PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY ADDS INDYCAR

                                

  Tuesday, October 27, 2015

PHOENIX INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY ADDS INDYCAR TO 2016 SCHEDULE

Phoenix Grand Prix to run Saturday, April 2 under the lights

PHOENIX – The Verizon IndyCar Series will race at Phoenix International Raceway in 2016, PIR President Bryan R. Sperber and Hulman Motorsports Chief Revenue Officer Jay Frye announced at a news conference today. The Phoenix Grand Prix will take place under the lights on Saturday night, April 2, 2016.

“We are thrilled to add the Verizon IndyCar Series to the 2016 race schedule at Phoenix International Raceway,” Sperber said. “IndyCar has such a loyal and dedicated fan base in the Valley, and we look forward to bringing the fastest racing action in America and the biggest stars in open-wheel racing to Phoenix next spring.”

Tickets for the Phoenix Grand Prix went on sale this morning, with prices ranging from $35-70, and each ticket will include access to Pit Road. Tickets for children are $10; and active-duty military members and veterans will receive discounted pricing as well. Tickets are available online at PhoenixRaceway.com and by phone at 866-408-RACE (7223).

The Phoenix Grand Prix will be the second race in the 2016 schedule for the Verizon IndyCar Series, following the season opening race at St. Petersburg, Fla. on March 13. The highlight of the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule will be the 100^th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 29, and the season finale will be on September 18 in Sonoma, Calif.

“The historic significance of the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season is marked by the return of several storied venues, including Phoenix International Raceway,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Company, the parent of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Legendary Indy car names like Foyt, Unser, Andretti, Ruby, Rutherford, Sneva, Mears, Castroneves and Kanaan have all won at PIR in the past. It is an integral part of our sport’s rich heritage and we are quite pleased to have this great mile oval back on the schedule going forward.”

Phoenix International Raceway opened in 1964 and served primarily as an open-wheel racing facility until NASCAR made its debut in 1977. The track hosted Indy car races from 1964-2005, with many of the greatest names in racing history competing here.

Four-time Indianapolis 500 champion A.J. Foyt won the inaugural professional race at PIR and captured a total of four checkered flags here; fellow four-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser has a track-record six open-wheel wins at PIR; and four-time Indy car season champion Mario Andretti captured the last race win of his legendary career here in 1993.

Four Indianapolis 500 winners were in attendance at the announcement, including two-time winners Al Unser Jr. and Arie Luyendyk, 1983 champion Tom Sneva and 2004 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Rice.

“I am so happy to see the Verizon IndyCar Series returning to Phoenix International Raceway,” said Unser Jr., who is tied for seventh on the all-time Indy car victory list with 34. “It was always one of my favorite tracks, even though I never was able to win a race there in 19 tries. Dad won there six times and Uncle Bobby won four, so the Unser name still has quite a legacy at PIR. Indy cars always put on a great show at PIR over the years and I know they will again in 2016.”

Also in attendance were 1992 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Lyn St. James, 1998 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter Billy Boat, retired open-wheel driver P.J. Jones, and one of the brightest young stars in the Verizon IndyCar Series, Josef Newgarden.

"PIR has a great history with Indy car racing, so it's fantastic that the Verizon IndyCar Series will return in 2016,” said Newgarden, who won his first two Indy car races in 2015 with CFH Racing and wound up seventh in the championship. “I haven't raced there yet but talked to drivers who have, and they say the track is built for great racing in Indy cars. I almost won on a similar short oval this year at Milwaukee, so I can't wait for the opportunity to compete for the win at the Phoenix Grand Prix in April."

The Phoenix Grand Prix will be the second of three race events on the 2016 schedule at Phoenix International Raceway. Three weeks earlier, PIR will host the Camping World 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend March 11-13, and NASCAR will return to Phoenix for the semifinal race in the 2016 Chase for the Sprint Cup November 11-13.

Dover International Speedway announces 2016 race dates

Dover International Speedway announces 2016 race dates

DOVER, Del. (Oct. 21, 2015) – Dover International Speedway officials have announced that NASCAR will return to the Monster Mile in 2016 for two tripleheader weekends on May 13-15 and Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

The May 13-15, 2016 weekend will feature a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, May 13; a NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, May 14; and a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, May 15.

The Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2016 weekend will feature a NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Friday, Sept. 30; a NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, Oct. 1; and the “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Oct. 2.

The “AAA 400” on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 will again be the third race of the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and feature the first four eliminations in the 16-driver field. It will be the third straight year that the Monster Mile will host the first elimination race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoff.

“We’re excited that NASCAR is returning to Dover for six races in 2016,” said Michael Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway. “We’re proud to have one of the most unique venues in motorsports and we’re pleased that the Monster Mile once again has a prominent place in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs.”

Tickets are on sale now for the May 13-15 NASCAR tripleheader weekend and deposits of as low as 10% can be made on tickets for the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 races.  

For tickets or more information, call 800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com. You can also keep up with the Monster Mile at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter at @MonsterMile and Instagram at @MonsterMile.

Jeff Gordon honored at Dover International Speedway

Jeff Gordon honored at Dover International Speedway

DOVER, Del. (Oct. 2, 2015) – In a year filled with farewells and reminiscing, Jeff Gordon – and his entire racing family – was presented with a unique tribute to his remarkable racing career. 

On Friday, Dover International Speedway, as well as local elected officials, made special presentations to Gordon in advance of Sunday’s “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup race in recognition of his contributions to the track and sport.  

Gordon, 44, a five-time Dover NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner, received 90 miniature “Miles the Monster” trophies for himself, his crew and Hendrick Motorsports team members in North Carolina. Each trophy is inscribed with the individual’s name, as well as the following quote from Hall of Fame professional football coach Vince Lombardi:

“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”

Gordon announced earlier this year that 2015 would be his final full-time season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He is planning to join Fox Sports as an analyst during its 2016 NASCAR broadcasts.

“This is amazing – I don’t know how we’re going to get all these home but thank you very much,” Gordon said. “Our guys are going to appreciate this very, very much.”

Gordon’s connection with Monster Mile fans began early, as Delaware chemical giant DuPont served as the primary sponsor of his No. 24 car for several seasons. The iconic multi-colored paint job on both his Chevrolet and the fire suits of the No. 24 team’s pit crew led to their designation as the “Rainbow Warriors.”

“I’ve always enjoyed Dover,” Gordon said. “This does remind me of how much Dover and Delaware have meant to me. Coming up to Wilmington and visiting DuPont every year, it was always special coming here. You always want to have success in your sponsor’s home.”

In addition to the trophies, Gordon received praise from Dover Motorsports Inc. CEO Denis McGlynn, as well as Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen, Delaware State Sen. Brian Bushweller and Delaware State Rep. William Carson. Christiansen named Gordon an honorary citizen of the City of Dover, while Bushweller and Carson read recognitions from the Delaware State Senate and Delaware State House of Representatives, respectively.

Gordon will be looking for a strong finish in Sunday’s “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup race to ensure his advancement in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoffs. Gordon is 10th in the point standings, 11 points ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the 12th spot. Twelve drivers will advance out of the Monster Mile with their championship dreams intact.

Gordon hasn’t earned a NASCAR Sprint Cup victory since last fall at Dover International Speedway.

“I hope that my last victory didn’t come here last year. I hope it comes here this year. And then, maybe one more at Homestead.”

Friday’s ceremony was just one of the many Gordon tributes planned for the weekend, which also includes a Saturday doubleheader with the “Drive Sober 125” presented by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at 9:30 a.m. and the “Hisense 200” NASCAR XFINITY Series race at 3:30 p.m.

On Lap 24 of the “AAA 400,” the entire Daktronics scoring pylon will display the No. 24. Gordon has driven the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in all 789 of his career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts.

Other events honoring Gordon during the Monster Mile’s latest NASCAR weekend include a “Thanks Jeff!” billboard displayed at Turn 2 and the souvenir program and fan guide for the “AAA 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race prominently feature Gordon on the cover.

In addition, Gordon is set to be honored in 2016 with a permanent plaque on the Miles the Monster statue in Victory Plaza and a fan event. The plaque will detail Gordon’s achievements at the Monster Mile, as well as his entire NASCAR career. More information on 2016 plans will be shared during the offseason.

Sunday’s “AAA 400” will feature the first eliminations of NASCAR’s 16-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup playoff. Four drivers will be eliminated from title contention following the checkered flag. For more race information, or to purchase tickets, visit DoverSpeedway.com or call 800-441-RACE. You can also keep up with the Monster Mile at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter at @MonsterMile and Instagram at @MonsterMile.

JEFF GORDON CAREER STATISTICS

Birthday: Aug. 4, 1971

Hometown: Vallejo, Calif.

First Sprint Cup race: 1992

Current Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson

Sprint Cup Series Championships: 4 (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001)

Daytona 500 wins: 3 (1997, 1999, 2005)

Sprint All-Star Race wins: 3 (1995, 1997, 2001)

Gordon at Dover International Speedway

Starts: 45

Laps completed: 17,989 of 18,909 (95.13%)

Laps led: 2,389

Wins: 5

Poles: 4

Average start: 11.9

Top 5 finishes: 18

Top 10 finishes: 26

DNFs: 5

Average finish: 11.4

Gordon’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Career

(through Sept. 27, New Hampshire)

Starts: 789

Laps Completed: 226,133

Laps Led: 24,860

Wins: 92

Poles: 80

Top 5 finishes: 323

Top 10 finishes: 468

Friday, Oct. 2 events at Dover International Speedway postponed

Friday, Oct. 2 events at Dover International Speedway postponed

DOVER, Del. (Oct. 2, 2015) -- Because of the continued rainfall, NASCAR and Dover International Speedway have announced the cancellation of today's on-track activities.

The "Drive Sober 125" NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race will now be run at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3. Grandstand gates at Dover International Speedway will open for fans at 8 a.m.

The Saturday, Oct. 3 "Hisense 200" NASCAR XFINITY Series race will start at the originally scheduled time of 3:30 p.m.

Because both events will be run on the same day, for the convenience of fans, Dover International Speedway will allow anyone with a previously purchased NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race ticket or a NASCAR XFINITY Series race ticket to remain in the grandstands for both events if they choose. The ticket holder that holds the ticket for that specific event will have priority (i.e. a ticket to the NASCAR XFINITY Series race during the running of that race) for the seating location. The other ticket holder is asked to move to a nearby, or general admission, seating area for the event. Fans are asked to please contact your usher with any questions or concerns.

The Sunday, Oct. 4 "AAA 400" NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will start at its originally scheduled time at 2:30 p.m.

Qualifying for all three series this weekend has been canceled. Starting lineups will be set by NASCAR rulebooks.

We continue to work closely with NASCAR, the National Weather Service and our on-site meteorologist to monitor the weather. We are currently tracking this weekend’s weather and will update fans via social media, and our website, as information becomes available. You can keep up with the track via our app (download available for Android and Apple devices under the name of Dover International Speedway), on Twitter at @MonsterMile, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway.

CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY TO HOST THE FIRST RACE IN THE CHASE 2016

CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY TO HOST THE FIRST RACE IN THE CHASE FOR THE NASCAR SPRINT CUP FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR IN 2016

2016 Chicagoland Speedway NASCAR Race Weekend Set to Expand as Speedway Celebrates 15^th Anniversary

Joliet, Ill. — September 29, 2015 — Chicagoland Speedway today announced that they will once again host the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2016. The September 15-18 weekend will feature all three of NASCAR’s premier series, with the addition of the ARCA Racing Series on Thursday night.

For the sixth consecutive season, Chicagoland Speedway will kick off the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Sept. 15-18, with four consecutive days of action packed racing. As the entire “Chase Week” line up of activities in and around the Chicago area continues to grow year after year, the addition of the ARCA Racing Series on Thursday night under the lights will provide guests an even more action-packed, full week experience. 

The 2016 season will also mark the 15^th Anniversary celebration of Chicagoland Speedway. Plans are underway to deliver an amazing lineup of event content and year-round programming for our fans to enjoy as part of this special celebration. Details will be shared throughout the coming months on events and activities tied to this milestone anniversary event.

Tickets will go on-sale Monday, October 5 for the 2016 Season.  All 2015 ticket purchasers will be receiving their renewal information over the next two weeks.  Renewal customer seats are on-hold and guaranteed if renewed during the renewal period.  Only unsold grandstand seating inventory from 2015, as well as Fan Zone Pit Passes, will be on-sale Oct. 5, with the remaining inventory becoming available after the renewal deadline.

Starting Oct. 5, tickets can be purchased online at www.ChicagolandSpeedway.com, by calling 888-629-RACE, through the Chicagoland Speedway mobile app, or by visiting the Chicagoland Speedway Administrative office Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For the most current information about Chicagoland Speedway, follow us on Facebook along with Twitter and Instagram @chicagolndspdwy.

The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup weekend at Chicagoland Speedway, Sept. 15-18, will begin on Thursday, Sept. 15 with the ARCA Racing Series followed by American Ethanol E15 225 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series under the lights on Friday night. On Saturday, Sept. 17, the NASCAR XFINITY Series will hit the track as the precursor to Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series showdown, the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

The complete 2016 NASCAR schedule at Chicagoland Speedway is as follows:

Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Weekend

Thursday, Sept. 15        ARCA Racing Series

Friday, Sept. 16            American Ethanol E15 225 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

Saturday, Sept. 17        NASCAR XFINITY Series

Sunday, Sept. 18          NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Chicago's standalone NXS race expected to move to Pocono:

Chicago's standalone NXS race expected to move to Pocono: There is expected to be at least one significant change in the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule next season. Chicagoland Speedway, which has hosted two Xfinity races since the 2011 season, will lose its standalone event in 2016, multiple sources confirmed to Motorsport.com. Officials with Chicagoland Speedway declined to comment. The standalone event at Chicagoland has typically been held during the summer. The track's second Xfinity race is held during its Sprint Cup Series weekend each September, which kicks off the championship Chase each season. Chicagoland's loss is expected to be Pocono Raceway's gain. Pocono is expected to add an Xfinity race to its compliment of NASCAR events, sources confirmed to Motorsport.com. The track currently hosts a weekend in June which includes Cup and ARCA races. Pocono's August race weekend already includes a Truck race along Cup and ARCA events. There are at least two important benefits for Pocono hosting an Xfinity race. First, the future of the track's IndyCar Series date remains uncertain and the race would serve to add another event to its calendar. Second, new series sponsor Xfinity is owned by Comcast Corp., whose headquarters is located in Philadelphia - less than a two-hour drive from Pocono.(Motorsport)(9-23-2015)

Dover International Speedway prepares to honor Jeff Gordon

Dover International Speedway prepares to honor Jeff Gordon

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 23, 2015) – At the dawn of the new millennium, as NASCAR was watching its national influence grow from country back roads to corporate board rooms, one driver stood alone as the face of the sport.

Through 92 victories, more than 225,000 laps completed, and four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships, Jeff Gordon has served as a shining star for more than two decades, combining raw racing talent with Madison Avenue charm.   

Now, as that era nears its close, Dover International Speedway plans to honor Gordon’s legendary career during activities surrounding the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series “AAA 400” on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Gordon, 44, a five-time Dover NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winner, announced earlier this year that 2015 would be his final full-time season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He is planning to join Fox Sports as an analyst during its 2016 NASCAR broadcasts.

A few special things are planned for Gordon, including a takeover of the 94-foot-tall scoring pylon, thanks to the help of Daktronics, the company that built and installed the pylon.

On Lap 24 of the “AAA 400,” the entire Daktronics scoring pylon will display the No. 24. Gordon has driven the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in all 788 of his career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts, including last September, when he earned his fifth career Dover victory.

Gordon’s connection with Monster Mile fans began early, as Delaware chemical giant DuPont served as the primary sponsor of his No. 24 car for several seasons. The iconic multi-colored paint job on both his Chevrolet and the fire suits of the No. 24 team’s pit crew led to their designation as the “Rainbow Warriors.”

“We still consider him our hometown favorite due to his longtime relationship with Delaware-based DuPont,” said Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “He was and is a great champion, and he’s earned every bit of the respect he enjoys today.”

Other events planned to honor Gordon during the upcoming race weekend include:

• On Friday, Oct. 2, track and elected officials will make a special presentation to Gordon during his appearance in the Infield Media Center, in recognition of his contributions to the track and sport.  

• A “Thanks Jeff!” billboard will be displayed at Turn 2 of the Monster Mile.

• The souvenir program and fan guide for the “AAA 400” will prominently feature Gordon on the cover.

In addition to those weekend activities, Gordon is set to be honored in 2016 with a permanent plaque on the Miles the Monster statue behind the frontstretch grandstands in Victory Plaza and a fan event.  The plaque will detail Gordon’s achievements at the Monster Mile, as well as his entire NASCAR career. More information on 2016 plans will be shared during the offseason.

The Oct. 4 “AAA 400” will feature the first eliminations of NASCAR’s 16-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup playoff. Four drivers will be eliminated from title contention following the checkered flag. For more race information, or to purchase tickets, visit DoverSpeedway.com or call 800-441-RACE. You can also keep up with the Monster Mile at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter at @MonsterMile and Instagram at @MonsterMile.

JEFF GORDON CAREER STATISTICS

Birthday: Aug. 4, 1971

Hometown: Vallejo, Calif.

Rookie Year: 1992

Current Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson

Sprint Cup Series Championships: 4 (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001)

Daytona 500 wins: 3 (1997, 1999, 2005)

Sprint All-Star Race wins: 3 (1995, 1997, 2001)

Gordon at Dover International Speedway

Starts: 45

Laps completed: 17,989 of 18,909

Laps led: 2,389

Wins: 5

Poles: 4

Average start: 11.9

Top 5 finishes: 18

Top 10 finishes: 26

DNFs: 5

Average finish: 11.4

Gordon’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Career

(through Sept. 20, Chicagoland)

Starts: 788

Laps Completed: 225,833

Laps Led: 24,860

Wins: 92

Poles: 80

Top 5 finishes: 323

Top 10 finishes: 467

New Ultimate Fan Pass now available at Dover International Speedway

New Ultimate Fan Pass now available at Dover International Speedway

Includes access to the Driver & Crew Chief meeting, limited-edition keepsake chair, pit pass, guided garage tour, breakfast and more

DOVER, Del. (Aug. 17, 2015) – For the first time in the history of Dover International Speedway, the track is peeling back the curtain on the mandatory driver & crew chief meeting held before each NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. As part of the new Ultimate Fan Pass, available for the first time before the Oct. 4, 2015 “AAA 400” event, 100 fans will have a never-before-available opportunity.

The new add-on package includes a seat in the driver & crew chief meeting on Oct. 4; a custom, limited-edition, keepsake chair that features the Dover International Speedway logo, Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series logo, and event date; a three-day cold pit pass that provides access to pit road; “Breakfast with the President,” which provides fans with the chance to catch up with Dover International Speedway President & CEO Mike Tatoian on the morning of the AAA 400; and a guided tour of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage.

“This is such a unique opportunity for 100 lucky fans to get unprecedented access to our upcoming race weekend,” said Tatoian. “Because of space limitations, pit passes are normally reserved for NASCAR-licensed competitors and officials, safety workers, sponsors and members of the media. The new Ultimate Fan Pass provides fans with access that has never been made available to the public in Dover. And they get to literally take their seat with them – a comfortable, collectible chair to keep.”

The custom chair will be positioned in the new driver & crew chief meeting with a view of the activities that morning. After the meeting, fans will be able to pickup their chair after the race from a designated location outside the track.

The driver & crew chief meeting is a mandatory meeting that is attended by every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and their crew chief, along with NASCAR officials, track officials, dignitaries and special guests. The meeting is led by senior NASCAR officials, and provides competitors with a rundown of procedures and protocol before the race begins.

The Ultimate Fan Pass is available for $500, and a grandstand ticket is required on your account to purchase the package. Fans must be 18 to purchase. For more information, call Brandon Crist at 302.883.6620 or bcrist@dovermotorsports.com.

# # #

Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) is a leading promoter of NASCAR sanctioned motorsports events whose subsidiaries own and operate Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tenn. The company also plays host to the Firefly Music Festival and Big Barrel Country Music Festival, both of which are produced by Red Frog Events and Goldenvoice. For more information, visit www.DoverMotorsports.com.

Kentucky Speedway has made no decision on when to repave:

Kentucky Speedway has made no decision on when to repave:
 It's still too soon for Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger to answer one of the biggest questions moving forward about the 1.5-mile oval in Sparta, Ky. When's the time to finally re-pave? "We've got a track that certainly produced great races," Simendinger said Sunday, after Kyle Busch won the previous night's Quaker State 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. "Normally you'd say, 'Don't touch those.' But we also have a track that took us almost four hours to dry, so that's not good." Paired with a new NASCAR rules package that drew rave reviews from drivers, Kentucky Speedway's 15-year-old surface produced its best Cup Series product yet on Saturday night. Competitors were able to pass both on the yellow line and near the wall, with Busch and eventual runner-up Joey Logano changing the lead more than once inside the final 20 laps. While all three races during the triple-header weekend went off without a hitch, qualifying for each -- plus extra Cup Series testing time for the low-downforce rules package -- was washed out. Rain didn't necessarily prevent a dry track, but rather "weepers" -- ground water spewing up through cracks in the track surface. "It was a very, very unusual situation as far as us being in the middle of July and having such saturated ground," Simendinger said. "We don't want to overreact -- let everything settle in and get feedback from our drivers and maintenance guys." Either way, Simendinger said, a potential re-pave wouldn't happen before the NASCAR Xfinity Series' return to Sparta, Ky., this September. Then track officials have until the following summer to make a decision about the surface for next summer's Quaker State 400 weekend.(Louisville Courier-Journal)(7-13-2015)

5-hour ENERGY Shots Sponsor NHMS

5-hour ENERGY Shots Named Entitlement Sponsor of July 19
Sprint Cup Series Race at NHMS
The 5-hour ENERGY 301 will run at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
on Sunday, July 19 at 1:30 p.m.

LOUDON, N.H. - The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway has received an entitlement boost from the makers of 5-hour ENERGY shots before it drops the green flag next weekend. Speedway officials announced on Monday that the energy shot will be the title sponsor for the 5-hour ENERGY 301 on July 19.

The 5-hour ENERGY 301 will cap off the Magic Mile's 25th anniversary race weekend, July 17-19, joining a jam-packed schedule that includes XFINITY Series, Whelen Modified Tour and K&N Pro Series East races.

"5-hour ENERGY shots have made a significant impact in the motorsports world and this entitlement sponsorship is another example of their continued support in the sport of NASCAR," said David McGrath, vice-president of corporate sales at NHMS. "I have confidence that everyone at the makers of 5-hour ENERGY will see the impact of their race sponsorship here in the New England region and look forward to working with them for the foreseeable future."

With a significant presence in NASCAR for nearly a decade, 5-hour ENERGY shots are the primary sponsor of Clint Bowyer's No. 15 Toyota. Bowyer is a two-time New Hampshire Motor Speedway winner and was the first driver to ever win a race across the Granite Stripe, the speedway's start/finish line, installed in September of 2011.

"New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a special track for us and Clint, and we're proud to play a part in the 25th anniversary weekend," said Melissa Skabich, communications director for the makers of 5-hour ENERGY.

The 5-hour ENERGY 301 will drop the green flag at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, live on NBC Sports Network.

For more details and ticket information on events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, or to purchase tickets to the July 5-hour ENERGY 301 or September SYLVANIA 300 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends, please stop by our Ticket Office, visit the speedway website at www.nhms.com, or call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931.

-NHMS-

Michigan International Speedway: History

Michigan International Speedway:

History

·         Michigan International Speedway sits on more than 1,400 acres in the "Irish Hills" of Southeastern Michigan. Ground-breaking took place on Sept. 28, 1967.

·         The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan was held June 15, 1969 – won by Cale Yarborough at a speed of 139.254 mph.

·         The track was known as Michigan Speedway during the time Roger Penske was the primary owner (1996-99).

·         The 2-mile speedway underwent a repave in 2012.

Notebook

·         There have been 91 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan International Speedway since the first race there in 1969. Other than 1973, which had just one race, there have been two races each season since 1969.

·         The first race was 500 miles in length; the second was scheduled for 600. The track was re-measured to 2.04 miles for the last race in 1970 and both races in 1971 – with the race distance being 402 miles. All other races have been scheduled for 400 miles.

·         373 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway; 274 in more than one.

·         Bill Elliott leads the series in starts at Michigan with 61. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 44 starts.

·         Donnie Allison won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Michigan in 1969 with a speed of 160.135 mph.  

·         46 drivers have Coors Light poles at Michigan, led by David Pearson with 10. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with six.

·         Six drivers have won consecutive Coors Light poles at Michigan. David Pearson holds the record for most consecutive poles at Michigan with five; fall 1976 through 1978.

·         Youngest Michigan pole winner: Joey Logano (08/16/2013 – 23 years, 2 months, 23 days).

·         Oldest Michigan pole winner: Mark Martin (08/19/2012 – 53 years, 7 months, 10 days).

·         36 different NSCS drivers have won at Michigan International Speedway, led by David Pearson with nine wins; Greg Biffle leads all active drivers with four.  

·         Eight drivers have posted consecutive wins at Michigan International Speedway, including four consecutive by Bill Elliott (1985 sweep and 1986 sweep).

·         Youngest Michigan winner: Joey Logano (08/18/2013 – 23 years, 2 months, 25 days).

·         Oldest Michigan winner: Harry Gant (08/16/1992 – 52 years, 7 months, 6 days).

·         Roush Fenway Racing has the most wins at Michigan in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with 13: Mark Martin (four), Greg Biffle (four), Carl Edwards (two), Matt Kenseth (two) and Kurt Busch (one).

·         Eight different manufacturers have won in the NSCS at Michigan; led by Ford with 34 victories; followed by Chevrolet with 22. Toyota has four wins at Michigan.

·         18 of the 91 (19.7%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from the Coors Light pole; the most recent was Jeff Gordon last season.

·         The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (18) than any other starting position at Michigan International Speedway.    

·         26 of the 91 (28.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from the front row: 18 from the pole and eight from second-place.

·         69 of the 91 (75.8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Michigan have been won from a top-10 starting position.

·         Six of the 91 (6.5%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.

·         The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Michigan is 32nd, by Mark Martin in the spring of 2009.

·         Jeff Gordon leads the series in runner-up finishes at Michigan with eight; followed by Darrell Waltrip with seven and Kevin Harvick with five.

·         NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough leads the series in top-five finishes at Michigan with 21; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 19.   

·         Mark Martin leads the series in top-10 finishes at Michigan with 31; followed by Bill Elliott with 29. Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 27.

·         Jimmie Johnson leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Michigan with a 9.615.

·         Carl Edwards leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average finishing position at Michigan with a 9.714.

·         All active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners at Michigan International Speedway participated in at least one or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Tony Stewart won at Michigan in his third appearance, the fewest previous starts among the active NSCS winners.      

·         Kevin Harvick competed at Michigan International Speedway 19 times before winning in the fall of 2010; the longest span of any the active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.

·         Among the active NSCS Michigan winners Kevin Harvick (19), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (17) Kyle Busch (13), Jeff Gordon (11) and Joey Logano (10) all made 10 or more attempts before their first win.

·         Jamie McMurray leads the series among active drivers with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Michigan without visiting Victory Lane at 24; followed by Casey Mears at 23.  

·         Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway was the June 10, 2001 race won by Jeff Gordon over Ricky Rudd with a MOV of 0.085 second.

·         There have been two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Michigan International Speedway (Scheduled No. of Laps/Actual No. of Laps): fall of 2011 (200/203); and fall of 2012 (200/201).

·         Four of the 91 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions; the most recent was the event on 6/18/2006.    

·         Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway four times; most recently the spring of 2008 race.   

·         One active driver has posted his first career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light pole at Michigan International Speedway: J.J. Yeley (6/17/2007).      

·         Two active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver have posted their first career start at Michigan International Speedway: Carl Edwards (8/22/2004) and Landon Cassill (6/13/2010).

·         Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in laps led at Michigan with 1,058 laps led in 44 starts.

·         Four female drivers have competed at Michigan International Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Janet Guthrie, Robin McCall, Shawna Robinson and Danica Patrick. Of the four female drivers to compete at Michigan, Guthrie has the best finish (10th).