Bruton Smith renews lawsuit over incentives: The mogul behind one of the country's largest auto racing track operators is trying to resurrect a lawsuit claiming local officials reneged on an offer of $80 million in incentives to land a new drag strip and upgrade the Charlotte Motor Speedway. A three-judge state Court of Appeals panel will hold a closed-door discussion Tuesday to determine whether the lawsuit will be heard by a jury. A judge last year dismissed the lawsuit against Cabarrus County by Speedway Motorsports Inc. and Charlotte Motor Speedway, both based in Concord and headed by magnate Bruton Smith. At issue is whether Smith can enforce what his lawyers say was an oral agreement that ended threats to move the 135,000-seat speedway and build a new drag strip somewhere other than the heart of NASCAR country. The contract wasn't put in writing until after the new drag strip opened the following year, with terms the track operator rejected. If the lawsuit doesn't move forward, Speedway Motorsports could have to wait up to 40 years to be reimbursed for road and other upgrades around the track. It's not clear if SMI -- which owns the track and seven others in Georgia, Tennessee, California, Kentucky, Nevada, New Hampshire and Texas -- has yet seen any of the $80 million announced in 2007. A track spokesman declined comment and lawyers for both sides did not respond to requests for comment last week. A decision is expected in about three months. If the case moves forward, it could be appealed to the state Supreme Court.(Associated Press/ESPN)(4-9-2013)

Construction on additional pit road suites begins at Charlotte: Construction is underway on six additional pit road suites at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Crews have begun pouring the concrete pylons which will support the new structure along pit road. The suites are 11 feet above pit road and are as close as fans can get to the action, overlooking the race team pit boxes. The original suites, built in 2012, were sold out prior to last year's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The open-air, covered seating areas can accommodate up to 15 people and include exclusive access to the Winner's Circle Lounge located adjacent to Victory Circle. The lounge includes a bar, meeting room, seating areas, televisions and restrooms. The new suites will be added on to the existing structure toward the Turn 1 end of pit road. Suite holders receive 15 tickets to each of eight NASCAR events and have the option to purchase catering for the suite.(CMS)(3-16-2013)

Safety Training at Charlotte Motor Speedway: As it has annually for more than two decades, Charlotte Motor Speedway welcomed more than 150 track safety professionals over the weekend for a two-day training session to hone their skills and prepare for the upcoming race season. Personnel from 10 NASCAR facilities – including Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway – received hands-on safety training for all events at the speedway. Leading the way in safety training, Charlotte Motor Speedway has been offering such classes since 1991. The sessions included online training modules and live scenarios for fire, rescue and EMS personnel. Topics covered included extrication, fire suppression, on-track EMS and track clean-up.(CMS)(3-6-2013)

Charlotte Motor Speedway goes smoke free: From the Charlotte Motor Speedway site: " For the health and comfort of our guests, grandstands and concourses at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track are smoke-free. This policy also applies to terrace boxes, kids' play zones, bathhouses and restrooms. In conjunction with this policy, smoking lounges with flat-screen televisions and high-top tables will be conveniently located at each of our three venues. Smoking is also allowed in open-air campgrounds, parking lots, hospitality and souvenir display areas. It is our goal to reduce the risk of secondhand smoke exposure to our fans, while still allowing the freedom of choice with convenient smoking locations during our events. Enforcement -- Ushers will direct those found smoking in the grandstands to the nearest smoking lounge, and repeat offenders will be asked to leave.(CMS)(2-22-2013)

Charlotte Motor Speedway value put at $309M: There was one thing everybody in the room could agree on: It's hard to determine the value of Charlotte Motor Speedway. After three hours of questions and discussion Wednesday, the Cabarrus Board of Equalization and Review unanimously approved a tax value for Charlotte Motor Speedway for 2008 at $244.1 million and for 2009 at $309.6 million. Board members and county officials said the door is still open to negotiations before the matter likely reaches the N.C. Property Tax Commission on appeal. Raleigh attorney Bruce Thompson II and Charlotte commercial appraiser Fitzhugh Stout of Integra Realty Resources represented the speedway and said the value should be $78.2 million for 2008 and $108.2 million for 2009 (after the ZMax Dragway was built). Stout's appraisal placed the value of the total land (more than 1300 acres) at $41 million and the replacement cost of improvements at $137.2 million, but subtracted $100 million for the value of having a Sprint Cup race date.(Concord & Kannapolis Independent Tribune)(2-11-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Media Tour - Final Day - Thursday: The 31st annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway runs from Monday, Jan. 21, through Thursday, Jan. 24. The NASCAR Sprint Media Tour is open only to pre-approved media members. More than 220 motorsports journalists are scheduled to attend. More than 20 stops will keep participating media occupied throughout the week including visits to Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Roush Fenway Racing are among the many teams that will also be hosting programs.
THURSDAY The event wraps up Thursday afternoon following a morning session with most of the Ford Racing drivers in the hotel, then a mid-morning trip to the Hall of Fame for a parade of Ford Fusions through downtown Charlotte. Then a tour-ending visit to Joe Gibbs Racing.
Ten Ford Fusions will run through the streets of Uptown Charlotte on Thursday, Jan. 24 outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame starting at 11:20 am. The drive will begin from the NASCAR Hall of Fame loading dock on Caldwell Street. Cars will turn right on Caldwell and go to Stonewall; Turn right on Stonewall and go to Tryon; Turn right on Tryon and go to 5th Street; Turn right on 5th Street and go to Caldwell; Turn right on Caldwell and go to Martin Luther King Jr.; Turn left into Ceremonial Plaza.(Ford Racing)(1-24-2013)

Bruton Smith Wants End to Start-and-Park: Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. told media attending the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway that he would like to see an end to start-and-park racing, a term that refers to race teams that run only a few laps of a race in order to collect a portion of the purse, but pull off the track before causing too much wear and tear on their equipment, thereby saving on the expense of running a full race. "Start-and-park should not be a part of what we do," he said. "I think it's derogatory toward our sport. I'm going to try my best – and I hope you'll join me – to see if NASCAR can do something about this. It certainly isn't adding anything to our sport, and it certainly takes away." He then asked media in the room to use their influence to put an end to the practice. Smith's other appeal was to encourage NASCAR to reduce the top speeds of the race cars, which he argued would make the racing safer but also create more excitement for the fans because the drivers will make moves with more confidence.(CMS Notes)(1-23-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Media Tour - Day 3 - Wednesday: The 31st annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway runs from Monday, Jan. 21, through Thursday, Jan. 24. The NASCAR Sprint Media Tour is open only to pre-approved media members. More than 220 motorsports journalists are scheduled to attend. More than 20 stops will keep participating media occupied throughout the week including visits to Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Roush Fenway Racing are among the many teams that will also be hosting programs.
WEDNESDAY Wednesday features shop visits to Earnhardt-Ganassi-Sabates Racing, to Hendrick Motorsports and to Penske Racing.(1-23-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Media Tour - Day 2 - Tuesday: The 31st annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway runs from Monday, Jan. 21, through Thursday, Jan. 24. The NASCAR Sprint Media Tour is open only to pre-approved media members. More than 220 motorsports journalists are scheduled to attend. More than 20 stops will keep participating media occupied throughout the week including visits to Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Roush Fenway Racing are among the many teams that will also be hosting programs.
TUESDAY On Tuesday morning, Furniture Row Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing will visit the media hotel. The tour then heads to the NASCAR Hall of Fame to meet with NASCAR officials. The Nationwide Series meets with the press at the hotel in the evening.(1-22-2013)

NASCAR Sprint Media Tour Monday: The 31st annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway runs from Monday, Jan. 21, through Thursday, Jan. 24. The NASCAR Sprint Media Tour is open only to pre-approved media members. More than 220 motorsports journalists are scheduled to attend. More than 20 stops will keep participating media occupied throughout the week including visits to Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Roush Fenway Racing are among the many teams that will also be hosting programs.(CMS)
MONDAY: this afternoon and evening will be stops at Stewart Haas Racing and Richard Childress Racing, also tonight an announcement with Dale Earnhardt Jr & Richard Petty.(1-21-2013)

TMS, CMS intend to bid for X Games: Texas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway have signed letters of intent to bid on becoming a host venue for ESPN's X Games beginning in 2014. TMS, which is located in Fort Worth, and CMS, which is located in Concord, N.C., are owned by parent company Speedway Motorsports Inc. Atlanta Motor Speedway, another SMI track, is part of an overall bid by the Atlanta Sports Council. Mike Zizzo, vice president of media relations at TMS, said X Games officials are traveling to TMS at the end of the month to evaluate the facility. TMS officials say they are interested in a three-year hosting period for the summer edition of the X Games. The summer event requires venues that can accommodate courses ranging from rally car and motocross to skateboarding and BMX competition. The four-day event traditionally attracts between 80,000 and 100,000 spectators. TMS is one of 13 locations bidding for the summer X Games, including two others in Texas: Austin's Circuit of the Americas Formula One road course and the Houston Sports Authority, representing Harris County.(ESPN)(1-18-2013)

Fans Invited to watch testing at Charlotte Feb 17-18: Round two of testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the sixth-generation NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car is coming up Thursday and Friday, Jan. 17-18, and track officials are once again opening the gates so fans can enjoy the two-day test, free of charge. Behind-the-scenes tours and concessions will be available for purchase. Plus, every fan that buys a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series or NHRA ticket in the speedway ticket office during the test will receive a free 1:24-scale diecast car. Among the teams expected to participate in the test are Hendrick Motorsports, Penske Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Richard Childress Racing and more. Testing will run from 9:00am/et to 4:00pm/et each day, with a break for lunch at 12:00noon/et. Each day, the General Motors grandstands will open at 8:30 am/et for the public to enjoy the test session. Fans should enter through gate 5A, by the main ticket office. Ticket information for all Charlotte Motor Speedway events can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or online at charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(1-12-2013)

The area's premiere holiday lights extravaganza returns for its third year with more lights than ever before. Starting at zMAX Dragway and weaving through the infield of the 1.5-mile superspeedway, visitors can get in the holiday spirit with a ride through more than 800 displays made up of more than 3 million holiday lights.
Thursday through Sunday nights, visitors can add even more holiday excitement with a stop at the Speedway Christmas Village, which will feature a Bethlehem Village presented by New Life 91.9 with live actors and animals, a petting zoo, games and activities in Santa's Workshop, as well as the chance to visit Santa Claus for a photo.
Click here for a detailed schedule, including special events.
Movie nights will be held every Friday and Saturday. Movie nights are presented by Great Wolf Lodge. Movies scheduled to be played at 7 p.m. each night are as follows:
Dec. 7 and 8: "Elf"
Dec. 14 and 15: "A Christmas Story"
Dec. 21 and 22: "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
Dec. 28 and 29: "Christmas Vacation"
Tickets to Speedway Christmas are $15 per car Monday-Wednesday, when the Christmas Village is closed, and $20 per car Thursday-Sunday, when the Village is open.
New for 2012, visitors can feel the chill on the outdoor Coca-Cola ice rink, made with real ice and open throughout the holiday season. Group discounts, private skates and theme nights will also be part of the fun.

Charlotte testing open to fans: Several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will test their new 2013 cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 11 and 12. As part of a special off-season treat, race fans are invited to view the two-day test session from the grandstands, free of charge. Teams expected to participate in the test include Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing and Wood Brothers Racing. Testing will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch at noon. Each day, the Ford Grandstand on the frontstretch will open at 8:30 a.m. for the public to enjoy the on-track debut of the new 2013 cars. Fans should enter through gate 5B, by the main ticket office.(CMS)(12-7-2012)

Two fans can win spot in All-Star Race commercial: Race fans, now's your chance to join the all-stars! Two lucky fans will win a chance to appear in the new Charlotte Motor Speedway commercial for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 18, 2013. The commercial, featuring a wild west "Throwdown at Charlotte" theme that reflects the all-guns-blazing racing and exciting action featured in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, will star Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty and other NASCAR celebrities. Fans that act now and purchase 2013 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race tickets before Dec. 31, 2012, will be automatically entered in the "Join the All-Stars" sweepstakes. Weekend ticket packages start at just $99 and a down payment of just $10 will reserve any All-Star Race ticket. Fans can visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/allstarextra for details on the sweepstakes, official rules, clips from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race commercial, as well as opportunities to purchase tickets.(CMS)(12-5-2012)

Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out at CMS on Friday: Need a stocking stuffer for the NASCAR fan on your holiday shopping list? Check out the gigantic Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out Sale on Friday, Nov. 23 from 8:00am-4:00pm. NASCAR enthusiasts and holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of driving around Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out on Friday, Nov. 23. Shoppers who spend $50 or more on merchandise or race tickets, or donate $25 to Speedway Children's Charities during the annual day-after-Thanksgiving event, will be allowed to drive their personal vehicle for three laps around the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway. Drivers must be 18 or older and no motorcycles will be permitted. During the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out, Charlotte Motor Speedway will offer a full line of NASCAR memorabilia and apparel at reduced prices with many items selling for only $1. A wide variety of hats and t-shirts will be available starting at just $3. In addition, more than a dozen NASCAR souvenir rigs are expected to be on hand, offering driver and team merchandise at drastically reduced prices. More info and deals at charlottemotorspeedway.com. (CMS)(11-22-2012)

Construction Begins as Speedway Christmas Returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway: Speedway Christmas is returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the spectacular holiday light show will be even bigger and better in its third year, with a new route, more than three million lights and the unique chance for visitors to drive the track. Construction has begun on the course, which starts at zMAX Dragway and winds through the 2,000-acre speedway property, into the infield of the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway and onto the track itself. For the last two years, Speedway Christmas drew thousands from across the state and beyond. This year, one of the nation's largest holiday light shows, running nightly from Nov. 19-Dec. 30 Speedway Christmas will begin with a grand opening at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Monday, Nov. 19, with a welcome ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The show runs nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 30, excluding Christmas Day. The attraction will feature more than 800 holiday LED light displays along the drive-through course, which includes a cruise around the high-banks of the legendary superspeedway. For more information, visit charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(11-11-2012)

Bruton Smith comments on many NASCAR issues: Bruton Smith, the eccentric billionaire whose Speedway Motorsports Inc. owns eight NASCAR tracks, held court in the Texas Motor Speedway media center on Saturday and addressed a wide range of subjects. Here are some selected notes from his lengthy media session:
• Smith said NASCAR needs to work at "making the racing more exciting." He said NASCAR has made some good moves in recent years - notably double-file restarts - but needs to implement additional improvements. Smith's primary suggestion to improve the racing is to slow the cars down and thus make it easier for drivers to make bold moves.
• Races with too many long green-flag runs are not exciting, Smith said, and he suggested a smaller fuel tank would force drivers to make more pit stops. Fuel-mileage races, he said, are "boring, boring, boring." One solution could be a minimum number of cautions per race to serve as TV timeouts.
• Drivers are "maybe not as eager" right now and NASCAR needs more racers who have a "mean streak."
• Despite a decline in TV ratings and attendance, Smith is still supportive of the Chase. He sounded concerned, though, that the playoff drivers get treated with kid gloves.
• There are no plans to make further adjustments to Bristol's racing surface after a drama-filled night race in August.
• No consideration has been given to moving an SMI race to give Las Vegas a second date, Smith said. He remains hopeful NASCAR will someday see the value in rewarding Vegas with another race.
see more at SB Nation.(11-4-2012)

Tightrope Walker Nik Wallenda Successfully Navigates High Wire at CMS: Nik Wallenda navigated the 750 feet across the asphalt, from 100 feet above the track surface, with pure ease, carrying on near-constant banter and stopping several times to pump his fist at the crowd during his tightrope walk Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Wallenda, of the famous "Flying Wallendas" circus family, started from high atop the frontstretch grandstands, wearing a tether that speedway officials required while he was above the audience. As soon as he passed over spectators, though, Wallenda pulled the tether off, continuing his arduous uphill journey to a large crane parked behind Winner's Circle. As he reached the end of the 5/8-inch tightrope, Wallenda roused the crowd to "never give up on your dreams." He was then lowered to the ground amid thunderous cheers and pulled a long-sleeve black-and-gray Dale Earnhardt Jr. T-shirt over his head. Wallenda said it was his tribute to tonight's missing man. "It's a dream of mine; it's just another dream fulfilled," Wallenda said. "It's exciting to be here, and it's an exciting environment to perform in. All these fans are here to see an amazing race; to be part of that pre-race entertainment is an amazing experience."(CMS)(10-14-2012)

Free Golf: If three full days of racing action isn't enough, ticketholders for this weekend's Bank of America NASCAR races can also use their stubs to watch free golf. Race fans can show their tickets for free admission to any round of official tournament play Friday or Saturday at the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Golf and Spa in Conover, N.C.(CMS)(10-12-2012)

Country Rockers Big & Rich to Rock Bank of America 500: Charlotte Motor Speedway is set to get even louder when country rockers Big & Rich "crank it up to eleven" at the Bank of America 500 Pre-Race Show Presented by Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Saturday, Oct. 13, as part of a thrilling week of speed, danger and fun. Fans will have an opportunity to jam with the guitar-slinging, country-singing, multi-platinum selling duo, Big & Rich, as they get the speedway rocking with songs of the past and present, including those from their new album Hillbilly Jedi, set for release on Sept. 18 on Warner Bros. Records.
The concert will take place on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 13, on the main stage of Charlotte Motor Speedway's frontstretch, just before the Bank of America 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Along with the rocking performance by Big & Rich, the Bank of America 500 Pre-Race Show Presented by Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will include a dangerous stunt by Guinness World Record holding daredevil and high-wire artist Nik Wallenda, who will walk the high-wire from high above the grandstands to Victory Lane, and a performance by Victoria Justice of Nickelodeon's hit series Victorious and the feature film Fun Size, in theaters Oct. 26.
Fans who want a front row seat for the entertainment and driver introductions can purchase a special driver introductions pass for $150, which includes a wristband for frontstretch stage access to see Big & Rich, cheer on your favorite drivers up-close at the driver introductions, and get the full NASCAR experience at the afternoon pit party, featuring appearances by Richard Petty, Denny Hamlin and other NASCAR personalities. For tickets and information call 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(10-12-2012)

Charlotte Motor Speedway Announces Dignitaries for Bank of America 500 Race Week: As Charlotte Motor Speedway begins final preparations for a thrilling Bank of America 500 race week, officials have added even more star power to a weekend headlined by Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, singer/actress Victoria Justice, country rockers Big & Rich, world-famous tightrope walker Nik Wallenda and NASCAR's best drivers.
The following is a list of dignitaries who will take part in race events this week:
Bank of America 500 – Saturday, Oct. 13
• Grand Marshal: Dan Nevins, executive VP, Wounded Warrior Project & Retired SSgt, US Army
• Honorary Starter: Ben Dellinger, combat-wounded veteran, Retired SSgt., US Army
• God Bless America: Leon Thomas, star of Nickelodeon's Victorious television program
• Invocation: Mike Novak , president/CEO of the K-LOVE Christian radio network
• Anthem: NewSong, Gospel Music Association Dove Award-winning and Grammy nominated artists
Dollar General 300 – Friday, Oct. 12
• Grand Marshal: Mike Calbert, representing the Board of Directors of Dollar General Corporation
• Honorary Starter: Raj Agrawal, representing the Board of Directors of Dollar General Corporation
• Invocation: Rev. Joe Andresen, patron of Charlotte Motor Speedway since 2003
• Anthem: Shannon Magrane, American Idol Season 11 finalist
Bojangles' Pole Night/UNOH Southern Slam 150/Better Half Dash – Thursday, Oct. 11
• Honorary Starter: Randy Herrod-Gonzalez, UNOH director of enrollment advertising & ROTC, NCO liaison
• Command to Start Engines: Don Lowden, director of admissions of UNOH College of Applied Technologies
• Invocation: Billy Mauldin, Motor Racing Outreach chaplain
• Anthem: Tammie Davis , ATP Records recording artist
Circle-K Late Model Showdown at The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Wednesday, Oct. 10
• Invocation: Lonnie Clouse, Motor Racing Outreach Chaplin
• Anthem: Danielle Johnson, 12-year-old star of the upcoming Broadway production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
Race week begins tonight with the final practice and qualifying for the Better Half Dash, where the women of NASCAR will battle on the frontstretch quarter-mile during Bojangles' Pole Night as part of a charity race to benefit Motor Racing Outreach. Several NASCAR personalities will test their personal rides at the Bellagio of drag strips Tuesday during NASCAR Night. For a $5 donation to Speedway Children's Charities, fans can watch as drivers like Kurt Busch and NASCAR team members try their hand at drag racing. Fans can take a ride in a 2012 Dodge Charger for a $10 donation to SCC. Wednesday night brings the return of the greatest show on dirt, as Josh Richards, Rick Eckert and the World of Outlaws' best battle NASCAR's up-and-coming stars Trevor Bayne, Ty Dillion and Austin Dillion during the Circle K World of Outlaws Late Model Showdown. Bojangles' Pole Night brings a bevy of action to the track as NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers set the starting lineup for Saturday's 53rd running of the Bank of America 500. In addition to qualifying, fans can watch the Better Half Dash and the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour UNOH Southern Slam 150, both on the frontstretch quarter-mile oval. Charlotte Motor Speedway will turn pink during Friday's Dollar General 300. Drivers and crews will don pink cars, firesuits and helmets to help raise awareness of the fight against breast cancer. In addition, fans are encouraged to wear pink as part of a "Pink Out" during the race.
Saturday brings a full slate of activities as part of the Bank of America 500 Pre-Race Show Presented by Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fans can enjoy appearances by the heroes in a half shell throughout the day, as well as concerts by Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice and country rockers Big & Rich. Before the green flag drops, world-famous tightrope walker Nik Wallenda will attempt another death-defying stunt as he walks 750 feet from the grandstands, over the track and pit road to Winner's Circle. All of that excitement builds to the grand finale, the only Saturday night race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup – the Bank of America 500.
Fans can reserve two frontstretch tickets, with the best views of the world's largest HDTV and pit road, for just $99 by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway Ticket Office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visiting www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(10-10-2012)

Charlotte Motor Speedway prepares fans for race week traffic: In preparation for Race Week at Charlotte Motor Speedway Oct. 10-13, speedway officials are making sure race fans and area residents are fully equipped to handle race day traffic by providing safe and efficient travel routes and information. With help from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Charlotte Motor Speedway is working to ease travel for fans heading to and from the races.
Best Travel Times on Race Days:
- It is best to arrive at Charlotte Motor Speedway before 5 p.m. for Bojangles' Pole Night on Thursday, Oct. 11 and the Dollar General 300 on Friday, Oct. 12, to avoid commuter traffic.
- The Dollar General 300 on Oct. 12 and Bank of America 500 on Oct. 13 are both evening races, but fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid Concord Mills mall congestion. Parking lots open at 7 a.m.
Post-Race Traffic Patterns for Bank of America 500
NCDOT will utilize counter flow patterns after the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 13. Traffic maps are posted on Charlotte Motor Speedway's website at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/maps/. See more details on the CMS website.(10-9-2012)

'Pink' Plans for the Dollar General 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway: NASCAR Nationwide Series points leader Elliott Sadler and his brother, motorsports analyst Hermie Sadler, joined breast cancer survivors from as far away as Ohio, to paint the start/finish line at Charlotte Motor Speedway pink in preparation for next week's Dollar General 300 Nationwide Series race. The Dollar General 300, scheduled for Oct. 12 at the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway, will feature a pink color scheme in an effort to raise awareness of breast cancer and honor those fighting the disease. Charlotte Motor Speedway and Dollar General are working together to pink-out the track with several elements to help bring awareness to the cause. In addition to the pink start/finish line, the pink Dollar General 300 event logo will be displayed on the infield grass. The official Toyota Camry pace car will also have a pink color scheme and the winner of the Dollar General 300 will go home with a one-of-a-kind pink trophy. In addition, the race tickets for the Dollar General 300 have a pink motif. Three hundred breast cancer survivors will be recognized in a special "Ring of Survivors" during pre-race ceremonies. The survivors will wear pink shirts and hats and carry flags as they circle the stage on the frontstretch. Speedway officials are also encouraging fans to show their support and wear pink clothing for the Friday night NASCAR Nationwide Series race.(CMS)(10-2-2012)

Bojangles' Pole Night Ticket Honors 3-time winners at CMS: Fans interested in attending Bojangles' Pole Night at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 11 can now purchase a limited-edition collectible ticket featuring four of NASCAR's greatest racers. The ticket, of which only 2,500 were printed, pays homage to NASCAR Hall of Famers Bobby Allison and Cale Yarborough and future Hall of Famers Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin. All four NASCAR icons are three-time winners of the Bank of America 500, which is scheduled for Oct. 13. Fans interested in purchasing the limited edition ticket featuring Allison, Johnson, Martin and Yarborough can call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). The tickets are $20.(CMS)(9-25-2012)

Mutant Ninja Turtles to invade CMS: Nickelodeon's iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will invade Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Bank of America 500 week, Oct. 11-13. Look out for the famous shell-backs – Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo -- to bring their fast-action, high-adventure style of fun to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for a weekend of family entertainment. Nickelodeon's ninjutsu-trained foursome are taking leave from the sewers of New York City and coming to Charlotte Motor Speedway for a weekend of formidable family entertainment.
The weekend will include:
Bank of America 500 Pre-Race Show presented by Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, featuring a free concert with Victoria Justice; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Family Section; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Family Fun Zone; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles visit the POWERADE Play Zone; Unique race broadcast of the Bank of America 500 for young fans; Kids' Driver Autograph and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Lunch Party; Special Ticket Prices for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Weekend. For more great offers, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway Ticket Office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS), plus #24-Heff Gordon will drive a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles scheem in the Sprint Cup Series race.(9-21-2012)

Cool stuff at CMS's Auto Fair - Batmobiles, Skiing Squirrel and Shelbys: A trio of Batmobile replicas, an array of Carroll Shelby's high-performance Mustangs and Cobras, the motorcycles that put America on two wheels and a water-skiing squirrel named Twiggy are just a few of the attractions scheduled for the Sept. 20-23 Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Other events / activities at the Food Lion AutoFair include: The Privette Collection of Homemade Transportation; Motorcycles that Put America on Two Wheels; Outdoor Movie Night (American Graffitti & Bullitt); Auction Action(200 classic automobiles); POWERADE Play Zone for the kids; Taste of Food Lion; Fair Foods at AutoFair – Batman Theme; Car Club Shows; Automotive Art; Huge Car Corral (1,500 vehicles); Giant Flea Market; Manufacturers' Midway; Camping (campsites available) amd the Sunday Awards Ceremony.
Hours for the Sept. 20-23 Food Lion AutoFair are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. Ticket prices are $10 per day for adults or $25 for a four-day pass; children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking for the event is $5. For more information on the four-day event, contact the speedway events department at (704) 455-3205 or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(9-18-2012)

Stewart to help BOA launch military appreciation platform: Continuing its long history of support for active members of the military, veterans, and their families, Bank of America will use the Bank of America 500 to help raise up to $250,000 for Wounded Warrior Project. As part of the bank's "Express Your Thanks" program, race fans will be invited to sign flags with messages of support for service members and veterans during race weekend. The flags will be converted into a patriotic mosaic that will be displayed during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the night of Saturday, October 13. For each flag signed, the bank will donate $1 to Wounded Warrior Project. #14-Tony Stewart will be on hand Tuesday, Sept 18th at CMS to officially launch the flag mosaic by writing words of support on a flag. He will also explain how fans can show their support for service members and veterans throughout race weekend.
Bank of America's "Express Your Thanks" program launched on 9/11 and will continue until Veterans Day. In addition to the activities on race weekend, Bank of America is hosting a website that will collect images and messages of thanks to service members and veterans. To participate, individuals can take a photo or write a message and share it on bankofamerica.com/troopthanks. Alternatively, they can upload a picture via Instagram or Twitter and tag it with #troopthanks. The images uploaded to the website will be turned into a patriotic digital mosaic. For each uploaded image, Bank of America will donate $1 to Wounded Warrior Project.(Weber Shandwick)(9-18-2012)

Gigantic Pit Party for Fans at Bank of America 500: NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty, NASCAR Sprint Cup point leader Denny Hamlin and NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Marcos Ambrose will make appearances at a one-of-a-kind infield Pit Party for fans at the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 13. The first-of-its-kind Pit Party will be a fan-friendly event taking place in the NASCAR Nationwide Series garage from 2-5 p.m. before the only Saturday night race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. The party will feature driver appearances, live music, concessions, racing displays and more. Access to Pit Party is included with the purchase of a race ticket and a pit pass. In addition to fan forums with Petty, Hamlin and Ambrose, the Pit Party will feature displays from the Richard Petty Driving Experience, including showcase cars and a tire-changing station where fans can test their pit crew skills. WKKT radio's Paul Schadt will serve as emcee for the Pit Party. Other celebrities scheduled to appear include SPEED TV personalities Jimmy Spencer and Danielle Trotta, as well as nationally syndicated radio personalities John Boy & Billy from The Big Show. To purchase tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(9-10-2012)

Tightrope Walker Nik Wallenda to do aerial show at Charlotte: Fans have come to expect plenty of speed, danger and fun on the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but on Oct. 13 they'll be looking up – way up – for an aerial show that's sure to delight during the Bank of America pre-race show presented by Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. World famous tightrope walker Nik Wallenda, who made headlines earlier this year when he traversed a 1,500-foot span across Niagara Falls on live television, will bring his high-wire thrill show to Charlotte Motor Speedway. No previous show has risen to the heights that will be achieved during this year's Bank of America 500, when Wallenda, a six-time Guinness World Record holder for various acrobatic achievements, takes to the high wire. Wallenda will descend from above the frontstretch grandstands over a span of more than 750 feet to a crane set up behind Victory Circle, all while balancing on a tiny 5/8-inch cord. At times the cord will hang more than 100 feet – 10 stories – above the ground, and his total walk will equal the length of two-and-a-half football fields. This year's performance marks the 26th anniversary of The Flying Wallendas' high-wire act at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1986, when Nik's predecessors walked from the grandstands down to pit road as part of a circus-themed prerace show. "I'm honored to continue the great Wallenda family tradition performing at Charlotte Motor Speedway," Wallenda said. "The speedway has always set the bar for pre-race entertainment and excitement, and I'm looking forward to raising that bar to new heights this year." Wallenda said he is excited about the opportunity to showcase his talents at one of the world's premier entertainment venues and to add his name to the growing list of world-renowned performers who have thrilled audiences during pre-race events here over the past 35 years. To purchase tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(8-30-2012)

Charlotte Motor Speedway Ramps Up 'Made in the USA' Efforts: As the United States Olympic team heads to London for the 2012 Olympic Games and sports fans everywhere begin to swell with American pride, visitors coming to Charlotte Motor Speedway are taking notice of the speedway's new efforts to promote "Made in America" souvenirs. As souvenirs go, T-shirts are the "bread and butter" for Charlotte Motor Speedway, comprising the majority of overall sales. In 2012, the speedway has purchased all of the blank T-shirts used for screen-printing and embroidery from Jensen Apparel. Jensen, which operates a facility in nearby Albemarle, N.C., gets all of the raw materials used in its production processes from domestic suppliers. In addition to Jensen, Charlotte Motor Speedway has partnered with Winston-Salem-based SustainU, a leading provider of domestically-made apparel produced from 100 percent recyclable materials. The track also works with suppliers like WinCraft, a Minnesota-based company that provides a wide variety of American-made souvenirs, from key chains and bumper stickers to jewelry and other novelty items. In the gift shop, located on the second floor of the Smith Tower, fans will find banners and other signage proudly highlighting "American Made" merchandise.(CMS)(7-25-2012)

YMCA camp lets youngsters suit up and take the wheel at CMS: A group of seven local kids suited up, got strapped in and drove Bandolero cars around one of the tracks at Charlotte Motor Speedway as they participated in a different kind of camp this week. The camp was the second of four sessions this summer that have been put on through a partnership between Cannon Memorial YMCA and Charlotte Motor Speedway. During the week, the youth learned about motorsports by visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame and touring the speedway. Today [Tuesday], they will visit local race shops. On Thursday, they took five laps in the Bandolero cars behind a chase car, and when they returned after lunch, they ran more laps on their own. Before taking the wheel, the youth learned about safety and the cars they were driving.(Independent Tribune)(7-18-2012)

Earnhardt Jr. wins, fans get two-for-$88 ticket offer at CMS: By virtue of his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series win on Sunday, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won a spot in the 2013 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In honor of the win, the speedway also announced a new Bank of America 500 ticket offer where fans can get two frontstretch tickets to the Oct. 13 race for just $88. More info by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(6-19-2012)

Patriotism of Full Display During Coca-Cola 600 Pre-Race Activities: Charlotte Motor Speedway has always been known for doing things bigger and better. First it was the longest race of the year, then the biggest pre-race show, then largest HDTV screen, and today CMS will also boast the largest free-flying American flag in the world when it is unveiled during the national anthem for Coca-Cola 600.
Charlotte Helicopters will present the flag, which is 65 feet tall and 123.5 feet long, to honor our country's veterans on this Memorial Day weekend racing celebration. The 8,000-square-foot beauty, which weighs nearly 200 pounds, will be raised and towed by helicopter during pre-race festivities.
"What better way to show our pride and honor our fallen veterans, then to share this maiden flight with the most patriotic fans in America during NASCAR's homecoming weekend," said Kevin Haynes, a US Army veteran who spent most of 2011 in Afghanistan as a civilian and is also a pilot for Charlotte Helicopters. "I have lifelong friends buried in our national cemeteries. It's a privilege to fly this flag in their honor. We too easily forget that these men and women volunteer to die defending our freedoms. I only wish we could do more to honor them."(CMS)(5-27-2012)

Veteran, Nonprofit to be Honored During Coca-Cola 600 Pre-Race Ceremonies: Even after Dale Beatty lost both of his legs in combat, he refused to let his injuries keep him from serving his country. His continued commitment to helping other wounded veterans through Purple Heart Homes brings him to Charlotte Motor Speedway to be recognized with the Stonewall Jackson Award during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend. Beatty and fellow Iraq veteran John Gallina joined the North Carolina National Guard when the two were friends in high school. They were together in Iraq on Nov. 15, 2004, when an antitank mine exploded under their Humvee, sending the vehicle flying nearly 200 feet through the air before coming to rest upside down. Beatty was trapped, his legs crushed by the weight of the vehicle. At Walter Reed Medical Center, doctors amputated his left leg, then gave Beatty the choice of keeping his right leg and facing years of therapy and a lifetime of pain or amputate it as well. Beatty chose amputation. Back home in Statesville, N.C., the community rallied behind their hero, offering to build him a specially-designed home on his family's land. Beatty found solace working alongside other community members and invited Gallina, who suffered a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the attack, to join the effort. When the project was complete, the two realized they still had more to offer and formed Purple Heart Homes, an organization that carries out handicapped access projects for injured veterans. Beatty and Gallina founded Purple Heart Homes, a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers from all walks of life who share the desire to give back to veterans who have given so much of themselves in service to their country. Purple Heart Homes helps disabled veterans who are already homeowners with any remodeling or upfit that may be required to help overcome the challenges that may come from the disability. For veterans who are not homeowners, the program helps them into new or existing homes.
Presented annually since 1992, the Stonewall Jackson Award recognizes recipients who have demonstrated, by example, the highest standards of patriotism through personal support of the military and/or by personal service to sacrifice above the call of duty. Beatty said he was honored that Purple Heart Homes was being recognized for the work it has done for disabled veterans and being included among such a distinguished list of past recipients. Beatty said the ceremony will be a reunion of sorts for he and Punch, who was honored last year.(CMS)(5-27-2012)

Black Daggers to free fall before Coke 600: The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team, known as the Black Daggers, is scheduled to perform free fall parachute demonstrations during the Coca Cola 600 pre-race festivities Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Black Daggers are volunteers from throughout the Army special operation forces community, including Rangers, Special Forces, support and signal, psychological operations and civil affairs. As Army special operations global warriors, these soldiers have deployed worldwide with their units and are defenders of the nation in the overseas contingency operations. The Black Daggers use the military variant of ram-air parachutes, which allows a free fall parachutist to jump with more than 100 pounds of additional equipment. In addition to the extra weight, the jumper must also withstand high winds, frigid temperatures and low oxygen levels common at high altitude, requiring the jumper to be highly skilled.(CMS Pit Notes)(5-26-2012)

Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off At-track Festivities for "NASCAR Unites – An American Salute": Billed as the world's largest Memorial Day Weekend celebration, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway kicks off the first at-track activation of "NASCAR Unites – An American Salute," a six-week patriotic initiative uniting the NASCAR industry and fans this summer to celebrate America and support U.S. military families. The weekend's festivities include a patriotic pre-race military salute, special USO race invitations and host Lieutenant Colonel Greg Gadson as Honorary Commander.
To highlight its pride, NASCAR Nation will be covered from head to toe – and from splitter to spoiler – in red, white and blue, starting and ending at two traditionally patriotic summer NASCAR events held at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day Weekend) and Daytona International Speedway (Coke Zero 400 on Independence Day Weekend).
Teams in all NASCAR series, along with their partners and sponsors, will showcase support for the program in their own individual ways, from displaying the customized logo on their cars and trucks to developing red, white and blue paint schemes. NASCAR has provided specially-designed, patriotic-themed packages that will incorporate the spoiler as well as other common areas of the car.
In honor of our country's fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend, NASCAR and the Honor and Remember organization will host several Gold Star families who have each lost loved ones in their service to the United States. NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation also will host a group of wounded warriors and their families from Ft. Bragg as part of the NASCAR "Troops to the Track" program in partnership with the Armed Forces Foundation. Each of these military families will be welcomed and treated to a VIP NASCAR experience during their visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Both the NASCAR "Troops to the Track" and Gold Star family programs build on a long, consistent and proud history of supporting men and women in uniform and their families at NASCAR races. The "Troops to the Track" program is a year-long initiative and is scheduled to include military families at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover International Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Michigan International Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Kentucky Speedway, and Daytona International Speedway.
While at the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR fans are invited to participate by filling out postcards with messages of encouragement and appreciation to service men and women as well as signing banners and items that will be shipped to troops actively engaged in combat through the USO's USO2GO program. The NASCAR Foundation will designate a space for fan participation at the Sam Bass Gallery on Saturday, May 26th from 10am to 3pm and Sunday, May 27 from 11am to 6pm. Fans may also fill out postcards at-track at the Air Force display and Motorsports Authentic Haulers.
Other partners and sponsors participating include: Miss Sprint Cup, who will unveil a never-seen-before patriotic-themed fire suit, Nationwide will run a special red, white and blue windshield application for all NASCAR Nationwide Series races from Charlotte to Daytona and Toyota will incorporate red, white and blue logos on their pace cars and driver intro trucks. Miss Coors Light will don a patriotic fire suit. Goodyear will launch their Goodyear 'Gives Back Program Benefitting Support Our Troops' program during the Coke Zero 400. As part of the USO2GO program, partners such as Kraft and Gillette are donating products that will be bundled and delivered to forward deployed troops. K'Nex will donate toys to be packaged with postcards to military children.
Red, white and blue products will also be provided to NASCAR officials, who will be outfitted in NASCAR pit caps by Motorsports Authentics, specially-themed gloves by Mechanix Wear and lanyards by Wincraft. Fans also can show their American pride by gearing up with NASCAR Unites – An American Salute apparel, which can be purchased via Motorsports Authentics and Americrown at trackside, Walmart and NASCAR.COM Superstore. Other available products include NASCAR Unites – An American Salute die-cast collectibles, headwear, t-shirts, novelties, plush and toys.
To launch the initiative, the NASCAR Unites – An American Salute paint scheme for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #88 National Guard Hendrick Motorsports Chevy was revealed on April 9th in the nation's capital for the 134th Annual Easter Egg Roll event at the White House.
To learn more about the initiative, visit www.NASCAR.com/Unites. Facebook.com/NASCAR will be honoring service members via an "American Hero Salute."(NASCAR)(5-24-2012)

Firefighters to be honored at CMS on pole day: LiftMaster, the title sponsor of Thursday's [May 24] LiftMaster Pole Day events, will host members of the Albemarle Fire Department throughout the Coca-Cola 600 weekend. A four-man team from the Albemarle Fire Department won a LiftMaster skills competition, which pitted four area departments against one another in a series of firefighting and NASCAR-related drills, earlier this month.
In addition, LiftMaster donated more than 4,500 tickets to firefighters from departments across the Charlotte region as a 'thank you' for their service. The company also organized a parade lap featuring different apparatus from departments across the region before the start of qualifying on pole night.(CMS)(5-24-2012)

Longtime CMS fans being honored: For the fans being honored this week at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, attending NASCAR races is more than a weekend pastime. It's a lifelong commitment. These fans remember when the speedway entrance was just a field, when drivers picnicked with fans, and when you could take home a used tire as a souvenir. This week, the Charlotte Motor Speedway is celebrating fans who have attended races for at least 50 years, and in some cases since the speedway opened in 1960.
To honor their loyalty and commitment, Charlotte Motor Speedway created a longtime fan program that rewards the fans that keep coming back to the Greatest Place to See the Race. The nearly 30 fans who have attended races at Charlotte Motor Speedway for 50 years or more will receive a granite plaque with their name and photo and will be honored at a ceremony at 10 am on Saturday, May 26. In addition, they will receive a gold lanyard and photo hard card, a special decal and inclusion on the Charlotte Motor Speedway website, in the souvenir program and on the world's largest HDTV.(Charlotte Observer/CMS)(5-24-2012)

Tix for Coke 600 still available: Tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 are still available through the Charlotte Motor Speedway Ticket Office. Fans can get four adult tickets, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and four hotdogs for $39.75 per person. For even more great ticket offers, call 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(5-24-2012)

Charlotte Smart Phone App: Just in time for race fans headed to the track for the Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway has launched a new smart phone app for iPhone and Android. Fans can get all the latest news from the track, view maps and schedules and even purchase tickets, all from their smart phones. While they are at the track, fans can also log on to the Charlotte Motor Speedway Facebook and Twitter pages directly from the app.(CMS)(5-24-2012)

Mayors, Drivers Show Support For May Race To Education Program: Mayors and communities across the state are gearing up for the 10 greatest days in racing and getting behind their favorite drivers in hopes of winning up to $40,000 to support educational efforts in the region.
Earlier this month, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith announced the May Race to Education program, which randomly paired mayors from across the state with drivers who are eligible for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 19. The community that is paired with the winning driver will receive $20,000 in educational grants. Another $20,000 grant will be awarded to the community paired with the winning driver of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27.
"The May Race to Education program is exciting on many levels," Smith said. "It gives fans and communities even more reason to tune in to the greatest place to see the race during the next two weeks and get behind their favorite drivers. But, more importantly, the impact of the program goes beyond the races, with funds being used to support educational programs that will have lasting benefits for children."
Final pairings from the May Race to Education selection event earlier this month are:
Charlotte: Council member David Howard selected Kyle Busch
Concord: Mayor Scott Padgett selected Marcos Ambrose
Gastonia: Mayor John Bridgeman selected Clint Bowyer
Harrisburg: Mayor Tim Hagler selected David Ragan
Hickory: Mayor Rudy Wright selected Kurt Busch
Huntersville: Mayor Jill Swain selected Regan Smith
Kannapolis: Mayor Pro Tem Gene McCombs selected Jeff Gordon
Matthews: Mayor Jim Taylor selected Ryan Newman
Midland: Mayor Kathy Kitts selected Kevin Harvick
Mooresville: Mayor Miles Atkins selected Denny Hamlin
Mount Pleasant: Mayor Del Eudy selected Brad Keselowski
Salisbury: Council member Maggie Blackwell selected Tony Stewart
Statesville: Mayor Costi Kutteh selected Paul Menard
Wilmington: Mayor Bill Saffo selected Greg Biffle
Additional cities that were unable to attend the kickoff event event that were paired with drivers currently locked into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race include:
Asheville: Matt Kenseth
Boone: First place winner of the Sprint Showdown
Durham: Winner of the Sprint Fan Vote
Fayetteville: Second place finisher in the Sprint Showdown
Greensboro: Carl Edwards
Greenville: Jimmie Johnson
High Point: Kasey Kahne
Raleigh: Mark Martin
Winston-Salem: Trevor Bayne
In addition to being paired with a driver, each community leader was given 50 tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race to be distributed to local teachers and 500 vouchers for children 13 and under to attend additional race week events, including the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 or LiftMaster Pole Night.
Tickets for both the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 are still available, with kids tickets starting at just $10. To order tickets, call the Charlotte Motor Speedway Ticket Office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(5-19-2012)

Sam Bass Shows Off Latest Souvenir CMS Program Covers: NASCAR artist Sam Bass has long left his mark on the races at Charlotte Motor Speedway by bringing the covers of the souvenir programs to life with his unique vision and grasp of motorsports. Bass, the official artist of NASCAR, has been designing program covers for Charlotte Motor Speedway since 1985, and was on hand Wednesday to unveil his latest designs. Once again, Bass' covers for both the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race "Throwdown at Charlotte" and the Coca-Cola 600 "Let Freedom Race" programs are a can't-miss keepsake for fans, whether their coming to their very first race or have been longtime fans. For more great ticket offers and promotions for any Charlotte Motor Speedway events, visit charlottemotorspeedway.com or call the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-17-2012)

Tim McGraw to announce top 10 qualifiers at Coca-Cola 600: Tim McGraw will join a star-studded weekend as he announces the Top 10 qualifying drivers in the 53rd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The country superstar will introduce the Top 10 drivers based on qualifying times from LiftMaster Pole Day on May 24. In addition, McGraw, a brand ambassador for Pennzoil, will help shed light on the company's Long Live Cars campaign. As part of the campaign, Pennzoil will donate $100,000 over the next two years to Paralyzed Veterans of America's Mission: ABLE, which retrofits vehicles for handicapped veterans. It is a mission that closely aligns with Charlotte Motor Speedway's Let Freedom Race theme throughout the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend. Fans can show their support for military service men and women throughout the Coca-Cola 600 Let Freedom Race weekend, with weekend packages starting at just $99. To purchase tickets, contact the Charlotte Motor Speedway Ticket Office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or log on to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(5-12-2012)

Albemarle Fire Dept wins LiftMaster Skills Competition at CMS: Charlotte-area fire departments went head-to-head in the LiftMaster Skills Competition at Charlotte Motor Speedway Tuesday, May 8th, battling for bragging rights and a garage door system overhaul for their department as part of an event highlighting similarities between firefighting and motorsports. Four-man teams from Charlotte, Kannapolis, Albemarle and Mt. Holly fire departments competed in two timed skills competitions - a 75-foot aerial climb in full turnout gear and a 150-foot hose drag - as NASCAR motorsports analyst Jeff Hammond emceed the day's event. After the timed competitions, teams went head-to-head in two elimination rounds, executing NASCAR pit stops with instruction from NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jamie McMurray and his Earnhardt Ganassi Racing pit crew. In the final elimination round, the Albemarle Fire Department completed its pit stop one second faster than second-place Kannapolis, to win the inaugural LiftMaster Skills Challenge. LiftMaster also invited the winning team to watch the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27 in the LiftMaster suite and announced that McMurray, who drives the #1 LiftMaster Chevy, and his pit crew will wear the winning team's firehouse number and logo on their helmets during the race. Also during the event, LiftMaster announced plans to recognize firefighters across the Charlotte region during LiftMaster Pole Day on Thursday, May 24 [7:00pm/et], with a special parade lap showcasing some of the departments' finest trucks. In addition, more than 4,500 regional firefighters will be given complimentary tickets to Pole Day. Tickets are still available for all the races at CMS including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 19 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27. To purchase tickets, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-12-2012)

Race officials for Coca-Cola 600 named: One governor and one governor-hopeful, a military hero and a Hollywood star will be on hand for the nation's largest Memorial Day celebration as they serve as race officials for the 2012 Coca-Cola 600. West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will be Grand Marshal, North Carolina Gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory will serve as Honorary Starter, Col. Gregory Gadson will give the race command, and Battleship star and Charlotte native Brooklyn Decker will be Honorary Race Director for the 53rd running of NASCAR's only 600-mile race at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27. As race officials, Tomblin and McCrory will be honored at a pre-race event, attend the official drivers meeting, address the crowd of 140,000 fans, participate in the pre-race spectacular and present the trophy to the winning driver in Victory Lane. As Grand Marshal, Governor Tomblin will lead off the pack of drivers in the official pace car, while governor-hopeful McCrory will wave the green flag over the 43-car field to start NASCAR's most challenging race. As Honorary Race Commander, Col. Gadson will give the command "gentleman start your engines" and as Honoray Race Director, Miss Decker, will ride in an official pace car. Continuing its tradition as the biggest Memorial Day Weekend celebration in America, the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will pay tribute to veterans and active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The pre-race show will include military musical performances by the 2nd Division Marine Band from Camp Lejeune and 82nd Airborne Chorus, plus a rendition of Amazing Grace by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipe Band. Courtesy of LongHorn Steakhouse, country music superstar Darius Rucker will perform a 45-minute pre-race show concert and the national anthem. Six hundred soldiers from Fort Bragg will participate in ground activities during pre-race ceremonies while the U.S. Army Black Daggers parachute team will descend from the skies. The show will also include a 21-gun salute by the Fort Bragg Firing Squad, a flyover by a B-52 Bomber from Barksdale Air Force Base and a duel burnout on pit road by 8,000 horsepower, Army sponsored NHRA top fuel dragsters driven by Tony Schumacher and Antron Brown.(CMS)(5-11-2012)

Wheeler, Smith dispute idea of lights at Charlotte: Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith and ex-employee associate H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler are at war again. When Charlotte Motor Speedway sent out a press release on Tuesday promoting the 20th anniversary of the first race under the lights at a superspeedway and called it Smith's idea, his former president and general manager of CMS responded strongly. Wheeler said the idea to install lights at CMS for the 1992 All-Star race was his idea and his alone. "I usually let Bruton spiel on, but this one got me," Wheeler said. "He would take credit for the sun and moon if he could!" In fairness to Smith, he didn't write the press release or suggest that he be given credit in it. But when asked who came up with the idea for lights at CMS and what he thought of Wheeler's comments, he didn't smooth the waters. "I'm not going to comment on anything about him at all," Smith said. "I don't pay attention to what he [Wheeler] thinks. He's a former employee. I can't possibly think about anything about him, period." Wheeler and Smith have been at odds since Wheeler claimed Smith pushed him out of his job earlier than he wanted in 2008 after a 33-year relationship.(ESPN)(5-6-2012

Charlotte names race officials: Every celebration needs an emcee, so it stands to reason that Charlotte Motor Speedway will need two for the 10 greatest days of racing, May 18-27, which includes the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the 53rd running of the Coca-Cola 600. Two personalities from the Charlotte air-waves will serve as the speedway's ambassadors of fun beginning May 1 and lasting through the final lap of NASCAR's greatest test of man and machine, the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27. Fox Charlotte's Jon Wilson, of the famed "Wilson's World" segments on the popular Fox News Rising morning show, has been named Master of Ceremonies and he will serve alongside former Miss Sprint Cup and current radio personality on The Ace & TJ Show, Monica Palumbo, who has been named Mistress of Ceremonies for the 10 greatest days of racing. The fun at Charlotte Motor Speedway begins on Friday, May 18 with the N.C. Education Lottery 200 and qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and lasts through the 53rd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27.(CMS)(4-25-2012)

Two motorcyclist die on track at Charlotte: Two people died after their motorcycles collided at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Saturday. A third person was injured in the accident. Officials said 66-year-old Alan Richard Mockus and 71-year-old Thomas Franklin Hollingsworth were killed in the accident. Deborah Lynn Mockus, 56, is still in the hospital, officials said. Witnesses said the two men were not following the track rules laid out by the organizers of Saturday's Vietnam Veterans celebration. The victims were seen riding at excess of 70 mph. Their bikes were traveling at the top of track, from opposite directions and collided head on when both drivers attempted to come down to avoid each other. Both drivers were killed and a female passenger on one of the bikes was taken to the hospital with major injuries. The crash happened right after a "Homecoming for Vietnam Veterans" event at the speedway. The bikers apparently joined in on the procession independently and were not affiliated with a veteran's bike group. Larger groups, like Rolling Thunder and the Patriot Guard, said they sent out emails to all members telling them not to ride above the white line on the track and to maintain speeds below 35 mph.(WSOCtv.com)(4-2-2012)

Papa John's Pizza party ticket package at Charlotte: Race fans who love pizza will get a double treat as Papa John's is offering a VIP experience with Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the Coca-Cola 600, on May 27, with the Papa John's Pizza Party at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Papa John's pizza boxes throughout the Carolinas and Virginia will include an offer for a pizza party race package for $99. With the package, up to 1,000 fans will get a frontstretch ticket for the May 27 Coca-Cola 600 and exclusive access to a VIP party that includes appearances by the two Hendrick Motorsports drivers. At the party, fans will also be treated to two slices of Papa John's pizza, beverages and a goody bag with gifts from Papa John's and Charlotte Motor Speedway. The promotion will run through late April or while supplies last. To get the ticket package for the Papa John's Pizza Party at the Coca-Cola 600, order from Papa John's or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/papajohnsparty.(CMS)(4-1-2012)

CMS to build six mini-suites overlooking pit road: Speedway Motorsports Inc. officials will announce today the construction of six mini-suites overlooking pit road at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 15-person outdoor suites, built about 11 feet above the NASCAR pit crew boxes, will be at the center of pit road, on the track's "50-yard line," according to CMS Senior VP/Sales & Marketing Dan Farrell. The suites with roof cover are tied to three-year deals at a cost of $45,000 annually. In return, suite holders will receive 15 tickets to eight NASCAR events every year. Catering provided by track concessionaire Levy Restaurants is a separate fee. To date, SMI has sold four of the six suites, including three to JR Motorsports, UPS and 3M. SMI has a contract pending for a fourth pit road suite and track officials are confident the remaining two units will be sold by May 19, the date of the Sprint All-Star Race, Farrell said. As part of the pit road suite package, suite holders get exclusive access to the new Winners Circle Lounge behind the structure. The lounge, formerly the Sunoco Gas Station, will have a bar, a meeting room, televisions and restrooms.(SceneDaily / Sports Business Daily)(3-23-2012)

Judge dismisses CMS's lawsuit: After more than four years of wrangling and deal-making, a Superior Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Cabarrus County by Bruton Smith, owner of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Superior Court Judge Robert Ervin dismissed the lawsuit over development incentives Smith says he is owed. Speedway representatives have 30 days to file an appeal and say they are considering whether to do so. The dismissal March 9 comes more than five years after speedway owner Bruton Smith threatened to move Charlotte Motor Speedway out of the area. That threat came after Concord's City Council declined to approve Smith's plans for a drag strip across U.S. 29 from the main track, citing neighbors' concerns about noise. Smith's threat prompted city, county, tourism and other leaders to try many ways of courting Smith to keep him from moving the speedway. City and county leaders went on to forge an $80 million incentives package and offer it to Smith in late 2007. As part of that deal, Smith would build the $60 million drag strip and make $200 million worth of improvements around the track. Part of the disagreement centers on how much of the $80 million the city agreed to provide out of its own budget. Smith filed the suit in Cabarrus County Superior Court in September 2009, seeking $4 million in compensation from the city and county for roadwork and other improvements around the speedway and zMax Dragway. The suit was dropped in hopes that the parties might come to an out-of-court agreement, but it was re-filed May 27, 2011. Jared Gardner, an attorney with James, McElroy & Diehl in Charlotte, which is representing Smith, said appealing the dismissal is among the options attorneys, Smith and the speedway are considering.(more at Charlotte Observer)(3-20-2012)

Veterans get free tickets for Vietnam homecoming at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Only about 4,000 free tickets remain for the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration at Charlotte Motor Speedway on March 31. "We'll always have tickets for the veterans," said Ginny McCabe, a spokeswoman for the USO-NC. Entertainment will include the Charlie Daniels Band and George Clinton. The celebration will honor the more than 216,000 North Carolina residents who served in Vietnam. About 1,600 died in the war. The USO of North Carolina and Charlotte Motor Speedway are sponsoring it. Veterans service organizations will be available at the speedway to assist veterans, who should bring their discharge paperwork. The ticket limit is two per person. Even after the allotment has been filled, veterans can reserve tickets by calling 800-455-FANS (3267) and showing their DD214 card or other military ID when picking up the tickets at the will-call window on the day of the celebration.(Fayetteville Observer)(3-20-2012)

"Pawn Stars" to Serve as Grand Marshals for Nationwide race at Charlotte: Stars from HISTORY's hit television series "Pawn Stars" are making plans to travel east to visit the heart of motorsports country for the May 26 HISTORY 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Las Vegas-based reality show cast of Richard Harrison (aka Old Man), Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Chumlee will add to the Coca-Cola 600 weekend excitement by serving as grand marshals of the HISTORY 300. As part of a promotion with Coca-Cola, two lucky fans will be selected to watch the HISTORY 300 with the TV stars. "Pawn Stars" follows three generations of the Harrison family, who own and operate Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. The series debuted in 2009 and became the network's highest rated show and the No. 2 reality show on TV, trailing only "Jersey Shore." Following the show's success, HISTORY picked up two spinoff series, "American Restoration" and "Cajun Pawn Stars."(CMS)(3-11-2012)

Charlotte adds Global Rallycross to Coke 600 weekend: Charlotte Motor Speedway has added even more excitement to the 10 greatest days in racing with the addition of a Global Rallycross Championship (GRC) event during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend. GRC combines the energy of motorsport with the attitude of action sport, and showcases well-known X Games stars like Travis Pastrana, Dave Mirra and Tanner Foust driving 600-horsepower compact cars through a series of tight turns and over high-action jumps. Drivers advance through a series of timed heats to a final winner-take-all race. The event at Charlotte Motor Speedway is part of a new relationship between Global Rallycross Championship and Speedway Motorsports, Inc. that will bring rallycross events to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and IZOD IndyCar race weekends at select venues throughout the 2012 season. This year's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway will follow the NASCAR Nationwide Series HISTORY 300 on Saturday, May 26. All HISTORY 300 ticketholders will be granted admission to the GRC event. The competitor pit area will be open before and after the race to give fans an up-close look at the high-performance rallycross cars.(CMS)(3-10-2012)

Charlotte starts first time fan program: Starting with the April 13-15 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway and continuing through the May 19 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and May 27 Coca-Cola 600, first time fans will receive a special welcome kit designed to ensure they have the best experience possible at their first Charlotte Motor Speedway event. First time fans will also receive direct communication with tips from racing insiders, speedway staff and other race fans to help them make the most of their race-day experience. First time fans will receive an invitation to a Racing 101 seminar on the event day that provides additional information and the opportunity to ask questions directly of speedway staff. In addition, first time fans will have access to a special concierge who is able to answer questions and provide additional guidance for the fan with limited NASCAR or NHRA experience. Every first time fan welcome package includes a lanyard, hard card, decal, DVD, Fan Guide to Fun, special values, area information and more. New fans are automatically enrolled in the program when they purchase tickets.(CMS)(2-5-2012)

Blake Shelton to Perform Pre-Race Concert at All-Star Race: Blake Shelton, three-time Grammy nominee, CMA's reigning Male Vocalist of the Year and a coach on NBC's "The Voice," will perform a pre-race concert for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, May 19, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Presented by Target, the concert will take place in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Admission to the show is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Fans can purchase a special Golden Ticket upgrade for just $20 to secure a prime location with special access to a reserved area directly in front of the stage. Charlotte Motor Speedway Season Ticket holders will have first opportunity to purchase the upgrade before it opens to the public on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at noon. Approximately 2,000 Golden Tickets are available and can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). In February, Shelton will perform a duet of "America the Beautiful" with his wife, Grammy award-winning artist, Miranda Lambert, at Super Bowl XLVI.(CMS)(1-25-2012)

NASCAR Sprint Media Tour this week: More than 230 motorsports journalists from around the globe will descend upon the heart of NASCAR country on Monday for the 30th annual NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. What started as a 1983 "experiment" with a handful of media that struggled to fill one charter bus, the four-day Tour has evolved into the nation's premier preseason media event in professional sports. "The NASCAR Sprint Media Tour is four days of non-stop news and a great way for fans to hear the latest about their favorite teams just a few weeks before the start of the season," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. "It's the Tour's 30th year and it's stronger than ever, with a record number of media coming to this year's event that features more than 20 stops throughout the four days. We're excited to host to such a fantastic and meaningful event." More than 20 stops will keep the participating media busy over the four-day tour including visits to Hendrick Motorsports, Michael Waltrip Racing, Richard Childress Racing and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions Stewart-Haas Racing, plus Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush-Fenway Racing are among the many teams that will also be making announcements.(CMS)(1-23-2012)

Army Veteran to Star in Sprint All-Star Race Commercial: For former drill sergeant and United States Army all-star, Derek Heavener, of Huntington, W. Va., the dream of being a NASCAR All-Star has come true thanks to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Heavener, who wrote an essay detailing why he should be considered for the "Be an All-Star" Facebook contest, was selected as the grand prize winner from more than 500 entries. "I've served my country honorably in the United States Army for 19 years. I've been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo and have stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the greatest all-stars of our time; the American soldier," wrote Heavener. Heavener won two tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 19, pre-race pit passes, VIP parking for the race and a role in Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race commercial. He will join NASCAR stars Mark Martin, Paul Menard, Junior Johnson and the 2011 NASCAR Sprint All-Star race winner Carl Edwards on the set for a behind-the-scenes look at one of NASCAR's most creative commercials, shot in a replica Wild West town. 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, SPEED TV personality Jeff Hammond and NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip also will star in the commercial.(CMS)(1-21-2012)

Charlotte Season Ticket Package Offers Fans Unmatched Value: Charlotte Motor Speedway is launching its new NASCAR season ticket package for 2012 and fans who attend the NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, Jan. 21, will have the first opportunity to purchase the new package and learn more about the speedway's 2012 fan amenities. The Charlotte Motor Speedway Season Ticket saves fans 15 percent on their favorite reserved seat to three spectacular NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at the speedway: the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America 500. Each season ticket also includes a trial membership to The Speedway Club and one free pit pass per account to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 19. New for 2012, with each season ticket purchase fans will be automatically eligible for a chance to compete to win a 2012 Toyota Tundra, Highlander, Camry or Sienna minivan. The competition will take place on the infield grass during pre-race ceremonies for the May 27 Coca-Cola 600. For each dollar spent on season tickets, fans will receive one entry into the contest, which runs Jan. 21 through April 27. Also new for 2012, fans will receive a 1:24 scale collector diecast car of their favorite driver with the purchase of two Charlotte Motor Speedway Season Tickets, while supplies last. Season ticket holders receive access to exclusive events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including press conferences and meet and greets with NASCAR personalities. The Charlotte Motor Speedway Season Ticket package offers more than $1,500 in benefits and includes:
• One free pit pass to the May 19 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
• One free ticket to the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on May 18, the May 24 LiftMaster Pole Night qualifying session for the Coca-Cola 600 and the Oct. 12 Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.
• A six month Speedway Club trial social membership.
• Savings of 15% on tickets to all three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races when seats for all three races are purchased.
• A 35% savings on additional pit passes and driver intro passes.
• A 10% discount on souvenirs at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Gift Shop on the second floor of Smith Tower.
• A 10% discount on NASCAR Hall of Fame entry and souvenirs and a 40 percent discount on NASCAR Hall of Fame simulator rides.
• VIP parking in a reserved lot for race weekends.
• A personalized seat plaque when the same seat is purchased for all three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.
• A limited edition lanyard and personalized identification hard card.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(1-18-2012)

Bruton Smith Honored at 2012 North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards: Bruton Smith, founder and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., was honored Monday evening with the 2012 Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award from the North Carolina Motorsports Association. The honor was given to Smith before a large crowd of motorsports industry professionals at the 6th Annual North Carolina Motorsports Industry Awards presented by Senn Dunn Insurance at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center in Concord. Smith joins previous Tribute Award recipients Bill France Jr., Benny Parsons, Richard Petty, Richard Childress, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Junior Johnson.
David Poole, longtime Charlotte Observer motorsports writer, was honored (posthumously) with the Media Recognition Award. The award was accepted by Poole's widow Katy [Poole] and Mike Persinger, Executive Sports Editor for the Charlotte Observer.
In addition, seven industry companies were awarded for their 2011 accomplishments and positive impacts to the Motorsports Industry:
• Bruton Smith, Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award
• David Poole, Media Recognition Award
• G-Force Racing Gear
• Industrial Hard Carbon
• JRi Shocks
• Lake Norman Elementary School Pit Crew
• NASCAR Whelen All-American Series
• Racing Electronics
• Richmond County Tourism Authority
(NCMA))(1-18-2012)

Charlotte Motor Speedway to get 500-kw solar project: A Banner Elk solar developer plans to build a 500-kilowatt installation at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Eagle Electron Power Partners filed notice Wednesday [Dec 27th] with the N.C. Utilities Commission for a $2.9 million project that is expected to be operational in August. The power will be sold to Duke Energy . The renewable energy credits for the energy produced will also be sold, but the filing does not specify a buyer. The project will not be the first solar installation the speedway's parent, Speedway Motorsports Inc. In June, Panasonic Corp. of North America completed a 350-kilowatt project at Speedway's Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. In Charlotte, Speedway has worked out a 20-year agreement with Eagle Electron for the installation, operation and maintenance of the solar project. There are options for renewals after that. The project will be ground-mounted and consist of more than 2,000 solar panels, each rated at 240 watts. It is expected to produce about 813,240 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. Eagle Electron has yet to get a building permit for the project, according to the filing. The Banner Elk company has created a separate limited liability company, Charlotte Motor Speedway Solar Plant, to own and operate the project.(Charlotte Business Journal)(1-3-2012)

Belk Bowl players lap Charlotte Motor Speedway: Football players from N.C. State and Louisville got a taste of the difference on Friday as members of both teams took turns taking mock qualifying runs around Charlotte Motor Speedway in cars provided by the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Friday's laps, pit stop practice and racing video games were the first of several activities for N.C. State and Louisville, which meet in the Belk Bowl on Tuesday night at Bank of America Stadium [in Charlotte NC]. Both teams practiced Friday at Charlotte area high schools. Head coaches and some players from each team will visit Levin Children's Hospital on Saturday morning to meet with sick children and spread some holiday cheer. For many players, the visit to CMS was their first up-close experience with NASCAR. Belk Bowl officials said as of Friday afternoon approximately 58,000 tickets had been sold for Tuesday night's game. The game is on track to be the highest attended non-sellout (the game sold out in 2002, 2004 and 2008). N.C. State has sold approximately 24,000 tickets to the game through the school.(Charlotte Observer)(12-24-2011)

Charlotte Motor Speedway Ticket Office Salesperson of the Year: Concord, N.C., resident, Jenni Bowden was named 2011 Salesperson of the Year in an awards ceremony that recognized sales representatives for their achievements in the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office. Bowden, a San Jose, Calif., native, has served in numerous positions at the speedway since getting her start in the ticket office in 1993. In her current position as Speedway Club sales account executive, Bowden sells Speedway Club memberships, as well as servicing current Speedway Club members with their ticket requests. As 2011 Salesperson of the Year, Bowden has earned a monetary prize, a trophy and a vacation package for two. The winner of the Salesperson of the Year Award was determined by a points system that awards employees for their ticket sales each month. At the end of the year, the points are added up and the individual with the highest total in each category wins the award.
Six other ticket office sales representatives received awards for their efforts in 2011. Amy Drake was named the Ticket Operations Employee of the Year. The Concord, N.C., native, has worked in the ticket office for 13 years and is currently the director of ticket operations.
The award for the Most Speedway Club Membership Sales went to Tabitha Bowden. A West Brookfield, Mass., native, Bowden got her start at the speedway in 2004 working in the Speedway Club.
The award for Most Up-Sells went to Kannapolis, N.C., resident, Jamie Johnson, who has been working at the speedway since 2008. The award recognizes the individual responsible for selling the most race day experience upgrades including pit passes, hospitality packages, driver introduction passes and more.
Charlotte, N.C., native, Angela Crisco was awarded the trophy for Most Outbound Call Dollars, which awards the individual who brought in the most money from outbound call sales. Crisco started working for the speedway in 1992 in the guest services and logistics department and has been working for the ticket services department for the past 13 years.
Ashley Helms, of Monroe, N.C., took home the award for Most Outbound Calls, which involves calling customers on behalf of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Helms has been with the speedway since 2007.
The Most Part-Time Outbound Call Dollars award went to Clarksville, Md., native, Bradley Carpenter. Carpenter started working part-time at the speedway in 2010 while he attends Belmont Abbey College as a motorsports management major.
Fans interested in purchasing tickets for 2012 events at Charlotte Motor Speedway can visit the award winners or any of the ticket office sales representatives located on the second floor of Smith Tower. Tickets are also available by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or by going online to charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(12-24-2011)

CMS and USO of NC to Host Inaugural Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration: More than 216,000 North Carolina residents served in Vietnam, and some 1,600 made the ultimate sacrifice in that war. Now, the USO of North Carolina and Charlotte Motor Speedway, with support from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, will honor their service with an incredible Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration for the military members and their friends and families at the Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday, December 15, at 11 am. Vietnam veterans never received the type of homecoming celebration that today’s troops receive as they return from service. To honor those who served and the military members who returned from combat, the USO of North Carolina is holding a long, overdue homecoming celebration. Hosted by the USO of North Carolina and Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration 2012 is set to be an unforgettable experience featuring live entertainment, displays and demonstrations, military salutes, and much more!
Mr. David Kennerly, Pulitzer Prize Winning Vietnam Combat Photographer
Lt. Gen. Tom Waskow, Air Force, (Retired), Forward Air Controller, Republic of Vietnam
Col. Quincy Collins, Air Force, (Retired), Vietnam POW
Col. Charles Williams, U.S. Army, (Retired), Artillery Battery Commander and
Battalion Operations officer, 101st Airborne Division, Republic of Vietnam
Lt. Col. John Falkenbury, U.S. Army (Retired), President, USO of North Carolina
Danny Highsmith, President, North Carolina Association of Broadcasters
(VMG PR)(12-15-2011)

Charlotte Motor Speedway Looking for 2012 Fan Council Members: Are you passionate about Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte? Let your voice be heard! The speedway is now accepting applications for the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Council. The Fan Council is used to gather feedback from a cross-section of fans to determine changes that need to be implemented to improve the fan experience at the speedway, drag strip and dirt track. Throughout the year, members of the Fan Council join speedway management for conference calls, participate in surveys after events, attend meetings at the speedway during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NHRA event weekends and participate in online fan forums. Those interested can download the application at charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/fancouncil/. Applications are due Dec. 31.(CMS)(11-30-2011)

Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out Sale at Charlotte Motor Speedway: NASCAR enthusiasts and holiday shoppers will have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of driving around Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out on Friday, Nov. 25 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm/et. Shoppers who spend $50 or more on merchandise or race tickets, or donate $25 to Speedway Children’s Charities during the annual day-after-Thanksgiving event, will be allowed to drive their personal vehicle for three laps around the legendary 1.5-mile superspeedway. During the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out, Charlotte Motor Speedway will offer a full line of NASCAR memorabilia and apparel at reduced prices with many items selling for only $1. A wide variety of hats and t-shirts will be available starting at just $3. In addition, more than a dozen NASCAR souvenir rigs are expected to be on hand, offering driver and team merchandise at drastically reduced prices. Information concerning the annual Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out can be obtained by contacting the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(11-21-2011)

Carolina Christmas and the Boulevard of Lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Carolina Christmas is returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the spectacular holiday light show will be even bigger and better in its second year, with an expanded route of nearly five miles, more than 3 million lights and double the drive-the-track experience. Last year’s inaugural Carolina Christmas drew thousands from across the state and beyond. This year, the region’s largest holiday light show, running nightly from Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, will offer more holiday excitement for all visitors.
Even before visitors enter Carolina Christmas at a new, more convenient entrance at zMAX Dragway, they’ll get into the holiday spirit as they drive down a glittering new Boulevard of Lights from Exit 49 at Interstate 85. The Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCCVB ) and 12 area hotels will decorate Bruton Smith Boulevard and Concord Mills Boulevard with nearly three miles of twinkling lights and more than 140 light pole Christmas decorations.
Carolina Christmas opens at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday night, Nov. 23, and runs nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The attraction will feature more than 600 different holiday LED light displays along the 4.5-mile drive-through course, which includes a one-mile cruise around the high-banks of the legendary track.
Admission to Carolina Christmas is $20 per car, van or SUV, which includes admission for up to eight people. Group rates for tour buses and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit www.visitcarolinachristmas.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(11-13-2011)

Jacquelyn Butler Wins Inaugural Better Half Dash: Jacquelyn Butler has spent five years watching her boyfriend NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan race, so it should come as no surprise that she was the class of the field Saturday afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway, claiming the historic title of inaugural Better Half Dash Champion. Trisha Mears finished second, Ashley Allgaier third, Patricia Driscoll fourth and SPEED TV personality Wendy Venturini fifth. Allgaier, wife of NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Justin Allgaier, started inside row two, took the lead at the start of the race and led 17 laps, more than any other driver. As the laps ticked off, she slipped back in the field. Butler saw Allgaier start to slip and took advantage. With eight laps to go, Butler inched closer and closer until she slipped underneath Allgaier at the exit of Turn 2.
Better Half Dash Finishing Order
1. Jacquelyn Butler (David Ragan)
2. Trisha Mears (Casey Mears)
3. Ashley Allgaier (Justin Allgaier)
4. Patricia Driscoll (Kurt Busch)
5. Wendy Venturini (Speed Network)
6. Beth Baldwin (Tommy Baldwin)
7. Sabrina Simpson (Joey Logano)
8. Jami McDowell (Michael McDowell)
9. Michelle Gilliland (David Gilliland)
10. Kristen Yeley (J.J. Yeley)
11. Nan Zipadelli (Greg Zipadelli)
12. Angie Skinner (Mike Skinner)
13. Shannon Koch (Blake Koch)
14. Melanie Self (Motor Racing Outreach)
(Charlotte Motor Speedway)(10-15-2011)

North Carolina's Oldest Breast Cancer Survivor Named Honorary Race Director For Dollar General 300: One day before her 102nd birthday, North Carolina's oldest-living breast cancer survivor, Nannie Sue Neal from Waxhaw, N.C., will serve as the Honorary Race Director for the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, Oct. 14. In conjunction with October's recognition as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dollar General, Speedway Children's Charities and Susan G. Komen for the Cure are working together to increase awareness and raise funds for breast cancer research with programs surrounding the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage. In her role as Honorary Race Director, Neal will attend the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage driver's meeting, meet with media, be introduced on the pre-race stage during opening ceremonies and take a pace car lap on the legendary superspeedway with the Grand Marshals. Born in 1909, in Madison, N.C., Neal will celebrate her 102nd birthday on Oct. 15. She has been recognized by the American Cancer Society as the oldest living breast cancer survivor in North Carolina. Neal is a 57-year survivor of the breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 1954. While she underwent treatment, Neal's daughter, Betty Mae, cared for her before leaving for college that fall.(CMS)(10-13-2011)

Charlotte to recognize 50-year fans: Twenty-nine of Charlotte Motor Speedway's biggest fans who have been coming to events at the track for half a century will be recognized during pre-race ceremonies for the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 15. Eight of these fans will be on hand at the speedway and will be recognized on the pre-race stage and all 29 fans will be recognized on the world's largest HDTV before the green flag flies for the only night race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Fans in attendance will include Harold Barnhardt from Lexington, N.C.; Thomas Connor from Shelby, N.C.; Ted Hall from Charlotte, N.C.; Tommy Helms from Rock Hill, S.C.; Robert Misenheimer from Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Ron Pender from Cary, N.C.; Riley Rau from Woodstock, Va., and Ray Warren from North Wilkesboro, N.C. Each of the 29 50-Year fans has been attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway since 1960, when the first World 600, now Coca-Cola 600, was run at the legendary superspeedway. In addition to participating in the pre-race festivities, each of the 50-Year fans will receive an official 50-Year Fan credential and commemorative lanyard. The 50-Year fan acknowledgement is part of a new initiative by Charlotte Motor Speedway to recognize and reward repeat fans.(CMS)(10-12-2011)

Blind man drives around Charlotte Motor Speedway: Ronnie Presnell crossed an item off his bucket list Wednesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway as the retired Mecklenburg County sheriff’s deputy, who lost his sight in 1998, took a spin around CMS in his restored 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. The 62-year-old Presnell received a bit of coaching during his cruise around the track from NASCAR driver and SPEED TV personality Kenny Wallace, who rode with Presnell and instructed him when to turn left or right. In 1998, a car accident left Presnell in a coma for six weeks. His injuries were so severe that he needed reconstructive surgery on his face and he permanently lost his eyesight. After he returned home from the hospital, he told his wife that he needed a project to work on. Presnell began restoring a 1968 Camaro, complete with 327 high-performance engine and Viper Red Metal Flake paint job, with the hopes of one day driving it around Charlotte Motor Speedway. Presnell’s ride around the track was the first time he had been behind the wheel of a street car since his accident. However, throughout his life Presnell, who lives in Mooresville, N.C., has spent plenty of time behind the wheel. He has racing in his blood, having competed in the Limited Sportsman division on local dirt tracks and at Metrolina Speedway in the Hobby division, on the same nights as NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. Presnell even won a race at Metrolina Speedway on the night before his accident. He built his own race cars and did all of the engine work himself. Though he joked that he wanted to “turn a lap fast enough to qualify for the Bank of America 500” on Oct. 15, Presnell and Wallace cruised around the track between 20 and 25 miles per hour. Presnell thanked Wallace for his help, but also joked that while the Camaro was handling well, he started to have concerns about his co-pilot. Following the ride in the Camaro, Presnell and Wallace swapped seats and Wallace gave Presnell a full-speed ride around Charlotte Motor Speedway in a Richard Petty Driving Experience stock car. Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS(10-6-2011)

Sara Evans prerace concert at Charlotte: Multi-platinum recording artist and country music superstar Sara Evans will perform a pre-race concert for the 2011 Bank of America 500, Oct. 15, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The concert will begin around 5:30 p.m. on the speedway's frontstretch and will be part of the spectacular Bank of America 500 pre-race show. Fans can get the best views near the front of the stage for the Sara Evans concert with the purchase of a Bank of America 500 driver intro pass. This limited issue pass allows fans to tour the pit area, take pictures on pit road and be front and center at the driver introduction and concert stage. Fans can also purchase the NASCAR Country Two Pack, with two frontstretch tickets to the Bank of America 500 and the best views of the Sara Evans concert, being broadcast on the world's largest HDTV, for just $99. All NASCAR Country Two Pack buyers are automatically entered in a drawing to win a VIP meet and greet with Evans on race day.(CMS)(9-27-2011)

OktoberFast Fan Festival offers fans a lot during Bank of America 500 week: Incredible racing, driver appearances and autograph sessions, fun games, dynamite music and great food await fans during the fall’s biggest racing festival on the planet, the OktoberFast Fan Festival Presented by Budweiser, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. OktoberFast is highlighted by four nights of intense racing action at Charlotte Motor Speedway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte during Bank of America 500 Week. The lineup includes the World of Outlaws Late Model Showdown on Oct. 12, Bojangles’ Pole Night and the UNOH Southern Slam 150 on Oct. 13, the Dollar General 300 Miles of Courage on Oct. 14 and the only prime time night race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the Bank of America 500, on Saturday, Oct. 15. Fans who purchase an OktoberFast party package will get the opportunity to meet NASCAR personalities and share a few drinks, brats and live music with fellow race fans. The Bank of America 500 single-day OktoberFast party package costs just $59 and includes:
• A Q-and-A session with NASCAR star Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and winner of the 2011 Coca-Cola 600.
• A variety of authentic Oktoberfest food and drinks, including vouchers for three beers or sodas, a sausage and a pretzel.
• A limited-edition OktoberFast lanyard and credential.
• Access to a special OktoberFast party area on Saturday with an Oktoberfest-themed pre-race festival of live music, games and giveaways.
• An appearance by nationally-syndicated radio show hosts John Boy & Billy.
An OktoberFast three-day pass is available for just $99, which includes access to a special OktoberFast area on Friday and Saturday of Bank of America 500 Week. The first 600 fans who purchase the three-day pass gain access to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver autograph session on Thursday, Oct. 13. Drivers will include Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray, Juan Pablo Montoya, A.J. Allmendinger, Casey Mears, Robby Gordon and Joe Nemechek.
Just 600 three-day OktoberFast passes are available and must be accompanied with race tickets for each day. Each three-day package comes with one pass for entry in the Thursday NASCAR Sprint Cup driver autograph session. Fans will receive two driver autographs per person as determined by a lottery the morning of the event. Driver participation and number of autographs is subject to change and without notice. Neither NASCAR, Inc., nor any of its affiliates are sponsors of this promotion.
A Bank of America 500 race ticket must be purchased separately in order to purchase either OktoberFast party package. Individual Bank of America 500 tickets start at just $49. For full OktoberFast package details, visit charlottemotorspeedway.com/oktoberfast. Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(9-12-2011)

Parade of Power at Charlotte Motor Speedway - Tuesday: NASCAR young guns Trevor Bayne, David Ragan, Reed Sorenson and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., will join NHRA veterans Doug Foley, Doug Herbert and Matt and Angie Smith, as Charlotte Motor Speedway kicks off its Fall Season of Speed with a Parade of Power at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 9, on Bruton Smith Boulevard. Vehicles representing every form of motorsports that will compete this fall at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte will parade from Concord Mills Mall to the speedway’s Avenue of Flags on Bruton Smith Boulevard. Following the parade, drivers and Charlotte Motor Speedway officials will hold a press conference and fan forum to discuss activities surrounding the speedway’s Fall Season of Speed. More info at charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(8-9-2011)

Avett Brothers concert to be Simulcast Live on HDTV at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Charlotte Motor Speedway will add another fabulous first to its legacy on July 9 when the world's largest HDTV airs a live simulcast concert by American Recordings artists, the Avett Brothers, from the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO. The simulcast will give local Avett Brothers fans the opportunity to view the live show on Charlotte Motor Speedway's massive 80-foot-by-200-foot HDTV. The speedway will also supply concert-grade speakers for the event, to turn the infield area in front of the HDTV into a one-of-a-kind concert venue. Tickets for the July 9 simulcast on the world's largest HDTV at Charlotte Motor Speedway are on sale now and can be purchased at the speedway ticket office or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Tickets are only $15 until July 8. Tickets purchased the day of the event, July 9, will cost $20.(CMS)(7-4-2011)

Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord officials reach deal: Ending a long-running dispute over development incentives, the city of Concord said Wednesday it will pay $2.8 million to settle a lawsuit by Speedway Motorsports Inc. The move comes nearly four years after speedway owner Bruton Smith had threatened to move Charlotte Motor Speedway unless Concord dropped its objections to his plans for building an adjacent drag strip. Concord and Cabarrus County leaders went on to forge an $80 million incentives package in late 2007 so Smith would not move the speedway. As part of that deal, he would build the $60 million drag strip and make $200 million worth of improvements around the track. But the two sides later disagreed on whether that package was ever finalized, even as Smith proceeded with engineering and related studies for transportation improvements around the busy corridor. “This (settlement) closes one chapter and should restore the excellent relations we’ve had with Speedway Motorsports for these many years,” Concord Mayor Scott Padgett said. He said the city is receiving tangible items that will benefit its residents, while Smith is being paid for his expenses. As part of the settlement, the city will receive engineering documents as well as a greenway trail easement along the south side of Rocky River and other infrastructure easements. The documents will help the city and state save time and money for further area road improvements once state funding for those projects becomes available, Padgett said. There is no timetable for that work, however.
The engineering reports that the city is acquiring cover several projects, including widening Bruton Smith Boulevard from I-85 to U.S. 29 and improving U.S. 29 from west of Morehead Road to east of the speedway. The greenway easement on speedway property will allow for future development of the Carolina Thread Trail, a regional network of trails and greenways. The settlement money will come out of Concord’s general fund over three fiscal years. Smith was out of town and not available for comment Wednesday afternoon. Speedway attorney Jared Gardner and speedway spokesman Scott Cooper declined to comment.(Charlotte Observer)(6-30-2011)

Stock Car Racing named North Carolina's Official State Sport: With the stroke of a pen Tuesday, June 21st at Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue signed Senate Bill 322 into law, making stock car racing the official state sport and adding to the legacy of fabulous firsts at the historic 1.5-mile superspeedway. Perdue was joined by a host of special guests on hand to watch the bill signing ceremony, including Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway; NASCAR Hall of Famers Ned Jarrett and Bobby Allison; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Ragan; and a group of fourth and fifth grade students from Lake Norman Elementary School and Mt. Mourne IB School in Iredell County, who originated the bill. In addition, 12 grassroots Legend Car and Bandolero drivers, industry leaders and dignitaries who are members of the North Carolina Motorsports Advisory Council and Charlotte Motor Speedway fans were in attendance.
"Sometimes it takes really bright kids to tell all of us grown-ups what we ought to be doing. And that's what these students are about today," said Perdue. "They found something that should have been right under our noses because we all love NASCAR, we love Charlotte Motor Speedway, we get really excited during race season. So it's pretty cool for these students to understand that we needed to do better."
North Carolina now joins other U.S. states with an official state sport, including Alaska (dog mushing); Colorado (snowboarding and skiing); Massachusetts (basketball); Minnesota (hockey); and South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming (rodeo).(CMS)(6-22-2011)

CMS re-files lawsuit against governments: Charlotte Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith and his company, Speedway Motorsports, have refiled a lawsuit against the City of Concord and Cabarrus County in the ongoing battle over how much money the city owes Smith, and when it's due. At issue is $80 million in upgrades and incentives promised to Smith in October 2007 to persuade him not to move the track from Concord. Smith had threatened to move CMS when city leaders balked about his development of zMax Dragway. After weeks of tense negotiation, and against a backdrop of threats to leave town by Smith, Concord and Cabarrus County leaders came up with an $80 million incentive plan that involved road improvements and upgrades to services in and near the speedway complex. No formal agreement with a timeline for payment was established. Smith believed most of the money, $60 million, would be paid would be reimbursed within three years and the remaining $20 million within six years, but city and county leaders said that the there was no such timetable and that the money could be paid back over a period of up to forty years. Negotiations continue to take place between Smith and the civic leaders to reach a settlement in the issue.(WBTV)(6-16-2011)

Tire worker injured at CMS dies: A contract employee of Huggins Tire Sales Inc. has died from injuries sustained when he fell May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Marvin Near fell from the back of a slow-moving pick-up truck driven by a Huggins employee while delivering Goodyear racing tires for the weekend's events at CMS. The accident was investigated by Concord Police and no charges were filed. "We extend our sympathy to Mr. Near's family and our thoughts and prayers are with them," said Stu Grant, general manager of global race tires for Goodyear.(Charlotte Observer)(6-6-2011)

Sunday's Timeline for the Coca Cola 600: During the pre-race show for the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 29, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials will salute the U.S. armed forces with a military demonstration, special awards, military band performances and a presentation with Medal of Honor recipients. The pre-race festivities will also include an appearance by Larry the Cable Guy, voice of Mater in Disney*Pixar's "CARS 2" and the singing of the national anthem by Capitol Records recording artist Darius Rucker.
Gates will open at 12:30 p.m. An approximate timeline of pre-race events follows:
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The U.S. Army Drill Team will perform along with the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus, followed by a simulated military invasion by U.S. Army Special Forces troops from Fort Bragg, N.C. The soldiers will repel into the infield from Little Bird helicopters and will fire a Howitzer gun to eliminate a suspicious target. Once the mission is complete, 600 troops from Fort Bragg will march toward the start/finish line from Turns 1 and 4 to secure the area.
4:30 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.
Country music singer Darryl Worley will perform a 30-minute concert that will include his single "How You Forgotten?", about the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Medal of Honor recipients Hector Cafferata (Korea), Gary Littrell (Vietnam) and Walter Marm (Vietnam) will be recognized on stage, after which Lee Greenwood will perform his patriotic anthem, "God Bless the U.S.A."
5:10 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.
Defending VisitMyrtleBeach.com NHRA Four-Wide Nationals champion and Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel points leader Del Worsham will perform a ground-shaking burnout down pit road in his Team Al-Anabi Top Fuel dragster. Vietnam War veteran and former Post Commander of the American Legion, Dale Punch, will be honored with the Stonewall Jackson Award. Presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway annually since 1992, the award recognizes standards of patriotism through personal support of the military and personal service to sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty.
5:20 p.m. - 5:25 p.m.
A host of VIPs will grace the pre-race stage, including blue-collar comedian and the voice of Mater in the upcoming Disney*Pixar summer comedy "CARS 2," Larry the Cable Guy who will serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver. North Carolina Speaker of the House Thom Tillis will serve as host to Grand Marshal Beth Harwell, Tennessee Speaker of the House and Honorary Starter Bobby Harrell, South Carolina Speaker. One lucky fan will also drive away in a brand new Toyota Camry as the winner of Charlotte Motor Speedway's Text-to-Win contest. Four finalists will earn the opportunity to compete on the frontstretch to determine the fastest fan. The fan who posts the quickest time in the special competition to pack a Camry for race day with a cooler full of Coca-Cola, grill, charcoal and groceries; put on their Toyota Racing gear; jump in the driver's seat and start the engine will win the keys to the car.
5:25 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
The 43 drivers in the Coca-Cola 600 get the introduction of a lifetime when U.S. military members serving abroad present the competitors on the world's largest HDTV. Following the one-of-a-kind driver introductions, a Wounded Warrior will ride around the track with each of the NASCAR drivers during his introduction.
5:45 p.m. - 6:05 p.m.
The U.S. Army Black Daggers parachute team will perform a jump over the speedway, while the 82nd Airborne Chorus sings "The Armed Forces Medley." Jim Daly, president of the non-profit group Focus on the Family, will give the invocation. Country music star and former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish, Darius Rucker, will perform the national anthem.
Additionally, the Presentation of Colors will be performed by the U.S. All Army Color Guard and a bagpipe performance of "Amazing Grace" will be given by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipes and Drums. A 21-gun salute and "Taps" will be performed by soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg. During the national anthem, more than 100 family members of Fort Bragg soldiers will unfurl an 11,250-square-foot American flag on the frontstretch grass. The final fly-over before the start of the race will include a B-2 Stealth Bomber flown by pilots from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
Tickets for all races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Fans can purchase two frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world's largest HDTV for just $99 to the Coca-Cola 600.(CMS)(5-29-2011)

Fallen officer to be honored at Coca-Cola 600: The name of fallen Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Fred Thornton will be featured on Kurt Busch's #22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Thornton, a longtime SWAT officer, died in February after a flash-bang device detonated at his home. The tribute is the work of the Shell Fuel for Success program, which works with several law enforcement agencies across the U.S. to mentor young people and expose them to careers in the racing industry. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is one of the participating agencies. "We consider each of our fellow officers as 'brothers,'" said Officer Todd Smith, a member of the Colton Police Department in southern California who works with the Shell program. Thornton's widow will come to the speedway to see the tribute. "My husband was a police officer who loved his job for 29 years," Linda Thornton said in a statement. "He was just a regular guy who loved his beer and racing on the weekend, and for Shell and Kurt Bush to honor him like this is very humbling. Everyone has been so kind, and the family is so very appreciative to Shell and Kurt paying tribute to Fred in this very special way."(Charlotte Observer)(5-29-2011)

Special driver intros for Coke 600: The 43 drivers battling it out at Charlotte Motor Speedway Memorial Day Weekend will get the introduction of a lifetime when U.S. military members serving abroad present the competitors on the world’s largest HD video board during the Let Freedom Race pre-race show for the May 29 Coca-Cola 600. The driver introductions were coordinated and taped by the USO and feature active-duty U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine personnel serving around the globe. The pre-race show for NASCAR’s legendary 600-mile Sprint Cup Series race will feature a spectacular tribute to the men and women who have served, are currently serving or have made the ultimate sacrifice in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“Our tradition of celebrating fast cars, family fun and freedom continues with the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “This Memorial Day Weekend we’ll showcase the country’s most spectacular military pre-race show on the world’s largest HDTV to honor the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who protect our way of life.”
The Let Freedom Race Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will start at 3:30 pm/et and will include a military invasion simulation by U.S. Army special forces troops from Fort Bragg, N.C. A video documentary on the Vietnam War from The History Channel will be played on the speedway’s Sprint Vision screens and the giant HDTV. Medal of Honor recipients Hector Cafferata (Korea), Gary Littrell (Vietnam) and Walter Marm (Vietnam) will be recognized on the pre-race stage.
Country music singer Darryl Worley is scheduled to perform a 30-minute concert where he will sing his hit single “Have You Forgotten?” about the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Lee Greenwood will also take to the stage to perform his patriotic anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Following the one-of-a-kind driver introductions, more than 100 family members of Fort Bragg soldiers will unfurl an 11,250-square-foot American flag on the frontstretch grass. The final fly-over before the start of the race will include a B-2 Stealth Bomber flown by pilots from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
Additional pre-race festivities for the Coca-Cola 600 will include an air show by the U.S. Black Daggers parachute team; performances by the U.S. Army drill team; a 21-gun salute by soldiers from Fort Bragg; a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Charlotte Fire Department; and “Taps” played by a Fort Bragg bugler. Also during the pre-race festivities, Vietnam War veteran and former Post Commander of the American Legion, Dale Punch, will be honored with the Stonewall Jackson Award. Presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway annually since 1992, the award recognizes standards of patriotism through personal support of the military and personal service to sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty. Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world’s largest HD video board, start at just $49 for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21. Fans can also purchase two frontstretch tickets for just $99 to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.(CMS)(5-28-2011)

Traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial on display: The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is bringing the Cost of Freedom Tribute to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 weekend. The centerpiece of this tribute is the Traveling Wall, an 80 percent scale version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The wall lists the name of every American casualty from the war, just like the original. The tribute will be open to the public from May 26 to May 29. Opening ceremonies will be held at 1:00 p.m. on May 26, featuring a wreath laying as well as the presence of local veterans and active duty military. On May 29, before the Coca-Cola 600, a ceremony to honor Medal of Honor Recipients will be held at 9:00 a.m.(CMS)(5-27-2011)

Speedway-Owned Fire Truck Makes Debut: A new addition to the Charlotte Motor Speedway safety team for 2011 is a Rosenbauer Custom Centurion ST Pumper fire truck. This is the first fire truck that the track has owned and it will be staffed by Charlotte Motor Speedway employees during the May race weeks. The new truck will be responsible for protecting the NASCAR garages and the new Sunoco Mobile Fuel Island. The Charlotte Motor Speedway safety crew has named the fire truck Engine 343, which is number of firefighters lost at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.(CMS)(5-27-2011)

Food Lion Speed Street in Charlotte: Celebrating 17 years of providing family-friendly fun, Food Lion Speed Street will welcome fans to the first evening of music with the sounds of R&B bands Rose Royce and Midnight Star, and country music artist Pat Green. The Coca-Cola stage will feature Rose Royce on May 26 at 9:00pm/et followed by Midnight Star at 9:45 pm/et. Green will take over the Miller Lite stage beginning at 9:45 pm/et. Food Lion Speed Street delivers an unprecedented experience to an estimated 400,000 fans by means of live entertainment, access to NASCAR’s brightest stars, and vendor displays from sponsors Food Lion, Coca-Cola, Miller Lite, General Mills, Chevrolet and many more. The event provides multi-day entertainment for fans attending the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Admission to Food Lion Speed Street is free. The festival opens each day at 12:00pm/et. For a schedule of events, visit www.600festival.com.(Food Lion), more info on driver appearances on Jayski's Driver Appearance page.(5-27-2011)

Speedway Flag Flies in Afghanistan: A very special U.S. flag will fly over Charlotte Motor Speedway during May race weeks. The flag is on its way back from Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan, a military base and air field for the U.S. Marine Corps. The flag was flown at the base in honor of the CMS Pit Crew, a group of Charlotte Motor Speedway employees who engage in community outreach projects to "help people get back on track." The CMS Pit Crew is currently supporting 55 members of the U.S. Marines Air Control Squadron 2, Detachment Bravo in Afghanistan by sending items from home, including sunscreen, disposable hand and face wipes and pens and pencils. One member of the detachment, Cpl. Terry McKee, Jr., is the son of Susan McKee, human resources manager at the speedway.(CMS)(5-27-2011)

Tire worker injured at CMS: A tire company employee was injured Tuesday morning at Charlotte Motor Speedway after falling off a pickup truck in the garage area. The Huggins Tire Sales employee, Marvin Near, fell from the back of a slow-moving pickup as it was delivering Goodyear racing tires for this weekend's NASCAR races, according to a statement by Goodyear officials. Near was transported by ambulance to Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast, where he remained Thursday night. The accident occurred about 11:45 a.m. Tuesday and was investigated by Concord Police. No charges have been filed.(Charlotte Observer)(5-27-2011)

Students to wave green flag during Coke 600 quyalifying: Today students from Lake Norman Elementary School will be recognized during Windstream Pole Night for their efforts toward having stock car racing established as the "official state sport" of North Carolina. The 13 fifth-and-sixth grade students are responsible for the project from start to finish and saw their hard work rewarded on April 27, when the North Carolina Senate voted overwhelmingly, 46-3, to pass the bill. The students, their parents and several school employees will be the guests of Charlotte Motor Speedway during Windstream Pole Night, which will set the field for the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 29. They will then be introduced to the race fans in attendance, giving the students an opportunity to be recognized by the people they set out to represent. In addition to attending Windstream Pole Night, each of the students will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb into the starter's stand and wave the green flag for one of the 48 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers as they make their qualifying run.
The students brought the state sport bill to the North Carolina General Assembly in March, 2011. In proposing the legislation, the students pointed to motorsports' $6 billion annual economic impact to North Carolina and noted that Charlotte, N.C., and the surrounding region is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and more than 90 percent of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. More than 200 businesses in Cabarrus County support the motorsports industry, which employs nearly 20,000 people in the region. The measure has moved on to the North Carolina House of Representatives. If passed, North Carolina will join other U.S. states with an official state sport, including Alaska (dog mushing); Colorado (snowboarding and skiing); Massachusetts (basketball); Minnesota (hockey); and South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming (rodeo).
Tickets for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Fans can purchase two frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world's largest HD video board, for just $99.(CMS)(5-26-2011)

Marine to give race command for Coca-Cola 600: Even in a long line of American military heroes, Master Sgt. William “Spanky” Gibson stands out. He’s the first service member to return to the front lines after losing a leg above the knee. Coca-Cola and racing fans around the country will pay tribute to Gibson’s unmatched heroism and the unending service of the entire U.S. military during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Memorial Day weekend. Gibson is delivering the command for the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 as a guest of Coca-Cola. Joining Gibson in delivering the most famous words in motorsports will be John Falkenbury, president of the North Carolina chapter of the USO, the organization that brings a touch of home to American service members around the globe. Gibson’s military service is a story of strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to country and colleagues. In May 2006, while serving with the Marines in Iraq, Gibson and fellow service members on patrol in Ramadi came under sniper attack. Gibson was struck in the left knee. Despite a devastating injury, he continued to return fire. Back in the United States, Gibson never lost focus of his goal to return to battle. Fitted with a prosthetic leg, he learned to walk, run, ski and swim. After competing in the grueling Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, his commanders offered him a return stint in Iraq – a deployment Gibson eagerly accepted. Gibson, who now works at the Pentagon, will be joined at the track by his family, including his father, William Gibson, Sr., a Vietnam War veteran who will be celebrating his 71st birthday on race day.
In addition to honoring Gibson, Coca-Cola 600 festivities will pay tribute to all veterans and active U.S. military servicemen and women. The spectacular pre-race show will include a military assault demonstration by Special Operations soldiers from Ft. Bragg, N.C., on-stage recognition of Medal of Honor recipients, the unfurling of an 11,250 square-foot American flag by family members of active-duty soldiers, and an inspiring flyover by military aircraft.(Coca Cola)(5-26-2011)

Darius Rucker to Perform National Anthem for Coke 600: Grammy Award-winning artist Darius Rucker will perform the national anthem for the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 29, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Born in Charleston, S.C., Rucker first gained fame as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the band Hootie & the Blowfish, which he founded in 1986 at the University of South Carolina. Hootie & the Blowfish received the Best New Artist award at the 1996 Grammy Awards. "I am so honored to join the NASCAR Memorial Day Weekend celebration at Charlotte Motor Speedway," said Rucker. "Any time we can bring attention to and remember those who have fought and died while serving our nation is a proud moment for me."
Tickets for Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Fans can purchase two frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world's largest HDTV for just $99.(CMS)(5-25-2011)

Coca Cola 600 dignataries named: Three top legislative leaders will be on hand for the nation's largest Memorial Day celebration as they serve as race officials for the 2011 Coca-Cola 600. Tennessee Speaker of the House Beth Harwell will be Grand Marshal, South Carolina Speaker Bobby Harrell will be the Honorary Starter and North Carolina Speaker Thom Tillis will host his colleagues from neighboring states at the 52nd running of NASCAR's only 600-mile race at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 29.
Paying tribute to all veterans and active U.S. military servicemen and women, the spectacular show preceding the Coca-Cola 600 includes a military assault demonstration by Special Operations soldiers from Ft. Bragg, N.C., on-stage recognition of Medal of Honor recipients, the unfurling of a 11,250 square-foot American flag by family members of active-duty soldiers, and an inspiring flyover by military aircraft.
As race officials, the three Speakers will be honored at a pre-race event, attend the official drivers meeting, address the crowd of 140,000 fans, participate in the pre-race spectacular and present the trophy to the winning driver in Victory Lane. As Grand Marshal, Tenn. Speaker Harwell will ride in the official pace car, while S.C. Speaker Harrell will wave the green flag over the 43-car field to start NASCAR's most challenging race. N.C. Speaker Tillis will direct the 'Speaker Summit' as host of the event.
Frontstretch tickets for the Coca-Cola 600 start at just $49 with great views of pit road and the world's largest high-definition television. To purchase tickets, fans can call the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or go online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(5-24-2011)

Carl Edwards wins the All Star Race: #99-Carl Edwards won the Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, winning over $1 million. It is Edward's 1st All-Star race win and Roush Fenway Racing's 5th win. #18-Busch finished second followed by #00-Reutimann, #14-Stewart, #16-Biffle, #17-Kenseth, #11-Hamlin, #6-Ragan (who won the Sprint Showdown), #29-Harvick, and #39-Newman. Biffle won the first segment of the race, but Edwards won the final 3. The final 10 lap segment went green the whole way. There were 5 cautions for 6 laps and 8 lead changes among 4 leaders. The announced attendance was 130,000.
See race results, awards and notes on my All-Star / Sprint Showdown Results page.(5-21-2011)

Sprint Customer Will Win Grand Marshal Honor: One lucky Sprint customer will get to deliver the most famous words in auto racing at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, May 21, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Sprint announced Friday it will reward one customer with the Grand Marshal role for the event, granting the opportunity to deliver the command for drivers to start their engines at the race. To determine who will receive the honor, a group of customers will be chosen to participate in a contest at the Sprint Experience, the mobile display Sprint brings to every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. Beginning at 2:30 pm/et on race day, contestants will deliver their best “Gentlemen, start your engines” to a panel of celebrity judges, who will rate the contestants and select a winner. Later that evening, the chosen Sprint customer will deliver the command at the start of the 100-lap all-star event. Judges for the contest include NASCAR personalities Jeff Gluck (SBNation.com), Marty Smith (ESPN) and Miss Sprint Cup.
The Honorary Starter for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will be Paget L. Alves, president of the Business Markets Group for Sprint. Alves is responsible for all of Sprint's sales and marketing to enterprise, general business and public sector customers and also oversees the development of strategic alliances for Sprint.(Sprint)(5-21-2011)

Post-Race All-Star Concert by Julie Roberts: The ultimate NASCAR party won't stop when the checkered flag flies on May 21 as Charlotte Motor Speedway will treat fans to a post-race concert on the frontstretch grass following the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Country music star Julie Roberts will perform a 30-minute concert for fans where she will debut her new song "NASCAR Party." Charlotte Motor Speedway will also debut the music video for "NASCAR Party" on the world's largest high definition television. After the race is complete and the track is secure, fans will be instructed to enter the concert area through the wheel fence and at Gate 8. Fans will get the opportunity to walk down from the grandstands onto the speedway's frontstretch and join the celebration. Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world's largest HD television start at just $49 for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21. Fans can also purchase two frontstretch tickets for just $99 to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.(CMS)(5-21-2011)

NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Pre-Race Festivities: During the pre-race show for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21, fans at Charlotte Motor Speedway will participate in a world record and watch country music star Brad Paisley's premiere of his newest music video on the world's largest high-definition TV, just moments after it debuts. Paisley will be at the speedway for the first public screening of the video for his newest single, "Old Alabama." The video features NASCAR legends Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick and iconic super group Alabama.
The pre-race festivities will also feature a concert by Capitol Records recording artist Dierks Bentley and the unveiling of the largest HDTV in the world. Plus fans will "Light Up the Night" with Energizer and set the world record for shining the most flashlights in a sporting arena. Gates will open at 2:00 p.m. An approximate timeline of pre-race events follows:
3:15 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.
Country music star Dierks Bentley performs a 70-minute pre-race concert in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. The Dierks Bentley All-Star Concert presented by Budweiser is free to all fans with a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
6:20 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Some of the biggest names in NASCAR compete in the Pennzoil Ultra Victory Challenge, a tire-smoking competition to find which NASCAR star has the best burnout in the sport. Fans will have a more integral role in this year's competition, as they will be able to text their votes for a winner after the judges have announced the three finalists.
6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The world's largest high-definition television will be unveiled to the public for the first time under the lights. The 200-foot-wide, 80-foot-tall HDTV, created by Panasonic, will see its first race action. In addition, the drivers racing in the Sprint Showdown will be introduced on the frontstretch stage. Along with the drivers, the 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class will be recognized and a group of Wounded Warriors will be honored.
7:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. (approx.)
Drivers not eligible for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race compete in the ultimate last chance qualifier. The Sprint Showdown will be run in two 20-lap segments to determine which drivers get to transfer to the main event later in the night. The winner of the race, the runner-up and one driver voted in by the Sprint Fan Vote will then have a chance to race for the $1 million prize.
8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (approx.)
The 2011 Academy of Country Music Male Vocalist of the Year, Brad Paisley, kicks-off the most interactive driver introductions of the season as the premiere of his video "Old Alabama" takes place just prior to the running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Paisley will make a special appearance in the infield to present the video, which was shot just down the road from Charlotte Motor Speedway, at the Hendrick Motorsports complex.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car owner and NFL Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs will offer the pre-race invocation. The AeroShell Aerobatic Team will provide the flyover in four T-6 aircraft.
Fans have the opportunity to celebrate stage-side as not only the drivers, but the pit crews, are introduced as well during the high-energy driver introductions for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Energizer and Charlotte Motor Speedway will team up to "Light Up the Night" by distributing more than 66,000 of Energizer 3 LED headlights and handheld flashlights to fans in attendance and will set a second world record of the night for having the most flashlights lit simultaneously.
Just after 9:00 p.m., the green flag drops on the no-holds-barred shootout for a $1 million payday, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The 100-lap slugfest is broken into four segments and the winner walks away with the cash. There are no points on the line, only bragging rights.
Fans can purchase a Coca-Cola Four Pack of tickets to the 27th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, which includes four tickets, four Coca-Cola soft drinks and four hot dogs for just $29.75 per person by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or by going online to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(5-21-2011)

Actress Angie Harmon to Serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver: Emmy-Award nominated actress and NASCAR fan Angie Harmon will serve as the honorary pace car driver for the 27th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition to leading the field of NASCAR stars in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Harmon will take part in various activities around the speedway, including attending the drivers meeting, prior to the main event.(CMS)(5-21-2011)

Army Ground Forces Band Brass Brigade to perform at All-Star race: Sprint announced The Army Ground Forces Band Brass Brigade will perform as part of the pre-race ceremonies at the 2011 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday, May 21, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Brass Brigade, a unique 11-piece progressive group, will deliver its rendition of “God Bless America” prior to the start of the Sprint Showdown and present the national anthem moments before the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The 11 members are part of a larger band made up of 64 soldiers who have passed highly selective auditions and are among the finest musicians in the United States Army Band Program. Headquartered at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Ga., the ensemble is the musical ambassador of the American Combat Soldier to the American people, instilling pride in our troops and promoting a spirit of patriotism and support for our nation’s military through the performance of music at the local, regional and national levels.(Sprint)(5-21-2011)

Three On-Track Events for One Price at CMS: Fans can enjoy three on-track events, a pre- and post-race concert and the public launch of the world's largest HDTV for the price of one ticket on May 21 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, highlighted by the 27th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. But before the first laps are turned on the track in the $1 million throwdown, race goers can wave the green flag during qualifying, attend a free Q-and-A session with NASCAR stars, browse through countless interactive displays right outside the track and enjoy delicious deep-fried peaches, among other fair food treats. Here are a few items of interest that will help race fans coming to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race get the most out of their experience.
Live Entertainment, Four On-Track Activities for the Price of One Ticket: For the price of one ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 fans can enjoy the Dierks Bently concert presented by Budweiser in the infield, the Pennzoil Ultra Victory Challenge burnout contest, the Sprint Showdown, the debut of the world's largest high definition television, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Julie Roberts post-race concert with the chance to walk on the track. Even before the on-track action heats-up, fans can enjoy plenty of other activities outside the track, including the Powerade Play Zone for kids, speedway and race shop tours and much more. For a full list of NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race week events, visit charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/fan_guide_to_fun/.
Fans Can Wave the Green Flag for All-Star Qualifying During NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race qualifying on May 20, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials will randomly select fans in attendance to wave the green flag for each competitor attempting to qualify. Qualifying is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on May 20.
Deep-Fried Peaches, New Kids Menu Available from Levy Restaurants: May race attendees will get a true southern treat with a twist with an order of deep-fried peaches at the Levy Restaurants concession stands throughout the speedway. The peaches are sliced, dipped in batter, rolled in a cornflake crumb topping, then fried and served with a cinnamon-vanilla dipping sauce. Several other southern-inspired treats will also be on the Levy menu, including a "bologna-q," sandwich (deep-fried strips of bologna, smothered in bar-be-cue sauce and topped with a pickled onion mustard slaw) and "lug nuts" mac and cheese balls (pimento mac and cheese balls mixed with bacon, coated and deep fried). Levy Restaurants will also offer a new kids menu in the Family Seating Section with smaller-size hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as new beverages for the adults and new sweet treats including funnel cakes and little donuts at its main concession stands.
Kahne Part of 'PRN Up To SPEED' at the SPEED Stage "PRN Up To SPEED" returns for the third year to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The popular free fan forum takes place at the SPEED stage, located at the speedway's main entrance, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., prior to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21. Several NASCAR stars, including Kasey Kahne, are scheduled to join personalities from the Performance Racing Network for the 30 minute Q&A session.
Plenty of Entertainment Options for Fans in Interactive Display Area Fans coming to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the May 21 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will have plenty of entertainment options right outside the track in the display areas. Toyota will host a hospitality area for any fan that has a Toyota key, NOS will offer an interactive area where fans can try their hand with Traxxas remote control cars and sunglass-maker Oakley will be on site with their O Labs where fans can purchase Oakley products. Fans will find plenty of food and beverage options as well and there will continue to be plenty of souvenir trailers in the display areas, so fans can buy their favorite driver's gear at the track.
CATS Route Provides Easy Access to Speedway The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), the City of Concord and Charlotte Motor Speedway have partnered to bring race day bus service from Center City Charlotte to the track. Starting from the Charlotte Transportation Center, race fans can take the 79X Concord Mills Express to beat the traffic and enjoy the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29 at the speedway for just $7 round-trip. The route will run every 20 minutes from noon to 6:00 p.m. on May 21 and May 29. Return trips will begin immediately after the checkered flag as race fans make their way to the buses near the track's main entrance. Passengers may bring small coolers that fit on their laps but no eating or drinking is permitted on the bus. Tickets can be purchased at the Charlotte Transportation Center at 310 East Trade Street in Center City or online at http://secure.ridetransit.org/psales/. For more information visit www.ridetransit.org or call (704) 336-RIDE (7433).
Traffic Information Available on 91.1 FM Race fans will be able to tune into 91.1 FM for up-to-date traffic information following Saturday's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Charlotte Motor Speedway will broadcast traffic exit updates on that frequency to inform fans of any traffic concerns around the speedway.
Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world's largest HD video board, debuting at the speedway in May, start at just $49 for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21. Fans can also purchase two frontstretch tickets for just $99 to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.(CMS)(5-20-2011)

Protected bird builds nest at speedway campgrounds: Some NASCAR fans will be without their camping spot during race week because a federally protected bird has built a nest at the camping site. Charlotte Motor Speedway officials say the killdeer bird has laid 4 eggs in a nest on the ground. Officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture told the speedway that the bird cannot be disturbed because it's protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Speedway officials have placed temporary fencing around the campsite so that the nest will not be disturbed. The campers who reserved the site will be relocated. The Department of Agriculture says it could take up to 40 days for the eggs to hatch, so the bird is expected to be around for the Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday and the Coca-Cola 600 next week.(images at NewChannel 36)(5-19-2011)

Charlotte Motor Speedway Prepares Fans for Race Day Traffic: In preparation for May Race Weeks, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials are making sure race fans and area residents are fully equipped to handle race day traffic by providing safe and efficient travel routes and information. With help from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Charlotte Motor Speedway is working to ease travel for fans heading to and from the races. Here are tips from Charlotte Motor Speedway and NCDOT:
Best Routes: Interstate 85 to Exit 49, Bruton Smith Boulevard, is the heaviest-traveled route to Charlotte Motor Speedway during May Race Weeks. The two suggested roads from which to enter the speedway are North Carolina Highway 29 and North Carolina Highway 49. These two roads can be easily accessed by taking Interstate 485.
Best Travel Times on Race Days
- It is best to arrive at Charlotte Motor Speedway before 5 p.m. for the N.C. Education Lottery 200 on Friday, May 20, and Thursday, May 26, for Windstream Pole Night, to avoid commuter traffic.
- The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 and Coca-Cola 600 on May 29 are both evening races, but fans are encouraged to arrive earlier to avoid Concord Mills Mall congestion. Parking is free and lots open at 7:00 a.m.
- The Top Gear 300 starts at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. It is best to arrive as early as possible. Parking lots will open at 7:00 a.m.
Post-Race Traffic Patterns for All-Star, Coca-Cola 600 NCDOT will utilize counter flow patterns after the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 and Coca-Cola 600 on May 29, meaning that all lanes of traffic will flow outward from Charlotte Motor Speedway.
- Traffic exiting from Entrance P onto Morehead Road will counter flow with three eastbound lanes being utilized until Highway 49 in Harrisburg, N.C.
- Those exiting from Entrance O onto Morehead Road will counter flow four lanes westbound out until Highway 29. All lanes will be directed to turn left towards Charlotte.
- Bruton Smith Boulevard will counter flow using three lanes from Entrance Y until Interstate 85.
- Highway 29 will counter flow using three lanes until Pitt School Road in Concord.
- West Morehead Road/Mallard Creek Church Road will counter flow until Salem Church Road.
Post -Race Traffic Patterns for Top Gear 300, NCDOT will only utilize the counter flow patterns for the Top Gear 300 on May 28 if needed. Traffic leaving Concord Mills Mall around 5:00 p.m. will not be able to connect to hotels, restaurants and businesses to the East of the Interstate 85 bridge.
Public Transportation Option: The Charlotte Area Transit System offers an express shuttle for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600. It will leave from the downtown terminal and costs $7 for a round trip ticket. For more information visit www.ridetransit.org or call (866) 799-2287.
During each race, NCDOT uses nearly 3,500 cones and barrels. There are around 40 static flip signs that are used to inform the traveling public about any changes to the original traffic patterns. All of these are utilized to make traffic as efficient as possible, so that race fans and area residents may have the best experience possible when dealing with race day traffic.
For constant traffic updates, call 511 or follow CMSTraffic, NCDOT or Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter. Fans can also sign up for Charlotte Motor Speedway traffic alerts by texting CMS to 69050. Traffic maps are posted on Charlotte Motor Speedway's web site at charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/maps/. Tickets are still available for all May race events at Charlotte Motor Speedway and can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-18-2011)

Energizer's "Light Up The Night" at NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race: Energizer and Charlotte Motor Speedway are asking for help from fans as they attempt to "Light Up The Night" and set a world record May 21 during pre-race festivities for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. With assistance from fans in attendance, Energizer and Charlotte Motor Speedway will attempt to set the world record for shining the most flashlights simultaneously. Energizer is providing 66,000 Energizer 3 LED Headlights and 14,000 handheld flashlights to fans as they enter the gates. Fans will be asked to "flash their brights," between the Sprint Showdown and the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Representatives from Guinness World Records will be on hand to record and judge the event.
Energizer's partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway is an outgrowth of its relationship with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Energizer has created special paint schemes in the past as part of the Target program with the race team. The "Light Up The Night" event highlights the 16th year Energizer and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing have worked together.
"I can't wait for this 'Light Up the Night' promotion," said Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the No. 42 Energizer Chevrolet. "I think it is going to be so cool to see 80,000 people all flashing their brights. I am also looking forward to being behind the wheel of the #42 Energizer Chevrolet that night in the race. They have been such a great partner in the Target program and I know we are going to have a lot of fun at the All-Star race." In preparation for hurricane season, Energizer will donate $30,000 worth of flashlights and batteries to a Charlotte-area disaster response group to help them prepare in advance of severe weather.
Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race start at only $24.75 when bought with a four pack, or buy two tickets on the frontstretch for just $99. Call the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(5-17-2011)

Sprint Offers Fans Free Race Tickets for Recycling: Race fans can do their part to help the environment and in return attend one of the most exciting races of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Sprint announced a special program that will reward fans’ social responsibility with complimentary tickets to this year’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. A limited number of fans who recycle an old cellular phone or smartphone at either NASCAR Rev’d Up, Wednesday, May 18, or the Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman, Thursday, May 19, in Charlotte, N.C., will each receive a pair of tickets to attend the May 21 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The offer is good for the first 50 people at NASCAR Rev’d Up and the first 100 people at the Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman who recycle a device at the Sprint display located on-site at both events. Sprint will accept devices from any manufacturer and carrier.
The Sprint display will be located outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm/et on May 18 and in the main concourse of Time Warner Cable Arena from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm/et on May 19. All proceeds from the recycling program benefit Victory Junction, which provides life-changing camping experiences for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
Recycling just one wireless phone helps support the conservation of resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps prevent air and water pollution. Since 2001, Sprint has recycled more than 24 million phones, which equates to 2,600 metric tons of material. Sprint’s environmental responsibility has been recognized by Newsweek magazine, which ranked the company No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies.(Sprint)(5-16-2011)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes the world's largest HDTV for a spin. Photo: CMS/Harold Hinson

The 2011 Cabarrus County Destination Guide: The new Cabarrus County Destination Guide is hot off the presses just in time for this month’s NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 2011 Destination Guide includes feature stories, vivid images and the latest information on lodging, dining and activities, including the county’s unequaled concentration of motorsports attractions. The Cabarrus County Destination Guide is a must-have resource for NASCAR fans containing race shop listings and attraction maps, as well as a detailed map of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“The Cabarrus County Destination Guide is indispensible for fans in town for this month’s races,” said Donna Carpenter, president and chief executive officer of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This year, we added a page for fans to collect driver autographs, making a wonderful keepsake of a race weekend in Cabarrus County.” This comprehensive guide to Cabarrus County provides valuable information for visitors and local residents alike.
“Visitors love the guide but so do our local residents,” continued Carpenter. “Residents find the guide informative and helpful when they have friends or family to entertain and for finding new activities during a weekend at home.”
For added convenience, browse the new digital version at cabarrus.lunarcow.com and print pages from home.
For more information, go to visitcabarrus.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitcabarrus for the latest news and updates.(5-14-2011)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Takes World's Largest HD TV For a Test Drive: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the world's largest high definition television for a spin Tuesday [May 10th] at Charlotte Motor Speedway by taking virtual laps around the legendary 1.5-mile track using an iRacing simulation. Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, invited Earnhardt Jr., an avid video gamer, to show off his skills on the giant HDTV. For its operational debut, Smith and Earnhardt Jr. used an oversized remote to power on the 200 foot-wide, 80 foot-tall HDTV, created by Panasonic, to reveal a highlight video of past racing action at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "Charlotte sets the standard for the rest of the tracks," said Earnhardt Jr. "They always do things first and do things the biggest and look, here we are today with another first from them. Charlotte holds a special place in a lot of drivers' hearts, mine included and the big TV makes this place even more special."
"This giant Panasonic HDTV will be a game changer for our fans on race day," said Smith. "It will give them a whole new way to experience a NASCAR event at Charlotte Motor Speedway." The event signaled the completion of the Panasonic HDTV project, which took up to 57 workers a day, working more than 11,000 man hours, more than four months to construct. The 332-and-a-half-ton structure is the largest HDTV in the world. The 158 panels that make up the face of the television's screen will be illuminated by nine million LED lamps during select events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Sam Bass, the official artist of Charlotte Motor Speedway, was also on hand to unveil the souvenir race program covers for the 27th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on the gigantic screen.
The public debut of the world's largest HDTV will take place May 21 under the lights during the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The screen is centered along the backstretch between Turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line. Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of instant replays, leaderboard updates and interactive entertainment displayed in clear 720P high-definition visuals. Frontstretch tickets with the best views of the world's largest HDTV start at just $49 for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21. Fans can also purchase two frontstretch tickets for just $99 to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29. Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(5-10-2011)

SMI reports first quarter loss: Beset by falling revenues and rising fuel prices, Speedway Motorsports Inc. reported Wednesday that it lost $1.5 million for the first quarter of this fiscal year. The company said revenues were hurt by the country's ongoing economic troubles and the fact that two major races were moved back from this quarter to other dates. Total revenue for the three months ending March 31 fell to $87 million, down from $118 million during the same period last year. Admissions from revenues fell nearly $13 million, to $24.5 million. Company officials said they weren't surprised by the news, and said they still expect the company to earn profits of between 90 cents and $1.20 per share for the fiscal year.(Charlotte Observer)(5-6-2011)

Testing underway on Charlotte video board: The final touches are being put on the world's largest HD video board as officials from Panasonic are in Charlotte, N.C., this week testing the massive screen that will debut during Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2011 May race events. The face of the approximately 200-foot-wide, 80-foot-tall screen is comprised of 158 panels and each is being tested graphically for color quality, contrast and light levels this week. More than nine million light emitting diode, or LED, lamps will illuminate the Panasonic video board during select NASCAR events at Charlotte Motor Speedway this spring, including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.(CMS)(5-4-2011)

CMS Providing 1,000 Tickets For U.S. Navy SEALs and Their Families: In the wake of Sunday's news of the U.S. Navy SEALs successful mission in bringing Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden to justice, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials are pleased to announce that 1,000 tickets will be provided by fans and sponsors to send active SEALs and their families to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29. Started by Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2010, the Let the Troops Race program allows fans and sponsors to purchase $20 tickets to send active military members and their families to the Coca-Cola 600. A Memorial Day Weekend tradition, the Coca-Cola 600 annually honors U.S. military members and features the largest military pre-race show in the world. More than 600 troops from Fort Bragg, N.C., will assist in the large-scale military demonstration on the frontstretch and three Medal of Honor recipients will be recognized on stage prior to driver introductions. But, that's just the tip of the iceberg, as full details of the Let Freedom Race prerace show will be released in the near future.
Fans can participate in the Let the Troops Race program and send a military member and their family to the Coca-Cola 600 for only $20 by calling the Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(5-3-2011)

Dierks Bentley to Perform Pre-Race Concert at Sprint All-Star Race: Grammy-nominated country music superstar Dierks Bentley is set to perform a pre-race concert for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, May 21, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Dierks Bentley All-Star Concert presented by Budweiser begins at 2:30 pm 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. Frontstretch tickets with the best views of pit road and the world's largest HD video board, coming to the speedway in May, start at just $49 for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or two for just $99 to the to the Coca-Cola 600. Tickets can be purchased by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(4-30-2011)

Larry the Cable Guy to Serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver for Coke 600: Blue-collar comedian and the voice of Mater in the upcoming Disney*Pixar summer comedy "CARS 2," Larry the Cable Guy will "git-r-done" as the honorary pace-car driver for the 52nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition to leading the field of 43 NASCAR stars in the Coca-Cola 600, Larry the Cable Guy will also take part in various activities around the speedway, including attending the drivers meeting, prior to the main event. Charlotte Motor Speedway will celebrate the U.S. opening of Disney*Pixar's "CARS 2" on June 24 with a special display for fans featuring full-size replicas of movie stars Lightning McQueen and Mater. Lightning McQueen and Mater will also participate in the pre-race parade laps.
Paying tribute to all veterans and active U.S. military servicemen and women, the pre-race show for the Coca-Cola 600 will include a military assault demonstration by Special Operations soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C.; on-stage recognition of Medal of Honor recipients; and the unfurling of a gigantic, 11,250 square-foot American flag by families of active-duty troops.
Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(4-27-2011)

Coca-Cola 600 Tickets donated by fans and businesses through Let the Troops Race Ticket Program: For the second consecutive year, fans and companies are responding with strong support for Charlotte Motor Speedway's invitation to honor American troops by donating more than 4,000 tickets as part of the Let the Troops Race ticket program. Through this patriotic initiative, fans who buy tickets to the May 29 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway via phone, online or in the speedway's ticket office can also purchase an additional ticket for just $20 to send a member of the U.S. Armed Forces to the Memorial Day Weekend race. Tickets will be distributed through the United Service Organizations to active servicemen and women. The Let the Troops Race ticket program runs through May 13.(CMS)(4-10-2011)

Ed "Too Tall" Jones visits CMS to see World's Largest HD Video Board: The completion of the steel frame that will support the world's largest high-definition video board was marked Thursday with a topping out ceremony featuring special guest Ed "Too Tall" Jones, former Dallas Cowboy All-Pro defensive end. Construction continues on the massive screen created by Panasonic that will debut during Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2011 May race events. "We opened the new stadium in Dallas two years ago that had the largest TV in the world up until today, so I wanted to see it," said Jones. "The one in Dallas was one of the most incredible things I've ever seen in my life, but this one just kind of tops it all."
Jones placed an American flag on the final girder, which was hoisted more than 110 feet in the air and secured atop the 500,000-pound steel frame that will hold the 165,000-pound HD video board. The girder, measuring 40 feet wide with a 10 foot depth of bracing steel, was signed by dignitaries taking part in the ceremony, including Jones; Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway; and Richard Ballard, vice president of sales, Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company, as well as construction workers who have been part of the project.
The HD video board construction is being completed by crews from Granite Contracting and Parker Crane Service of Concord, N.C.; Mid-Atlantic Construction of Charlotte, N.C.; and Eastern Sign Tech of Burlington, N.J. The approximately 200-foot-wide, 80-foot-tall screen will eventually rise 110 feet above the track on the steel support structure.
The next construction phase on the world's largest HD video board will start the first week of April and will include the installation of the 158 panels that make up the 16,000 square foot screen. Thirteen sub-electric panels will also be installed, each of which will power a "panel riser," or a column of panels. Once construction is completed, more than nine million LED lamps will illuminate the Panasonic video board during each NASCAR race event at Charlotte Motor Speedway this spring, including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.
The screen will be centered along the backstretch between Turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line. Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of instant replays, leaderboard updates and interactive entertainment displayed in 720P high-definition visuals. For continuous updates on the Panasonic HD video board, watch the construction webcam on www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(4-1-2011)

Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR Hall of Fame Provide Added Benefits to Members: Season ticket holders and Speedway Club members at Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR Hall of Fame members will reap the benefits of an ongoing partnership between the two motorsports entities with the creation of new, exclusive benefits for these select groups. All Victory Lane Season Ticket holders and Speedway Club members will receive a 10% discount on admission at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, as well as a 10% discount in the Hall of Fame Gear Shop when they show their Victory Lane Hard Card or Speedway Club membership card and photo ID. Members can also take advantage of racing simulator rides for just $3, a savings of 40 percent. When NASCAR Hall of Fame members visit Charlotte Motor Speedway, they'll receive a 10% discount on event tickets, as well as a 10% discount on merchandise and souvenirs in the Charlotte Motor Speedway gift shop. To receive the discount, Hall of Fame members need only to show their membership hard card at the ticket office or gift shop.(CMS)(3-29-2011)

Steel Frame Taking Shape on the World's Largest HD Video Board at CMS: The steel frame that will support the world's largest high-definition video board is more than 50% complete, as construction continues on the massive screen created by Panasonic, that will debut during Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2011 May race events. The 500,000-pound steel frame that will hold the 165,000-pound HD video board is scheduled to be completed by the end of March. Crews from Granite Contracting, of Concord, N.C., Mid-Atlantic Construction of Charlotte, N.C. and Eastern Sign Tech of Burlington, N.J. have erected six, 30-foot tall steel columns galvanized by Galvan Industries of Harrisburg, N.C. Each column weighs 18,500 pounds and is attached to a concrete footing. The approximately 200-foot-wide, 80-foot-tall screen will eventually rise 110 feet above the track on the steel support structure.
During the next phase of construction on the world's largest HD video board, Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, will install the largest transformer in their product line, the Duke Power 1000 KW, 208 V, 3-phase transformer, which will be centered under the board's steel frame. Also, the installation of 158 panels that will make up the screen of the world's largest HD video board will start the first week of April. Thirteen sub-electric panels will also be installed, each of which will power a "panel riser," or a column of panels. Once construction is completed, more than nine million LED lamps will illuminate the Panasonic video board during each NASCAR race event at Charlotte Motor Speedway this spring, including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29.
The screen will be centered along the backstretch between Turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line. Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of instant replays, leaderboard updates and interactive entertainment displayed in 720P high-definition visuals. Information about tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(3-15-2011)

Meet-and-Greet with Racing Legends During Hall of Fame Night: Race fans are invited to a limited engagement dinner and meet-and-greet event featuring six NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees during the inaugural Hall of Fame Night at The Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The event will take place March 12 at 6 p.m., following the Charlotte SpeedFest event at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees scheduled to appear at The Speedway Club include Bobby Allison, Ned Jarrett, Junior Johnson, Bud Moore, David Pearson and Richard Petty. Individual tickets are $150 and corporate tables are also available. Each ticket includes a three-course dinner from the award-winning chefs at The Speedway Club and a special commemorative gift. The deadline to RSVP for the Hall of Fame Night is March 4. For reservations, contact The Speedway Club at (704) 455-3252.(CMS)(3-10-2011)

No changes in All-Star Race: Charlotte Motor Speedway president Marcus Smith announced that there will be no changes to the format for this year’s Sprint All-Star Race, which is scheduled for May 21. That’s a departure from past All-Star races, which typically have some sort of new field inversion or segment change each year. “The big change is that there’s not going to be a change,” Smith said. The race will include 100 laps run in four segments, the first of which will feature 50 laps with a mandatory green-flag pit stop at Lap 25. The second and third segments are 20 laps each, followed by a 10-minute break and a final segment of 10 laps, with only green-flag laps counting.
The field for the 27th All-Star Race will consist of race winners from the previous or current years, in addition to winners of the All-Star Race and the Sprint Cup championship from the past 10 years. Two drivers will race their way into the field through the Sprint Showdown, which precedes the main event, and one driver will qualify through votes from race fans. #88-Dale Earnhardt, who last won the All-Star Race in 2000, is no longer exempt into the field, but he’s all but assured of winning the fan vote, should he remain winless between now and May 21.(Sporting News), see current eligible drivers on the 2011 Sprint All-Star Race page.(3-9-2011)

Charlotte SpeedFest Fan Appreciation Day: Charlotte Motor Speedway and motorsports entities across the region are putting fans first and celebrating the area's racing roots as only Charlotte can by offering a fun-filled day for the whole family with the first-ever Charlotte SpeedFest. Charlotte Motor Speedway, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and area race teams including Roush Fenway Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing will say "thank you" to race fans with a fan appreciation day taking place on March 12, from 10:00 am/et to 3:00pm/et. The event coincides with the first 2011 off-weekend for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Presented by 3M, Charlotte SpeedFest activities at the speedway will include:
- Free tours of Charlotte Motor Speedway and zMAX Dragway and free shuttles offered to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing.
- Appearances and autographs by NASCAR celebrities including SPEED television personalities, Miss Sprint Cup and motorsports artist Sam Bass.
- Special one-day-only ticket offers for the May race events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600, plus discounts on merchandise in the Charlotte Motor Speedway gift shop.
- Free vouchers for NASCAR Hall of Fame simulator rides available at the speedway ticket office.
- Free photo opportunities with NASCAR show cars, Miss Sprint Cup, Sprint show car and the Sprint Cup trophy.
- Free tours and behind-the-microphone photo opportunities in the Performance Racing Network studios.
- Free video game entertainment with the Coca-Cola Fan Van.
- Activities for the kids including the Powerade Play Zone with inflatable slides and bounce houses, a petting zoo, face painting and appearances by Lug Nut, the world's fastest mascot.
- Affordable concessions plus free popcorn in the speedway ticket office.
- Live music on the Avenue of Flags at the speedway's main entrance.
The Roush Fenway Racing gift shop and museum in Concord will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for Charlotte SpeedFest featuring 15-percent discounts on all 2011 merchandise plus a free 3D-gaming show car simulator display.
At Hendrick Motorsports, also in Concord, the museum and team store will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on March 12 and feature 15-percent discounts on all regularly priced merchandise, plus fans will receive a free Jimmie Johnson team championship hat with purchases of $50 or more. An interactive racing simulator will also be a free attraction for children of all ages.
In Huntersville, N.C., Joe Gibbs Racing will offer 20-percent discounts at the gift shop in conjunction with the team's celebration of 20 years in NASCAR.
Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks regarding new activities added to Charlotte SpeedFest and details will be posted at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com as they are confirmed.
Tickets for all Spring Season of Speed events at Charlotte Motor Speedway are on sale now. Frontstretch tickets with the best views of pit road and the world's largest HD video board, coming to the speedway in May, start at just $49 for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or two for just $99 to the Coca-Cola 600. For more information, call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or go online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(3-9-2011)

Charlotte Hotels Reduce Rates and Waive Minimum Stays During May Race Weekends: Charlotte Motor Speedway will partner with regional tourism bureaus and area hotel operators to secure lower room rates for fans attending races during the weekends of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600, May 20 - 29. More than 50 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 the minimum stay requirements. A full list of participating hotels is available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/hotels or fans can call the speedway's ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) for information. In order to obtain the discounted rate, those interested must call the hotels directly and request the Speedway Special when making reservations. (CMS)(2-26-2011)

Charlotte Video Board Construction now has webcam: Fans can now watch the world's largest high-definition video board being built with the new construction cam posted at charlottemotorspeedway.com. The third phase of construction began this week on the video board, designed and created by Panasonic, that will debut during Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2011 May race events. Crews have started erecting six 30-foot tall steel columns galvanized by Galvan Industries of Harrisburg, N.C. Each column weighs 18,500 pounds and is being attached to concrete footings. The construction crews are using an 80-ton crane with a 100-foot arm to move the massive support columns into place. The approximately 200-foot-wide, 80-foot-tall screen will eventually rise 110 feet above the track on the steel support structure.(CMS)(2-24-2011)

New NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Ad Campaign to debut: NASCAR stars square off like it's high noon at the OK Corral in the new ad campaign for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 30-second spot, titled "Wild West Throwdown," is scheduled to air nationally for the first time during the 10:00 am/et broadcast of "NASCAR Live" on SPEED this Saturday and features many of the biggest names in NASCAR. The NASCAR Sprint All-Star race, to be held under the lights on Saturday night, May 21, is the ultimate stand-off among the top drivers in NASCAR in a no-holds-barred throwdown for the $1 million prize. The race, now in its 27th year, annually produces some of the best duels and biggest drama in racing. The new campaign, created and directed by Victory Management Group and produced by NASCAR Media Group, plays off of that "throwdown" theme. The first scene of the television spot opens on Main Street in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Whiskey River, a replica of an old western town on his property, complete with church, jail, general store and saloon. Carl Edwards and Kasey Kahne are the good guys challenged to a duel by tough guys Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch. Just as they all draw their guns, the sheriff, wearing a black hat and gold badge, steps in to restore law and order. The actor playing the sheriff? None other than NASCAR President Mike Helton.(CMS)

Phase Two of CMS's World's Largest HD Video Board Construction: The second phase of construction began this week on the world's largest high-definition video board that will debut during Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2011 May race events. Long Foundation Drilling Company from Winston-Salem, N.C., and Mid-Atlantic Construction of Charlotte, N.C., are working with Eastern Sign Tech of Burlington, N.J., on phase two of the HD video board construction this week at the speedway. The construction crews are using an 80-ton crane with a 100-foot arm and a separate caisson drilling rig to dig the massive support column holes that will lift the Panasonic HD video board 110 feet above the track. This phase of site work will include removing 900 cubic yards of dirt by drilling 12 holes, each 54 inches in diameter, more than 50 feet deep to bedrock level. Concrete piers will then be installed in the holes to support the massive 500,000-pound steel frame that will hold the 165,000-pound video board. When completed, the total structure will weigh 332-and-a-half tons or 665,000 pounds.
Using heavy earth-moving equipment, crews from Granite Contracting, of Concord, N.C., have already removed 18,000 cubic yards of dirt and 3,000 cubic yards of concrete behind the backstretch where the gigantic, nearly 16,000-square-foot screen will be located. The concrete bleachers that were removed were part of the speedway's original construction in 1960.
Designed and created by Panasonic, the approximately 200-foot-wide, 80-foot-tall screen will be centered along the backstretch between Turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line. Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of instant replays, leaderboard updates and interactive entertainment displayed in 720P high-definition visuals. The screen will be illuminated by more than nine million LED lamps during each NASCAR race event at Charlotte Motor Speedway this spring, including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 21 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 29. Info about tickets for all 2011 events by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or online at charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(2-5-2011)

Construction Continues for Installation of the World's Largest HD Video Board: Construction crews have nearly completed the first phase of work on the site where the world's largest high-definition video board will rise 110 feet above the track for its debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2011 May race events. Crews have removed 18,000 cubic yards of dirt and 3,000 cubic yards of concrete behind the backstretch where the gigantic, nearly 16,000-square-foot screen will be located. The next phase of site work will include removing another 900 cubic yards of dirt by drilling 12 holes, each 54 inches in diameter, more than 50 feet deep to bedrock level. Concrete piers will then be installed in the holes to support the massive 500,000-pound steel frame that will hold the 165,000-pound video board. When completed, the total structure will weigh 332-and-a-half tons or 665,000 pounds.(CMS)(1-26-2011)

$20.11 Holds Any Ticket Order in 2011 at Charlotte: To ring in the new year, Charlotte Motor Speedway is offering fans the chance to reserve any seat at "The Greatest Place to See the Race" for just $20.11 by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). After reserving tickets for just a $20.11 down payment, fans can develop a customized, interest-free payment plan and reserve their favorite seats to one of the speedway's premier NASCAR, NHRA and World of Outlaws Series events. In addition to individual event tickets and season ticket packages, other special ticket promotions are available. For more information on ticket promotions and ticket pricing visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. To reserve seats for any of these events for only $20.11, fans must call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) and speak directly to a Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket agent to develop a customized, interest-free payment plan (CMS)(1-22-2011)

Carolina Christmas at CMS a success: The “Carolina Christmas” drive-through light park at Charlotte Motor Speedway met expectations in its first year, even with some tough weather challenges in December, according to the lead organizer. “It went great,” Mike Miller, president of Salisbury-based Miller Davis Inc., said Tuesday. “We’re not exactly sure on the total numbers ... but 200,000 plus people and some phenomenal nights.” Those big nights of more than 2,000 vehicles were tempered by evenings of low attendance because of the weather, even a snowy Christmas Day. Overall, he said the speedway received positive feedback on the drive-through light display, the Bethlehem village and skating rink. Miller said his company, which planned, marketed and oversaw the 42-night run of “Carolina Christmas,” already is tweaking things for a bigger Carolina Christmas in 2011. The 2.5-mile, drive-through park of 1 million lights in 2010 probably will expand to 4 miles this year. A “huge hit” in the first Carolina Christmas was visitors’ being able to drive on a portion of the Charlotte Motor Speedway’s high-banked track, Miller said. The light park will incorporate more of that experience in 2011. Also, the world’s largest television screen, or Jumbotron, will be installed at the track this year. It will be integrated into the speedway’s holiday celebration. Miller Davis is talking with several other venues, including other Bruton Smith-owned racetracks, about doing similar Christmas drive-through light parks. Winterland, the Indiana lighting contractor for Carolina Christmas, “has engaged us to help them expand light parks throughout the country,” Miller said.(Salisbury Post)(1-16-2011)

Construction Begins on World's Largest HD Video Board at CMS: Construction crews using dump trucks and excavators have begun preparations for the debut of the world's largest HD video board at Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2011 May race events. Crews from Granite Contracting, of Concord, N.C., are using the heavy earth-moving equipment this week for the initial grading on the backstretch near Gate 25 where the gigantic, nearly 16,000-square-foot board will be located.
Designed and created by Panasonic, the approximately 200-foot-wide and 80-foot-tall screen will be centered along the backstretch between Turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line. Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of instant replays, leaderboard updates and interactive entertainment displayed in 720P high-definition visuals. The screen will be illuminated by more than nine million LED lamps during each NASCAR race event at Charlotte Motor Speedway this spring, including the May 21 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the May 29 Coca-Cola 600.
To prepare the base of the construction site, approximately 18,000 cubic yards of dirt and 3,000 cubic yards of concrete will be removed during the month of January to bring the current grade down to the track wall level. The concrete will be removed during demolition of bleachers that were part of the speedway's original construction in 1960. Later this month, site work will include drilling 12 holes more than 50 feet deep for the installation of concrete piers to support the massive 165,000-pound structure.(images and ticket info at the CMS site)(1-14-2011)

Bank of America renews with CMS: The green flag will drop for a sixth Bank of America 500 in 2011 courtesy of a one-year renewal the bank negotiated with Charlotte Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports Inc. The deal extends the bank’s five-year title sponsorship of NASCAR’s fall Sprint Cup race and also prolongs its partnerships with five tracks owned by Speedway Motorsports Inc. The short-term extension allows the bank to align the terms of its SMI partnerships with its International Speedway Corp. and NASCAR partnerships. As a result, it can negotiate its entire portfolio of NASCAR assets collectively in 2011. The extension is the first sports marketing deal negotiated by Bank of America’s new global sponsorship marketing executive, Charles Greenstein, since he was named to the position in September. Financial terms of the agreement weren’t available. Race title sponsorships at Charlotte Motor Speedway typically cost between $1.5 million and $3 million per year. The deal makes Bank of America the official bank at speedways in Charlotte; Fort Worth, Texas; Atlanta; Sonoma, Calif.; and Las Vegas, as well.(Charlotte Business Journal)(12-14-2010)

Charlotte Motor Speedway Accepting Applications for 2011 Fan Council: Charlotte Motor Speedway is currently recruiting race fans to join the 2011 Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Council. Those interested in serving on the Fan Council and offering their opinions to improve the fan experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway, zMAX Dragway and The Dirt Track at Charlotte are invited to download the application from the speedway's website, www.charlottemotorspeedway.com, and submit the form by Jan. 3. The Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Council, formed in August 2008, is used to gather feedback from a cross-section of fans to determine changes that need to be implemented to improve the fan experience at the speedway, drag strip and dirt track.(CMS)(12-4-2010)

Sam Bass Slated For Carolina Christmas At CMS: Sam Bass, NASCAR’s first officially licensed artist, and the official artist of Charlotte Motor Speedway, has contributed his artistic talent and graphic design expertise to Carolina Christmas at Charlotte Motor for the 2010 holiday season. “Carolina Christmas is a wonderful concept – I have been creating art for Charlotte Motor Speedway since 1985 and the holidays are my favorite time of year,” Sam Bass said. “This event offers the best of both worlds – my home track and the opportunity to share the spirit of the holidays with thousands of guests attending the event.”
Bass, known for his innovative race car designs, has designed a 2010 Toyota Camry pace car for Carolina Christmas. The holiday-themed pace car features the speedway’s mascot Lug Nut and a host of holiday characters. Bass’ whimsical design may be seen at holiday parades throughout the region. “Having created Lug Nut for the speedway in the early 1990s, it gave me great pleasure to feature him on this holiday-themed car,” Bass said from his studio, across the street from the famed track. “The holidays are all about children and this design speaks to the child in all of us! I have been creating holiday themed art for a number of years and Carolina Christmas is a perfect place to showcase my Santas & Snowmen Collection!”
Bass will set up a “North Pole” art gallery in the Cup Garage during Carolina Christmas where he will offer select merchandise, including his Santas & Snowmen Collection. Limited edition prints, posters, holiday cards and other gift items will be on sale. Sam himself will stop by the booth periodically during the course of the event to visit with fans. Please check www.sambass.com for his appearance schedule. The main Sam Bass Gallery is located at the corner of Morehead Road and Performance Drive, across from Charlotte Motor Speedway. Show your Carolina Christmas ticket at the main gallery for a 15% discount on purchases made between November 22 and December 23.(11-30-2010)

Speedway Children's Charities Distributed More Than $725,000: Speedway Children's Charities donated in excess of $725,000 to organizations in the Charlotte, N.C., region benefiting area children during the grand opening of Carolina Christmas, Nov. 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In a special presentation Monday, November 22nd, the dollar amount donated was unveiled in a LED, or light emitting diode, display as more than 75 children from area charities were on hand for the program. Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and president of Speedway Children's Charities Charlotte Chapter, joined Santa Claus in awarding grants to 75 local organizations Monday evening. Throughout the course of the year Speedway Children's Charities has donated to 92 organizations, directly impacting more than 45,000 children. Speedway Children's Charities raised the money through various fundraising activities along with individual and corporate donations throughout the year.
A number of area agencies will directly benefit from the funds, including A Better World (helps provide finances to operate after-school programs), Birthday Blessings (Shelter Party Program hosts birthday parties for homeless children and their families), Northeast Foundation, Inc. (helps fund Camp Open Airways and Camp Sweet Freedom for asthmatic and diabetic children to attend a summer day camp under medical supervision to control their asthma and diabetes while participating in typical camp activities) and Thompson Child & Family Focus (provides comprehensive early childhood education where typically developing and special needs children learn together).
In addition to the grant distribution, Charlotte Motor Speedway celebrated the opening night of Carolina Christmas, a spectacular new 2.5-mile drive-through Christmas light park and village located on the track and infield of the legendary superspeedway. The celebration included fireworks and the simultaneous lighting of the entire Carolina Christmas display, which features more than a million lights and 500 different light displays.
For more information visit www.charlotte.speedwaycharities.org for a list of 2010 Charlotte Chapter Grant Recipients, see the press release at charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(11-24-2010)

Race Fans Get Rare Chance to Drive Around Charlotte Motor Speedway on FRIDAY: Race fans from around the country will visit Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday, Nov. 26, for the opportunity to drive their personal vehicles on the famed superspeedway for the 18th annual Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out. Shoppers who spend at least $50 on merchandise or race tickets, or donate $25 to Speedway Children's Charities during the annual day-after-Thanksgiving event, will be allowed to drive their personal vehicle for three laps around the track. This chance of a lifetime will allow fans to see the 1.5-mile quad-oval like never before and will put them in the tire tracks of NASCAR legends such as Bobby Allison, Dale Earnhardt, David Pearson and Richard Petty.
Not only will cars and trucks of the four-wheel-variety take to the extreme 24-degree banking of the superspeedway's corners, but more than 200 motorcycles from the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA), are expected to drive on the track. The GWRRA, a club open to owners of Honda Gold Wing motorcycles, made their first appearance at the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out in 2009, with nearly 100 riders. The organization which has more than 40,000 members nationally and more than 30 local chapters in North Carolina, uses the event as an opportunity to give back to the community. Last year, the group made a donation of nearly $2,000 to Speedway Children's Charities for their three laps of thrills.
For every $10 shoppers spend at the ticket office, gift shop, or souvenir haulers, they will receive a sticker to be placed on a ride card. Once five stickers have been affixed, the card can be redeemed for a ride voucher that can be picked-up inside the Charlotte Motor Speedway gift shop. Once obtaining the ride voucher, fans will proceed to Gate 1 and enter the track through the Turn 4 tunnel. Cars will be guided onto pit road and assembled into groups. Once assembled, they will make their way down pit road and onto the track for three laps behind one of the track's Toyota pace cars. A wide variety of vehicles are expected to cruise the track between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, including classic muscle cars and modern sports cars, to minivans and souped-up trucks.
In addition to numerous track souvenirs, Charlotte Motor Speedway will offer a full line of NASCAR memorabilia and apparel at reduced prices with many of those items selling for only $1. There will also be a wide variety of hats and t-shirts available starting at just $3.
Nearly a dozen NASCAR souvenir rigs, including those of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart, among others will be on hand offering drastically reduced prices, with memorabilia ranging from T-shirts and hats, to posters and die-cast cars.
In addition, the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office will be open throughout the event, offering shoppers the perfect gift for that race fan on their holiday shopping list. Fans who purchase $99 in race tickets will receive a free $25 gift card good for Charlotte Motor Speedway tickets, camping or pit passes. Tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race start at just $39 and tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 start at only $49. Gift cards are also available for stocking stuffers in $25 or $50 amounts. Event hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday. For more information on the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out contact the Charlotte Motor Speedway gift shop at (704) 455-3202 or visit online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(11-24-2010)

Eckert is First Woman to Earn Salesperson of the Year Award at CMS: Dianne Eckert has earned Charlotte Motor Speedway's 2010 Salesperson of the Year, making her the first woman to win the award in the speedway's 51-year history. Eckert, a California native, who now resides in Concord, earned this prestigious award after securing numerous accounts in 2010 and increasing her business by 135% this year. After spending 11 years teaching at a Christian academy in Texas, Eckert moved to North Carolina in 1995. The next year, Eckert joined Charlotte Motor Speedway working part-time in the speedway's ticket office. Eckert's determination and persistence propelled her to a full-time position in the speedway's corporate sales department in 2005. As part of her award, Eckert will attend the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship banquet in Las Vegas with her husband Timothy. Tickets for all May 2011 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on Saturday night, May 21, and the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 29, are now available. They can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(11-22-2010)

Charlotte Motor Speedway's New Family Seating Section: Charlotte Motor Speedway has revolutionized the family experience at NASCAR events by creating the most family-friendly grandstand in all of motorsports. The brand new Family Seating Section will make its debut on during the Dollar General 300 on Oct. 15 and the Bank of America 500 on Oct.16.
The new family-oriented environment will give parents with young children the option to sit in a smoke-and-alcohol-free family section, as well as provide kid-friendly activities throughout the weekend. The Family Seating Section will be located in the Toyota Fourth Turn Terrace grandstand.
In addition to the special seating section, numerous entertainment options for the kids will be conveniently located on the concourse directly below the Family Seating Section. The concourse will feature an inflatable monster truck bounce house, a face painter, a caricature artist and a display by Plaster Creations, where children can paint NASCAR themed ornaments.
Lug Nut, the world's fastest mascot, will also make special appearances, along with his friends Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and Woodstock from the Peanuts Gang at Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, N.C.The Family Seating Section concourse will offer a picnic and seating area with kid-friendly concession stands for meal or break time. Included on the menu is a kids' meal consisting of peanut butter and jelly, carrot sticks, apple slices and a juice box.
Racing-themed booster seats will be available for use free of charge for the viewing convenience of the speedway's smaller fans. In addition, special blue and pink ear muffs for children's hearing protection will be available for purchase.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway Coca-Cola Fan Van will also be parked underneath the Family Seating Section and offer family fun and entertainment for children of all ages. Families can play cornhole, compete in NASCAR-simulated racing on one of four gaming stations, rock out with Guitar Hero or try a refreshing sample of Powerade Play. Parents visiting the Fan Van will have the opportunity to sign their children up for the Little Luggies Race Club, a kids club at Charlotte Motor Speedway that centers around the speedway's official mascot, Lug Nut. The club helps all the little racers join in the speedway's fun and receive emails, a birthday postcard, and special prizes from Lug Nut.
Tickets for the Family Seating Section and all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(10-15-2010)

Charlotte City Buses Turn into Race Cars for NASCAR Month: Charlotte Motor Speedway is teaming up with the Charlotte Area Transit System, or CATS, in Charlotte, N.C., on an innovative new way to promote the speedway's October NASCAR events. Two CATS buses will get a custom wrap that looks exactly like a NASCAR stock car. The buses will carry ticket information and logos for three NASCAR events taking place at the speedway in October: Bojangles' Pole Night on Oct. 14, the Dollar General 300 on Oct. 15 and the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 16. The artwork was designed by SMI Properties. The bus wraps are the first for CATS since its formation in 1998. The wrapped buses will take various routes around Charlotte. CATS operates more than 70 routes in the city, transporting more than 22 million passengers each year.
Charlotte Motor Speedway is once again partnering with CATS to bring bus service from Center City Charlotte to the track. Starting from the Charlotte Transportation Center, race fans can take the 79X Concord Mills Express to beat the traffic and enjoy the Bank of America 500 at the speedway for just $7 round-trip. The route will run every 20 minutes from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 16. Return trips will begin immediately after the checkered flag as race fans make their way to the buses near the track's main entrance. Tickets can be purchased at the Charlotte Transportation Center at 310 East Trade Street in Center City or online at secure.ridetransit.org/psales/. For more information visit www.ridetransit.org or call (704) 336-RIDE (7433).
Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Six-pack tickets start at just $33.17 per person, or fans can get four nights of great racing with the Bank of America 500 Weekend Super Ticket for just $99.(CMS)(10-12-2010)

Biggest Bank of America 500 Week Ever Shaping Up in Charlotte: The Charlotte, N.C., region is gearing up for the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 16, and in addition to attending the only night race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, racing enthusiasts of all ages will have a host of other opportunities to totally immerse themselves in the sport of NASCAR all week long. From Sunday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 17, Charlotte and its surrounding cities will boast the most robust lineup of activities in the 51-year history of the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Fans in town for the races can plan a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, take a lap around the legendary superspeedway on foot or in a driving-school race car, tour one of the many team shops in the area or participate in number of special events being held throughout the week. With children's tickets for many events priced at just $10, or just $1 for Bojangles' Pole Night at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 14, entertaining the entire family at a major sports event has never been more affordable. Great ticket packages are available for all events, like the Bank of America Fan 4 Pack that includes tickets, hot dogs and Coca-Cola drinks starting at just $39.75 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(10-12-2010)

Sinkhole on the property of Charlotte Motor Speedway: A sinkhole has formed at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, on the infield near the back end of the track. A Speedway representative said the sinkhole was likely caused by the recent spate of rain. In addition, part of the speedway is built on top of a landfill, which could have added to the issue. Crews have already started work to fill the hole and hope to have it repaired before next week’s Bank of America 500.(WSOC)(10-5-2010)
UPDATE: Anyone who reserved a camper spot near the sinkhole will be moved to another area of the track, according to the Speedway representative.(WSOC) and see a slideshow of images of the sinkhole at WSOCtv.com.(10-6-2010)

Fans Are Given Unprecedented Access to NASCAR Stars at Charlotte: NASCAR fans are clamoring for more chances to see their favorite drivers and Charlotte Motor Speedway is listening. Building on its Fans First philosophy, Charlotte Motor Speedway is providing an unprecedented number of opportunities for fans to get closer to the stars of their favorite sport during Bank of America 500 Week Oct. 14-16. Through a variety of ticket packages and free events, fans will see the following NASCAR drivers and legends:
- Richard Petty and Junior Johnson; Kasey Kahne; Kenny Wallace; Jamie McMurray; Jeff Burton; many Nationwide Series Drivers and other Top NASCAR Stars
PRN Up To SPEED is the popular free fan forum that will take place at the SPEED stage, located at the speedway's main entrance, prior to the Bank of America 500 on Oct. 16. Several NASCAR stars are scheduled to join personalities from the Performance Racing Network for the 30 minute Q-and-A session. Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(9-30-2010)

Charlotte Motor Speedway partners with hotels for cheaper stays: Charlotte Motor Speedway will partner with regional tourism bureaus and area hotel operators to secure lower room rates for fans attending races during Bank of America 500 Week, Oct. 13 - 16. More than 50 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 the minimum stay requirements. “We strive to make the fan experience at Charlotte Motor Speedway second to none,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “We understand that lodging can be a significant expense and we are very thankful to these area hotels who have taken the initiative to help fans alleviate some of those costs.” A full list of participating hotels is available here or fans can call the speedway’s ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). In order to obtain the discounted rate, those interested must call the hotels directly and request the Speedway Special when making reservations.(CMS)(9-28-2010)

Charlotte Motor Speedway to Host Gigantic New Holiday Light Show - Nov. 22, 2010 through Jan. 2, 2011: North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue and Charlotte Motor Speedway officials announced plans for Carolina Christmas, a spectacular 2.5-mile drive-through Christmas light park and village located on the track and infield of the legendary superspeedway.
Open nightly from Nov. 22 through Jan. 2, Carolina Christmas will be one of the largest holiday light shows in the United States, featuring nearly 500 different LED, or light emitting diode, light displays, a realistic Bethlehem-themed village, NASCAR souvenir rigs for Christmas shopping, and themed areas for children with food, music, rides and photos with Santa.
The LED technology will give a new meaning to the "green" typically associated with Christmas. The highly efficient LED lights use nearly 90% less energy and produce a brighter light than incandescent bulbs. During its 42-night schedule, the displays will use approximately 12,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, less than 10 typical North Carolina households in a given month. Based on tourism research benchmarks and an in-depth study of other Christmas light parks in the United States, event organizers estimate 250,000 people will visit Carolina Christmas, generating a $10.2 million economic impact on the region and creating 80 seasonal jobs.
The addition of Carolina Christmas creates a "Christmas Corridor" during the holiday season that includes Concord Mills Mall and dozens of dining, entertainment and hotel attractions along Bruton Smith Boulevard in Concord.
Operating hours for Carolina Christmas will be 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm from Nov. 22 through Jan. 2, 2011. Tickets will be available online at VisitCarolinaChristmas.com beginning in mid-October and also be available at the gate nightly during event hours for drive-up traffic. Admission is just $20 per passenger vehicle, with group and motorcoach packages available.(CMS)(9-21-2010)

Charlotte to install world's largest HD video board: Continuing a tradition of innovation and fabulous firsts, Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith and Charlotte Motor Speedway officials announced a partnership with Panasonic to revolutionize the fan experience at sporting events with the creation of the world's largest high-definition video board. Panasonic will also become the founding sponsor of the video board and a Speedway Motorsports Inc. alliance partner around its broad portfolio of advanced technologies. At an incredible length of 200 feet wide, standing 80 feet tall and weighing 165,000 pounds, the video board will cover an expansive 16,000 square feet and be located between Turns 2 and 3 along the backstretch of the legendary superspeedway. Fans seated throughout the frontstretch from Turn 4 to Turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of the gigantic board that will feature 720P high-definition visuals illuminated by more than nine million light emitting diode, or LED, lamps. In addition to the live race coverage, the video board will provide fans with interactive entertainment, continuous leaderboard updates, sponsor information and instant replays. Construction will begin on the video board following the Oct. 13-16 Bank of America 500 Week at Charlotte Motor Speedway and is scheduled to be complete by April, 2011.(CMS)(9-22-2010)

Safety Training Class Prepares Track Services Personnel For Charlotte: On Sept. 11-12, more than 80 students gathered at Charlotte Motor Speedway for a two-day track services personnel training session in preparation for the Bank of America 500 Weekend at the Mecca of Motorsports. Twenty instructors led the sessions, which included classroom training and hands-on experiences for fire, rescue and EMS personnel. Topics covered included extrication, fire suppression and on-track EMS. The teaching staff consisted of instructors from nine race tracks: Charlotte, Texas, Kentucky, Darlington, Martinsville, Atlanta, Phoenix, Homestead and Memphis Motorsports Park. Also, on the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, the instructors were joined by two FDNY firefighters who assisted with the training sessions: Mark Stone, Assistant Chief, FDNY Incident Management Team and Pater Cachia, Bureau of Operations.
Charlotte Motor Speedway has been a pioneer in safety training for NASCAR events and was the first NASCAR-sanctioned race track to offer such a class, starting in 1991. Personnel from other tracks including Indianapolis and Talladega came to the classes as students and began implementing similar programs at their respective tracks a few years later. Charlotte Motor Speedway was the first track to have its own rescue truck and the first to put paramedics on the track fire trucks.
Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).(CMS)(9-15-2010)

Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway: The world's only collection of street legal bumper cars, a 70th anniversary display of 1940 Fords, custom vans and recent The Tonight Show guest 92-year-old Rachel Veitch are just a few of the attractions scheduled for the Aug. 26-29 Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Also Including: Street Legal Bumper Cars, Custom Vans, Rachel Veitch and her "Chariot", 1940 Fords, Speedway Children's Charities and Tommy Pike Customs team up to build a high-performance roadster, Tailgate Vehicles, Fall Speedway Collector Car Auction, Richard Petty, Junior Johnson Autograph Signings, The Speedway Club open to AutoFair attendees, Legend Car and Bandolero Test Drives, Taste of Food Lion, Powerade Play Zone and Lego Build Zone for kids, Fair Foods at AutoFair including the Mac Daddy Dog (a hot dog encased in macaroni pasta and pimento cheese), Car Club Shows, Automotive Art, Huge Car Corral (1,500+ vehicles available for sale), Giant Flea Market, Manufacturers' Midway and the Awards Ceremony for car club awards.
AutoFair hours are 8:00 am to 6:00pm/et, Thursday through Saturday and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm/et, Sunday. Ticket prices are $10 for adults; children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking for the event is $5. For more information on the four-day event, contact the speedway events department at (704) 455-3205 or visit the website at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(8-26-2010)

Evernhan & Bruton to partner up: on Saturday afternoon, August 21st at Bristol Motor Speedway, Bruton Smith and Ray Evernham are scheduled to hold joint press conference about a new partnership that they say is preserving and protecting the future of racing for generations to come.(8-21-2010)
UPDATE: Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., and Ray Evernham, CEO of Ray Evernham Enterprises, have partnered to launch a new dirt track racing series as part of U.S. Legend Cars International. The series will run an innovative dirt track version of the Legend Car, designed by Evernham. “The local tracks around the country are where the stars of the sport get their start, and we need to create the opportunities that inspire young racers today and hone their talents for tomorrow,” said Smith. “Grassroots racing is a passion of mine and of Ray’s, and through this partnership we can give back to our roots and support the future of grassroots racing.” The series will initially run at East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley, N.C. next year, which is owned by Evernham, and expand to other top dirt tracks around the country. A special unveiling of the new car will be held on October 13, 2010, at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, followed by an on-track demonstration in early November.(LegendsNation)(8-21-2010)

Edwards and Keselowski Invited to Settle Score in School Buses at CMS: Charlotte Motor Speedway officials are inviting NASCAR drivers Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski to 'settle the score', after their incident at Gateway International Raceway's Nationwide race last Saturday, behind the wheels of 13-ton school buses during Tuesday night's Kangaroo Express Summer Shootout Series. The two NASCAR stars have had more than their share of on-track run-ins over the past 16 months, with the latest coming this past weekend at Gateway International Raceway, where they tangled twice on the final lap, with Edwards emerging the victor of the duel and the race. More info and tickets about the Kangaroo Express Summer Shootout Series at charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS), no word if the driver accepted the challenge.(7-20-2010)

Local driver wins Legends Million: Kannapolis, N.C., native Daniel Hemric won the inaugural Legends Million, the largest grassroots race in history, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, taking home an unprecedented $250,000 with the victory. Leading the first 89 laps of the 100-lap A-Feature, it looked as if pole-sitter Doug Stevens was going to complete a perfect weekend by winning the Legends Million. Stevens was the fastest qualifier on Thursday, then led all 20 laps of his Friday heat race, securing the pole for Saturday's main event. Stevens was able to keep a hard-charging Hemric at bay for 51 laps by staying on the bottom of the race track, but with pressure form Hemric, Stevens' car slid up the track going into Turn 1 on Lap 89. That small miscue was all Hemric needed to take over the lead with just 11 laps to go. Stevens wasn't ready to give up, riding Hemric's bumper for next few laps, before Hemric's machine pulled away by several car lengths. Stevens held on to finish second, followed by Steven Cantrell, [Sprint Cup driver] David Ragan and Tyler Green. Legend Car and Bandolero racing continues Tuesday night, July 20, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with the Kangaroo Express Summer Shootout Series. Round seven of the 10-week series will be Double Points Night featuring school bus racing. Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. For additional information or tickets to the Kangaroo Express Summer Shootout Series, contact the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(7-18-2010)

SPEED to Televise Legends Million at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Charlotte Motor Speedway officials announced a new television agreement with SPEED today for coverage of the Legends Million, the largest grassroots race in history, taking place at the track July 15-17. SPEED's national telecast will air Saturday, July 17, from 8:00 pm to 11:00pm/et. The program will include live coverage of the 100-lap A-Main feature and taped highlights from Thursday and Friday night's action. U.S. Legend Cars International and Charlotte Motor Speedway announced the inaugural Legends Million earlier this year. The biggest Legend Car race ever, the Legends Million is a one-of-a-kind grassroots event featuring a total purse of $1 million with the A-Main winner guaranteed to take home an unprecedented $250,000. The final spot in the feature is assured $10,000. For schedule and tickets, go to charlottemotorspeedway.com.(7-14-2010)
AND: Veteran motor sports broadcaster Dave Despain, whose popular Sunday night show, Wind Tunnel, airs milestone episode No. 500 in November, will host SPEED’s live and exclusive coverage of the inaugural Legends Million from Charlotte Motor Speedway on July 17 at 7:30 pm/et. Competitors who register for the Legends Million must register in one of three divisions: Young Lions/Semi-Pro, Masters or The Legends Million, which is open to all drivers. Each division will run heat races and an A-Main race, with the Legends Million A-Feature serving as the grand finale of the three-day event. Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds and Phil Parsons will call the race for SPEED with Matt Yocum and Marty Snider working the pits.(SPEED)(7-14-2010)

Earlier Indy 500 start time likely: An earlier starting time for the Indianapolis 500 to accommodate drivers wishing to compete in it and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day is likely to happen, Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Jeff Belskus said this week. "We're inclined to change our starting time," Belskus said. "We do want to try to make it happen." Belskus said ABC, which owns television rights to the 500, has been consulted and hasn't indicated it would oppose a switch to 11 a.m. from the current 1 p.m. The idea gained momentum in May when Bruton Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc., proposed putting up a $20 million bonus for any driver who could win both races on the same day. Smith and Indy Racing League CEO Randy Bernard were asked about the status of their negotiations last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "We've had some dialogue on some big ideas," Bernard said as Smith nodded his assent. Neither would elaborate.(Indianapolis Star)(7-3-2010)

CMS drops lawsuit against Concord, Cabarrus County: Bruton Smith has dropped his lawsuit against the city of Concord and Cabarrus County. Smith, the president of Speedway Motorsports, was suing for $80 million that he said he was owed for keeping Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord. Smith's attorney said the lawsuit was dropped without prejudice, meaning it could be re-filed. The attorney said Smith is currently in negotiation with both municipalities, hoping to settle the matter out of court.(WCNC)(6-3-2010)

NC USO President named Grand Marshal for Coca Cola 600: Paying tribute to America's military has become a tradition each Memorial Day weekend as thousands of fans gather for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition to honoring service members this year, Coca-Cola is recognizing the USO and the important role the organization plays in supporting U.S. troops around the globe. Coca-Cola has named John Falkenbury, United Service Organizations of North Carolina president and chief operating officer, the grand marshal for the 51st running of the Coca-Cola 600. Joining Falkenbury in delivering the most famous words in motorsports will be Megan Grady, USO of North Carolina Charlotte Center Director, as well as three recently reunited military families representing the Army, Marines and Air Force. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael S. Foley; U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. James Dickens; U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Dustin Barnes and their respective families, will be special guests of Coca-Cola throughout race weekend and will help lead the fans in reciting the "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines" command. Each service member recently was reunited with his family following an overseas deployment. For more information about the USO visit www.uso.org.(CMS)(5-30-2010)

Pre-Race Show to Honor Generations of U.S. Military: The Let Freedom Race pre-race show for the May 30 Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway will feature a spectacular tribute to generations of men and women who have served, are currently serving or have made the ultimate sacrifice in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Coca-Cola 600 pre-race festivities will honor veterans from World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and more modern-day conflicts including Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as well as active military currently serving worldwide. Special fly-overs, static displays and decorated heroes from each era will be featured as part of the festivities.
The Let Freedom Race Coca-Cola 600 pre-race show will start at 3:50pm/et with a parade of force protection military vehicles. Video presentations produced by The History Channel highlighting World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War will be played on the speedway's Sprint Vision screens. A P-51 Mustang owned by Roush Fenway Racing founder and co-owner Jack Roush, and a replica of the legendary Memphis Belle B-17 bomber will fly over the speedway following the World War II video. A giant C-47 transport plane will follow the Korean War video, with an A1-H Skyraider and a T-28 Trojan airplane flyover scheduled to follow the Vietnam War presentation.
A video honoring active war troops and veterans will be played, followed by a target demolition simulation by U.S. Army special forces troops from Fort Bragg, N.C., that will include Little Bird and Blackhawk helicopters and a pair of 105 mm Howitzer guns. Following completion of the demonstration, 600 additional soldiers from Fort Bragg will march down the frontstretch.
Medal of Honor recipients Robert Maxwell (World War II), Ronald Rosser (Korea) and Charles Hagemeister (Vietnam) will then be recognized on the pre-race stage. A tribute to honor the families of fallen soldiers from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, N.C., including Captain Thomas "Lag" Gramith and Captain Mark "Pit Bull" McDowell, who was from Charlotte, will follow.
Singing the national anthem before the Coca-Cola 600 will be Charlotte native Cpl. John Hyland, who lost his leg in Iraq during a reconnaissance mission on Sept. 11, 2007. Hyland received the Purple Heart for his heroism and service. A life-long NASCAR fan, Hyland worked as a guest services employee at Charlotte Motor Speedway and is a trained opera singer who has performed at the Opera Festival di Roma in Italy. Just before the national anthem, more than 100 family members of Fort Bragg soldiers will unfurl the American flag in front of the pre-race stage.
The final fly-over before the start of the race will include four F-15 Eagles flown by pilots from the 333rd Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
Additional pre-race festivities for the Coca-Cola 600 will include performances by the U.S. Army drill team and the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus; the arrival of the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team; a 21-gun salute by soldiers from Fort Bragg; a bagpipe performance of "Amazing Grace" by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipe Band; and "Taps" played by a Fort Bragg bugler.
Also during the pre-race festivities, retired U.S. Army Col. Walter Marm will be honored with the Stonewall Jackson Award. Presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway annually since 1992, the award recognizes standards of patriotism through personal support of the military and personal service to sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty. Tickets for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS. Friends and family four-pack tickets start at just $39.75 per person for the Coca-Cola 600 and at $35 per person for the NASCAR Sprint All Star Race on May 22. Interest-free payment plans are available.(CMS)(5-30-2010)

Coca-Cola 600 Pre-Race Festivities to Feature Military Salute: During the pre-race show for the 51st running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 30, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials will salute the U.S. armed forces with a military demonstration, special awards, military band performances and a presentation with Medal of Honor recipients. The pre-race festivities will also include appearances by the cast of "The A-Team," Twentieth Century Fox's summer motion picture event which opens June 11, an invocation by renowned family advocate Dr. James Dobson and the singing of the national anthem by wounded veteran and trained opera singer Cpl. John Hyland. Gates will open at 12:30 pm/et. An approximate timeline of pre-race events follows:
4:00 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.
A procession of force protection military vehicles will take a parade lap around the track, followed by the presentation of the Stonewall Jackson Award to Col. Joe Marm and the Hometown Heroes Award presentation to 1st Sgt. James Jetton and Staff Sgt. Mary Nelms, both from Charlotte, N.C. Following the presentation, the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus and the U.S. Army Drill Team will perform.
4:40 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.
Video presentations produced by The History Channel will be played on Sprint Vision screens honoring veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as active military and veterans from modern-day conflicts including Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Following the presentations, a parade of vintage military planes will take to the skies, including a P-51 Mustang owned by Roush Fenway Racing founder and co-owner Jack Roush, a legendary B-17 bomber that played the role of the Memphis Belle in the 1990 movie of the same name, a giant C-47 transport plane, an A1-H Skyraider and a T-28 Trojan. Personnel from Fort Bragg, N.C., will conduct a military demonstration on the frontstretch involving Little Bird helicopters, military vehicles, a Howitzer demonstration and more than 600 troops.
Medal of Honor recipients Robert Maxwell (World War II), Ronald Rosser (Korea) and Charles Hagemeister (Vietnam) will be recognized on the pre-race stage. A tribute to honor the families of fallen soldiers from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, N.C., including Capt. Thomas "Lag" Gramith and Capt. Mark "Pit Bull" McDowell, who hailed from Charlotte, will follow.
5:20 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
A host of VIPs will grace the pre-race stage including Honorary Race Director Eric Cantor, Virginia Congressman; Honorary Starter Joe Hackney, North Carolina House Speaker; cast members from "The A-Team," including Jessica Biel; several executives from Coca-Cola, and John Schnatter, founder of Papa John's. Driver introductions for the Coca-Cola 600 will follow.
5:45 p.m. - 6:10 p.m.
The U.S. Army parachute team The Golden Knights will perform a jump over the speedway. Dr. James Dobson, founder of the non-profit group Focus on the Family and host of the radio program "Family Talk," will give the invocation. Purple Heart recipient, Charlotte native, opera singer and NASCAR fan Cpl. John Hyland will sing the national anthem. Cast members from "The A-Team"' will deliver the green flag. The command "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines," will be given by Grand Marshal John Faulkenbury, North Carolina United Service Organizations President and the families of Sgt. James Dickens (U.S. Marine Corps); Staff Sgt. Michael Foley (U.S. Army) and Staff Sgt. Dustin Barnes (U.S. Air Force).
Additionally, the Presentation of Colors will be performed by the U.S. All Army Color Guard and a bagpipe performance of "Amazing Grace" will be given by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipes and Drums. A 21-gun salute and "Taps" will be performed by soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg. During the national anthem, 100 family members of service men and women from Fort Bragg will unfurl a large American flag shaped like the United States on the frontstretch grass. The final fly-over before the start of the Coca-Cola 600 will include four F-15 Eagles flown by pilots from the 333rd Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
Fans can purchase a ticket to the 51st running of the Coca-Cola to see not only a great race, but a patriotic and entertaining pre-race show. Tickets for all Coca-Cola 600 Week events are available at the gates on event days, online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(CMS)(5-28-2010)

New Amenities, Events, Displays Await Race Fans During Mega May: As a part of the ongoing Fans First initiative at Charlotte Motor Speedway, fans coming to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30 can expect plenty of recently-added amenities, events, displays, and upgrades at the Mecca of Motorsports. Below is a sampling of what's new for May at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Roomier, More Comfortable, Stadium-Style Frontstretch Seats Charlotte Motor Speedway installed approximately 15,000 new premium seats along the 1.5-mile superspeedway's frontstretch, and special bronze nameplates will adorn the seats of new Victory Lane Club season ticket holders in that area. The narrow cast-metal seats in the Chrysler and General Motors grandstands were removed and replaced with new 21-inch stadium-style deluxe flip-down seats with arm rests. The new seats will offer a prime view of the start-finish line and pit road for both races.
Expanded Display Area is More Interactive for Fans, Fans coming to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the May 30 Coca-Cola 600 will have more entertainment options right outside the track, as the display areas have expanded significantly for 2010. Nearly twice the number of interactive displays as 2009 will line the areas along the main speedway entrance and directly across the street. Some of the displays include the Coca-Cola Stage, which will feature live music on race days; the MillerCoors Porta Bar; and the Scotts Turf Builder Cornhole Classic area, where fans can play the popular tailgating game for prizes including cash and race tickets. Fans will find increased food and beverage options as well, and there will continue to be plenty of souvenir trailers in the display areas, so fans can buy their favorite driver's gear at the track. Designated Smoking Lounges Presented by Native are New for 2010 There are new designated smoking lounges at the track, presented by Native Trading Associates. Located throughout the concourse areas, the lounges are equipped with high-definition televisions so fans don't miss a minute of the race. Native and Herr's Potato Chips will hand out samples and coupons to fans who use the designated smoking lounges, which are located adjacent to the concourses in the Toyota Fourth Turn Terrace, Chrysler, General Motors, Ford and Diamond Tower seating areas. Native is also sponsoring a smoking lounge in the infield, which is located just inside the Gate 26 tunnel.
CATS Route Provides Easy Access to Speedway The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), the City of Concord and Charlotte Motor Speedway have partnered to bring race day bus service from Center City Charlotte to the track. Starting from the Charlotte Transportation Center, race fans can take the 79X Concord Mills Express to beat the traffic and enjoy the Coca-Cola 600 at the speedway for just $6 round-trip. The route will run every 20 minutes from noon until 6:30 p.m. for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. Return trips will begin immediately after the checkered flag and buses will be near the track's main entrance. Tickets can be purchased at the Charlotte Transportation Center at 310 East Trade Street in Center City or online at http://secure.ridetransit.org/psales/.
Speedway Offers Tours of NASCAR Hall of Fame While fans are in town for the races, they can take advantage of convenient tours operated by Charlotte Motor Speedway of the newly-opened NASCAR Hall of Fame. Fans can take a shuttle from the zMAX Dragway main tower entrance to NASCAR's newest attraction.. For more information, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/fans/tours.
Pinky's Westside Grill Offers New Fare Fans coming to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 will have a new concession option at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Greg Auten, a former co-owner of the Charlotte landmark restaurant The Penguin, and former Penguin managers will soon open Pinky's Westside Grill in Charlotte and the group plans to debut several Pinky's menu items at the speedway. Homemade corn dogs, fries, chili dogs, and fried pickles will be available to fans for purchase.
Coca-Cola 600 Weekend Coca-Cola Family Walk Comes to Charlotte Motor Speedway May 28 New for 2010 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk, which gives fans the opportunity to mingle with top NASCAR drivers and get active while walking around the track. Fans can get moving alongside Coca-Cola Racing Family drivers Ryan Newman and Clint Bowyer at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 28. Following the walk, fans can enjoy activities for the whole family, including games, music, racing simulators, motivating lifestyle tips and Q&A sessions with drivers. To round out the day, Coca-Cola and Charlotte Motor Speedway are bringing back a fan favorite from 2009 - the Quarter-Mile Cookout - using the nation's longest grill. At 1,320 feet in length, the grill will use more than 3.5 tons of charcoal to cook up a picnic-style lunch following the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk. There will be plenty of healthy food options available at the cookout, including grilled chicken, ground chuck hamburgers, wheat buns, apples and baked Herr's chips. The entire day of events is free and open to all ticket and annual credential holders for the Coca-Cola 600.
Military Vehicle Displays Pay Tribute to the Troops Fans can browse through a military vehicle display near the main entrance of the speedway during Coca-Cola 600 Race Week, just one of many tributes to the troops taking place during the Memorial Day Weekend race. Several military vehicles will be on display, including a Bradley tank, a Humvee, a PLS cargo vehicle and a mini C-130 turboprop military transport aircraft. The display will also feature a military-themed tribute Ford Mustang, complete with a custom red, white and blue paint job. Additional Vietnam-era vehicles will also be featured in the display area across Highway 29 from the main entrance of the speedway.
Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(CMS)(5-26-2010)

Kurt Busch wins the All Star Race: #2-Kurt Busch won the Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, winning over $1 million. It is Busch's first All-Star race win and Penske Racing's 2nd win. #56-Truex Jr., who won the Sprint Showdown, finished 2nd, followed by #20-Logano, #11-Hamlin, #14-Stewart, #17-Kenseth, #71-Labonte, #39-Newman, #29-Harvick and #12-Keselowski. 13 cars were left after some late wrecks with #88-Earnhardt Jr. finished 11th followed by #16-Biffle and #48-Johnson [who won two segments and was running fast before spinning out with two laps to go. #18-Busch felt his teammate #11-Hamlin put him in the wall, Busch fell back and cut a tire down and hit the wall and took out #9-Kahne. Other's who did not finish: #83-Mears, #5-Martin, #1-McMurray, #00-Reutimann, #24-Gordon and #99-Edwards.
See race results, awards and notes on my All-Star / Sprint Showdown Resaults page.(5-22-2010)

Truex Jr. wins Sprint Showdown: #56-Martin Truex Jr. won the Sprint Showdown at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the 2nd time Truex Jr. has won the Showdown. Truex will transfer into the Sprint All Star Challenge as will #16-Greg Biffle who finished 2nd. #99-Edwards, who finished 10th, won the Sprint Fan Vote. #31-Jeff Burton finished 3rd followed by #98-Menard and #47-Ambrose.
See race results, awards and notes on my All-Star / Sprint Showdown Resaults page.(5-22-2010)

Coca-Cola 600 Race Officials Named: North Carolina House Speaker Joe Hackney has been named Honorary Starter and Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor has been named Honorary Race Director for the 2010 Coca-Cola 600, which will be held at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 30, 2010. A spectacular pre-race show honoring generations of America's Armed Forces will precede the 51st running of NASCAR's only 600-mile race. The Let Freedom Race pre-race show for the Coca-Cola 600 will include flyovers from vintage military aircraft, assault demonstrations by Fort Bragg soldiers, recognition on the stage for Medal of Honor recipients and the unfurling of a 11,250 square-foot American flag by family members of active-duty soldiers. As race officials, Hackney and Cantor will be honored at a pre-race event, attend the official drivers meeting, address the crowd of nearly 150,000 fans, participate in the pre-race spectacular and present the trophy in Victory Lane. As Honorary Race Director, Congressman Cantor will ride in the official pace car while Speaker Hackney, as Honorary Starter, will wave the green flag over the 43-car field to start the longest NASCAR race and one of the largest sporting events in the world. Tickets for the Coca-Cola 600 can be obtained by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(5-22-2010)

Bruton offers a driver $20 million if wins both Indy 500 & Coke 600: On Thursday night’s edition of NASCAR Race Hub, reporter Wendy Venturini scored an exclusive sit-down interview with Speedway Motorsports Inc., chairman Bruton Smith. As part of the interview, Smith talks of ongoing discussions with his counterparts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway about the possibility of linking the famed Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 … with the possibility that a driver who wins both on the same day earning a $20 million bonus.
Bruton Smith: "We do … we do … we want to surprise the fans. Every time they come, we want them to say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know about that.’ I’m working on something now that I thought would be great, for say, next year. And that is we’ll maybe do something that would cause drivers to get more interested in running (the Indianapolis 500) and then coming here and … driving 1,100 miles of racing. It would take a Superman-type driver to (win both events)."
NASCAR Race Hub: I thought the reason some of the drivers backed away from doing (both events) was … I don’t know … a conflict of the (start) times?
Bruton Smith: "I’ve talked to Indianapolis and they would start their race at 11 o’clock … we’d have a jet waiting for the drivers. They’d land right here. We’d helicopter them (to the track) and they’d have ample time before they had to get in their car to win the 600. So, we have five or six drivers that could accomplish (winning both events on the same day)."(SPEED)(5-14-2010)

North Carolina Governor Proclaims May Motorsports Month: With Race Weeks in Charlotte fast approaching, and thousands of fans from around the globe coming to North Carolina to vacation and enjoy great racing, North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue has proclaimed May Motorsports Month in the Tar Heel State. The proclamation was read at Charlotte Motor Speedway Friday during a May race kick-off event with Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, and four area mayors: Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, Concord Mayor Scott Padgett, Mooresville Mayor Chris Montgomery and Kannapolis Mayor Robert Misenheimer. Gov. Perdue's proclamation recognizes the many motorsports events taking place in North Carolina in May, and in particular those at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including the N.C. Education Lottery 200 on May 21, the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22, the TECH-NET Auto Service 300 Powered by CARQUEST Auto Parts on May 29, and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS. Friends and family four-pack tickets start at just $39.75 per person for the Coca-Cola 600 and at $35 per person for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22.(CMS PR)(5-8-2010)

Rockets to Race Car: From better brakes and safer tires to heat-resistant paint and cleaner emissions, NASA's contributions to the racing world will be featured in the traveling exhibit: "From Rockets to Race Cars" the NASCAR weekend of April 30-May 1 at the Richmond International Raceway. Over the years, NASA has provided technology that not only helps the racing world, but also improves conditions for all drivers while helping to protect the environment. On display will be a quarter-scale NASA Benefits Race Car as well as a Wheel Exhibit, that includes a NASCAR tire, Shuttle tire, Lunar Rover tire, Lunar Tweel (a non-pneumatic tire/wheel combination) and a Spring Tire allowing fans the opportunity to see, touch and compare the wheels of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Fans will get a shot at NASA Spin the Wheel where they can win prizes if they answer NASA-related questions correctly. A "Rockets to Race Car" photo opportunity will allow visitors to have a photo taken with their own camera in which they look like they are sitting in a NASA Race Car. To find out what else NASA and NASCAR have in common, check out the exhibit at select NASCAR races through June. NASA's "From Rockets to Race Cars" will be at the following races:
* Richmond International Raceway, April 30-May 1
* Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 29-30
* Kentucky Speedway, June 11-12.(NASA)(4-29-2010)

CMS Chef honored: Michael Rosen, certified executive chef (CEC), of Charlotte, N.C., received the American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF) Southeast Region Chef Professionalism award at the 2010 ACF Southeast Regional Conference held at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, Birmingham, Ala., April 24–26. Rosen is executive chef at The Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. At The Speedway Club, Rosen is responsible for all kitchen operations of the dining room and banquet facilities.(American Culinary Federation)(4-27-2010)

County Fair Flavor Comes to May Races with Deep Fried Butter at CMS: County fair favorites with a twist, including deep fried butter, will make their motorsports debut at Charlotte Motor Speedway during NASCAR Sprint All-Star Week and Coca-Cola 600 Week this May. According to Chef James Pierson with Levy Restaurants, speed - and a little mixing - are the keys to making great deep-fried butter. "You can't just throw butter into a fryer or it will melt," said Pierson. "We blend the butter with cream cheese and freeze it solid. Then we coat it in waffle batter and give it a quick fry. It's served with a raspberry 'catsup' sauce." Fried butter will be joined by two other deep-fried treats at the speedway during May race weeks: deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and deep fried grilled cheese. Both sandwiches are also coated in a waffle batter and fried. The PB&J comes with the raspberry "catsup" sauce, and the grilled cheese is served with a cold tomato soup for dunking. Tickets for all May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.(CMS)(3-28-2010)

Charlotte Motor Speedway Introduces Race Fan Stimulus Plan : Taking a cue from Washington, D.C., Charlotte Motor Speedway is giving race fans a stimulus package of their own with the introduction of the Race Fan Stimulus Plan for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. Thru April 30, fans who purchase $99 or more in tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30 will receive a $25 Stimulus Rebate Coupon good toward their next 2010 event ticket purchase of $99 or more at Charlotte Motor Speedway or zMax Dragway. Fans who have already purchased $99 or more worth of tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 will also receive the $25 Stimulus Rebate Coupon in the mail. In addition to the rebate coupon, info on extra value for the Coca-Cola 600 can be found at charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(3-22-2010)

Charlotte Motor Speedway Opens Sprint Cup Series Test to Fans: Fans will have the opportunity to see their favorite drivers in action at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the first time in 2010 during Sprint Cup Series testing March 23-24. The test will be held for the new spoiler that will soon replace the rear wing on the current Sprint Cup Series car. Ticket holders to any 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22, the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30 and the NASCAR Banking 500 on Oct. 16, will be granted special access to watch testing from the infield. The VIP seating area located behind pit road near Victory Circle will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to take part in a question and answer forum with available drivers; meet Miss Sprint Cup during an autograph session in Victory Circle; and take their picture with the Charlotte Motor Speedway show car. Concessions and souvenirs will be available in the infield.(CMS PR)(3-16-2010)

Tony Stewart Fans Win Big with Smoke Double Down Offer at Charlotte: Tony Stewart will return to Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22 as the defending champion of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, and thanks to the new Smoke Double Down All-Star Race ticket package, his legion of fans can have a May to remember at the Mecca of Motorsports. Fans can purchase the Smoke Double Down package while supplies last and receive two frontstretch tickets for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race; two passes to a fan forum lunch with Stewart at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Monday, May 3; and two Stewart souvenirs. Plus, $20 per ticket package will be donated to the Tony Stewart Foundation. The Smoke Double Down package is priced at $149 and available by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS PR)(3-15-2010)

Creed to Rock the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race: Grammy Award-winning rock group Creed will perform a pre-race concert presented by Native Trading Associates for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, May 22, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 75-minute concert begins at 3:15pm/et 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 and tickets start at just $39. Also, the next 3,000 fans to purchase an All-Star Race ticket by calling the speedway's ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS will receive a "Golden Ticket," allowing early access to secure a prime location for the concert. Creed's performance at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will be made possible thanks to presenting sponsor, Native Trading Associates, who will work in conjunction with Charlotte Motor Speedway officials to present race fans with this spectacular pre-race rock concert. Charlotte Motor Speedway is the home of NASCAR's biggest back-to-back race weekends with the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22, and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. Tickets and interest free payment plans are available by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(3-13-2010)

Speedway Motorsports revenues down in 2009: Speedway Motorsports Inc.'s overall revenue declined by 9.9% in 2009, including a 13.3% drop in ticket revenue, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Speedway Motorsports Inc., finished 2009 with a balance sheet showing a $10.3 million loss, while its income from continuing operations was $74.9 million, down 28.2 percent from $104.3 million last year, according to the filing. Part of the difference comes from a $74.5 million devaluation of Motorsports Authentics, the struggling merchandise company that SMI co-owns with rival International Speedway Corp. Both companies now consider Motorsports Authentics to have no carrying value. For 2009, overall revenues dropped from $611 million to $550.5 million. Admissions revenue dropped from $188 million to $163.1 million. Event-related revenues (sponsorships, concessions, merchandise, etc.) dropped 15.5%, from $211.6 million to $178.8 million, and broadcast revenue increased 3.3 percent, from $168.2 million to $173.8 million. SMI's 2010 forecast is for the economic struggles to continue as it projects overall revenues to drop to $500-$533 million and for its diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to be $1.00-$1.40 after it was $1.66 in 2009 and $2.40 in 2010.(Scene Daily)(3-11-2010)

Sprint Pit Crew Challenge tickets on sale March 13: Tickets for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman, featuring a fan-friendly, pit-crew competition between the top-24 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pit crews, are on sale March 13. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at www.pitcrewchallenge.com or by calling the Time Warner Cable Arena box office at (800) 495-2295. The NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. ET at Time Warner Cable Arena and will air on SPEED at 9 p.m. that evening. Now in its sixth year, the competition precedes NASCAR Rev'd Up, a NASCAR-themed festival held in Charlotte, N.C. on May 20, and is a signature lead-in event to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Saturday, May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.(Aspire PR)(3-11-2010)

Bruton Smith interviewed on Race Hub: Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith stopped by SPEED’s NASCAR Race Hub on Monday [March 8th] to promote the recently announced “Legends Million,” a Legends Car battle with a $1 million purse scheduled for July 15-17 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (more info at uslegendcars.com. The A-Main winner will take home an unprecedented $250,000. But he also weighed in on some of the hot topics coming out of the weekend NASCAR Sprint Series race in Atlanta.
On the incident between drivers Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski at Atlanta:
“… Keselowski took off into the air, destroyed the car and it gave him a serious headache after a while, but I’m sure that Carl did not mean to make him airborne. But it happened, and I think the summation is, ‘that’s racing.’ Of course, it’s caused everyone to be very busy in Bristol for the race that’s there. I would not miss that race. I would not miss Bristol because I don’t know what’s going to happen up there, but rubbing is a way of life up there, so we’ll see a lot of things happening in Bristol.”
On his support of green, white, checkered finishes:
“We owe that to those race fans. Race fans – we’ve polled them over the years – they want to see a green-flag finish. I am a strong advocate of that. We used two of them yesterday … we still had one to go. I am a very strong advocate because this gives those race fans what they paid for and what the richly deserve and that is a finish under green.”
On NASCAR drivers being allowed to let their frustrations show:
“NASCAR has decided to show a softer side of NASCAR and we’ve been talking about that for the last three or four years. They just got too tight on these guys … I’ve seen (the footage) on SPEED where Jeff Gordon got out and pushed (Matt) Kenseth up in Bristol. They fined him 10 grand. I said, ‘Hey, wait a minute, that’s not right … they should give him a medal.’ They’ve got to stop that. NASCAR has got to stop it, because these guys get out of these race cars and often times they are very angry and they need to vent. That’s the way this racing business grew up.”(SPEED)(3-9-2010)

Coca-Cola & Speedway Motorsports Extend: Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) and Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) are extending their long-term partnership through 2015. Under the terms of the new agreement, CCNA brands will continue as the "Official Soft Drink," "Official Sparkling Beverage," "Official Water, "Official Sports Drink" and "Official Enhanced Water" for six SMI tracks, which include: Atlanta Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway. The agreement also features title sponsorship of the Coca-Cola 600 -- the longest continuous sponsorship of any race in NASCAR -- at Charlotte Motor Speedway through 2015. Through this partnership extension, Coca-Cola and SMI will continue to create programs that engage NASCAR fans at SMI tracks and in the local markets and regions where the tracks are located. NASCAR-themed advertising, packaging, promotions, at-track activations and customer-specific programs will all be part of the mix designed to create excitement among racing fans.(CMS)(3-8-2010)

Charlotte area hotels reduce rates & wave stay requirements: Charlotte Motor Speedway will partner with regional tourism bureaus and area hotel operators to secure lower room rates for race fans attending the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 22, and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. More than 50 hotels within approximately one hour of the 1.5-mile superspeedway have agreed to reduce their race week room rates by 15% and waive the minimum stay requirements. A full list of participating hotels is available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/hotels or fans can call the speedway's ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS. In order to obtain the discounted rate, those interested in the deal must call the hotels directly and request the Speedway Special when making reservations.(CMS PR)(3-2-2010)

Las Vegas Spin and Win saves on tix at Charlotte Motor Speedway: This weekend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series descends on the entertainment capitol of the world, Las Vegas, and Charlotte Motor Speedway is getting into the spirit by offering fans a chance to spin the wheel and win tremendous savings to three major spring events at the Mecca of Motorsports. Beginning Thursday at 9am, fans can enter the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office and spin a giant prize wheel for a chance to save up to 50% on certain tickets to races at CMS and zMAX Dragway. The prize wheel contains ticket discounts from 10 to 50%, plus VIP experiences that will rotate hourly on the wheel such as pit passes, public suite upgrades, Speedway Club access passes, free Sprint FanView rentals, dinner for two at the Speedway Club, passes to driver introductions and much more. Each fan that spins the wheel can purchase up to 10 total tickets at the winning discounted value. The 10 tickets can be used for one race or spread across the three featured events. Also, each fan who spins the wheel and purchases tickets will receive a free gift from the speedway. For more info or to purchase tickets call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or go online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.(CMS)(2-25-2010)

All Remaining Charlotte Oct. race tix on sale: With renewals completed, all remaining tickets for the Oct. 16 NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America at Charlotte Motor Speedway go on sale Monday, at 9 a.m. Tickets start at only $49 for the only Saturday night race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. A wide selection of affordable grandstand seating options are available, including a limited number of premium frontstretch seats. All sections of the Chrysler, General Motors and Ford grandstands along the frontstretch feature new individual, 21-inch, stadium-style seating and offer a prime view of the start-finish line and pit road.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office will be open Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the NASCAR Banking 500, tickets will also be available for the Oct. 15 Dollar General 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday night; Bojangles' Pole Night qualifying on Thursday night Oct. 14; and the World of Outlaws Late Model Showdown on Wednesday night Oct. 13, at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. The extremely popular October Super Ticket will again be available, offering tickets to all four of the NASCAR Banking 500 Week events for just one low price of $99. Additional information about tickets for all Charlotte Motor Speedway events can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. Fans can reserve their seat with $20.10 down and set up customized, interest-free payment plans by calling the speedway ticket office and speaking directly to a Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket agent.(CMS)(2-15-2010)

CMS installing premium seats: As a part of the ongoing Fans First initiative, Charlotte Motor Speedway is installing approximately 15,000 new premium seats along the 1.5-mile speedway's frontstretch, and special bronze nameplates will adorn the seats of new Victory Lane Club season ticket holders in that area. To increase fan comfort, Charlotte Motor Speedway is removing narrow cast-metal seats in the Chrysler and General Motors grandstands and replacing them with new 21-inch, stadium-style seats. The deluxe flip-down seats with arm rests will be installed before the May 22 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. The new seats will offer a prime view of the start-finish line and pit road for both races.
Fans who join the Victory Lane Club as season ticket holders and purchase the same seat for all three NASCAR Sprint Cup races will receive two special added features - a personalized, bronze nameplate on the new seat and the chance to take home one of the historic seats as a keepsake piece of limited edition memorabilia. Season ticket holders in the Victory Lane Club, also receive more than $1,500 in added value for purchasing tickets to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Coca-Cola 600 and NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. Membership benefits include a personalized hard card, VIP parking, discounts on ticket purchases and souvenirs in the speedway's gift shop, a free six-month trial membership to The Speedway Club and more. For the new year, fans can reserve their seats for only a $20.10 down payment, and then establish a convenient, interest-free, payment plan for any event in the Spring Season of Speed at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In order to join the Victory Lane Club and purchase new seats along the frontstretch, fans must call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) and speak directly to a Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket agent.(CMS)(1-19-2010)

New name, start time for Nationwide race at Charlotte in May: In response to fan requests for an afternoon NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Tech-Net Auto Service 300 Powered by Carquest Auto Parts will start at 2:30pm/et on Saturday, May 29. In addition to the start-time change, the race’s name will be different in 2010 as well. Formerly the Carquest Auto Parts 300, the Tech-Net Auto Service 300 will promote Carquest’s Tech Net Professional Auto Service program.(Charlotte Motor Speedway PR)(1-18-2010)

$20.10 Down Reserves Any Seat at Charlotte: In honor of the new year, fans can now reserve any seat for the Spring Season of Speed at Charlotte Motor Speedway for just $20.10 by calling the speedway's ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267). After reserving tickets for just a $20.10 down payment, fans can develop a customized monthly payment plan and reserve their favorite seats to a number of great events, including the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Coca-Cola 600, NHRA Nationals, PINKS All Out and World of Outlaws Sprint Car Showdown. In addition to individual event tickets, season ticket packages are also available for the three NASCAR Sprint Cup weekends at Charlotte Motor Speedway, events at zMAX Dragway and races at The Dirt Track @ Charlotte. Visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com for more details.(CMS)(1-13-2010)

Concord and Cabarrus County fighting back: The city and county governments in the area of Lowe’s Motor Speedway contend in court documents that they can’t be sued for breach of contract nor forced into a formalized agreement with Speedway Motorsports Inc. that would give SMI $80 million in grants and tax incentives for renovating LMS and building a drag strip across the street. SMI Chairman Bruton Smith had threatened to move LMS in October 2007 if he did not get the permits to build the drag strip on land near the existing 1.5-mile oval. As other area governments began offering incentives, the City of Concord and Cabarrus County offered an $80 million incentive package in November 2007 – with the details to be worked out later – to keep LMS where it’s currently located. The local governments and SMI never reached a formal agreement, and SMI, which says it has spent $4 million already on public improvements it claims are reimbursable, filed a lawsuit in September in North Carolina Superior Court in Concord. SMI asks for a judgment requiring the governments to take all necessary action to formalize an agreement and damages for breaches of the agreement and misrepresentations. In a filing last week, Concord and Cabarrus County ask that the case be dismissed. Both the city and county state that their elected boards had not approved a contract, which must go through public hearings, and therefore they had no enforceable agreement. “The City denies that a contract was formed; because many material details had yet to be determined, the parties had merely agreed to agree,” the City of Concord says in its motion. The City of Concord also alleges that SMI did not act in good faith, terminating negotiations after the initial offer. The governments’ proposed agreement, filed as an exhibit in the case, requires SMI to spend $60 million on the drag strip, which now has been completed, within one year and $200 million on the speedway and various roads over three years. It also requires SMI to have three Cup events at the race track for each of the next 40 years, as well as to operate the drag strip for 40 years or else SMI would have to repay any of the incentives and grants it already had been awarded. In its complaint, SMI claims the wording in the contract allows the governments 40 years for the $80 million to be paid. SMI claims the governments want to avoid their obligations. In its response, the City said a judge cannot force it to sign a deal. “Courts have no power to mandate municipal legislation, and the decision to enter a contract is political, not judicial,” the City says.(SceneDaily)(12-3-2009)

Join the Lowe's Motor Speedway Fan Council: Lowe's Motor Speedway is currently accepting applications to join the Lowe's Motor Speedway Fan Council. Members of the Fan Council will provide feedback to help with programs and initiatives to positively impact the Fan Experience at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The Fan Council Application is available online. Completed applications are due by Friday, January 8, 2010. If you have any questions please email fancouncil@lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS)(12-1-2009)

Lowe's Motor Speedway Tree Lighting: Speedway Children's Charities donated in excess of $854,000 to organizations in the Charlotte region benefiting area children during Monday's [Nov 30th] annual Lowe's Motor Speedway tree lighting ceremony. Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, will join Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Tom Sadler, executive director of Speedway Children's Charities, in awarding the grants to 93 local organizations. Speedway Children's Charities raised the money through various fundraising activities along with individual and corporate donations throughout the year.
A number of area agencies will directly benefit from the funds, including A Better World (helps provide finances to operate after-school programs), Birthday Blessings (Shelter Party Program hosts birthday parties for homeless children and their families), Northeast Foundation, Inc. (helps fund Camp Open Airways and Camp Sweet Freedom for asthmatic and diabetic children to attend a summer day camp under medical supervision to control their asthma and diabetes while participating in typical camp activities) and Thompson Child & Family Focus (provides comprehensive early childhood education where typically developing and special needs children learn together).
In addition to the grant distribution, the holiday ceremony will include the lighting of Lowe's Motor Speedway's one-of-a-kind 50-foot Christmas tree and visits by Santa Claus and Lug Nut, the world's fastest mascot.
Fans will also have the opportunity to drive their personal vehicles around Lowe's Motor Speedway after the tree lighting ceremony. Those who donate $25 to Speedway Children's Charities will be able to take three laps around the 1.5-mile superspeedway.
2009 Charlotte Chapter Grant Recipients:
A Better World
A Child's Place of Charlotte, Inc.
A Place for Hope, Inc.
Abilities Unlimited of the Carolinas, Inc.
Adolescent and Family Enrichment Council
Alexander Youth Network
Allegro Foundation
American Red Cross - Cabarrus County
Arts for Life
Assistance League of Charlotte
Autism Services of Mecklenburg County, Inc.
Autism Speaks
Barium Springs Home for Children
Bethlehem Center of Charlotte, Inc.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte
Birthday Blessings
Bostonian Elementary School PTA
B.R.A.K.E.S.
Cabarrus County Partnership of Children
Camp CARE, Inc.
Carolina Youth Commission
Charity League, Inc.
Charlotte Emergency Housing
Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center
Children's Home Society of North Carolina, Inc.
Communities in Schools of Cabarrus County
Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc.
Communities of Rowan County, Inc.
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Donors Choose, Inc.
Dore Academy
Easter Seals UCP North Carolina
Family Services Inc.
Florence Crittenton Services Inc.
GHA, Inc.
Girls on the Run International
Harvest Kitchen Outreach, Inc.
Hispanic Learning Center of Cabarrus County
Holy Angels, Inc.
Hometown Heroes, Inc.
Jimmie Johnson Foundation
Jonie and Friends
Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.
Kannapolis Boys & Girls Club
KinderMourn, Inc.
Kurt Busch Foundation
Legacy of the Vine Ministries, Inc.
Levine Children's Hospital
Lukemia & Lymphoma Society
March Forth with Hope Foundation, Inc.
MARA
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, Inc.
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc.
NB Mills Elementary School
NorthEast Foundation, Inc.
Our Kids
Partners in Out-of-School Time
Philips Academy of North Carolina, Inc.
Piedmont Mediation Center, Inc.
Piedmont Residential Development Center, Inc.
Pregnancy Resource Center of Charlotte
Prevent Child Abuse N.C.
Prosperity Community Connection, Inc.
Room at the Inn, Inc.
Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation
Saving Grace, Inc.
Seigle Avenue Partners, Inc.
Seigle Avenue Preschool Cooperative, Inc.
Shelter Health Services, Inc.
Silent Images, Inc.
Special Olympics North Carolina
Special Olympics North Carolina - Cabarrus
Stanley County Family YMCA
The Academic Learning Center, Inc.
The Arc of Cabarrus County, Inc.
The Arc of Mecklenburg County, Inc.
The Junior Charity League of Concord
The Parker Austin Foundation, Inc.
The Salvation Army of Cabarrus County
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte
Third Creek Elementary School
Thompson Child & Family Focus
Tony Stewart Foundation
Troutman Elementary School
United Family Services, Inc.
University City Fellowship
With Friends, Inc.
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
York County Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Youth Homes, Inc. (YHI)(LMS)(12-1-2009)

Annual Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out at LMS:Shoppers from around the country will descend upon Lowe's Motor Speedway for special savings on 2009 merchandise at the 17th annual Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out Nov. 27-28 [Friday and Saturday]. On the biggest shopping weekend of the year, fans will be welcomed by a colorful array of nearly 20 souvenir rigs lining the front entrance of the speedway, featuring souvenirs from top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, including Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart and more. At this two-day event, special deals will be available with driver hats and t-shirts as low as $5 and Lowe's Motor Speedway T-shirts starting at just $3. Sam Bass, the official artist of Lowe's Motor Speedway, will have posters, holiday die-casts and copies of his book "The NASCAR Art of Sam Bass" available to shoppers at reduced prices. A special die-cast trailer will also be on hand to sell the scaled-down collectable cars at prices hard to resist. As part of the tradition of the Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out, shoppers spending $50 or more on souvenirs or race tickets Friday, Nov. 27, will get to feel like real NASCAR stars when they are given the opportunity to drive their personal vehicle for three laps around the 1.5-mile superspeedway. This opportunity is available Friday only.
Event hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm/et on Friday and Saturday. Information about the Nov. 27-28 Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out at Lowe's Motor Speedway and ticket sales for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 17 and the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30 can be obtained online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by contacting the Lowe's Motor Speedway gift shop at (704) 455-3202.(LMS) and tix by calling 1-800-455-FANS.(LMS)(11-24-2009)

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

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

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)

As the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge prepares for the celebration of its 20th anniversary, the previous 19 editions have evoked everlasting memories of many of the sport’s greatest stars providing the fans with brilliant racing, stunning finishes and occasionally a touch of controversy.

It is these types of memories that have built the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge, formerly known as The Winston, into the most thrilling and unpredictable all-star event found in any sport. And what better time than the eve of the event’s 20th anniversary than to have members of an expert panel vote for their favorite moments in the history of the race.

The panel consisted of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Bill Elliott and Terry Labonte, who have participated in 18 of the 19 all-star races; drivers Rusty Wallace and Ricky Rudd, who have competed in 17 of the events; Lowe’s Motor Speedway President H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, who has hosted and promoted 18 of the races; NASCAR President Mike Helton, who hosted and promoted the only all-star race not held at Charlotte (Atlanta, 1986); and former Charlotte Observer motorsports writer Tom Higgins, who has witnessed every one either in person or on television.

By virtue of the panel’s order of preference of the top moments on their respective choices, the following earned the highest voting totals. The top-three moments in descending order are:

No. 3 – “The Tide Slide” (1989): Darrell Waltrip, driving his Tide-sponsored Chevrolet, was leading the race as he was approaching the white-flag lap when hard-charging Rusty Wallace nudged Waltrip, sent him spinning and created the “Tide Slide.” Wallace went on to capture the victory while a displeased Waltrip wound up seventh.

“It was an ugly, ugly win,” Waltrip said at the time. “I hope he chokes on the $200,000, that’s all I can tell him. He knocked the hell out of me. … A lot of guys let greed overcome speed, and that’s what happened today. I got spun out. A guy drove down underneath me and drove up into me and spun me out.

"It was blatant. I had him pretty well covered. I just didn’t want to make a mistake but I guess I made one, letting him get up there.” En route to Victory Lane, Wallace’s car was hit by Waltrip’s and it ignited a scuffle between the two teams.

“I’ll never forget the aftermath of that race, with Darrell telling me to choke on the 200 grand, Todd Parrott and some of my team punching it out with Darrell’s team on pit road and getting suspended and all hell just about breaking out,” Wallace said. “It was something they talked about for years to come and [radio personalities] John Boy and Billy even made a song about that day.” Recalled Wheeler: “We had to hide Rusty to get him to and from the press box.”

In Waltrip’s eyes it may have been an “ugly win,” but in Wallace’s it was a defining moment in his career.

“It was the turning point of my career – and Darrell’s, too. I don’t think there has ever been in the history of our sport a situation where in a split second the roles are reversed like that – totally reversed,” Wallace said. “Darrell became the hero there in that race and I became the villain. D.W. didn’t have the greatest fan appeal back then – he was a driver who the fans either loved or hated – it was just that simple. Well, that day he became the good guy and that image lasted with him all the way until he hung the helmet up.

“Man, it really did fireworks for my career. I was still a young guy on the way up. I’d finished second to (Bill) Elliott in the points in ’88 and hadn’t really stirred up any big buzz until that day. It definitely put my name and face on the map and I got booed for years to come after that one. I’m just so grateful that I was finally able to get back in the good graces with all the fans and have them all know that I really am a good guy.” Wallace also built off the momentum of the win and went on to his only series championship.

“That whole season was so special for me and that team,” Wallace said. “We won the big all-star race at Charlotte and went on to win the championship that same year. Like I said, that day and that race was a very big part of the sport’s history I think. I know how huge it was as far as the big picture goes for me; that’s for sure.”

No. 2 – “Pass In The Grass” (1987): Many dubbed this all-star moment the catchy “Pass in the Grass,” but Helton called this “the defining moment for Earnhardt.”

Whatever you want to call it, it was classic Earnhardt.

As the final 10-lap sprint got underway, Earnhardt exhibited his aggressive nature that earned him the nickname “The Intimidator” as he made contact with his fellow leaders at that time, Geoffrey Bodine and Bill Elliott. Elliott retaliated by making contact with Earnhardt and sent him through the grass on the frontstretch. However, Earnhardt continued to mash the gas, regained control of the car and somehow miraculously maintained the lead and captured the dramatic win. Both Bodine and Elliott bumped Earnhardt’s car following the checkered flag and tempers flared.

“A lot of things were going on when the green flag dropped,” Elliott said of a restart with a few laps remaining at the time. “He hit me several times. If a man has to run over you to beat you, it’s time for this stuff to stop. What he did wasn’t right. When a man pulls over and lets you by and then tries to run you into the wall, I’d say that was done deliberately. I’ve been beat on at Watkins Glen, Talladega and here by one car, Earnhardt’s. If somebody doesn’t do something about this, we’re coming back next week and we’ll see what happens.”

“This whole deal is between me and Bill and it has nothing to do with our teams,” Earnhardt retaliated. “We knocked each other around, but it’s all over now as far as I am concerned. But if Bill still wants to do something about it, then I’ll stand flat-footed with him any day.”

Rumor had it that when Elliott returned home he threw out any jeans he had by Wrangler, which was Earnhardt’s sponsor at the time, and vowed never to wear a pair again. Elliott was livid about Earnhardt’s antics, but it sure made for a great show.

“That’s about the nearest you could get to good old grassroots racing,” Wallace said. “The only thing better would have been if it were at night. Earnhardt was like a man possessed and he drove like an absolute madman. He was always aggressive, even in the points-paying races, but the fact that Humpy promoted this thing as a ‘no-holds-barred, winner-take-all’ shootout I think only worked to make Dale stand even more on the gas.”

Added Wheeler: “It’s still one of the most talked about moments in racing history.”

No. 1 – “One Hot Night” (1992): Little did Wheeler know at the time of conceiving a promotional tagline for the 1992 event – “One Hot Night” – that it would deliver more than anyone could imagine on its billing. Before the cars even turned a wheel, this event already had a special place in not only all-star annals but motorsports history overall as Lowe’s Motor Speedway became the first superspeedway to run at night under the lights. “We shocked the world by lighting a superspeedway,” Wheeler said.

The night racing and the ambiance it created was a spectacle in itself, but then the main event put this one over the top as the No. 1 moment in all-star history.

“This was such a unique event because it was under the lights for the first time,” Helton said. “Plus, it was great racing all through the field all night long and culminated with an exciting finish. It possessed all the elements for a great all-star moment.”

Three of the sport’s stars – Dale Earnhardt, Davey Allison and Kyle Petty – were involved in the frenzied last-lap finish that crystallized this moment. On the final lap, Petty tangled with race leader Earnhardt, spun him out of the way and appeared on his way to a victory. However, Allison charged up to Petty for a checkered-finish duel that was decided by mere inches at the line. To add to the dramatic finish, Allison and Petty made contact and Allison crashed after the checkered fell and did not get an opportunity to celebrate the win in Victory Lane as he was transported to the hospital with a concussion.

“The wreck at the end was just as much my fault as it was his,” Petty said afterward. “We were leaning on each other. I tried to chop him off, but if I had cut across in front of him, I would have ended up in the infield. At the end, he cut on me as I would have on him. We clipped when we came across the line.”

Although Wallace was not part of the mix, he still enjoyed the theater the moment provided.

“That was one where the finish should be on the highlight reels forever,” he said. “Crashing sideways into the wall there at the checkers – we were all glad that Davey wasn’t hurt and it was a special memory personally about him. He’s one of the guys that I’d jokingly told about the way I’d like to be remembered in winning them – flipping upside down and skidding on the roof sideways across the finish line with sparks flying and the thing ablazin’ with the crowd going ape crap. Well, he pretty damned near did just that there on that night.”(LMS PR)(5-12-2004)