowling, president and chief executive officer of the American Drag Racing League, the company that had been in talks with Dover. "My investors kind of soured a little bit after finding out ... we weren't aware that Gateway doesn't own this property. Dover owns a very small portion of this property. It got very convoluted. We're talking about having to lease a section ... turn three is owned by someone and this adjoining property (the marsh land that runs parallel to the dragstrip). My group wants to buy a facility, they want to be able to expand that facility, they wanted to put race shops there. Unfortunately it just wasn't the right fit." Gateway general manager Lenny Batycki declined comment, deferring to Dover. Executive Vice President Michael Tatoian, who was at GIR in May for a National Hot Rod Association event, said at the time Gateway "wasn't for sale." But he said Dover would listen to anybody who called.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(7-24-2009)