Special Pre-Sale Event for Texas Tickets: In a year where Texas Motor Speedway has offered its lowest ticket price ever for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race with the $20 “Backstretch Buster” seats, sold $1 seats in a special promotion for the June IndyCar Series race and unveiled a special two for $99 Dickies 500 frontstretch ticket package, “The Great American Speedway!” is extending a thank you Sunday to all its fans attending the Dickies 500. Dickies 500 fans received a “thank you” flier that also will give them the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets – and secure the best available seats – to next year’s Samsung Mobile 500 through a special online pre-sale code on the flier. In addition, fans that purchase a Samsung Mobile 500 ticket during the pre-sale period of Monday and Tuesday will receive a free ticket to The Dallas Morning News Qualifying Day for the Sprint Cup Series and Rattlesnake 150 ARCA RE/MAX Series race, both of which will be held Friday, April 16. The Samsung Mobile 500 is scheduled for Sunday, April 18. Tickets for the Samsung Mobile 500 – as well as the O’Reilly 300 Nationwide Series race Saturday, April 17 – will go on sale to the public Wednesday, following the close of the two-day, pre-sale period. For additional information, contact the TMS ticket office at (817) 215-8500 or visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(11-9-2009)
Cancer in remission for TMS president: During NASCAR race weekend in April, Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage gathered a small handful of friends in his office overlooking Turn 1 to share some news. Usually when Gossage has something to say, drum rolls and neon lights aren't enough. But this time, the master promoter was void of fanfare. He was understated and to the point.
"He told us he had cancer," said Kyle Petty, a longtime close friend of Gossage. "It was four or five guys sitting in that office and we're a lively bunch when we're together. We were quiet. It was hard to take. Honestly, I was shocked, crushed and devastated. I think when anybody tells you that they've been diagnosed with cancer, your mind goes to the worst place." Gossage knew he'd need his friends if he was to get through a difficult year of hospital visits and chemotherapy. He wasn't sure what to expect, only that doctors caught the cancer early enough to treat it aggressively. Now, seven months later, Gossage is doing what he's done since the track opened in 1997: Trying to sell as many tickets as he can for a NASCAR race in Texas. Prior to Sunday's Dickies 500, he'll take pride in stepping on a makeshift frontstretch stage to welcome fans and drivers at prerace introductions. "The cancer is now in remission," said Gossage, who still won't disclose what type of cancer he had. "I'm just thankful to all my friends. They really helped me get through it. I've never been through anything like that in my life." At the time he told his buddies, Gossage and his wife, Melinda, had decided to keep the news private. Only a few folks in the TMS management group were even aware at the time of Gossage's condition. Gossage returned to work around Labor Day and is back to a normal schedule. He's lost 30 pounds and doesn't want to gain them back. The beard has returned, with more gray than before. And Gossage has what looks like a buzz cut. He has several Texas Motor Speedway hats that he wears in public.(in part from ESPN.com, see full article there)(11-7-2009)
Take the bus at Texas: Fans can put away their keys and leave the driving to us as Texas Motor Speedway is once again offering special bus trips from seven local and regional locations for the Nov. 8 Dickies 500. TMS has partnered with local and regional media outlets to provide bus trips departing from Dallas/Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Tyler/Longview, Ennis, Weatherford, Hillsboro and Ardmore, Okla. Each bus trip consists of round-trip motorcoach transportation to Texas Motor Speedway, VIP pit tour, complimentary food and beverage, and a frontstretch ticket for $159. Media partners 98.7 KLUV(DFW), The Oklahoman & wimgo.com (Oklahoma City), 105.7 KYKX (Tyler/Longview), 106.9 KRVF (Ennis), 95.9 KFWR (Weatherford), 92.1 KTFW (Hillsboro) and 95.7 KKAJ, 92.7 KTRX, 107.1 KYNZ and 1240 KVSO (Ardmore, Okla.) will facilitate the bus trips from each location. For more information about departures from each respective location, visit the media partners’ websites or contact the TMS ticket office at (817) 215-8500.(11-6-2009)
Tickets available for Texas: Texas Motor Speedway has spared no expense to ensure that its loyal fans can make it to the Dickies 500 NASCAR triple-header weekend. For the November race weekend, the entertainment dollar has been stretched as TMS has offered reduced backstretch prices with the "Backstretch Buster" seats, located along the first two rows of the backstretch, going for just $20 and the additional backstretch seating just $40. There also is the Dickies 500 Weekend 4-Pack, which offers frontstretch tickets for all four days of action including the Dickies 500, O'Reilly Challenge Nationwide Series race and WinStar World Casino 350k Camping World Truck Series race to go along with tickets for qualifying and practice sessions for all three series starting at just $133. See how cost-conscious fans looking to stretch their entertainment dollar have taken advantage of the number of ticket specials Texas Motor Speedway has offered up to combat the economic times. More info about tickets at texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(11-6-2009)
Space Shuttle pilot to be honored at TMS: USMC Lt. Col. Doug Hurley, who piloted the space shuttle Endeavor this summer and a Texas Motor Speedway season ticket-holder, will be honored during the Dickies 500 pre-race ceremonies as well as making a unique presentation to TMS President Eddie Gossage, two-time Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, Sprint Cup Series team owner Joe Gibbs and Joe Gibbs Racing crew chief Greg Zipadelli. TMS will hold a press conference immediately following the Sprint Cup drivers meeting for the presentation as well as the announcement from Gossage on how Hurley will be honored. Gossage is keeping the arrival a surprise to the Texas Motor Speedway fans and will only hint that some type of aircraft will be involved. Hurley, a United States Marines Corps colonel who has been a Texas Motor Speedway season ticketholder since 2005, has been briefed on the plan and is looking forward to participating in the American Racing Custom Wheels Pre-Race Show leading up to the Dickies 500. Hurley will be part of the American Racing Custom Wheels Pre-Race Show that begins at 12:00pm/ct and features a one-hour concert by ZZ Top beginning at 12:30pm. Fans can purchase an American Racing Custom Wheels Pre-Race Show “Mosh Pit” ticket for $79 that allows them to watch the concert and Sprint Cup Series driver introductions directly in front of the stage. The “Mosh Pit” ticket must be accompanied by a Dickies 500 race ticket and can not be used separately. Frontstretch tickets remain for the Dickies 500 and are available by calling (817)
215-8500 or by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(11-5-2009)
ZZ Top Trio To Serve As Grand Marshals For Dickies 500: The group known as the “Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” the legendary rock band ZZ Top, will serve as grand marshals for the Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The trio of Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard will give the command to the 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers to start their engines prior to the start of the Dickies 500. The group, celebrating its year-long 40th anniversary, will headline the American Racing Custom Wheels Pre-Race Show with a free concert at the Nov. 8 Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. ZZ Top will be the featured act during the 2˝ -hour pre-race show that also will include the RE/MAX Skydiving team, Texas Christian University Marching Band, U.S. Army Reserve Command, 11th Aviation Command and the 7-158th Aviations Regiment. The American Racing Custom Wheels Pre-Race Show, which begins at 11:45am/ct, will have ZZ Top take the stage on the speedway’s frontstretch beginning at 12:30pm for a one-hour set. ABC-TV, which will broadcast the Dickies 500, is scheduled to air ZZ Top performing one of their hits from the American Racing Custom Wheels Pre-Race Show during the network’s pre-race show leading up to the Dickies 500. The concert is free to all fans with a race ticket. Race fans can get up close and personal with the band next to the frontstretch stage by purchasing a special “Mosh Pit” ticket. For $79, fans can enjoy a front row spot as well as enjoy the rest of the prerace activities, including driver introductions, from that vantage point. To purchase a special “Mosh Pit” ticket or tickets to the Dickies 500 call (817) 215-8500 or visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(10-31-2009)
Backstretch Buster seats sold out at Texas: Fans have responded once again to the popular “Backstretch Buster” tickets as the $20 seats have sold out for the Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Nov. 8 at Texas Motor Speedway. The $20 seats, located along the first two rows of the backstretch, are the most inexpensive ticket ever offered at Texas Motor Speedway for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, and the special was implemented this year in an effort to offset the challenges of the difficult economic climate. The “Backstretch Buster” special debuted with the Samsung 500 Sprint Cup Series race in April and promptly sold out as well. Fans that missed out on the “Backstretch Buster” seats for the Dickies 500 can still take advantage of other fan friendly deals.
On the backstretch, rows three and higher are priced at $40 per seat and the popular 7-Eleven Family 4-Pack offers four tickets, four hot dogs and four Coca-Cola beverages for just $159. For those looking for a deal on the frontstretch, the limited Dickies 4-Packs remain available. Starting at $133, the Dickies 4-Pack provides a ticket to all four days of action (Nov. 5-8) including the Dickies 500, O’Reilly Challenge Nationwide Series race and WinStar World Casino 350k Camping World Truck Series event. The 4-Pack also includes
qualifying and practice sessions for all three series as well. For more ticket information, visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com or call the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500.(TMS)(10-28-2009)
Texas Motor Speedway expects 400,000; Dickie's leaving?: Eddie Gossage, president of Texas Motor Speedway, said he expects attendance and revenue for the Nov. 8 Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race to remain about flat with last year’s numbers. He expects 175,000 to 185,000 in attendance for the Sunday race, and about 400,000 for the entire weekend. “If people are getting worked up about 105,000 at a Cowboys game, we call that a bad day on Saturday,” Gossage said in a recent interview with the Dallas Business Journal.
About 240 of the track’s 15,000 Backstretch Buster seats, which sell for $20 and $40, remain available. The venue’s high-dollar RV parking spaces are sold out. “We’re having a hard time with the corporate clients who a year ago bought 500 tickets and this year bought 200,” Gossage said. “I think that’s settling down some.” Already looking to next year, Gossage said he is in talks with sponsors willing to take the place of Dickies, which has not renewed its sponsorship of the Sprint Cup race for 2010.(Dallas Business Journal)(10-27-2009)
Limited number of backstretch seats still available at Texas: Fans still can take advantage of the best ticket price ever offered by Texas Motor Speedway by purchasing "Backstretch Buster" seats for the Nov. 8 Dickies 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, but less than 250 remain. The "Backstretch Buster" seats, located along the first two rows of the backstretch, remain the most inexpensive seats for a Sprint Cup race in the history of Texas Motor Speedway. The "Backstretch Buster" seating was introduced for April's Samsung 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race and promptly sold out. In addition to the "Backstretch Buster" seats, fans also can take advantage of two other backstretch ticket specials for the Dickies 500. All other seating above the first two rows is available for $40 per seat or fans can opt for the value-packed 7-Eleven Family 4-Pack. The package consists of four backstretch tickets, four hot dogs and four Coca-Cola drinks for just $159. To purchase "Backstretch Buster" seats or take advantage of the other backstretch ticket specials, visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com or call the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500.(TMS PR)(9-27-2009)
TMS's Gossage: Cancer in remission: Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage says his cancer is in "complete remission" and that he's feeling better than ever. Gossage hasn't disclosed the type of cancer he has, which was diagnosed last fall.
A showman known for his enthusiasm and promotional stunts, Gossage took a leave of absence in June after the IndyCar Series race at the track. He returned to work in August and made his first public appearance Thursday to promote the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and the track's next race Nov. 8. The 50-year-old Gossage was smiling and at ease, and wore a Sprint Cup cap on his mostly bald head that resulted from chemotherapy.(Associated Press)(9-17-2009)
Samsung Mobile Extends Title Sponsorship With TMS: Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) 1, the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States2, and Texas Motor Speedway officials jointly announced that Samsung Mobile has signed a multi-year contract extension to continue as title sponsor of the annual spring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the world-class motorsports venue in Fort Worth, TX. The announcement will extend an eight-year title sponsorship relationship between Samsung Mobile and Texas Motor Speedway that began in 2002. Samsung Mobile collaborated with RadioShack and served as a co-title sponsor for the first five years before taking sole ownership in 2007 of a race that is annually ranked as the largest-attended, single-day sporting event in Texas. No financial terms or specific length of the contract were disclosed in the announcement made by Samsung Telecommunications America Vice President of Marketing Bobby Billman and Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage during the speedway’s “Cut to the Chase” media luncheon at the Cadillac Ranch in Irving. In conjunction with the contract extension announcement, Samsung Mobile also unveiled a new logo and race name for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event beginning next year. The race was known as the Samsung 500 for the past three years, but will now become the Samsung Mobile 500 and be accompanied by a brand-new logo. Season tickets are currently on sale while individual tickets for the 2010 Samsung Mobile 500 race week will go on sale beginning Wednesday, Nov. 11. For more ticket information, call (817) 215-8500 or visit
texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(9-17-2009)
Texas and Phoenix swap Spring race dates:Texas Motor Speedway will have a slight shift in its 2010 NASCAR schedule as the Samsung 500 race week will be run April 15-18, moving the Sprint Cup Series race from the seventh to the eighth event of the season as a result of a date swap with Phoenix International Raceway.TMS officials agreed to the move to accommodate NASCAR and network television partner, FOX, because the Samsung 500 on its traditional April date would have been pitted directly against the final round of the The Masters on television. Phoenix transitions into that slot without a conflict since it will play host to a Saturday evening race.(Texas Motor Speedway PR)(8-27-2009)
TMS president Eddie Gossage fighting cancer: Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage has been absent from TMS because he has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Gossage, 50, was diagnosed with cancer early last fall and began treatment this spring. Gossage, who oversaw the construction of the track and was the general manager for its first race in 1997, declined to be interviewed. A statement from TMS vice president of media relations Mike Zizzo said Gossage "would like to keep his illness private and does not plan to discuss it publicly." Gossage was informed by doctors in February that treatment needed to begin, and it was done around the Samsung 500 in April and the Bombardier Learjet 550 in June. He was at the track for the IndyCar Series race in June and looked thinner than he did at the Sprint Cup event in April. He hasn't appeared at any TMS public functions since the June race as he has undergone more intense treatments over the last month. Gossage is hoping to return to work next month. "I've been talking to him almost every day either by phone or text," Zizzo said. "His brain is in overdrive. If it were up to him, he'd be back tomorrow." Zizzo said Gossage doesn't want to talk about his illness because he doesn't want that to be what people identify him with. Gossage's father, H.L., died of lung cancer in 1998. "He's trying to keep it under the radar and keep it as low-key as possible," Zizzo said.(Dallas Morning News)(7-23-2009)
- Samsung 500 to have fans from all 50 states: When Josh Hoper, of Fargo, N.D., recently purchased tickets to Sunday’s Samsung 500, he represented the 50th state to have a resident scheduled to attend the Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. The thought of having fans from all 50 states and five foreign countries attend this year’s Samsung 500 is usually a crowning achievement for Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage, but that was greatly tempered by the plight of Hoper. He was a victim of the floods that have ravaged his state and has been forced to evacuate his Fargo residence. “I’ve been watching this on the news every night and my heart has been going out to all of those folks that have been affected by the floods,” Gossage said. “It struck closer to home when I found out that Josh was a NASCAR fan going to make his first trip to Texas Motor Speedway and has been dealing with this.” Hoper said he is not “100% sure” he will be making the trip, but he is leaning toward coming for this week’s NASCAR double-header featuring the Samsung 500 and O’Reilly 300 Nationwide series race and get away from the natural disaster for a few days. “It’s kind of a hard decision to make with my situation right now,” said Hoper, who would be attending TMS with a friend, Walter Grow, who lives in Dallas. “I’m staying with some friends and family and they have encouraged me to get away this weekend. I haven’t made up my mind yet, but it would be nice to get away from throwing sand bags. I think it would be a good way to start the healing process.” And Gossage would like to provide a little additional healing for Hoper should he make his initial visit to Texas Motor Speedway. Gossage called Hoper on Wednesday to check on his well being as well as let him know that should he decide to visit that he can expect his Samsung 500 and O’Reilly 300 tickets for him and Grow to be upgraded to the Victory Lane Club, complimentary pit passes and some Texas Motor Speedway merchandise for making the effort. “If Josh can make it here for the Samsung 500, it truly would be special for us to have all 50 states represented considering his circumstances,” Gossage said. “I think being in the NASCAR community would definitely help him with the healing process.”(TMS PR)(4-3-2009)
- Recycling at Texas: Coca-Cola Recycling and more than 300 volunteers are going to turn Texas Motor Speedway green during the race weekend. Coca-Cola will have recycling bins located along the concourse, Midway souvenir area and VIP campground. Following Sunday's race, volunteers will file through the aisles to collect recyclable items. During November's Dickies 500 weekend, the group collected more than 5,900 pounds of recycled goods. The goal is to collect more than 15,000 pounds during the upcoming weekend. The recycled goods will eventually be used to produce carpet, T-shirts, jackets and cell phones.(TMS PR)(4-1-2009)
- More Than 40 Items Marked Down at Texas: Race fans will be greeted with some big discounts on souvenir items during the upcoming Samsung 500 weekend at Texas Motor Speedway as Speedway Motorsports, Inc., Properties has slashed prices from 18 to 55% on more than 40 standard items. The items include an assortment of t-shirts, jackets, caps, novelty items and more that can be
found at any of the 40 Speedway World souvenir locations around Texas Motor Speedway during the Samsung 500 race weekend set for April 2-5. SMIP also will entice fans with a special clearance tent located outside Gate 1 during race week. The tent sale will offer Texas Motor Speedway, race event and driver items at huge discounts. More than 150 items will be marked at their lowest price, including some as low as $1. Also, for those fans that spend $25 or more on merchandise in the Speedway World Gift Shop on Friday, April 3, they will receive a poster of the Samsung 500 program cover created by renown NASCAR artist Sam Bass, who will be on hand to personally autograph the item. Bass will be at the gift shop when it opens at 9 a.m. and will have posters available while supplies last. Markdowns on souvenir prices are just the latest in a long list of economically friendly ways that Texas Motor Speedway has continued in its effort to give back to the fans this year during these trying economic times.(TMS PR)(3-27-2009)
- Texas Motor Speedway Burnout Alley Update: Burnout Alley the latest enhancement to Texas Motor Speedway, continues to take shape as it nears its completion date. The state-of-the-art motorcoach area located along the backstretch of the speedway is nearly 85 percent complete and is expected to be finished within the next two weeks. Crews recently finished paving the area and now
are working on the final touches before it debuts for the Samsung 500 race weekend beginning Wednesday, April 1. In the coming week, crews will provide electric and video lines to the patio area, install the wireless internet infrastructure, complete the fencing that
defines the 30x60 foot RV spaces and make the final touches with signage displays along the area. Burnout Alley has taken shape within a matter of four months when Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage announced the $2 million capital improvement project on Dec. 1. Each Burnout Alley space sells for $15,000 for the entire race season and includes full service hook-ups for water, electric and live race feeds; concierge service that will include grocery shopping; catering options; free wireless internet and 24-hour restroom access. The ticket package for each race week will consist of 10 VIP passes for Burnout Alley; 10 pre-race passes for each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race; 10 pit/infield passes; two access passes for The Speedway Club; 10 souvenir event programs; and three reserved
parking spaces nearby. For more information on Burnout Alley call (817) 215-8518 or visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS PR)(3-13-2009)
- 12-year-old Pianist Lewis Warren Jr. to play National Anthem at Texas: Pianist Lewis Warren Jr., a 12-year-old prodigy featured last year on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” prime-time series, will play the National Anthem for Texas Motor Speedway’s Samsung 500 on Sunday, April 5. The Irving, Texas native has grown from mimicking simple tunes at the age of three to gracing both national and international audiences with his musical prowess. Warren Jr.’s notable repertoire, including classical pieces by Bach, Handel, Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin as well as other acclaimed and influential composers, has earned him studies with the prestigious Julliard School in New York, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England, and Southern Methodist University’s Piano Preparatory Department, where he currently is enrolled.(TMS PR)(3-12-2009)
- Foreigner Kicks Off Pre-Race Show at Texas: Legendary rock bank Foreigner, known for its chart-topping hits during the 1970s and ‘80s, will headline the Amdro FireStrike Pre-Race show Sunday, April 5 prior to the Samsung 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The group is best known for hit songs, “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice,” “Double Vision,” “Juke Box Hero” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The band is led by founding member Mick Jones. Jones has played a key role in the band’s success, co-producing and co-writing a number of songs during its heyday. Foreigner will join Texas native Pat Green on the list of musical entertainment during the Samsung 500 race weekend. Green will perform during the Samsung Mobile Rockin’ Roundup following The Dallas Morning News Qualifying Day on Friday, April 3.(TMS PR)(3-9-2009)
- TMS Continues To Save Fans Money: Texas Motor Speedway continues to find ways to help ensure the fans’ attendance during the upcoming Samsung 500 weekend. Beginning today service fees for all tickets purchased via the internet, Ticketmaster outlets as well as Ticketmaster phone centers have been suspended. The savings is upwards of $9.50 per seat depending on the location.
The move to eliminate service fees is just one of the many ways Texas Motor Speedway is reaching out to the fans during the downturn in the economy. In December announced were the creation of the “Backstretch Buster” seats available for $20, making it the lowest ticket price ever for a Sprint Cup Series race at TMS and one of the lowest among all the tracks. The ticket office also continues to work with fans to create a personalized payment plan. Fans are encouraged to contact the TMS ticket office at (817) 215-8500 to work with a ticket
representative to set up a plan that works for them. Fans can still purchase “Backstretch Buster” seats or structure a payment plan by calling (817) 215-8500 or by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS PR)(3-7-2009)
- Drivers to Conduct Fan Forums at Speedway Motorsports Races: NASCAR drivers and Speedway Motorsports are teaming up to bring fans closer to their favorite drivers than ever before. The new "PRN Up To SPEED" program will bring NASCAR's top names out for fan forums at the SPEED Stage during each of the 13 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends at Speedway Motorsports' seven speedways across the country. The Performance Racing Network's on-air personalities will emcee question-and-answer sessions with some of the sport's biggest personalities at the SPEED Stage leading up to SPEED's regularly scheduled weekend programming.
"PRN Up To SPEED" will kick off Sunday at 9:30am/et, at the SPEED Stage located in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway midway. The stellar lineup will include Las Vegas-native Kyle Busch, legendary NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. Each Speedway Motorsports track [Atlanta, Bristol, Infineon, Las Vegas, Lowe's, New Hampshire, Texas] that hosts a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will hold "PRN Up To SPEED" sessions during their respective race weekend. The location of the SPEED Stage may vary from track to track, but at all Speedway Motorsports facilities, the stage is always located in an area where access is free of charge for fans.(SMI PR)(3-1-2009)
- Pat Green Headlines Samsung Mobile Rockin’ Roundup at Texas: This year’s Samsung Mobile Rockin’ Roundup at Texas Motor Speedway will have a distinct Texas sound as Lone Star State native Pat Green will headline the concert during the Samsung 500 race weekend on Friday, April 3 following The Dallas Morning News Qualifying Days for the Sprint Cup Series. Green, who headlined the Samsung Mobile Rockin’ Roundup in 2005, returns to Texas Motor Speedway for the third time. His performance will mark his first concert in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex since the release of his new album entitled, “What I’m For.” Tickets for the Samsung Mobile Rockin’ Roundup and The Dallas Morning News Qualifying Days for the Sprint Cup Series are just $25. The concert kicks off an exciting weekend of racing that continues with the Nationwide Series O’Reilly 300 on Saturday, April 4 and culminates with the Sprint Cup Series Samsung 500 on Sunday, April 5. Fans can meet Green, get tickets to the Samsung Mobile Rockin’ Roundup and earn an upgrade to the “Samsung Big Pit” beginning 3 p.m. Thursday. The Dorsey Gang from The Big 96.3 KSCS, the official country station of TMS, will broadcast live from Lone Star Park to release Green’s new album. Green will be in attendance from 4 – 7 p.m. Four hundred CDs will be available for $10 and fans will receive the album along with a pair of tickets for the Samsung Mobile Rockin’ Roundup and The Dallas Morning News Qualifying Days for the Sprint Cup Series. Fifty lucky winners also will receive upgrades to experience the concert center stage in the “Samsung Big Pit.” For tickets to the Samsung Mobile Rockin’ Roundup, visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com or call (817) 215-8500.(TMS)(2-25-2009)
- Gossage and Dale Jr bury the hatchet: Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage said he and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. have buried the hatchet. The two men had a two-week disagreement and exchanged barbs over who needs to do more for the fans in tough economic times -- speedway executives or drivers. "Dale Jr. is doing all he can and we're doing all we can," Gossage said. "I talked to Junior's representatives [Saturday] and learned some things they were doing that most people don't know about." One of those things is lowering prices on some of Junior's merchandise items. Gossage said Friday that Earnhardt should be willing to reduce prices on his souvenir products after insisting speedways reduce tickets prices, which most have done. "I want to commend Dale Jr. for taking that step," Gossage said. "That shows a real commitment on his part, and I respect him for it. I learned they already had reduced prices on merchandise, just as we have reduced ticket prices and concession prices." During the NASCAR media tour in Charlotte two weeks ago, Gossage and other speedway executives suggested some Cup drivers should do more to help promote the sport. On Thursday, Earnhardt pointed out to my colleague, Ed Hinton, several examples of how he does more than his fair share, and said other drivers also go the extra mile. But he suggested speedways needed to do more. So Earnhardt and Gossage were accusing each other of not doing enough. But Gossage said they both have a new understanding now of their respective positions. "Earnhardt and I realize everyone has to do more to get through this," Gossage said. "He's setting an example for others to follow and being a true leader in the sport."(ESPN)(2-10-2009)
- TMS To Offer Customized Payment Plans: Texas Motor Speedway wants to make sure that everyone that wants to enjoy another exciting season of racing at “The Great American Speedway!” can. To ease financial concerns and ensure that loyal TMS fans can attend the start of the 2009 season with the Samsung 500 weekend, a payment plan has been instituted for Samsung 500 weekend tickets which are as low as $20. Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage has instructed the ticket office to offer a flexible payment plan that will be tailored to each race fan. Fans are encouraged to contact the TMS ticket office at (817) 215-8500 and visit with a ticket representative to discuss a potential payment plan. Fans will have until March 20 to ensure payment is paid in full. The newly instituted payment plan is one of the many ways TMS is giving back to the fans this season. Fans can enjoy the excitement of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing for only $20 with the “Backstretch Buster” seats for the Samsung 500. TMS offers one of the best values for the family in the 7-Eleven Family Four-Pack. The package includes four tickets for April’s Samsung 500, four hot dogs and four Coca-Cola drinks for $159. TMS also offers affordable prices for the entire season. Fans can catch all the excitement of the 2009 season, which includes two Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races and one IRL IndyCar Series race for as low as $279. The value continues as TMS enhances the fan experience by providing free parking and the ability to bring in your own cooler, making it one of the most affordable tickets in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.(TMS PR)(1-26-2009)
- Samsung re-ups with Texas thru 2009: The logo for Texas Motor Speedway's spring race will stay the same for at least two more years. Samsung extended its title sponsorship agreement with TMS through 2009 plus three years of options. Terms weren't immediately available. "We have two hometown sponsors and stability with our races," TMS president Eddie Gossage said, also referencing the fall Dickies 500. "It means we can market the brand names of those races and do some things long term. It's a great position to be in." Before this year, Samsung's Richardson-based Telecommunications American division shared co-sponsorship with Fort Worth-based Radio Shack for five years.(Dallas Morning News)(4-16-2007)
