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)
