More The Winston – Moving? RJR’ contract with LMS expires after this year’ running of The Winston event and there are questions over whether the race will return, and if it does, whether it will return to Charlotte. RJR’ Winston Cup director Rich Habegger admitted Wednesday that a decision had not been made on the future of the race and that talks would get underway in the next couple of months. The drivers of course enjoy the benefits of running two consecutive weeks near their home base, a rarity in the Bataan Death March of NASCAR’ schedule. But proximity aside, reigning NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon said that he feels that Charlotte is the perfect venue for a high-stakes, no-points, let’-see-who-can-drive-this-thing-the-hardest shootout. For his part, LMS president H.A. Humpy Wheeler has no plans to give up his hold on the race without a fight.(Speed Channel)(4-11-2002) UPDATE – A new location for The Winston? The Winston, NASCAR’s all-star race, could be moving from its long-time home at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said negotiations are under way with Winston, which sponsors the race and the Winston Cup Series, about changing the location — and possibly the rules — of the race. “The Winston originated as a fans’ all-star race that would be moved from venue to venue, but over the years we got away from that,” Hunter said. Hunter said fans and other track owners are asking for the race to be moved. “We’re reviewing all the options,” Hunter said. “Even to the point of the rules and procedures that have changed over the years.” Tracks he mentioned as possible hosts include Richmond, California, Martinsville and Las Vegas. “You want to take it to a place where they can race, that’s not a one-groove track,” he said.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(4-13-2002)
