NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTOR SPEEDWAY NEWS/RUMORS
Address:
PO Box 7888
Loudon, NH 03307
Phone: (603) 783-4931
Fax: (603) 783-9691
Track Specs:
Superspeedway: 1.058 mile oval
Turns: Banking: 12 degrees; Striaghts: 2 degrees
Length of Straights: Frontstretch - 1500ft; Backstretch - 1500ft
Grandstand Seating: 95,491
Race Title Sponsors:
July - LENOX signed thru 2009 [plus options]
September - Sylvania signed thru 2012
Websites:
www.nhms.com
www.nhis.com
Was New Hampshire International Speedway until SMI bought the track in late 2007/early 2008 and renamed it New Hampshire Motor Speedway
- Only four drivers: only four drivers have completed in all 27 Sprint Cup races held at New Hampshire Motor Speedway since the first race in 1993: #24-Jeff Gordon [3 wins], #31-Jeff Burton [4], #43-Bobby Labonte [0] and #78-Joe Nemechek [1].(6-29-2008)
- September 16, 2007's Cup race at New Hampshire was the first time all 43 cars that started a Cup race finished it since NASCAR mandated the 43-car rule in 1998.
- New Hampshire to keep two dates: It's now official. New Hampshire Motor Speedway will have two Sprint Cup events in 2009. NHMS officials said ticket renewals for the June 2009 event are in the mail and renewals for the September 2009 weekend will go out soon. Speculation has swirled around the one-mile oval since Speedway Motorsports Inc., led by Bruton Smith, purchased the track in November 2007 for $340 million. Many NASCAR followers thought Smith might move one of the New Hampshire Cup dates to the SMI facility in Las Vegas. The speculation increased with Smith's pending purchase of Kentucky Speedway, with some people believing Smith might move a New Hampshire race to Kentucky. Neither scenario is happening. The race on Sunday was the 27th consecutive sellout of a Cup event at NHMS, which has 91,000 grandstand seats. The track sold the final 3,000 tickets during the past four days. "We sold standing-room only tickets here today," Smith said. "If we add a race at Las Vegas, we will get it another way. I love the people here. They remind me a lot of the fans at Bristol [Motor Speedway] for their enthusiasm and their love of racing. It's like a religion here. I should have paid [former owner] Bob [Bahre] more, but don't tell him that." Smith said he still is studying ways to improve the speedway. He wants to add lights and a larger area for campers, but he said he has no plans to add a drag strip.(ESPN)(6-30-2008)
- Sellout at New Hampshire: Today's race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a sellout. As a matter of fact, it has been 27 straight years that there has been a Sprint Cup race sellout here at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. There's standing room only on the backstretch.(Portland Press Herald)(6-29-2008)
- Elephant Race Removed from Pre-Race Show Line-up at NHMS: Due to last-minute permit issues, the elephant race scheduled as part of the pre-race activities Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway has been cancelled. "We didn't know until late yesterday that there were pachyderm permits required to move an elephant across state lines, and apparently, there are some health certifications required as well," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. "We're disappointed, but we simply don't have the time to comply properly with all the federal procedures. Even without elephants frolicking on the frontstretch, race fans will still see
the most entertaining pre-race show in the history of the track Sunday with the Kansas concert and motorcycle stunt show."(NHMS PR)(6-28-2008)
- Limited Number of Tickets for New Hampshire: A limited number of grandstand tickets are available for Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor
Speedway. Tickets start at $60. Guests who purchase tickets by Wednesday will be eligible to win a $500 Sunoco gas card, watch the SYLVANIA 300 from a luxury suite, or have their mortgage or rent paid until December, 2008. Once all grandstand seats are sold, standing-room tickets will be made available before the start of Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301. "There seems to be some confusion by race fans that we are already sold out for Sunday," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the
speedway. "Though we are close to a sellout, we do have a limited number of tickets remaining, and we want to get that message out and encourage people to buy their tickets from our box office and not scalpers." Tickets are also available for Friday's Heluva Good! Pole Day activities, and Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series Camping World 200 presented by RVs.com, which includes the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour New England 100. Tickets start at $25 for adults. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 week events, go online to www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(6-24-2008)
- Record Purse Totaling Nearly $7 Million Posted for New Hampshire week: Featuring one of the most lucrative purses per-mile in NASCAR racing, drivers competing in the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 week of events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will race for their share of a record purse that totals close to $7 million. The posted prize money of $6,977,328 awaits competitors among four NASCAR touring divisions. The purses for all series have increased from last June's races, and are the highest in New Hampshire Motor Speedway history. "Our NASCAR Sprint Cup purse is the sixth largest, per-mile, on the series schedule to date," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general
manager for the speedway. "They are racing in the seventh largest market (Boston) for a big payout in front of very loyal New England race fans. I can't wait for the green flag to drop next weekend!" Competitors participating in the NASCAR Sprint Cup LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, June 29, will race to claim their take of $5,383,710. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29, and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14, go online to www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931. All ticket holders for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 who purchase a ticket prior to Wednesday, June 25, 2008 will be eligible to win a $500 Sunoco gas card, watch the SYLVANIA 300 from a luxury suite, or have their mortgage or rent paid until December, 2008.(NHMS PR)(6-24-2008)
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway Introduces New Tram System: Race fans visiting New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Week activities will find it easier to navigate around the 1,100-acre complex with the introduction of a new Disney-like tram system. The tram system, similar to that offered to visitors at Walt Disney World, will move guests from the parking and camping lots to grandstand area, providing a more efficient route to and from the races. This system, which features 10 trams and a designated route around New Hampshire Motor Speedway property, is being implemented as the initial step in New Hampshire Motor Speedway's efforts to place 'Fans First', according to speedway executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens. Manufactured in Iowa by Featherlite, and sponsored by Nationwide, the five tandem trams seat 65 guests each, and will run continuously throughout the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 event weekend, starting on Friday, June 27. The trams will follow three different routes, which will service almost every corner of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway property. It is estimated that over 20,000 fans will be shuttled in the trams each day. In addition, more than 60 buses will be used to shuttle fans from outer parking areas as well. For more information on the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29, and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14, please visit us online at www.nhms.com or call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(6-22-2008)
- Fans Will Notice Improvements at New Hampshire Motor Speedway: At first glance, fans attending the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 might not recognize New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but one look up and there is no doubt that they will know where they are. New Hampshire Motor Speedway is undergoing a new and improved look. Fans who pass the speedway are sure to notice the obvious improvements to the signs facing Route 106. The Main, North and South entrances are now marked with bigger and brighter signs, including modern, electronic message boards on two of the signs. Branding of New Hampshire Motor Speedway is evident on elevator towers, along the face of the VIP Suites and the main entrance. In addition, a new design is featured on the infield tunnel entrance and exit. Inside the property, upgrades continue. The grandstands will be identified with larger banners, making it easier for fans to find their seats. The bathrooms and concessions stands are now color-coded for easier identification. Additionally, 200 portable restrooms will be available during the event weekends. Routes around the property have been paved and redefined for more efficient traffic flow, and to enable lanes for the new tram system. New directional signage has been erected to guide guests out of the property after the race. The cosmetic enhancements are impressive, but less obvious changes will also make for a more enjoyable experience. Upgrades have been made to the PA system and the television compound to improve the fan experience. Besides being responsible to its guests, New Hampshire Motor Speedway also recognizes its need to be a good neighbor in the community. In an effort to be more 'green', all of dumpsters on property have been replaced with a new sealed system that keeps waste contained and is eventually transported off property. There is no doubt that New Hampshire Motor Speedway has transformed from the inside out. But no matter what it looks like, New Hampshire Motor Speedway's main focus still remains the same - to give the fans the best possible experience every time they come to visit. Tickets are still available for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29, and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14. For more information, visit online at www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(6-21-2008)
- Pit Passes remain at New Hampshire: A limited number of Pre-Race Pit Passes remain available for fans to purchase prior to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on
Sunday, June 29, 2008. For the first time in speedway history, a limited number of pit passes are being made available to ticket buyers. Pre-Race Pit-Passes are $100 each, and guests must be at least 18 years old to access the pits. To purchase a Pre-Race Pit Pass, or for more information on tickets for the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29, and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14, go online to www.nhms.com or call the speedway Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(6-20-2008)
- Two SMI presidents deny tracks may lose race dates: The presidents of two Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks firmly dismissed the notions that their facilities could lose Sprint Cup dates in order to provide Kentucky Speedway with one. New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway have been mentioned as tracks that could lose a race, but NHIS President Jerry Gappens and AMS President Ed Clark shot down the idea that SMI Chairman Bruton Smith would ever do that. In fact, both presidents said they are planning to finalize sanctioning agreements with NASCAR on Friday morning for two races each in 2009. "Bruton has not given me any, any indication at all that he's looking to change anything," Gappens said. "...I don't think this will have any impact. I think there's more to the puzzle that he's got to finish completing to do some of the things he's thinking." Clark vehemently denied that his track, which has struggled with attendance recently, would have a date moved elsewhere. "I'm tired of people bringing that up, because I get so sick of answering it, I'm about to scream," he said. "You can go ask Bruton, you can ask me – there is no chance. It is not going to happen."(SceneDaily)(5-23-2008)
- Bahre Makes Large Donation To Loudon: Bob Bahre has sold his NASCAR racetrack in Loudon, but he's not forgetting the track's neighbors. Without fanfare, Bahre gave Loudon selectmen $450,000 this month and asked them to split it between a half dozen churches, the town library and students struggling to afford college. He said he didn't want them to make a big deal about where the money came from. Bahre helped many community organizations in the 20 years he ran the New Hampshire International Speedway before selling it last fall for $340 million. Library trustees and church elders are considering how to spend the money, and Merrimack Valley High School predicts the gift will help up to 15 of their students attend college in the fall.(wmur.com)(5-1-2008)
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway Launches New Internet Site: New Hampshire Motor Speedway has a totally new look on the worldwide web. NHMS.com maked its debut Wednesday with a design that is informative and fan-friendly. New features include a fan forum, where guests can share their experiences at the speedway, offer suggestions, and make new friends. Audio, video, and photo galleries will offer an inside look at the activities and growth at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Interactive weekly polls will track the pulse of the fans on today’s most important racing questions.(NHMS PR)(4-17-2007)
- NHMS Tix Renewals Completed, all remaining tix on sale now: With annual ticket renewals and upgrades complete, all remaining tickets for the June 29 LENOX Industrial Tools 301 Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) are now on sale, first-come, first-serve. "Our renewal rate is at an all-time high thanks to our loyal fans, and because last year's race featured an exciting duel in the final lap," said Jerry Gappens, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Hampshire Motor
Speedway. "NASCAR Sprint Cup racing is well-received here in the Northeast. All 26 of our Sprint Cup Series races have sold-out in advance. We want the general public to know that, if they act quickly, there is a window of opportunity to secure tickets to the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 from our box office at face value." The New Hampshire Motor Speedway ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling Guest Services at (603) 783-4931 or by visiting the Speedway online at www.nhms.com.(NHMS PR)(2-27-2008)
- Speedway Motorsports Completes Purchase of New Hampshire Facility: Closing documents were completed today [1/11/2008], finalizing Speedway Motorsports, Inc.'s purchase of New Hampshire Speedway, Inc. d/b/a New Hampshire International Speedway, from Bob and Gary Bahre for $340 million in cash. The completed purchase was announced today by O. Bruton Smith, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Smith also announced, to better align with other SMI-owned speedway brands, New Hampshire International Speedway was being renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a wonderful addition to our strong portfolio of tracks and provides the opportunity for our company to expand into a new market," said Smith. "Bob and his staff have made this a smooth transition since we announced our agreement in Texas on November 2. We look forward to many successes in our operation of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway." Earlier, Smith announced the promotion of long-time SMI executive Jerry Gappens to Executive Vice president and General Manager of the facility, which hosts two NASCAR Sprint (formerly NEXTEL) Cup Series events each year. Gappens has relocated from Charlotte, N.C. and has assumed his new duties at the Speedway.
"Thanks to the support of our loyal fans, dedicated sponsors, and wonderful employees, the Speedway has grown more than Gary and I ever could have imagined," said Bob Bahre, former Chairman of the Board. "We are looking forward to working with Bruton, Jerry, and their team and fully supporting them in their efforts to take this to a higher level for our fans." Bahre will remain associated with the facility he built as a consultant. Located on approximately 1,100 acres, the multi-use complex is the largest sports facility in New England and features a 1.058-mile oval speedway, with chairback seating for 92,000 spectators, and a 1.6-mile road course. The Speedway hosts the only Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide (formerly BUSCH) Series and Craftsman Truck Series events in the six-state New England region. Both Sprint Cup Series races regularly sell out and exceed the NFL Super Bowl in attendance. With the addition of New Hampshire Motor Speedway, SMI will own race tracks in the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West, including four of the nation's top-10 metropolitan markets. Speedway Motorsports, Inc. will promote 13 NASCAR-sanctioned Sprint Cup races in 2008 and nine NASCAR-sanctioned Nationwide Series events. Combined seating for the seven SMI facilities will exceed 850,000 permanent seats. Tickets for all NASCAR events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, including the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on June 29 and the SYLVANIA 300 on September 14, are available online at www.nhms.com or by calling Guest Services at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS PR)(1-11-2008)
- July NHIS race gets an extra lap: It’s time for NASCAR to open the record books. Today, Lenox Industrial Tools and New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) announce they have gone the EXTRA MILE – literally – with the creation of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301. For the first time in history, the length of a Sprint Cup Series race will be 301 laps. The EXTRA MILE was added in honor of Lenox customers – users and suppliers of industrial tools – who perform physically demanding jobs, yet receive little recognition. To celebrate their efforts, Lenox announces the EXTRA MILE HERO program. Lenox will conduct a hero search throughout 2008. Ten finalists will be chosen to receive a cash prize and a matching donation to a charity of their choice. One grand prize winner will have a chance to win one million dollars to split with their selected charity. Finalists will also be honored at the 2009 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 at NHIS. “Our goal here at New Hampshire International Speedway is to always go the extra mile for our guests,” said Jerry Gappens, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Hampshire International Speedway. “This is a great way, through our partnership with Lenox, to acknowledge everyone who goes
the extra mile each and every day. If you look at the history of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, how many times have you heard the second place driver say, ‘If I only had one more lap?’” Tickets for the June 29 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 are on sale now, buy calling Speedway’s Guest Services at (603) 783-4931 or visit www.nhis.com.(12-14-2007)
- New NHIS owner may have to comply with legal agreements in place: A legal agreement limiting alcohol sales and banning concerts, night racing and drag racing at New Hampshire International Speedway could tie the hands of the track's new owner. Earlier this month, Texas racing magnate O. Bruton Smith announced the purchase of the Loudon track from owner Bob Bahre for $340 million. Smith says his company will review the commitments Bahre made to neighbors and looks forward to a friendly relationship with them. Those commitments include a legal agreement negotiated with residents of neighboring Canterbury that limits alcohol sales and consumption in the track, bans certain types of events and requires noise and traffic mitigation during big events. The group, Concerned Racetrack Neighbors, negotiated the deal with Bahre and the Loudon Planning Board in 1989. They say they reached the agreement amicably, and its provisions were attached to the deed and plan to make sure it would carry over to subsequent owners.(AP/WCSH6.com and more at Concord Monitor)(11-14-2007)
- LMS's Gappens heading to NHMS [NHIS]: Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bruton Smith has promoted Jerry Gappens to the position of Executive Vice President and General Manager at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. On Nov. 2, Smith announced Speedway Motorsports Inc. had reached an agreement to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob and Gary Bahre. The $340 million transaction should close early in the first quarter of 2008, and the name of the facility will become New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Gappens, 46, has worked in the motorsports industry for 25 years and brings a successful 15-year track record of promoting SMI events to Loudon,
N.H. Most recently, Gappens served as senior vice president of events and marketing for Lowe's Motor Speedway, SMI's flagship facility located near Charlotte, N.C. Gappens was responsible for promoting a wide array of annual events hosted at the multi-use motorsports complex, including three Nextel Cup race weekends and three major car shows. A Windfall, Ind., native, Gappens joined LMS in 1993 as publicity director. He was promoted to director of communications in 1995 and named vice president of promotions and public relations in 1996. In 2002, Gappens was honored as NASCAR's Most Valuable Public Relations Representative. He was promoted to senior vice president of events and marketing at LMS in
2005. Prior to joining Lowe's Motor Speedway, Gappens worked as an account executive for Sales Consultants, a national contingency search firm in New Jersey. He also worked with National Speed Sport News, a leading weekly motorsports publication, for eight years and served as a pit reporter for ABC Sports' coverage of the Indianapolis 500; various CART, NASCAR and IROC races; and the Monaco Grand Prix Formula One event. Active in various civic and charitable organizations, Gappens has served on several boards in the Charlotte region, including the Charlotte Visitors and Convention Bureau, Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, UNC-Charlotte Athletic Foundation, Speedway Children's Charities and the 600 Festival. Gappens, who will relocate from Charlotte to New Hampshire, has two sons, Denny (22) and Wes (21). In 2008, New Hampshire Motor Speedway will host two NASCAR Sprint Cup races, the Lenox Industrial Tools 300 on June 29 and the Sylvania 300 on Sept. 14. Ticket information can be obtained by calling (603) 783-4931 or online at www.nhis.com.(LMS PR)(11-14-2007)
- Statement from Bob Bahre about the NHIS sale: Bob Bahre, Chairman of the Board of New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS), on the agreement to sell NHIS to Speedway Motorsports, Inc. "Gary and I would like to thank all of our employees and loyal fans for their continued support of New Hampshire International Speedway over the past 18 years. Our success is due to their dedication and to the loyalty of our corporate partners including SYLVANIA, LENOX Industrial Tools, and Camping World. We look forward to working closely with Bruton Smith and his team during the upcoming transition and for years to come."(NHIS PR)(11-3-2007)
- Statement from Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO concerning New Hampshire being sold: Today’s announcement that Speedway Motorsports Inc. has purchased New Hampshire International Speedway is yet another indication that the NASCAR industry continues to grow and thrive. Capitalizing on NASCAR’s national appeal and growth, the Bahre family created a passionate fan base and developed a valuable venue that has hosted the largest sporting events in New England including 26 consecutive sellouts. The success of NHIS, and the desire of the Bahre family to sell, made the track very attractive to SMI and several other interested buyers. SMI has a highly regarded record for hosting some of the most successful and enjoyable race events in all of NASCAR, and there’s no doubt that will continue. While we don’t have any details about SMI’s plans for NHIS, all sanctions for 2008 have been signed and finalized. As a result, there will be no location changes to the 2008 schedule that was released last month. This is important to the fans, competitors, broadcast partners and sponsors who have already made plans for the 2008 races. Looking beyond 2008, NASCAR will continue to consider requests by any track operator, including SMI, to relocate race dates. Under NASCAR’s “realignment” plan, we have worked with track owners to relocate race dates to meet the needs of our growing national fan base. Ultimately, any change must meet NASCAR’s objectives and serve our fans. The industry owes Bob and Gary Bahre a debt of gratitude for their leadership and commitment to NASCAR. All of NASCAR wishes the Bahre family well during this time of transition. They will always be considered pioneers in NASCAR.(NASCAR PR)(11-2-2007)
- OFFICIAL - SMI buys New Hampshire track, renames it: Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE:TRK) has agreed to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob and Gary Bahre for $340 million in cash. The agreement was announced today by O. Bruton Smith, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2008. To align with other SMI-owned speedway brands, the track will be renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway following completion of the acquisition. The speedway, which opened in 1990 and hosts two Nextel Cup Series events each year, is located about one hour north of Boston in Loudon, N.H. According to the latest census numbers, the population within 200 miles of the speedway is more than 18 million people. The venue is easily accessible via Interstate highways from all metro areas in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Located on approximately 1,100 acres, the multi-use complex is the largest sports facility in New England and features a 1.058-mile oval speedway, with chair-back seating for 92,000 spectators, and a 1.6-mile road course. The speedway hosts the only Nextel Cup Series, Busch Series, and Craftsman Truck Series events held in the six-state New England region. Both Nextel Cup Series races regularly sell out and exceed the NFL Super Bowl in attendance. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our company to grow our business as we continue to invest in this sport and the motorsports industry," said Smith. Smith added that he has offered Bob Bahre the opportunity to remain associated as a consultant with the track that he built. In addition to the major NASCAR races, the track hosts several regional professional racing series, including the NASCAR Grand National Division, NASCAR Busch East Series and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Amateur series events complete the schedule with SCCA sports cars, motorcycles, World Karting Association go-karts and racing schools. New Hampshire Motor Speedway will join a strong portfolio of SMI facilities. The company also owns and operates Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn., Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.; Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.; and Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth, Texas. With this acquisition, the company will own race tracks in the West, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest, including four of the nation's top-10 metropolitan markets. The breakdown includes: the sixth-largest market (Infineon/San Francisco); the fifth-largest market (Texas/Dallas-Ft. Worth); the seventh-largest market (New Hampshire/Boston); the ninth-largest market (Atlanta); the 25th-largest market (Lowe's/Charlotte); the 41st-largest market (Las Vegas); and the 92nd-largest market (Bristol/Tri-Cities). Speedway Motorsports, Inc. will promote 13 NASCAR-sanctioned Sprint (formerly NEXTEL) Cup races in 2008 and nine NASCAR-sanctioned Nationwide (formerly Busch) Series events. Combined seating for the seven SMI facilities will exceed 850,000 permanent seats.(SMI PR)(11-2-2007)
- SMI buying NHIS? UPDATE 3: There is talk of an announcement on Thursday that will go a long way toward determining if Lowe's Motor Speedway will remain in its present location or go on the road to a neighboring community, as Smith has threatened. It all started in August, when Smith announced plans for a mega-drag strip complex on land adjacent to Lowe's Motor Speedway. SMI and city / county government had been discussing an economic package that could offer as much as $2.4 million for the construction of the strip, plus address the reported $200 million in improvements to LMS that Smith has been contemplating. On Friday of last week, Concord City Council reversed its earlier zoning decision, but that doesn't mean Smith will necessarily stay put. The announcement on Thursday will likely give the answer. Compare Smith's likely success in his quest to both improve his product by adding a drag strip and get help with needed improvements to infrastructure with the International Speedway Corp.'s failure to build a racetrack on Staten Island in New York City. Smith, if he chooses to make the improvements to the current facility, will have come out of the ruckus with tax incentives and possibly even a road (Speedway Boulevard) named in his honor. Thursday's rumored announcement will tell the tale.(NASCAR.com) and have heard that Smith could be buying the New Hampshire track, which could be the announcement....from a Charotte Observer article in part: [Bruton] Smith did give a couple of interviews on Charlotte radio stations on Wednesday [Oct 31]. He told WBT-AM (1110) and WFNZ-AM (610) that he has a “big” announcement planned for 2pm Friday. Presumably, that would come at Texas Motor Speedway, the track he owns near Fort Worth where NASCAR’s top three series will be racing this weekend. What (David Poole) called Smith to ask about Wednesday was whether he’d made a deal to buy New Hampshire International Speedway. Smith told (Poole) he has heard that John Henry and Jack Roush, the owners of Roush Fenway Racing (and, in Henry’s case, of the Boston Red Sox) were interested in buying that track. Smith said he has also heard that George Gillett, Ray Evernham’s partner, might want it. Or that Kentucky Speedway owner Jerry Carroll wants it. What (Poole) asked him, though, was whether he’s bought it, or has a deal to buy it. He tried to change the subject again, then finally said, “It’s unfortunate that you weren’t able to get up with me for a comment today.” But he also said that I might be able to reach him later this week [at Texas].(11-1-2007)
UPDATE 2: sources with knowledge of the deal indicated last night that O. Bruton Smith, CEO and chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., had entered into an agreement to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob Bahre, the track's 80-year-old chairman who is among a rare breed in NASCAR: the independent track owner/operator.
A press conference is expected to be held tomorrow at Texas Motor Speedway, one of six SMI-owned racing venues that stage 10 Nextel Cup events. With the acquisition of NHIS, that stands to grow to 12 Cup dates. Efforts to reach Bahre last night were unsuccessful. Reached last night, NHIS spokesman Fred Neergaard said, "There's nothing new to report." An SMI source, however, indicated Smith had reached an accord with Bahre, but was not clear as to the terms. SMI's racing empire includes Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which host one Cup event, and Bristol Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and Texas, which host two Cup dates. Texas won its second Cup date as part of a lawsuit settlement stemming from a complaint brought by Francis Ferko, an SMI shareholder, against NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. Smith acquired his first Texas date and Bahre his second NHIS date after they partnered in 1996 to purchase North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway and split its two Cup dates. NASCAR, though, must approve and sanction all dates and race locations before any changes are made to the schedule. NASCAR, which has released its 2008 Sprint Cup schedule, has signed agreements with tracks for all 36 races next season. It had long been speculated that if NHIS were to be sold to Smith, it would take him no time to strip the track of its Cup dates. But, the SMI source suggested, that may not be the case. While NHIS could lose its July date to Las Vegas, SMI could salvage NHIS's spot on the NASCAR schedule by swapping Chase dates with Texas, thus making it the start of the Chase.(Boston Globe)(11-1-2007)
UPDATE 3: Buying a track with a Nextel Cup date and moving a race to Kentucky Speedway was one way owner Jerry Carroll thought he could get NASCAR's top division to his Sparta facility. Among the tracks Carroll pursued was New Hampshire International Speedway, but that no longer is an option. New Hampshire International Speedway chairman Bob Bahre confirmed to Carroll during a phone conversation Thursday that he has sold the Loudon, N.H., facility to O. Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Bahre's track annually hosts two Nextel Cup events.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(11-2-2007)
