Back to Back winners of the Coca-Cola 600:
Jimmie Johnson (3), 2003-2005
Jeff Gordon, 1997-1998
Dale Earnhardt, 1992-1993
Darrell Waltrip, 1988-1989
Neil Bonnett, 1982-1983
Darrell Waltrip, 1978-1979
Buddy Baker, 1972-1973
Winners of the Coca-Cola 600 and All-Star Race in same season:
1985-Darrell Waltrip
1991-Davey Allison
1993-Dale Earnhardt
1997-Jeff Gordon
2003-Jimmie Johnson
2008-Kasey Kahne
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)
Grand Marshals: for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America - Participating as Grand Marshals for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race are Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Teresa Earnhardt (representing the Earnhardt family) and Brian France (representing the France family for Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr).(LMS)(10-17-2009)
National Anthem for Cup race at LMS: The Blue and Gold Marching Machine from North Carolina A&T State University
in Greensboro will perform the national anthem prior to the NASCAR Banking 500. Formed in 1918, the band is 180 members strong and also has a dance/twirl team, the Golden Delight. In addition to North Carolina A&T, East Rowan High School's marching band will perform at The Avenue of Flags at the speedway's main entrance from 2 - 4 p.m. Saturday.For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or go
online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(10-16-2009)
Sam Bass NASCAR Banking 500 Program Cover : Renowned motorsports artist Sam Bass has prepared a cover for the NASCAR Banking 500 souvenir program that encapsulates the Homecoming - NASCAR style theme. The painting entitled, "The Homecoming Game," captures the intensity of a gridiron-style face-off at the 50-yard line as top competitors prepare for NASCAR's version of an October homecoming during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The drivers form a tunnel through which the cars must pass in order to reach their destination, the Lowe's Motor Speedway finish line. Bass has created the cover artwork for each Lowe's Motor Speedway race week souvenir program since May 1985.(LMS)(10-16-2009)
Nationwide Insurance provides Shuttle Service during Race Weekend: Seven Nationwide On Your Side Ride trams have been added to the eight currently being used to shuttle race fans around the premises of Lowe's Motor Speedway. A number of tram stops are located throughout the facility, including Gates 2, 3, 4, 7/8, 12, 18, 26 and 30. The trams run in a clockwise direction on the perimeter road between stop-off points and operate from noon each day until the start of the action on the track. Along with the 15 trams, Nationwide has also provided 60 golf carts to be used at the speedway this weekend. The golf carts are available for all race fans, especially the elderly, physically challenged and families with children. Fans can stop by the Nationwide Race Information Stations outside Gates 3, 4, 8, 18 and 31 to arrange a ride on a golf cart.(LMS)(10-16-2009)
New CATS Route to Provide Easy Access to Speedway: The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), the City of Concord and Lowe's Motor Speedway have partnered to bring citizens Saturday bus service from Center City Charlotte to Lowe's Motor Speedway. Starting from the Charlotte Transportation Center, fans can take the 79X Concord Mills Express to beat the traffic and enjoy Saturday's NASCAR Banking 500 for just $6 roundtrip. To learn more about the 79X Concord Mills Express and CATS services, call (704) 336-RIDE (7433) or visit www.ridetransit.org.(LMS)(10-16-2009)
Fan Lindsey Forbes Selected as Homecoming Queen for NASCAR Banking 500: As part of the homecoming celebration, Lowe's Motor Speedway officials announced today that Lindsey Forbes has been selected as the first-ever NASCAR Banking 500 Homecoming Queen courtesy of a fan vote. Through a promotion with Charlotte radio station, 96.9 The Kat, fans were able to vote through an online contest to select the grand prize winner. Forbes, a 22-year-old resident of Mooresville, N.C., and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, will receive a VIP race package and be introduced during pre-race ceremonies with a sash and tiara alongside NASCAR Banking 500 Homecoming King Richard Petty.For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or go
online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(10-15-2009)
Pre-Race Festivities Include an Old-Fashioned Homecoming: Pre-race festivities for Saturday night's NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America at Lowe's Motor Speedway are highlighted by an old-fashioned Homecoming - NASCAR Style - as
drivers and teams return to their home track after five months on the road. The homecoming celebration includes seven-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Richard Petty serving as the homecoming king and the presentation of a homecoming queen still to be announced from an online fan vote. Fans will be greeted by cheerleaders from area high schools that participated in the speedway's "fund-racing" program and several musical performances are also on tap. MercyMe, TobyMac, Robert Pierre and Fee will perform during a
pre-race concert and Eric Church will take to the stage during CollegeFest. Candy Coburn will sing "God Bless America" and the North Carolina A&T State University marching band will entertain fans and perform the national anthem. Several affordable ticket packages are still available for Saturday night's NASCAR Banking 500. Individual tickets start at $49 and frontstretch tickets are available for $69. For information, contact the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(10-14-2009)
Race schedule for LMS Saturday night: Spectator gates open Saturday at 2:00 pm/et. An approximate timeline of selected events leading up to the start of the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America follows:
2:00 pm/et: A pre-race concert, featuring MercyMe, TobyMac, Fee and Robert Pierre, takes place on the apron inside Turn 4. The 3-hour concert offers race fans the opportunity to stand on the historical race track prior to the start of the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America.
4:00 pm/et: A native of Granite Falls, N.C., country music singer Eric Church celebrates Homecoming - NASCAR Style - with a performance as part of CollegeFest. The inaugural CollegeFest takes place in the grass lot behind the Diamond Tower grandstand in Turn 2.
6:00 pm/et: Performance by the North Carolina A&T State University marching band on the speedway's frontstretch.
6:35 pm/et: Adding to the homecoming festivities, cheerleaders from several area high schools that participated in Lowe's Motor Speedway's "fund-racing" program will be introduced during pre-race ceremonies. Among the high schools expected to be represented are East Mecklenburg, West Mecklenburg, Butler, Hopewell, Northwest Cabarrus and the Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology.
6:46 pm/et: Rising country music star Candy Coburn sings "God Bless America."
6:48 pm/et: The pre-race flyover features a C-17 and a KC-135 from Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. The two planes will perform a simulated refueling over the speedway. This is the first time the maneuver has been performed at a sporting event.
6:48:30 pm/et: Official welcome by Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway.
6:49 pm/et: Former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner Robert Yates receives the prestigious Smokey Yunick Award. Instituted several years ago by legendary car owner and mechanic Smokey Yunick who passed away May 11, 2001, the award annually recognizes an individual whose lifelong efforts have had a major impact on the motorsports industry.
6:50 pm/et: Introduction of special guests including Charles Bowman, president, Bank of America North Carolina; Honorary Starter NASCAR Banking customer Phil Bickley; Honorary Race Director Hala Moddelmog, CEO of the Susan G. Komen Foundation; Fan Homecoming Queen (to be announced); NASCAR Banking 500 Homecoming King Richard Petty and Grand Marshal (to be announced).
6:55 pm/et: NASCAR Banking 500 driver introductions along with the presentation of NASCAR special awards. Drivers will exit the frontstretch stage and ride around the speedway in Toyota trucks. Drivers will return to the frontstretch where their cars will be staged on the track.
7:25 pm/et: Presentation of colors by Air Force ROTC Detachment 592 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
7:25:30 pm/et: Invocation given by NASCAR team owner and former NFL coach Joe Gibbs.
7:26 pm/et: National anthem performed by the North Carolina A&T State University marching band.
7:33 pm/et: "Gentleman Start Your Engines" command given by Grand Marshal (to be announced).
7:41 pm/et: Start of the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America.(LMS)
Scouts in Free on Friday at LMS: Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troop members will be special guests at the Dollar
General 300 on Friday. All uniformed scouts and uniformed scout leaders will receive a free ticket for admittance to the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Gates 30 and 31. Each additional family member must purchase a ticket at a special rate. Scout group leaders can contact the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS for more details.(LMS)(10-14-2009)
Carolina CollegeFest Takes Tailgating to the Extreme at LMS: College students can now enjoy homecoming NASCAR style with the ultimate pre-race party for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America on Saturday, Oct. 17., at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Carolina CollegeFest offers students more bang for their buck than ever before with more than five hours of live music, cornhole tournaments, gift packs, prize giveaways throughout the day and a reserved seat for the NASCAR Banking 500, all for the low price of $49 each. Five bands will perform throughout the afternoon with Tim Hollohan, the lead singer for Sullivan's Roof, taking the stage first at 10 a.m. Hollohan is the founding member of Sullivan's Roof, a five-piece rock and roll band out of Greenville and Columbia, S.C., which is in the process of producing its debut album. Following Hollohan on stage will be Nashville's up-and-coming country music sensations Craig Boyd and Southland. Described as the "Motley Crue of Country," Southland has delivered their country/rock sound to thousands by touring extensively throughout the United States, playing more than 200 dates in 2008 and pushing for 250 in 2009. Not only does the $49 ticket grant admission to Carolina CollegeFest, but it also reserves a seat to the NASCAR Banking 500, the fifth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. To purchase tickets to Carolina CollegeFest contact the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(10-11-2009)
LMS's Victory Lane Club Offers Fans Good Value: The best value in motorsports has a new name. Lowe's Motor Speedway's Victory Lane Club offers fans three incredible NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events along with unprecedented additional value and behind the scenes access. Fans can become Victory Lane Club members by purchasing reserved seats for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, the Coca-Cola 600 and the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America for a combined price starting at only $123. Victory Lane Club members can also take advantage of Lowe's Motor Speedway's increasingly popular, customized, interest-free payment plan, and for as low as $19.60 down, they can reserve their 2010 seats today. To become a member of the Victory Lane Club, call the Lowe's Motor Speedway's ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS and speak directly to a ticket representative. To purchase tickets contact the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office by phone or go online to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(10-10-2009)
Fan to be Crowned Homecoming Queen at LMS: To celebrate homecoming, NASCAR style, at the NASCAR Banking 500, Lowe's Motor Speedway will crown one fan as the official Homecoming Queen for the race. In partnership with radio station WKKT FM, 96.9 The Kat, the speedway is holding an online contest to select one lucky lady to wear the crown. The grand prize winner will receive a VIP race package and participate in pre-race ceremonies. Women are invited to log onto Lowe's Motor Speedway's Web site for information on how to register for the contest. Affordable ticket packages are still available to the Dollar General 300 on Friday, Oct. 16, and the NASCAR Banking 500 on Saturday, Oct. 17. To purchase tickets, fans should call the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(10-9-2009)
Lowe's Motor Speedway Creates Fan Guide to Fun: To enhance the fan experience during race week, Lowe's Motor Speedway officials have created a Fan Guide to Fun for the NASCAR Banking 500 Week of events that culminates with the NASCAR
Banking 500 only from Bank of America on Saturday, Oct. 17. The Fan Guide to Fun provides comprehensive information on race week
driver appearances, concerts, sponsor displays, pre-race infield activities and much more. The guide is available online at lowesmotorspeedway.com and will be available at the track welcome center and information booths during NASCAR Banking 500 Week. The Fan Guide to Fun is just the latest in a series of Fans First initiatives aimed at giving fans the best experience possible at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Other elements in place for fans include interest-free payment plans, reduced hotel room rates, a special 99-Cents Value Menu and other experiences that engage fans throughout the event week. Affordable ticket packages are still available to the Dollar General 300 on Friday, Oct. 16, and the NASCAR Banking 500 on Saturday, Oct. 17. To purchase tickets, fans should call the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or visit lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(10-6-2009)
Charlotte-Area Hotels Offer Reduced Race Week Room Rates: In a continuing Fans First initiative, regional tourism bureaus and officials at Lowe's Motor Speedway have worked with area hotel operators to secure lower room rates for race fans attending the Dollar General 300 on Friday, Oct. 16, and the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America on Saturday, Oct. 17. Nearly 90 hotels within approximately one hour of the 1.5-mile superspeedway have agreed to reduce their race week room rates by 15% and waive their minimum stay requirements. The full list of participating hotels is available online for fans to reference at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/hotels. The speedway's ticket services representatives also have the full listing of hotels and can advise fans that call 1-800-455-FANS. In order to obtain the discounted rate, race fans must call the hotels directly and request the Speedway Special when making reservations. n addition to the lower hotel rates, cost savings extend to the speedway as well. The CVS Family Four Pack, which includes four race tickets to the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America, four hot dogs, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and a coupon for a free two-liter of Coke Zero, is available for just $39.75 a person. Similarly, the Dollar General 300 Family Four Pack includes four race tickets, four hot dogs and four Coca-Cola soft drinks for the low price of $14.75 a person.
Race fans are reminded that Lowe's Motor Speedway offers 164 acres of free parking and numerous affordable camping options are also available. Coolers, limited to 14 inches in any direction, are also permitted in the grandstands. Race events in October include the World of Outlaws Topless Showdown on Wednesday, October 14; the Bojangles' Pole Night qualifying on Thursday night, October 15; Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, October 16; and the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America on Saturday night, October 17. To take advantage of these savings, fans should call the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(10-5-2009)
High School Homecoming Partnership to Provide Fund-Raising Opportunities at LMS: Lowe's Motor Speedway is giving area high schools the horsepower to fight budget crunches through an innovative homecoming partnership program surrounding the Oct. 17 running of the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. "Most people experience their first homecoming in high school," said
Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "But when the NASCAR Sprint Cup teams come back to race in Charlotte after five months on the road, the NASCAR Banking 500 is truly an October homecoming-NASCAR style. This new program engages the area schools that serve the families of the NASCAR community. It connects the schools with our NASCAR homecoming, and it provides them with several ways to raise money in the midst of budget cuts."
Through the homecoming partnership, speedway officials have invited 40 public high schools from six area school systems in Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Iredell and Rowan counties to participate in the speedway's "Fund-Racing" program. School fund-raising groups such as booster clubs and parent-teacher organizations will receive $10 for each ticket they sell to the NASCAR Banking 500. Each school will have a convenient way to process sales transactions through the speedway's Web site at lowesmotorspeedway.com/schools. Lowe's Motor Speedway will contribute $1,000 to each participating high school in the program and also donate a VIP race package for two from The Speedway Club for the school to use as a raffle prize. In addition, Bank of America, the entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR Banking 500, will match the $1,000 contribution from the speedway to each participating school.
The area high school that sells the most tickets will receive a 64-person luxury suite to the 2010 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race for even more fund-raising raffle opportunities during the school year. The speedway has also invited area high school bands and cheerleading squads to perform as part of the NASCAR Banking 500 pre-race show on Saturday night, Oct. 17. Information on the speedway's school Fund-Racing program can be obtained online at lowesmotorspeedway.com/schools or by calling Lowe's Motor Speedway at (704) 455-3294.(LMS)(9-30-2009)
Eric Church performing concert at NASCAR Banking 500: Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Eric Church will perform as part of pre-race festivities for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America on Oct. 17. To help celebrate homecoming NASCAR style, Church will return to his home state to perform a concert outside of the Turn 2 Diamond Tower Terrace on Saturday afternoon before the race. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a NASCAR Banking 500 ticket. To purchase individual tickets to the NASCAR Banking 500 or the Carolina CollegeFest package, fans should contact the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or buy online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(9-25-2009)
Bruton Smith sues Concord, Cabarrus County: Marcus Smith, the son of Lowe’s Motor Speedway mogul Bruton Smith defends the lawsuit filed by his father against the city of Concord and Cabarrus County. The suit claims the city and county failed to pay $80 million dollars for roadway and other improvements around the speedway and the ZMax dragstrip. “We’ve been here for 50 years,” Marcus Smith, the President of Speedway Motorsports Inc. said. “It’s the investment in the infrastructure around the speedway is what we are looking for and what the initial bargain was with the city and county.” Bruton Smith had threatened to pack up the track and move it out of Concord if he did not get some financial help with road improvements. The suit claims letters and agreements were drawn up by the local government promising the money. However, Cabarrus County Commissioner Coy Privette says while others in government may have made promises, “the Cabarrus County Commissioners have never acted officially on any proposal to give him a dime.” At an outdoor concert tonight in Concord, residents said they could not see giving Smith any more money. “No, he doesn’t deserve that,” said Barbara Fink. “I think he has had more than his share,” she added. The city and county now have 30 days to respond to the allegations in the suit. Bruton Smith was out of town and could not be reached for comment on the suit.(WCNC.com)(9-18-2009)
NASCAR Night at zMAX Dragway at LMS: Some of the fastest drivers, car owners and mechanics ever to turn left will give it their all to go straight on Tuesday, Aug. 25, as NASCAR Night returns to zMAX Dragway. Last October more than 100 NASCAR industry personnel descended on the Bellagio of drag strips to take their street cars down the concrete quarter-mile. This year, there's a new twist-participants can race anything they wish down the drag strip, making this a true "run what you brung" event. In addition to some of the NASCAR industry's brightest battling at zMAX Dragway, the evening will include passes by the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock teams of Greg Anderson and Jason Line, Nitro Drag Bikes and Pro Mods. More information on the event at LowesMotorSpeedway.com.(8-25-2009)
Lowe’s will not renew naming rights with speedway UPDATE confirmed: Lowe’s has decided not to renew its naming-rights deal at Lowe’s Motor Speedway after this year, ending an 11-year relationship that began as the first racetrack naming-rights sponsorship. After more than a year of renewal talks, the home improvement retailer informed Speedway Motorsports Inc., the track’s parent company, of its decision within the last two weeks, industry sources said. The initial 10-year, $35 million deal ran through 2008 and last year the two sides agreed on a one-year extension through 2009 when they could not finalize a long-term deal. Talks continued this year, but the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement. Barring a late agreement with Lowe’s or the signing of a new corporate partner, the track is expected to go back to its former name, Charlotte Motor Speedway, in 2010. The Lowe’s deal with Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports expires at the end of 2010 and those renewal talks are expected to begin later this year.(Sports Business Journal)(7-31-2009)
UPDATE: Lowe’s confirmed today the company will not renew its naming rights sponsorship of Lowe’s Motor Speedway, a track owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), when its contract expires at the end of the year. Both companies continue to be in discussions about potential future marketing opportunities. “When Lowe’s entered into this marketing relationship in 1999, it was during the time of our company’s rapid national expansion, and Lowe’s Motor Speedway gave us the platform to introduce the Lowe’s brand to millions of NASCAR fans and consumers across the country,” explained Robert J. Gfeller, Lowe’s senior vice president of marketing and advertising. “We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with SMI over the years. However marketing strategies change, and it was time after 11 years to direct our marketing resources in other areas.”
“Lowe’s has been a tremendous partner for Speedway Motorsports and their corporate involvement has strengthened our sport for NASCAR fans,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “We look forward to moving in new directions to help them accomplish their marketing goals in 2010 and beyond."(Lowe's PR)(8-6-2009)
Lowe’s tells speedway it won’t renew deal UPDATE 2 maybe? Lowe’s has decided not to renew its naming-rights deal at Lowe’s Motor Speedway after this year, ending an 11-year relationship that began as the first racetrack naming-rights sponsorship. After more than a year of renewal talks, the home improvement retailer informed Speedway Motorsports Inc., the track’s parent company, of its decision within the last two weeks, industry sources said. The initial 10-year, $35 million deal ran through 2008 and last year the two sides agreed on a one-year extension through 2009 when they could not finalize a long-term deal. Talks continued this year, but the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement. Sources said it’s not inconceivable for Lowe’s to change its mind, given that five months remain on the current deal and the unpredictable nature of the economy, but such a change of heart is considered unlikely. Barring a late agreement with Lowe’s or the signing of a new corporate partner, the track is expected to go back to its former name, Charlotte Motor Speedway, in 2010. Industry sources say that SMI initially came to the table asking for close to $9 million annually, and while that number dropped over the course of their discussions, the two sides could not come together. There were other factors. Lowe’s must also consider its future with driver Jimmie Johnson, who has won three straight Cup championships and stands as the sport’s most dominant figure. The Lowe’s deal with Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports expires at the end of 2010 and those renewal talks are expected to begin later this year. Industry sources say that Lowe’s will be expected to pay a hefty increase to maintain its position as the only primary sponsor on Johnson’s #48 car, which is uncommon in this time of co-primary and “tri-mary” sponsorships on a car. The most expensive sponsorships go for the mid-$20 million range annually. Lowe’s also is navigating the recession, which has struck the home improvement and building sector especially hard. Lowe’s earnings fell 22% in 2008 and 60% in the final quarter of the year.(Sports Business Journal)(7-31-2009)
UPDATE: Officials from Speedway Motorsports Inc. and Lowe's insist they are still talking in the wake of a report that the home improvement chain is ending its sponsorship of SMI's flagship track. SMI president and CEO Marcus Smith said both sides are still negotiating and that he remains confident a deal will be completed soon. "We're still working on and discussing the components of another extension to continue our relationship," Smith said. "Those components have not been finalized, but the process is moving along." Lowe's spokeswoman Chris Ahern said there was "nothing to report" about the nature of the company's talks with the track. SMI owner Bruton Smith, in Kentucky for this weekend's IndyCar race at Kentucky Speedway -- which is owned by SMI -- could not be reached for comment.(Associated Press)(8-1-2009)
UPDATE 2: Lowe's appears to be on its way out as the title sponsor of Speedway Motorsports Inc.'s Charlotte-area track. SMI owner Bruton Smith said Saturday he expects the home improvement chain to end its 11-year sponsorship of the 1.5-mile oval at the end of the season. "I think we'll miss them," Smith said. "Sometimes you're negotiating and maybe you ask too much but I don't know," Smith said. Smith directed questions on the details to his son, SMI president and CEO Marcus Smith. Bruton Smith expects the track to work to find a new title sponsor if Lowe's leaves. If a new sponsor can't be found, the track's name will revert back to Charlotte Motor Speedway. "I think race fans will like that better," Smith said. "We caught heck over that. We shouldn't have. It was a good business decision."(ESPN/AP)(8-2-2009)
$19.60 Holds Any Ticket for Fall Events at Lowe's Motor Speedway: In honor of Lowe's Motor Speedway's 50 years of racing, fans can now reserve any ticket for the NASCAR Banking 500 Week, NHRA Nationals and the World of Outlaws World Finals for only $19.60 by calling the speedway's ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS. The significance in $19.60 is from the speedway's maiden year, 1960, which not only marked the first Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, but the first fall race as well, when Alfred "Speedy" Thompson drove the #21 Wood Brothers Ford to Victory Lane in the inaugural National 400. Now, for only $19.60, fans can reserve their seat for the speedway's 50th fall race, the Oct. 17 NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. In order to reserve seats for any of these events for only $19.60, fans must call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS and speak directly to a Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket agent to set up their customized payment plan. Tickets for all upcoming events at Lowe's Motor Speedway can be purchased online at
lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway's ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS)(7-24-2009)
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)
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)
- Race park planned for Metrolina in Charlotte: An investment group wants to revitalize the race track at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo in northern Charlotte and make it the centerpiece of a $50 million amateur sports and tourism destination. Speedway Investment Group, based in Mooresville, NC., said Monday that the Metrolina Speed and Sport Center could generate 150 jobs in the Derita community. Simon Weber, president, said the group plans to buy 40 of Metrolina's 146 acres and complete the initial phase by April 2010, to coincide with the opening of NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte. The initial phase would include a 40,000-square-foot building with retail and a rooftop skateboard park. The property also would include a progressively banked asphalt track, a karting facility and a “drifting” course on which drivers oversteer to cause cars to lose traction and skid. Weber said the sports complex would accommodate racing configurations from go-karts to late-model stock cars. It would include outdoor and indoor radio-controlled car tracks, grandstands and 4,000 parking spaces. Tim Newman, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, said the project could complement the NASCAR hall by “celebrating parts of racing that are difficult to celebrate now.” Weber said Monday that he is using institutional funding to help finance the development, which he says would celebrate Metrolina's history, embrace green technology and attract national and international sports competitions. The deal is contingent on a rezoning by the Charlotte City Council. A public hearing and vote is planned for June 15. In the 1960s, Metrolina operated as Speedworld and was also known as the Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway. The 0.6-mile clay track was paved briefly in the 1970s and ran NASCAR-sponsored races promoted by Ned Jarrett. It was returned to dirt and operated off and on until the mid-1990s.(Charlotte Observer)(6-3-2009)
- Gold Walls at LMS: The retaining walls at Lowe's Motor Speedway will be gold this year in honor of the speedway's 50 years of racing. A crew of eight painted the walls using 800 gallons of paint and a process called "fogging" to do the job. More than 190 man hours went into making sure the walls were gold before cars got on track.(www.coke600.com)(5-23-2009)
- 50th Coca-Cola 600 Pre-Race Festivities to Feature Military Salute: During the pre-race show for the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, Lowe's Motor Speedway officials will salute the U.S. Armed Forces with a military demonstration, special awards, military band performances and a special presentation with Medal of Honor recipients. The pre-race festivities will also include a parade lap by Bobby Allison, an inspirational message from Franklin Graham and appearances on stage by Miss USA Kristen Dalton and "Dancing with the Stars" winner and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. Gates will open at 11 a.m. Below is an approximate timeline of the
events:
2:15 p.m.
Coca-Cola 600 Grand Marshal Bobby Allison will take a ceremonial parade lap
around the speedway in the No. 12 Coca-Cola-sponsored 1969 Mercury Cyclone
he drove to victory in the 1971 Coca-Cola 600.
2:27 p.m.
Nine Medal of Honor recipients will be honored on the pre-race stage.
Honorees include World War II veteran, Charles Murray Jr.; Korean War
veterans Hector Cafferata Jr. and Rudolfo Hernandez; and Vietnam War
veterans John Baker Jr., Robert Howard, Leonard Keller, Gary Littrell,
Walter Marm and Robert Patterson.
2:30 p.m.
World-renowned evangelist and North Carolina-native Franklin Graham will deliver a 30-minute inspirational message to fans from the pre-race stage located at the superspeedway's start-finish line, and it will be broadcast on the speedway's public address system. Graham will deliver the invocation before the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner," and he will also assist with Motor Racing Outreach's Sunday service to the drivers and team members in the garage.
3:00 p.m.
Fans will be entertained by the Marine Marching Band, Navy Rock Band, U.S. Air Force Tops in Blue and the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus.
4:40 p.m.
The U.S. Army will conduct a military demonstration on the frontstretch involving Blackhawk helicopters, military vehicles, a Howitzer demonstration and more than 2,000 troops. The forces will secure the frontstretch ballfield and a Chinook helicopter will make a special delivery that will include a U.S. flag that was flown over the headquarters of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq.
5:09 p.m.
A host of VIPs will grace the pre-race stage prior to driver introductions, including Miss USA Kristen Dalton, Honorary Race Official Shawn Johnson and Grand Marshal Bobby Allison.
5:35 p.m.
Following driver introductions, the Black Daggers, the official U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team, will perform a jump over the speedway.
Additionally, the Presentation of Colors and "21-Gun Salute" will be performed by soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg. "Taps" will be performed by the 82nd Airborne Division Bugler from Fort Bragg. During the national anthem, 100 family members of service men and women will unfurl a large American flag that's shaped like the United States on the frontstretch grass. The Air Force Tops in Blue band will perform the national anthem. The pre-race flyover will feature four F-15s from the 122nd Fighter Squadron and
159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard.
Tickets for all Coca-Cola 600 Week events are available at the gates on event days or by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket services department at 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS)(5-23-2009)
- Medal of Honor Recipients honored at LMS: On Friday night, the Speedway Club at Lowe's Motor Speedway was host to a very special gathering of America's military heroes on the eve of Memorial Day weekend -- honoring nine Medal of Honor recipients whose bravery and valor earned them the military's highest award. There are just 97 living recipients of the Medal of Honor today. Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame recognized the Medal of Honor recipients and presented them with their commemorative brick for the military tribute at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The recipients:
-- Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr., United States Army (Retired)
-- Private Hector A. Cafferata, Jr., United States Marine Corps (Retired)
-- Corporate Rodolfo P. Hernandez, United States Army (Retired)
-- Colonel Walter J. Marm, Jr., United States Army (Retired)
-- Master Sergeant John F. Baker, Jr., United States Army (Retired)
-- Sergeant Leonard B. Keller, United States Army (Retired)
-- Sergeant Robert Patterson, United States Army (Retired)
-- CSM Gary L. Littrell, United States Army (Retired)
-- Colonel Robert L. Howard, United States Army (Retired) was unable to attend.(5-23-2009)
- Gold-Medal Gymnast Shawn Johnson named Coca-Cola 600 race official: World champion gymnast, celebrity dancer and honor roll student, Shawn Johnson has been named an Honorary Race Official for the Coca-Cola 600. Johnson will be on hand to help celebrate the historic 50th running of NASCAR’s longest race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 24. The 17-year-old Johnson won four medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, then came home and won America’s heart as the youngest-ever winner of the popular ABC television show “Dancing with the Stars.” As an Honorary Race Official for the Coca-Cola 600, Johnson will take part in a number of activities, including interacting with fans, attending the driver’s meeting and greeting all of the drivers during pre-race introductions. During weekend events, Johnson will get a true NASCAR experience when she climbs into an actual race car for a 160 mph ride-along with fan favorite and Coca-Cola Racing Family member Kyle Petty. She’ll also tour the garage at Lowe’s Motor Speedway where she’ll try her hand at typical pit crew jobs such as jacking a car, working an air wrench and changing tires.(Coca-Cola)(5-22-2009)
- Packed Scheduled for 50th Coca-Cola 600: As Lowe's Motor Speedway celebrates 50 years of racing with the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600, speedway officials have a number of events scheduled to honor past and present champions and race fans this weekend.
Fans to Participate in Windstream Pole Night
Tomorrow night Lowe's Motor Speedway officials will randomly select fans in attendance for Winstream Pole Night to wave the green flag during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying. A total of 47 Sprint Cup cars are entered and will attempt to make the 43-car field for the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600. Qualifying is scheduled for 7:10pm/et.
International Crowd to Attend Coca-Cola 600 Week
Race fans from all 50 states and 10 foreign countries have purchased tickets to attend race festivities at Lowe's Motor Speedway during Coca-Cola 600 Week. Ticket holders will travel from all across the United States, as well as, Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to see Windstream Pole Night on Thursday, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Showdown on Friday, CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on Saturday and the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday.
NASCAR Legends to Meet Fans
Race fans will have the opportunity to meet past and present NASCAR personalities at the track throughout the Coca-Cola 600 Weekend. On Thursday and Saturday, past Coca-Cola 600 champions Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison and Marvin Panch and the official artist of Lowe's Motor Speedway, Sam Bass, will sign autographs in the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 3:00pm/et. Allison, Panch, Donnie Allison, Kyle Petty, Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Bass and Food Network star Tyler Florence will participate in the Coca-Cola Quarter-Mile Cookout from 12:00 to 2:00pm/et on Friday. Prior to the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, Panch and both Allison brothers will sign autographs outside of Smith Tower at 11am/et.
Special Cars on Display at LMS
Fans will be able to check out several special cars that are a part of Lowe's Motor Speedway's history while at the track this weekend, including: Bobby Allison's #12 Coca-Cola 1969 Mercury Cyclone that he drove to victory in the 1971 Coca-Cola 600 for Holman Moody; the 1971 Wood Brothers Racing #21 Mercury that David Pearson raced at Lowe's Motor Speedway during the 1970s when he scored 11 straight pole awards at the 1.5-mile speedway; the #3 Atlanta Olympics Chevrolet that Dale Earnhardt Sr. drove in the 1996 All-Star Race in honor of the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic Games; and the #3 GM Goodwrench/Wrangler Chevrolet Earnhardt Sr. drove in the 1999 All-Star Race.
Going on 50 Years
Several Lowe's Motor Speedway event-time staffers will hit their 50 year mark with the speedway this month. Dave Suddreth has worked security in the infield since 1960. He's manned pit road and Victory Circle. Earl Springs has sold event programs at Lowe's Motor Speedway since the first race as well. Both will be on duty for the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday.
Commemorative Posters Now on Sale
Posters of the commemorative prints designed by Sam Bass, the official artist of Lowe's Motor Speedway, for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 event programs are now on sale in the Lowe's Motor Speedway gift shop, located on the second floor of Smith Tower, across from the ticket office. Bass' latest posters "Silver Knights!" and "Gold Rush!" are available along with copies of the commemorative souvenir programs. He will also be on hand throughout the weekend for autographs.
Biffle, Bowyer and Johnson Join 'PRN Up To SPEED' on Sunday
"PRN Up To SPEED" will feature one of the best driver lineups to date for the free fan forums taking place at Lowe's Motor Speedway during Coca-Cola 600 Week. Greg Biffle, Clint Bowyer and three-time Coca-Cola 600 champion Jimmie Johnson will join personalities from the Performance Racing Network on the SPEED stage, located at the speedway's main entrance, between 1 to 2pm/et, prior to the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600. Past Coca-Cola 600 champions Marvin Panch, Donnie Allison and Bobby Allison will also join the
PRN crew from 12:40 to 1:00pm/et for a special segment of the fan forum. Track President Marcus Smith will welcome the crowd.
Tickets are still on sale for Thursday's Windstream Pole Night, Saturday's CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 and Sunday's historic 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600. Fans can purchase tickets at the gates on event days or by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket services department at 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS)(5-21-2009)
- Windstream to Host Soldiers & Military Families for Windstream Pole Night: On Thursday, May 21, when the best drivers in the world battle for the pole at the 50th running of the Coca Cola 600, Windstream, a high-speed Internet, phone and digital TV provider, will proudly be hosting 2,500 soldiers and military families from Fort Bragg and the XVIII Airborne Corps. This marks the second consecutive year the company has donated tickets to military members for the Windstream Pole Night qualifier for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway (LMS). The year’s 50th anniversary of the famous Memorial Day weekend race will kick off with Junior Johnson getting behind the wheel of Windstream’s signature Green Truck and driving the lead Pole Night parade lap, energizing the fans and race qualifying field. The Green Truck Tour is designed to give back to the local communities that Windstream serves and educate the public about landline safety. The tour, which promotes Windstream’s reliable phone, high-speed Internet and digital TV products and services, runs through November with stops in 14 states. Windstream also is donating $200,000 to eight schools in the company’s service area through its Classroom Connections program. For additional information about the Green Truck Tour and its scheduled stops, visit www.greentrucktour.com.(5-19-2009)
- 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)
- Lowe's Motor Speedway to honor Poole's memory: On Thursday, Lowe Motor Speedway will dedicate the deadline room in its infield media center in honor of David Poole, the Charlotte Observer and ThatsRacin.com writer who died April 28. In addition to his work with the newspaper and its racing site, Poole was an author of numerous books about racing and the sport's personalities. He was a respected authority on stock car racing and his opinions were often sought by others in the media and officials of more than one racing brand. A frequent guest commentator on TV and radio, Poole also co-anchored a popular XM-Sirius program. His wife, Katy, is scheduled to be on hand to receive a special donation to one of the writer and broadcaster's favorite charities.(Charlotte Observer)(5-16-2009)
- Jesse James to sing National Anthem at All-Star race: Mercury recording artist Jessie James will sing "The Star Spangled Banner" for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Kenny Lattimore, a Verve recording artist, will sing "God Bless America" before the start of the Sprint Showdown, the last-chance qualifier for the main event."(LMS)(5-16-2009)
- New Amenities and Happenings at LMS for All-Star Race: May Race Weeks have arrived and Lowe's Motor Speedway is gearing up for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race with new fan amenities as well as special events.
The Nationwide Insurance Fan Pit Stop:
Nationwide is partnering with Lowe's Motor Speedway to help race fans have the best possible experience by hosting The Nationwide Insurance Fan Pit Stop. The massive tents Located across from Gate 7 and in the souvenir lot at the intersection of Hwy. 29 and Bruton Smith Blvd. In the morning, fans can get a breakfast biscuit and coffee for just $2 and for lunch a sandwich and beverage will be available for the same low price. The tent will open at 7:00 a.m. on the morning of the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 and close at the start of the race. On all other event days the Nationwide tent will open one hour prior to the gates and serve food through the start of each race including the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
Lowe's Motor Speedway's Fans First Welcome Center presented by Nationwide Race fans visiting Lowe's Motor Speedway during May Race Weeks will be able to stop by the Fans First Welcome Center presented by Nationwide and get all their race related questions answered by LMS employees. The Welcome Center will provide fans with maps, schedules, refreshments and the opportunity to rent the NASCAR Sprint FanView. This is a great place for first time fans to learn about the speedway and its many amenities. The Welcome Center will open three hours prior to the gates on race days and close at the start of each race.
Lowe's Motor Speedway Fan Appreciation Crew
The Lowe's Motor Speedway Fan Appreciation Crew will be cruising the campgrounds in a Toyota Tundra Pace Truck passing out apparel and souvenirs to the campers on speedway property Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 24.
Going Gold
The retaining walls at Lowe's Motor Speedway will be gold this year in honor of the speedway's 50 years of racing. A crew of eight painted the walls this week using 800 gallons of paint and a process called "fogging" to do the job. More than 190 man hours will be put in to help ensure the walls are gold before cars go on track Friday.
Pass Time
Pass Time is the ultimate drag racing game show. It will host NASCAR drivers, owners, crew chiefs and regional racers for two days of taping at zMAX Dragway, May 19-20. The event will give race fans the chance to watch NASCAR drivers compete at the "Bellagio" of drag strips. Gates open at 3 p.m. and tickets are just $10 for adults with children 12 and under admitted for free.
Lowe's Motor Speedway is the home of NASCAR's biggest back-to-back weekends with the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the 50th Coca-Cola 600. Ticket packages for both events are available through the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(5-15-2009)
- Recycling Effort Expanded at LMS: Coca-Cola Recycling and Anheuser-Busch Recycling have joined forces to help race fans support the environment by recycling while attending the Coca-Cola 600 Month of May races at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
The joint recycling effort is an expansion of the program Anheuser-Busch launched at the speedway last May. Almost 5,000 pounds of
aluminum and plastic beverage containers were collected on speedway property during the 10-day span of events that month. An increased effort in October for the fall NASCAR races netted more than 4,000 pounds of recyclables in a four-day period. Anheuser-Busch also supplied bins to the Lowe's Motor Speedway offices for the staff to recycle year round. This year Coca-Cola and Anheuser-Busch have partnered to provide more than 400 recycling barrels that will be placed around the speedway's display areas, hospitality areas, concourse, infield and suites during the May race weeks to collect plastic and aluminum beverage containers. The recycling program will be in place May 15 - 24 at the 1.5-mile superspeedway. For the Coca-Cola 600 weekend, the Coca-Cola Recycling Education Vehicle will also be at the speedway. The 40-foot trailer features videos, games and prizes, all designed to inform and educate fans about the value of
recycling in a fun and interactive setting. The recycling efforts of fans at Lowe's Motor Speedway during the May races will be rewarded with donations made to Speedway Children's Charities and the NASCAR Foundation. Ticket packages and payment plan options for all events are available through the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(5-15-2009)
- Coca-Cola Drops Green Flag on Summer with 'Quarter-Mile Cookout' at LMS: Coca-Cola will ignite the summer barbecue season Memorial Day weekend by firing up the nation's longest grill at the site of NASCAR's longest race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Requiring more than 7,000 pounds of Kingsford Charcoal, the monster-sized ring of fire will measure an astonishing 1,320 feet - spanning more than four football fields in length if stretched end to end. The colossal grill will be used to cook up a feast for fans attending the "Coca-Cola Quarter-Mile Cookout" on Friday, May 22. The oval-shaped quarter-mile grill - assembled on part of the racetrack's frontstretch and pit road - will be manned by celebrity chef and Food Network star Tyler Florence, host of "Tyler's Ultimate" and author of "Dinner at My Place" and "Stirring the Pot." Joining Chef Florence will be some of NASCAR's most popular drivers, including Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Petty, and racing legend Bobby Allison, all of whom will trade their fire suits for "track aprons" as they help grill up lunch for thousands of fans. The event is free and open to all ticket and annual credential holders for the historic 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600. The action will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the racetrack near the Speedway's start/finish line. The menu will feature hamburgers and hotdogs, along with Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad pasta salads and Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownies. Tickets for the Coca-Cola 600 are available online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(5-14-2009)
- Kevin Costner and Modern West to Perform at the Sprint All-Star Race: Actor and musician Kevin Costner and Modern West will perform a pre-race concert for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Academy Award winner Costner and his band will perform a 45-minute afternoon concert prior to the Montgomery Gentry show presented by Jim Beam in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
In addition to the concert Costner will be invited to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers meeting and will serve as a celebrity judge in the
Pennzoil Victory Challenge, the annual burnout contest, prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race. Costner has been a regular presence in the NASCAR community of late as part of his year- long partnership with the sport. Amongst many NASCAR related endeavors, Costner is serving as the 2009 NASCAR Day spokesperson, which will be celebrated this year on May 15th. As part of his role, he is helping The NASCAR Foundation to raise funds for its Family of Charities in an effort to help thousands of children live better lives.
Tickets for the 25th running of the May 16th NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race start at just $25 and can be purchased online at
www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(5-12-2009)
- National Tailgating League hosts inaugural event at Coke 600: The National Tailgating League (The NTL), a newly formed organization created to sanction and execute organized tailgating games including Cornhole, Ladder Golf and Washer Toss competitions, announced today details for the first officially sanctioned event during Memorial Day weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway. In conjunction with the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600, the inaugural NTL doubles cornhole tournaments will take place on May 23 and May 24 in the campgrounds of LMS. By holding its inaugural event during Memorial Day weekend at one of the largest tailgating parties in the world, the NTL cornhole tournaments will provide fans, gamers and everyone in between with the opportunity to experience firsthand what the league is all about - bringing fans together for good times and great games while also trying to find and identify the "Cornhole King of the Campgrounds." The inaugural NTL doubles cornhole tournaments, which will take place in the campgrounds of LMS on the corner of Highway 29 and Morehead Road in Concord, NC, will consist of a morning and afternoon doubles tournament on both Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. Cornhole gamers and race enthusiasts will be playing for a host of prizes including $500 cash and race-related experiences such as tickets, suite passes and other unique experiential packages. Interested race fans and gamers that want to participate in one of the inaugural NTL doubles cornhole tournaments can reserve a spot by signing up today at www.TheNTL.com or can visit the tournament site starting as early as Thursday, May 21 prior to the Windstream Pole Night. Each of the four weekend tournaments will hold 50 teams of two and sign-ups are on a first come, first serve basis.(NTL PR)(5-7-2009)
- Lowe's Motor Speedway's 99-Cents Value Menu to Debut in May: Diligent in the pursuit of lowering the cost for fans to attend a NASCAR race, officials at Lowe's Motor Speedway provided relief at the concession stands on Wednesday by announcing a new
99-Cents Value Menu that will debut in May during the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race weekend. Through a partnership with Levy Restaurants, five concession stands throughout the speedway's concourse will carry the specially priced menu, which consists of a hot dog, hamburger slider, uncrustable peanut butter and jelly sandwich, potato chips and popcorn. In addition, the menu will include
two special offers of 12 hot dogs for $10 and 10 hamburgers for $8. This effort is the latest way that Lowe's Motor Speedway has worked
with business partners to reduce the overall cost of attending a NASCAR race. Earlier this year, speedway officials worked with regional visitor's bureaus and area hotels to reduce room rates and waive the minimum stay requirements at more than 90 hotels within a one hour radius of the speedway. In addition to these cost-saving measures, Lowe's Motor Speedway will offer a $20 souvenir combo that includes a t-shirt and hat, which normally retails for $48, and the popular Coca-Cola 600 Family Four-Pack returns offering fans four tickets, four hot dogs and four Coca-Cola products for only $39.75 per person. The 99-Cents Value Menu is just one of the many food items that Levy
Restaurants will be providing at Lowe's Motor Speedway in May. Also making their NASCAR debut at the Sprint All-Star Race are Levy's "State Fair" creations including the deep fried grilled cheese sandwich with tomato dipping sauce, golden fried honey bun topped with powdered sugar and the deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Ticket packages and payment plan options for both events are available through the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(5-7-2009)
The New Coca-Cola 600 Trophy
- Kahne Joins LMS Officials to Unveil New Coca-Cola 600 Trophy: When Lowe's Motor Speedway celebrates the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24, the winner of the race will not only take home the lion's share of the recording-breaking nearly $6.7 million purse, he will also receive the priceless new trophy speedway officials unveiled Monday. Defending Coca-Cola 600 champion Kasey Kahne ('06, '08) joined Speedway Motorsports Chairman Bruton Smith and Lowe's Motor Speedway President Marcus Smith to reveal the trophy to the public for the first time in The Speedway Club. More than 120 man-hours of work went into the design and
construction of the finished piece of artwork that weighs 225 pounds. The trophy is 18 inches wide and 31 inches tall. The base was cut from black Oscuro marble and the center was bored out to relieve weight and accommodate the vertical portion of the trophy. The first World 600, 50th Coca-Cola 600 and Lowe's Motor Speedway Fifty Years of Firsts logos are engraved across the front of the base. In the center of the base sits the familiar prize that winners of the Coca-Cola 600 have received since 1981. The piston was cast in Everdur
bronze and plated with 22-carat gold. Surrounding it are 10 monolithic columns of fine crystal that were hand-etched with the winners' names and dates from the past 49 Coca-Cola 600s. The name of the winner of the 50th Coca-Cola 600 will be added to both a crystal column and the marble base. The new trophy was conceptualized by Efron Design and constructed by Innocast Execuline. Coca-Cola 600 ticket prices start at just $39.75 per person with a Coca-Cola four-pack purchase and are available through the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(5-5-2009)
- Sam Bass unveils artwork for LMS program covers: Renowned motorsports artist Sam Bass, along with officials from Lowe's Motor Speedway, today unveiled two original paintings that will grace the covers of souvenir programs for two of the most significant events in the track's history: the 25th edition of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the 50th running of the iconic Coca-Cola 600. A high impact illustration entitled "Silver Knights!" appears on the cover of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race souvenir publication, while the
Coca-Cola 600 program features an equally poignant artwork called "Gold Rush!" Of course, the titles allude to the silver and golden anniversaries of the two prestigious events. The most recent collaboration between Bass and the Concord, N.C. speedway extends one of the longest running streaks in all of motorsports. A record 59 consecutive covers have been designed by Bass - NASCAR's first officially licensed artist - dating back to the inaugural All-Star Race and Coca-Cola's first year as the title sponsor of the 600. Sam Bass's personal studio and motorsports art gallery in Concord, N.C., are adjacent to Lowe's Motor Speedway. He is the first officially licensed artist of NASCAR. For more information please call (704) 455-6915, or log on to www.sambass.com, where you can view the covers of the programs.(LMS PR)(5-5-2009)
- Kahne, Keselowksi, and Flair selling tickets Monday at Lowe's: Race weeks at Lowe's Motor Speedway are only days away and to help drop the green flag on the exciting month of motorsports at the home of stock car racing, Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski, and 16-time World Heavyweight Champion, the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, will sell tickets at the speedway ticket office Monday beginning at 5 p.m. Fans that come to the ticket office Monday and purchase tickets for the 25th NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 will receive the popular "All-Star Slugfest" poster that features several drivers' heads on wrestlers' bodies and meet the drivers and the "Nature Boy." Flair will staff the ticket office from 5-7 p.m., while Kahne will be there from 5-6 p.m. and Keselowski from 6-7 p.m. At 7 p.m. PRN's "Fast Talk," the popular nationally syndicated radio program, will broadcast live from the front of the ticket office with host Doug Rice and special co-host, the most recent qualifier for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Keselowski. Fans are invited to attend the live broadcast and participate in the program which will include a special guest appearance by pro-wrestling legend, Flair, and phone-in interviews from NASCAR's top stars. Ticket packages for both events are available through the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(5-3-2009)
- "Big One" Ticket Buster Monday at Lowe's Motor Speedway: Officials at Lowe's Motor Speedway are ready to roll the dice on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race Sunday afternoon at Talladega, and the fans will be the winners. Starting Monday at noon, Lowe's Motor Speedway will sale 1,000 tickets combined to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16 and the May 24 Coca-Cola 600 at a price equal to the number of cars involved in the biggest wreck at Talladega. Fans must call 1-800-455-FANS or come to the Lowe's
Motor Speedway ticket office to take advantage of the special offer. "The talk around the Talladega race is always about 'The Big One,'"
said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "But Sunday, if only a few drivers get caught up in the biggest wreck, the deal on Monday is that much sweeter. Plus, it gives the fans a chance to save some real money on another 'Big One,' the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600." Following the race, Lowe's Motor Speedway officials will announce the special price for the Monday ticket offer. Ticket packages and payment plan options for both events are available through the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(4-26-2009)
- Hamlin Makes Special Delivery to Unsuspecting Race Fan: Lowe's Motor Speedway officials and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver #11-Denny Hamlin surprised Concord resident Ken Vogl with a special delivery of four tickets to the 50th running of the
Coca-Cola 600 today. "This certainly wasn't expected," said Vogl, who is a self-professed fan of Hamlin. "I knew that someone from the speedway was delivering some tickets that I had supposedly won, but I had no idea they would be delivered in a pace car by Denny Hamlin! I've been a fan of Denny's since before he was racing in Cup, so to have a chance to meet him and get tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 all at once is a dream come true." The ticket giveaway was a compliment to Hamlin's "Win Denny's Seats" program, where he is giving away tickets to each Sprint Cup Series race in 2009 to NASCAR fans who sign up on his Web site. Tickets for the May 24 Coca-Cola 600 are available for as little as $49. Convenient payment plan options and multi-day ticket packages are also available. Fans can call 1-800-455-FANS for more details or log onto www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(4-22-2009)
- LMS Unveils New Sprint All-Star Race Ad: Lowe's Motor Speedway unveiled a new ad this week for the May 16 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race featuring several drivers' heads on the bodies of professional wrestlers. The ad included Dale Earnhardt Jr. who requested his image feature an Indian headdress reminiscent of his wrestling hero Wahoo McDaniel. Billed as the "All-Star Slugfest: A Night of Fractured Fenders and Shattered Dreams," Dale "Wahoo" Junior and Kyle "Rowdy" Busch headlined the advertisement. The speedway also engaged Ric Flair, 16-time World Wrestling Heavyweight Champion and Honorary Race Director for the Sprint All-Star
Race, to film a segment highlighting the drivers featured in the ad. Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16 start at only $25 and can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. Convenient payment plan options and multi-day ticket packages are also available.(LMS PR)(4-13-2009)
- One Lucky Fan Will Ride 'Shotgun' in 2009 Pennzoil Victory Challenge: Speedway officials announced that one lucky fan will become a passenger during the second annual Pennzoil Victory Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 16, in advance of the 25th
running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. One fan in attendance will be randomly selected to ride "shotgun" with a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver in the return of the popular Pennzoil Victory Challenge, which pits drivers against one another to see who can deliver the best tire-smoking burnout. The inaugural Pennzoil Victory Challenge was an instant hit with fans and this year's version promises to be even more exciting. The new format will allow drivers a longer freestyle demonstration and a panel of judges will score each driver's creativity. The driver with the highest score from the panel will be declared the winner, with $10,000 awarded to their designated charity and a reserved spot in the 2010 Pennzoil Victory Challenge.
The driver lineup has been expanded from five drivers to seven, and the first official entry is the driver of the #29 Pennzoil Chevy, Kevin Harvick, who finished fourth in the inaugural Pennzoil Victory Challenge last year. Each driver will compete in stock cars identically
prepared by the Richard Petty Driving Experience. While more participants and the complete panel of judges will be announced at a later date, the first official judge is 16-time World Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair, who will also serve as Honorary Race Director for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
The Pennzoil Victory Challenge will be televised live during SPEED's pre-race coverage on May 16. The pre-race lineup for NASCAR's all-star spectacular will also include a one-hour concert performed by country music award-winning duo Montgomery Gentry presented by Jim Beam, and the NASCAR Sprint Showdown. Such a lineup makes the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race the best entertainment value in motorsports with tickets starting at only $25. Tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race as well as all of the
other great events in May, including the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24, can be obtained online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com, or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(4-10-2009)
- LMS to donate portion of April 3-11 Ticket Sales: Lowe's Motor Speedway will honor Autism Awareness Month by contributing $10 from every ticket sold to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 from April 3 - April 11, to Autism Speaks.
"Autism affects millions of families around the world, including many of our great fans," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "We've worked with local non-profit groups that help children with autism and their families through Speedway Children's Charities. Now we've decided to significantly expand those efforts to help Autism Speaks increase awareness of the disorder and raise funds to help find a cure. FOX and SPEED are working with us this weekend to help get the word out to race fans so we can try to raise as much as possible for this great cause." Lowe's Motor Speedway's contribution will help fund autism research, awareness, advocacy and family services. For more information about Autism Speaks, please visit www.AutismSpeaks.org. Fans interested in helping a great cause and attending two of the
best events on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule can call the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS and tell their ticket services representative that they want to help find a cure for Autism. Fans can also log onto www.lowesmotorspeedway.com and click on the Autism Speaks logo.(LMS PR)(4-4-2009)
- Lowe's Motor Speedway Takes Trackside Luxury Camping to the Next Level: Setting a new standard in trackside camping, Lowe's Motor Speedway officials revealed plans for a new luxury RV lot that will be located just outside the apex of Turns 1 and 2, overlooking the 1.5-mile superspeedway. The camping lot will feature the largest motor home spaces in all of NASCAR and give campers a spectacular view of Lowe's Motor Speedway's legendary quad-oval. Each space will include 10 race tickets, a 10-foot viewing area in front of the RV space, live race feeds via closed-circuit television, catering options from Levy Restaurants, a concierge service, wireless Internet access and fully-equipped water, electrical and sewer hookups. The trackside luxury camping lot will feature 18 total camping spaces with
three different sizes available. The smallest 10 spaces are 30-by-60 feet, which will match the largest current camping spaces in NASCAR. Two larger sizes are offered as well-five 36-by-60 feet spaces and three giant spaces measuring 40-by-60 feet each. Construction is underway and will be completed in time for the May NASCAR event weekends. All trackside luxury camping spaces are on sale now for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16, and 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. Spaces are available on an annual or weekend basis, including the Bank of America 500 on October 17. Additional information about trackside luxury camping can be obtained by contacting the Lowe's Motor Speedway corporate sales department at 704-455-3203. Tickets for the Coca-Cola 600 start at $49, while tickets for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race begin at only $25 and can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(3-19-2009)
- Speedway President Didn’t Get Degree, School Says: Speedway Motorsports Inc.’s Marcus G. Smith, president and chief operating officer of the second- largest U.S. auto-racetrack operator, didn’t graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as the company asserted, the school said. “The university registrar’s office does not show that this person has earned a degree from this university,” spokesman Mike McFarland said in a March 16 interview. Smith attended for four years, majoring in journalism and mass communications, according to school records, McFarland said. Privacy laws prohibit disclosing why a student didn’t graduate, he said.
“I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1992 through 1996 and believe I had the proper credits for graduation,” Smith said yesterday in a statement when asked for comment. “I’m checking with the university now for clarification.” Smith, a son of Chief Executive Officer O. Bruton Smith, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising from North Carolina, Speedway said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing in May. He was previously executive vice president of national sales and marketing. The discrepancy in Smith’s background was discovered by Barry Minkow, co-founder of the Fraud Discovery Institute, a San Diego-based licensed private investigator. Minkow, 42, served more than seven years in federal prison for fraud while running ZZZZ Best Co.(Bloomberg)(3-19-2009)
- Lowe's Motor Speedway's Fund-Racing Program: Lowe's Motor Speedway officials have launched a new program, Fund-Racing, that will generate money for non-profit organizations that partner with the speedway to sell tickets to race events.Non-profit groups can earn from $4 to $14 per ticket sold to a variety of race events, including the North Carolina Education Lottery 200, NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Windstream Pole Night, CARQUEST Auto Parts 300, Bojangles' Pole Night, Dollar General 300, Bank of America 500 and the Summer Shootout Series. Through the program, participating non-profit groups are provided with an offer code for a special page on the Lowe's Motor Speedway Web site. Every ticket sold through the Web site with their specific code will generate money for the organization. Additionally, order forms are available for one-on-one sales. Several local organizations have already signed up to participate, including Abilities Unlimited of the Carolinas, Hendrick Marrow Foundation, Independence High School Band Boosters, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Motor Racing Outreach. The Fund-Racing program is a year-round fundraising opportunity. No
contract, commitment or minimums are required for an organization to participate. For more information about Fund-Racing, or to register for the program, non-profit groups should call (704) 455-3294 or e-mail fundracing@lowesmotorspeedway.com.(3-15-2009)
- '50 Years of Firsts' History Display To Open Coca-Cola 600 Month of May: An interactive 50 Years of Firsts display will open with an appearance by Kasey Kahne to kick off the Coca-Cola 600 Month of May as part of Lowe's Motor Speedway's 50th year celebration. Kahne, the 2008 Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 defending champion, will join speedway officials at 1:00pm/et on Monday, May 4, to open the 17,424 square foot display located near the speedway's main entrance at Highway 29 and Bruton Smith Boulevard. The exhibit will be open daily through Sunday, May 24, in conjunction with the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office operating hours and admission will be free of charge.
The display will feature a variety of artifacts, memorabilia and race cars from five decades of NASCAR stock car racing at Lowe's Motor
Speedway, including Bobby Allison's 1969 #12 Mercury that he drove to Victory Lane in the 1971 World 600 and David Pearson's 1971 #21 Mercury that he won the 1973 National 500 pole award in, setting off an 11-race pole award streak at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Fans will also be able to view the 1959 Charlotte Motor Speedway articles of incorporation signed by Bruton Smith and Curtis Turner; the trophy Joe Lee Johnson received for winning the first World 600 in 1960; artifacts from many drivers including Janet Guthrie and Alan Kulwicki; plus a video chronicling the 50-year evolution of NASCAR's most innovative speedway.
The display will also include video vignettes of the 32 greatest moments in racing history at Lowe's Motor Speedway, a victory lane backdrop for fan photos and an autograph area for fans to meet NASCAR drivers and personalities during race weeks. Lowe's Motor Speedway officials are working with the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville, N.C., and many of the NASCAR Sprint Cup teams to obtain additional items for the exhibit. Tickets for the NASCAR race events at Lowe's Motor Speedway including the May 16 Sprint All-Star Race and May 24 Coca-Cola 600 are on sale now and can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at
www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(3-15-2009)
- Charlotte-Area Hotels Reduce Race Week Room Rates: In a collaborative effort, regional tourism bureaus and officials at Lowe's Motor Speedway have worked with area hotel operators to secure lower room rates for race fans attending the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16, and the 50th Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. More than 80 hotels within approximately one hour of the 1.5-mile superspeedway have agreed to reduce their race week room rates by 15 percent and waive their minimum stay requirements.
The full list of participating hotels is available online for fans to reference at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/hotels. The speedway's ticket
services representatives also have the full listing of hotels and can advise fans that call 1-800-455-FANS. In order to obtain the discounted rate, race fans must call the hotels directly and request the Speedway Special when making reservations. In addition to the lower hotel rates, cost savings extend to the speedway as well. The Coca-Cola 600 Family Four Pack, which includes four race tickets to the Coca-Cola 600, four hot dogs and four Coca-Cola brand soft drinks, is available for just $39.75 a person. Similarly, the Rite Aid Family Four Pack includes four tickets to the Sprint All-Star Race, four hot dogs and four Coca-Cola brand soft drinks for the low price of $24.75 a person. The May Super Ticket special is also available, allowing fans the opportunity to see Windstream Pole Night qualifying, the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series race and the Coca-Cola 600, all for as low as $89. Fans can also choose from a wide selection of affordable grandstand seating options with payment plans available to reserve a ticket for the Sprint All-Star Race starting at just $8 per month. Payment plans for a ticket to the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 are as low as $16 per month. Race fans are reminded that Lowe's Motor Speedway offers 164 acres of free parking and numerous affordable camping options are also available. Coolers, limited to 14 inches in any direction, are also permitted in the grandstands.(LMS PR)(3-5-2009)
- Drivers to Conduct Fan Forums at Speedway Motorsports Races: NASCAR drivers and Speedway Motorsports are teaming up to bring fans closer to their favorite drivers than ever before. The new "PRN Up To SPEED" program will bring NASCAR's top names out for fan forums at the SPEED Stage during each of the 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends at Speedway Motorsports' seven speedways across the country. The Performance Racing Network's on-air personalities will emcee question-and-answer sessions with some of the sport's biggest personalities at the SPEED Stage leading up to SPEED's regularly scheduled weekend programming.
"PRN Up To SPEED" will kick off Sunday at 9:30am/et, at the SPEED Stage located in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway midway. The stellar lineup will include Las Vegas-native Kyle Busch, legendary NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. Each Speedway Motorsports track [Atlanta, Bristol, Infineon, Las Vegas, Lowe's, New Hampshire, Texas] that hosts a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will hold "PRN Up To SPEED" sessions during their respective race weekend. The location of the SPEED Stage may vary from track to track, but at all Speedway Motorsports facilities, the stage is always located in an area where access is free of charge for fans.(SMI PR)(3-1-2009)
- Lowe's Motor Speedway to Set Guinness World Record: Lowe's Motor Speedway will set a Guinness World Record at the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24, by giving 50,000 fans a total of $2.5 million in giveaways. Speedway staff will present the first 50,000 fans through the gates on race day with a commemorative adidas sport bag. The black bags will feature the 50th Coca-Cola 600 logo and contain prizes, merchandise and coupons from various track sponsors. In celebration of the speedway's 50th year of racing, the retail value for each bag and its contents will be $50, making the grand total $2.5 million in prizes, and creating a world record for the largest prize giveaway at a sports event. Tickets for the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24 start at just $49. Additional information for this event and all events at Lowe's Motor Speedway can be obtained online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(2-22-2009)
- Lowe's Motor Speedway Offering '5 for $50' Ticket Promotion: As a kickoff to the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Lowe's Motor Speedway is offering a special "5 for $50" promotion for the first 1,700 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola
600 tickets sold Tuesday from 5 - 9 p.m. The 1,700 tickets available are in honor of Matt Kenseth's win in this year's season-opener in his #17 car. Kenseth scored his first Cup Series victory in the 2000 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The tickets available with the "5 for $50" special are located in the Jewel Box and Toyota Fourth Turn Terrace grandstands. Tickets for the special promotion will be available at the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office from 5 - 9 p.m. or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). The first 50 fans who purchase the "5 for $50" special at the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office Tuesday night will also receive a Matt Kenseth die-cast collectible car. Additional information about tickets for all Lowe's Motor Speedway events can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at
www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(2-17-2009)
- All Remaining Bank of America 500 Tickets Go on Sale TODAY: With renewals completed, all remaining tickets for the Oct. 17 Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, the only Saturday night race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, will go on sale Monday, Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. With prices ranging from $49 to $135, a wide selection of affordable grandstand seating options are available, including a limited number of premium frontstretch seats. The lower-level sections of the Chrysler, General Motors and Ford grandstands along the frontstretch feature individual, stadium-style seating. The extremely popular October Super Ticket will again be available, offering tickets to all four of the Bank of America 500 Week events for the low price of $99. The Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office will be open Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information about tickets for all Lowe's Motor Speedway events can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(2-16-2009)
- Online Fan Vote to Decide Greatest Racing Moment in LMS: As Lowe's Motor Speedway celebrates 50 years of racing, fans will determine the greatest racing moment in the speedway's history by logging onto www.coke600.com to vote for their favorite Lowe's Motor Speedway memory. The top moments in Lowe's Motor Speedway history have been narrowed down to 32 and condensed into short video clips that fans can view prior to making their choice. The online selection process pairs those memorable video clips in a bracket-style voting system with new video matchups revealed each week. The moment that receives the most votes in each bracket pairing will advance to the next round until only the top vote-getter
remains. The greatest racing moment in Lowe's Motor Speedway history as selected by the fans will be announced during the week leading up to the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16.(LMS PR)(2-3-2009)
- Lowe's Motor Speedway Launches Coca-Cola 600 Web Site: As Lowe's Motor Speedway prepares for the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24, speedway officials have launched a new Web site, www.coke600.com, to keep fans up-to-date on all he special festivities planned around NASCAR's only 600-mile race. Tickets for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24 start at just $49, and can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(1-31-2009)
- LMS follows TMS's lead UPDATE: Sirius Speedway has learned that Lowe's Motor Speedway will follow the lead of Texas Motor Speedway, removing a large number of seats in the track’s South Grandstand to make way for a luxury RV lot. Destruction of the South Grandstand is reportedly set to begin Monday, with construction of the new lot to follow. Calls to the speedway for confirmation were not immediately returned, but ticket agents began contacting affected season ticket holders earlier Tuesday.(Sirius Speedway)(12-17-2008)
UPDATE: Lowe’s Motor Speedway is taking out some seats in turns 1 and 2 to make room for about 20 luxury motorhome spots.
A few thousand seats will be removed, according to speedway President Marcus Smith. In its 2008 annual report, the track reported that it had approximately 162,000 seats, including suites. “We had a lot of demand for high-end camping from fans and sponsors and people who love to camp,” Smith said. “We haven’t seen any fall-off with camping, even with high gas prices [last summer]. We’re very appreciative of our camping fans. We want to give them what they want, and they are asking for more amenities. At some of these high-end RV and motorcoach areas, you have got big stone fireplaces and just amazing amenities.” Those who purchase a spot will be able to look over the track between Turns 1 and 2. “We had to carve out a few seats, and they’re actually our worst seats in terms of quality seating in the first turn,” Smith said. “We took those out and we’re flattening the ground and we’re going to come back with a very nice-end camping area.” Texas Motor Speedway, another track under the Speedway Motorsports Inc. banner, recently began work on a similar project. “What we’re doing there in Texas will produce more income [and] the same here,” SMI Chairman Bruton Smith said of the Charlotte changes.(SceneDaily)(1-26-2009)
- Montgomery Gentry to Perform at Sprint All-Star Race: Grammy-nominated and country music award-winning duo Montgomery Gentry will perform a pre-race concert presented by Jim Beam for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star
Race, Saturday night, May 16, at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The duo will perform a one-hour afternoon concert in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Tickets for the 25th running of the May 16 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race start at just $25 and can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(1-23-2009)
- Bobby Allison named Grand Marshal of Coke 600: Fans will be witness to history even before the green flag drops on the 50th Coca-Cola 600, as Coca-Cola and Lowe's Motor Speedway pay tribute to the legends who have made the race one of NASCAR's crown jewels over the last half century. Thrilling memories will be on display as every former winner of the Coca-Cola 600 is honored during a special celebration prior to the milestone 50th running of NASCAR's longest race. Serving as Grand Marshal - and representing all 26 drivers who have taken the checkered flag at the Coca-Cola 600 - will be NASCAR legend Bobby Allison, a three-time winner of
the race (1971, 1981 and 1984). Named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers and a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Allison won 84 races in his storied career, tying him for third place all-time with Darrell Waltrip. In addition to delivering the most famous words in motorsports - "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines" - Allison is set to take a ceremonial victory lap around Lowe's Motor Speedway in the actual Coca-Cola-sponsored 1969 Mercury Cyclone he drove to victory in the 1971 Coca-Cola 600. The car is currently on display at the Memory Lane Museum in Mooresville, N.C. "The Coca-Cola 600 has always been one of the most grueling events
on the NASCAR schedule and I can honestly say that every winner of this race was a tremendous competitor," said Allison. "I'm proud to serve as Grand Marshal, to be a part of Coca-Cola's rich tradition with NASCAR and represent all the drivers who have made it to Victory Lane at this great race." Many of NASCAR's greatest drivers are among the winners of the Coca-Cola 600, including Richard Petty, David Pearson, Donnie Allison, Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, Buddy Baker, Marvin Panch and Fred Lorenzen. The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest continuous race sponsorship in NASCAR. Traditionally the Coca-Cola 600 attracts approximately 180,000 fans to Lowe's Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend. This year's race will be broadcast live on FOX on Sunday, May 24. Tickets for the Coca-Cola 600 are available online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(1-21-2009)
- LMS Offers Free Ride-Along w/purchase of Coke 600 Tix: Fans purchasing tickets to the May 24 Coca-Cola 600 will have the opportunity to take a complimentary ride-along in a stock car courtesy of the Jeff Gordon Racing School on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lowe's Motor Speedway. A $129 retail value, this unique opportunity puts fans in the tire tracks of NASCAR legends such as Richard Petty, David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. The complimentary rides for ticket holders will begin at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and are available until 8 p.m. while supplies last. Fans purchasing tickets or those who have already purchased tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 are invited to check in at the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office upon arrival on Wednesday. After receiving a voucher for the Jeff Gordon Driving School, they will report directly to the school's trailer, located at Victory Circle. This offer is only valid for one ride per account and is available while supplies last on Wednesday. Tickets for the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24 start at only $49 and tickets for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16 start at only $25. Additional information for this event and all events at Lowe's Motor Speedway can be obtained online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS PR)(1-20-2009)
- Bruton making changes to Kentucky, expects Cup date: SMI Motorsports owner and CEO Bruton Smith, the new owner of the Kentucky Speedway, and a guest Sunday night on 700 WLW's KOI Auto Parts Racing Report from 7-9pm, told me [Seg] that he was at the track Monday and Tuesday with architects and enginers. Smith said they will move 3-4 million yards of dirt to improve parking at the Sparta track, change some roads, build a bridge and completely re-do the infield. The existing garages will be torn down and a Las Vegas Speedway type infield will take its place.(700 WLW's KOI Auto Parts Racing Report)
AND Smith still wants a Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway, but absolutely will not take one away from New Hampshire Motor Speedway, another track he owns. Where will he pull one from? He’s not saying, but speculation is Kentucky could replace the fall race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(Tom Jensen Online)
AND II Speedway Motorsports Chairman Bruton Smith said he doesn’t think the former owners of Kentucky Speedway can win their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. Smith wants the case either settled or dropped so that he can request NASCAR realign a Sprint Cup date to that track. Currently, the case is in a U.S. appeals court in Cincinnati on whether there is enough evidence to have a trial on the antitrust claims. Last year, a U.S. District Court judge ruled there wasn’t enough evidence for trial. “I don’t think they’ll be successful on this appeal,” said Smith, who bought the track in December from the former owners, who wanted to continue pursuing the lawsuit. “All the lawyers that I’ve talked to know they won’t. But they still appealed it.”(SceneDaily)(1-20-2009)
- Lowe's Motor Speedway's NASCAR Sprint Media Tour: Approximately 200 print and electronic journalists from 19 states and as far away as Columbia, the Netherlands and Germany will convene in the heart of NASCAR race country next week as Lowe's Motor Speedway hosts the annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour. An integral part of NASCAR's pre-season schedule, the 27th edition
of this media event begins Monday morning, Jan. 19, and continues through Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22. With support from sponsors Sprint and NASCAR, the Media Tour gives credentialed participants the opportunity to tour race shops; interview drivers, crew chiefs and team owners; and discuss the latest developments and news with motorsports industry insiders. Journalists from New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Miami, Fort Worth, Tampa and Montreal are among those registered to participate, representing such media outlets as USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg News, ESPN, The Associated Press, Time magazine and Sports Illustrated. Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing, Gillette Evernham Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing and Red Bull Racing are among the NASCAR Sprint Cup teams scheduled to host events. Ford will bring its Sprint Cup drivers and team owners together for a media availability session and media members will also get their initial look at the new SPEED Channel studios. In addition, the Media Tour will also make its annual visit to the NASCAR Research and Development Center.(LMS PR)(1-15-2009)
- Bruton Smith's daughter charged with DWI: The daughter of NASCAR racing mogul Bruton Smith has been charged with DWI in connection with a crash last week that left her seriously injured. Anna Smith remains hospitalized at Carolinas Medical Center.
On Tuesday, Huntersville police charged her with DWI and driving with a revoked license. The accident on Dec. 10 happened on Gilead Road near Beatties Ford Road around 5 a.m. Authorities found Smith's wrecked vehicle off the road in a field. Smith was reportedly thrown about 40 feet from the car.(WCNC.com)(12-16-2008)
- In Town [Charlotte area] for the races? some cool places to check out I have been to an enjoy since moving to the Charlotte area in 2004:
Memory Lane Museum on Hwy 150 W in Mooresville, NC,
North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame Lakeside Park, Mooresville
To eat...Lancaster's Bar-B-Que is a large place with a lot of NASCAR stuff all over the walls
plus if you like animals, Lazy 5 Ranch is a lot of fun for the whole family.
and to check out some team shops, see my Team Address page, on that page there are a few links for Race Shop Tours [click here].
Or drive up I-85 and head to
Richard Petty Museum
[Richard] Childress Vineyards.
in Concord, check out Quaker Steak and Lube for some great wings and food
and check out the Sam Bass Gallery, right near the track.
(this is not an ad, not looking for suggestions, just some things to helps folks in town)
