Lowe’s Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler said he doesn’t know if next season’s NASCAR all-star race, held at LMS every year but one since 1985, will change in format with the departure of series sponsor R.J. Reynolds. RJR’s Winston brand played a large role in developing the all-star race and sponsored it. Nextel Communications is taking over sponsorship of what is now known as the Winston Cup series beginning in 2004, and will co-sponsor the event with NASCAR. NASCAR recently announced the race would remain at the Concord track at least one more season. “No one has had a conversation about it with me yet. I met with Tim Donahue (Nextel’s CEO and president) last week and we didn’t even talk about the all-star race. We’re probably going to have a meeting up in New York,” Wheeler said. “I don’t think there will be any substantial changes. Nextel is probably going to say, ‘NASCAR, speedway work it out. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.’ “( ThatsRacin.com )(9-24-2003)
