Darlington to host NASCAR race for 64th year: Darlington Raceway has announced that the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will return to the track Too Tough to Tame on Mother’s Day weekend, May 10-11, 2013. The 2013 Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 will mark the 64th consecutive year of NASCAR racing at the Lady in Black, dating back to 1950. Tickets for 2013 events will go on sale to the public beginning Friday, Nov. 16, with prices as low as $35 for the Bojangles’ Southern 500. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission on Friday and half-price for any reserved seat on either event day.(Darlington Raceway)(9-24-2012)

Kansas Speedway announces 2013 schedule: Kansas Speedway President Patrick Warren announced Kansas Speedway's 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule. Kansas Speedway's first race weekend will be April 19-21 and includes the SFP 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race (April 20) and the STP 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race (April 21). Kansas Speedway's fall race will move back to early October and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 will return as the fourth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup on Sunday, Oct. 6. The Kansas Lottery 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series will run on Oct. 5, while the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Kansas Lottery 98.9 race will return under the lights on Oct. 4. In addition, a prospective date for GRAND-AM Road Racing is still being finalized. A limited number of tickets for the NASCAR races in 2013 will go on sale Monday, October 22. Season ticket holders will be able to renew their same seats or upgrade their seats during a renewal period in November. All other 2012 ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets following the season ticket holder renewal period. Kansas Speedway will again offer various payment plans as payment options. Tickets for Oct. 21, 2012 Hollywood Casino 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Oct. 20, 2012 Kansas Lottery 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race and the Oct. 19, 2012 Kansas Lottery 98.9 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards race are on sale now by calling 866.460.RACE (7223) or visiting kansasspeedway.com. Parking is always free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.(Kansas Speedway)(9-22-2012)

NHMS to host two Cup races in 2013: New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced that the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will return for two races in 2013, with the first race scheduled for July 14 and the second for Sept. 22. “We are full steam ahead for our race this Sunday, but we’re also tremendously honored to have the opportunity to do this all over again next year,” said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. “This has been an extremely exciting season and we are privileged to be an integral part in determining NASCAR’s champion. It’s going to be a long winter, but I think I can speak for everyone here at ‘The Magic Mile’ when I say we can’t wait for the 2013 season to begin.” NASCAR’s premier stock car division has been racing twice a year at NHMS since 1997. It has hosted a race in the Chase since the playoff’s inception in 2004. Anyone who renews tickets to both NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races – the New Hampshire 300 on July 14 and SYLVANIA 300 on Sept. 22 – by Jan. 15, 2013 will be enrolled in their Loud'N'Proud Perks Program (NHMS)(9-21-2012)

2013 Event Dates at Talladega Superspeedway: The 2013 NASCAR season at Talladega Superspeedway will bring a few changes, but the crowd-pleasing excitement of side-by-side pack racing will stay the same. Before fans return next year to NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track, it is important that they know the new dates and mark their calendars. The Aaron’s Dream Weekend stays virtually unchanged from its 2012 date and will fall on May 3-5, 2013. The Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 weekend will move back a few weeks deeper into the Chase, making it even more of a “wild card” in the 2013 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Scheduled for October 18-20, the fall race at Talladega Superspeedway will be a must see event. The most competitive racing in NASCAR combined with a mix of southern hospitality returns to Talladega Superspeedway October 5-7, 2012 for the Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 Weekend. For tickets and information visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.(TSS)(9-21-2012)

Bristol 2013 events announced: Bristol Motor Speedway once again kicks off NASCAR’s 2013 short track season in mid-March and welcomes fans back for its second Sprint Cup event on the fourth Saturday in August. The main event in March, the Food City 500, which is the fourth Sprint Cup race of the year, takes place on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. The IRWIN Tools Night Race, the sport’s most popular event, is Aug. 24. NASCAR kicks off the BMS March race weekend with Ford Fan Friday March 15, followed by the Nationwide Series event March 16, and the Food City 500 Sprint Cup race March 17. August race week begins with the UNOH 200 Camping World Truck Series/Whelen Modified Series doubleheader Aug. 21. The Food City 250 Nationwide Series race is Aug. 23, followed by the IRWIN Tools Night Race Aug. 24. Season tickets, as well as March race weekend only tickets, are now available. To purchase tickets, please contact the BMS ticket office at its toll free number 1-866-415-4158 or 423-BRISTOL (274-7865). Tickets also may be purchased at www.bristoltix.com.(BMS)(9-21-2012)

2013 schedule set at MIS: The high-paced action at Michigan International Speedway, the fastest racetrack in NASCAR, will continue in 2013 with two weekends of racing, June 14-16 and Aug. 16-18. MIS will be just one of 23 racetracks across the United State to host the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2013, with dates set for June 16 and August 18. The NASCAR Nationwide Series will appear with NASCAR’s top series on June 15 and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on August 17. The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will also make its 32nd appearance at MIS when the Temperance, Mich.-based group races on June 14. All four racing series at MIS established new track qualifying records in 2013 as Marcos Ambrose won the pole for the June Sprint Cup race with a top speed of 203.241 mph, the 11th fastest pole speed in NASCAR history. The track’s opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend in 2013 will be on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16. Nationwide Series racing will be at MIS on Saturday, June 15. The ARCA Racing Series will race on Friday, June 14. Sprint Cup will wind up its summertime stint only eight weeks later at MIS on Sunday, August 18, with the Camping World Truck Series on Saturday, August 17. The track will continue keeping ticket prices low for 2013. Race fans who renew will have the best prices and the best seats. Tickets for a NASCAR Sprint Cup race start at $25, with children 12 and under free in certain sections, ensuring families have a chance to see NASCAR at affordable prices. The speedway will also continue its junior pricing program where kids 16 and under are half price in reserve seats. Renewals for current ticket customers begins today at www.MISpeedway.com/renewals.(MIS)(9-20-2012)

Martinsville Speedway Announces Traditional Sprint Cup Dates For 2013: The 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule at Martinsville Speedway will have a familiar look with its traditional NASCAR Sprint Cup dates returning. The first NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend at Martinsville will be April 5-7 while the fall event weekend is scheduled for October 25-27, which will again be the seventh race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. “We’ve got our traditional dates back again and we’re very pleased with that,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “The first weekend in April and the last weekend in October have worked very well for us. Everyone is just getting excited about the season in early April and in the fall we’re at a crucial point in The Chase.” Again in 2013, both of Martinsville’s Sprint Cup races will be accompanied by a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. There is still plenty of action left at Martinsville Speedway this season with the TUMS Fast Relief 500 on October 28 and the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on October 27. NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying for the TUMS Fast Relief 500 and practice for both series is scheduled for October 26. Tickets for both days may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or by visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway), see an unofficial 2013 schedule on the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule page.(9-19-2012)

Pocono Raceway Announces 2013 Race Dates: Pocono Raceway announced its 2013 NASCAR events will be held on their traditional weekends and feature NASCAR's premier series, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The June 9, Pocono 400 and the August 4, Pennsylvania 400 be the cornerstone for each race weekend. The Pocono 400 will kick-off “The Tricky Triangle’s” season-opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 7-9. NASCAR’s top touring series will be accompanied by the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with the 27th running of the Pocono 200, set for Saturday, June 8th. On Sunday, June 9th, Joey Logano will look to repeat his 2012 winning performance in the 32nd running of the Pocono 400.
The 40th annual Pennsylvania 400 takes over the spotlight for Pocono’s second NASCAR weekend, August 2-4. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series rejoins the Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Series for a triple-header weekend of racing action. The Truck and ARCA Racing Series events are scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd. On Sunday, August 4th, defending race champion Jeff Gordon will lead the charge in the Pennsylvania 400.
Grandstand ticket prices for the 2013 NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway remain the same as the 2012 season. Friday and Saturday General Admission tickets will cost $10 and $20, ($25 at the gate) respectively. Children, ages 12 and under, accompanied by an adult holding a General Admission ticket will be admitted free on Friday and Saturday. Sunday Grandstand tickets start at $45, all Concourse-Level tickets will remain at half-price for kids ages 12 and under. Tickets to the 2013 events at Pocono Raceway will be available to the general public following our customer renewal process. Please visit poconoraceway.com. Pocono Raceway is the world’s largest solar powered sports facility. The Raceway developed a 25 acre, three megawatt solar farm that provides the energy needs of the Raceway as well as adding electricity to the local power grid.(Pocono Raceway), see which 2013 race dates have been confirmed and a rough idea of what the 2013 Scheduled could look like on the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule page.(8-29-2012)

Texas names 2013 race dates: Texas Motor Speedway announced its 2013 season schedule Tuesday and also unveiled its "No Limits" Wild Asphalt Circus marketing theme for next year. The theme comes with a new logo and will be heavily incorporated into the speedway's marketing and advertising materials, souvenir merchandise, tickets, signage, web site and the overall fan experience. In addition to the wild race action on the asphalt, fans also will be treated to a wide range of entertainment associated with the theme that will range from the newly formed "No Limits" Thrill Riders to high divers to popular musical acts. Outside of the circus-themed ambiance for next year, Texas Motor Speedway's 2013 season schedule will consist of its three customary weekends in their traditional dates and featuring NASCAR's three premier series and INDYCAR.
April's Texas 500 - formerly the Samsung Mobile 500 - and November's AAA Texas 500 will once again serve as signature events on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule. The Texas 500, set for April 13, will anchor Texas Motor Speedway's season-opening NASCAR doubleheader race weekend that is scheduled as the first Saturday night event of the Sprint Cup Series season. The three-day race week opens with practice sessions for both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series on Thursday, April 11. SportsDay Qualifying Days Powered By The Dallas Morning News for both series will be held Friday, April 12, and the day's on-track activities will be highlighted by the running of the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series race that evening. The race action will culminate with the Texas 500 on Saturday, April 13, which will fall on the same weekend as The Masters golf tournament but will not conflict due to the evening start time.
The Texas Motor Speedway season closes with its busiest race week of the season as all three NASCAR series (Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series) visit Oct. 31-Nov. 3 for the AAA Texas 500 event. The AAA Texas 500 serves as the eighth race in the 10-event, playoff-style Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup while the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge Nationwide Series race and WinStar World Casino 350 Camping World Truck Series race could be pivotal in the championship aspirations for their respective series contenders as the season winds down.
The race week opens with two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice sessions on Thursday, Oct. 31, and is followed with a day that features all three series on track. SportsDay Qualifying Days Powered by The Dallas Morning News for the Camping World Truck Series WinStar World Casino 350 and Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500 will be held on Friday, Nov. 1. The day also will include two NASCAR Nationwide Series practices for the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge and culminate with the WinStar World Casino 350 being run that evening.
The Nationwide Series takes center stage Saturday, Nov. 2, as SportsDay Qualifying Days Powered by The Dallas Morning News will take place in the afternoon and be followed by the evening running of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge race. The day also will feature Sprint Cup Series "Happy Hour," with the final two practice sessions being run in preparation for the next day's AAA Texas 500.
The weekend and Texas Motor Speedway race season will conclude Sunday, Nov. 3, with the running of the AAA Texas 500, the eighth race in the 10-event Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship format. The AAA Texas 500 has proven to be a critical Chase race in determining the sport's next champion. The mid-afternoon start offers a unique setting and strategy for teams as the race will begin in daylight and culminate under the lights.
Individual tickets go on sale Nov. 16, 2012, for the 2013 Texas 500 and Firestone 550 race weeks. Individual tickets for the 2013 AAA Texas 500 race week will go on sale following the 2013 Texas 500 race weekend. For additional ticket information, please call the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500 or visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(8-21-2012)

Dover announces 2013 Sprint Cup dates: Dover International Speedway officials today announced its 2013 NASCAR race dates. Two tripleheaders of racing action will return to the Monster Mile on May 31-June 2, and Sept. 27-29, 2013. New next season, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying will return to its traditional Friday afternoon time on the schedule as it precedes that afternoon’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in the spring and NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race in the fall. Both race weekends will again feature three days of action, including the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in the spring; and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in the fall. In addition, the Monster Mile’s three-tier pricing program will return, rewarding fans with the lowest prices from the track and encouraging fans to buy early and save. The Monster Mile will again offer $10 junior tickets on Sundays for ages 14 and younger, which features seating in all four turns in 2013. That includes seven alcohol- and tobacco-free sections. For Friday and Saturday races, junior tickets are just $8 in all available seating sections. Also returning in 2013 is the “Design-it-Yourself” payment plan. Tickets for the May 31-June 2, 2013 race weekend are currently on sale. Fans can begin placing deposits on tickets for the Sept. 27-29, 2013 race weekend during Dover’s Sept. 28-30, 2012 race weekend. Returning fans have the opportunity to renew their same seats for the 2013 race weekends. For tickets or to place a deposit, call 800-441-RACE.(Dover International Speedway)(8-7-2012)

Phoenix looking for fall title race sponsor, 2013 dates: IndyCar isn't listed on Phoenix International Raceway's 2013 season-ticket renewal brochure, but the series still might return to the Avondale oval for the first time since 2005. Substantive negotiations between PIR President Bryan Sperber and IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard are expected within the next six weeks. A more immediate priority is to sign a new title sponsor for the upcoming Sprint Cup race. Kobalt Tools didn't renew due to budget cutbacks. Sperber said he's talking with potential replacements. PIR's 2013 brochure lists March 1-3 for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 and Nov. 7-10 for the Sprint Cup Series' championship semifinal. Incentives are offered for season-ticket renewals by July 20.(USA Today)(6-23-2012)

2013 Daytona 500 is Feb 24th: The 2013 Daytona 500 will remain the last Sunday in February at Daytona International Speedway. Track president Joie Chitwood confirmed Friday that "The Great American Race" would start on Feb. 24 of next year. The race was moved from its traditional second or third week of February this year for the first time since 1971 as NASCAR eliminated its weekend off in early March (ESPN)(2-24-2012)

No more Budweiser Shootout BUT the will have the Budweiser Duel: Budweiser and Daytona International Speedway announced the beer brand will take on an enhanced role in NASCAR’s season opening festivities. Beginning with the 2013 season, Budweiser will become the official title sponsor of Speedweeks –the ten-day stretch of stock-car races from the Shootout to the Daytona 500. Budweiser also will secure entitlement of the Budweiser Duel at Daytona, two 150-mile qualifying races that determine the starting lineup for the Daytona 500. These enhancements to Budweiser’s partnership with DIS will replace the brand’s existing entitlement of the season-opening, non-points Shootout.
“Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway marks the official start of the NASCAR season, and the opportunity to expand our presence throughout the ten-day event puts Budweiser even more in the thick of it all,” said Brad Brown, vice president of sports & entertainment marketing, Anheuser-Busch. “The Shootout has been an important element of our NASCAR program for 34 years, but this opportunity to enhance our partnership makes Budweiser even more relevant to our consumers as well as the fans of the Daytona 500.”
As part of the sponsorship, Budweiser will also receive the presenting sponsorship of the Daytona 500 pre-race broadcast show. The brand will also receive increased access for consumer hospitality events, including naming rights to the 5th Turn hospitality area throughout Speedweeks. “Budweiser is the longest running active partner with Daytona International Speedway and we are incredibly excited to enter this new chapter with them in 2013,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood. “The opportunities created by this enhanced partnership are compelling and our fans will benefit the most. The intensity and fun atmosphere that Budweiser brought to the Shootout for so many years will be taken up several notches as they assume a much broader role during Speedweeks and ‘The Great American Race.’ ”(Daytona International Speedway)(2-24-2012)