Dover ‘Light It Up Blue’ for Autism Awareness Month

Dover International Speedway and Dover Downs Hotel & Casino will again ‘Light It Up Blue’ for Autism Awareness Month

DOVER, Del. (March 30, 2015) – Dover International Speedway and Dover Downs Hotel & Casino are pleased to once again support Autism Speaks’ global Light It Up Blue campaign. The Monster Monument and hotel exterior will participate by both being illuminated in blue throughout the month of April.

With both companies partaking in this event, this will mean that two of the most distinguishable landmarks in Delaware will be lit up blue during April. The Monster Monument, made of fiberglass and standing at 46-feet tall, is also known as Miles the Monster, the track’s recognizable icon. Located in Victory Plaza, it is one of the largest fiberglass sports monument in the country. The 500-room hotel, Delaware’s largest hotel, will also be lit by blue lights.

The Speedway and Autism Speaks have maintained a strong relationship over the last nine years, with the two organizations coming together during the track’s spring race weekend in order to assist in raising funds and awareness for the cause.

Recognized every year on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was originally implemented by the United Nations in 2007 to help educate society about autism and how this worldwide health issue is rising over time. WAAD helps spread knowledge across the globe of the effects of autism and distribute appropriate information regarding topics such as early diagnosis and intervention.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

On a local level, Dover International Speedway and Dover Downs Hotel & Casino are proud to partner with Autism Delaware’s Productive Opportunities for Work and Recreation Program (POW&R program) to provide employment opportunities for adults with autism spectrum disorders. A total of nine individuals on the autism spectrum are currently employed by Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Dover International Speedway in a variety of capacities. Both companies have gained highly productive, reliable employees.

To help support this vibrant partnership, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino donated office space to Autism Delaware in 2013. The office supports the POW&R program at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Dover International Speedway as well as provides for a Kent County office for Autism Delaware. The office provides adult services, clinical services and family support.

For more information about Light It Up Blue, visit liub.autismspeaks.org.

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About Dover Motorsports, Inc.

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 hosts the annual Firefly Music Festival on its property each summer. Produced by Chicago-based Red Frog Events, the four day event features more than 100 bands on seven stages in The Woodlands at Dover International Speedway. The organization will also host the first annual Big Barrel Country Music Festival this summer. This event will be produced by Goldenvoice and is slated to feature over 40 country music artists. For further information, log on to www.DoverMotorsports.com.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

About Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Owned by Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DDE), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® is a premier gaming and entertainment resort destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gaming operations consist of more than 2,400 slots and a full complement of table games including poker. The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel is Delaware’s largest with 500 luxurious rooms/suites and amenities including a full-service spa/salon, concert hall and 41,500 sq. ft. of multi-use event space. Live, world-class harness racing is featured November through April, and horse racing is simulcast year-round. Professional football parlay betting is accepted during the season. Additional property amenities include multiple restaurants from fine dining to casual fare, bars/lounges and retail shops. For more information, please visit www.doverdowns.com.

Martinsville Speedway: History

Martinsville Speedway:
History

• Opened in September 1947 by Clay Earles, Martinsville, originally a dirt track, is one of the oldest continuously-operating race tracks in the United States.
• The first NASCAR-sanctioned race at Martinsville was on July 4, 1948.
• The first NASCAR Sprint Cup race was Sept. 25, 1949.
• The track was paved in 1955.
• The first 500-lap event at Martinsville was in 1956.
• Concrete corners were added atop asphalt in 1976.

Notebook

• There have been 132 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway, one in the inaugural year and two races per year since 1950.
• 602 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville; 380 in more than one.
• NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty has the all-time most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Martinsville with 67; Jeff Gordon has the most starts among active drivers with 44.
• Curtis Turner won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Martinsville Speedway in 1949.
• 58 drivers have Coors Light poles at Martinsville, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip with eight; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with seven.
• 12 drivers have won two or more consecutive Coors Light poles at Martinsville Speedway. Four of the 12 have won three consecutive poles at Martinsville: Glen Wood (Fall of 1959 and 1960 sweep); Darrell Waltrip (1979 sweep and spring 1980); Mark Martin (fall of 1990 and 1991 sweep); Jeff Gordon (2003 sweep and spring 2004).
• Youngest Martinsville pole winner: Ricky Rudd (4/26/1981 – 24 years, 7 months, 14 days).
• Oldest Martinsville pole winner: Morgan Shepherd (4/26/1987 – 45 years, 6 months, 14 days).

·         48 different drivers have won at Martinsville Speedway, led by Richard Petty with 15; Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon lead the series among active drivers with eight wins each.

• 24 drivers have multiple wins at Martinsville Speedway only five active drivers have multiple wins: Jimmie Johnson (eight), Jeff Gordon (eight), Denny Hamlin (four), Tony Stewart (three) and Kurt Busch (two).
• Hendrick Motorsports leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in wins at Martinsville Speedway with 22.  
• 21 of 132 races (15.9%) at Martinsville Speedway have been won from the Coors Light pole; seven of those 21 wins came from active drivers: Tony Stewart (2000), Jeff Gordon (2003 twice), Jimmie Johnson (2008, 2012, spring 2013) and Denny Hamlin (2010).
• The Coors Light pole is the most proficient starting spot in the field at Martinsville producing more wins (21) than any other starting position.
• 36 of the 132 (27.2%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway have been won from the front row: 21 from the pole and 15 from second-place.
• 95 of the 132 (71.9%) NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Martinsville Speedway have been won from a top-10 starting position.
• Seven of the 132 (5.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway have been won from a starting position outside the top 20 – including both races last season.
• The deepest in the field that a race winner has started was 36th, by Kurt Busch in the fall of 2002.
• Youngest Martinsville winner: Richard Petty (04/10/1960 – 22 years, 9 months, 8 days).
• Oldest Martinsville winner: Harry Gant (09/22/1991 – 51 years, 8 months, 12 days).
• NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt leads the series in runner-up finishes at Martinsville Speedway with seven; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with five, followed by his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson with four.
• Richard Petty leads the series in top-five finishes at Martinsville Speedway with 30; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 28, followed by Jimmie Johnson with 18.
• Richard Petty leads the series in top-10 finishes at Martinsville Speedway with 37; Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with 35, followed by Jimmie Johnson with 22.
• Jeff Gordon leads active drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in average starting position at Martinsville Speedway with a 7.318. Denny Hamlin (9.500) and Ryan Newman (9.654) are the only other active drivers with an average starting position at Martinsville inside the top 10.
• Three active drivers have a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series average finish in the top 10 at Martinsville: Jimmie Johnson (6.231), Jeff Gordon (6.841) and Denny Hamlin (8.722).
• There have been five NSCS green-white-checkered finishes at Martinsville Speedway: fall 2007 (500/506), fall 2008 (500/504), fall 2009 (500/501), spring 2010 (500/508), and spring 2012 (500/515).
• Qualifying has been cancelled due to weather conditions eight times in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway; the most recent was the fall race of 2011.

• Jeff Gordon has participated in the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway without a DNF (44).
• Tony Stewart (4/18/1999) and Scott Riggs (4/10/2005) won their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light poles at Martinsville Speedway.  
• Mike Bliss (09/27/1998), Travis Kvapil (10/24/2004) and Michael McDowell (3/30/2008) are active drivers that made their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career starts at Martinsville Speedway.
• 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers have posted consecutive wins at Martinsville Speedway. Fred Lorenzen won four NSCS races straight (the most) from the fall of 1963 through the spring of 1965. Jimmie Johnson is the most recent driver to win consecutive races (Fall of 2012 / Spring of 2013) at Martinsville.
• All eight active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who have won at Martinsville Speedway participated in at least two or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Tony Stewart won at Martinsville (2000) with the fewest previous appearances (three).
• Ryan Newman competed at Martinsville Speedway 20 times before winning in the spring of 2012; the longest span of any the eight active NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners.
• Two active drivers have made 10 or more attempts before their first win at Martinsville Speedway: Kevin Harvick (19) and Ryan Newman (20).
• Chevrolet leads series in wins at Martinsville Speedway with 54 victories – including the last eight consecutive races.
• Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway is the April 1, 2007 race won by Jimmie Johnson with a MOV of 0.065 second.
• Danica Patrick is the only female driver to compete at Martinsville Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Below are Patrick’s stats at Martinsville.

Martinsville Track News and Announcements

Track News and Announcements

• Martinsville to install tire barriers: After a full track evaluation by NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation (ISC), Martinsville Speedway will add to its existing barrier system in advance of the STP 500 weekend March 27-29. Tire pack barriers will be installed on the inside wall at the end of the backstretch, prior to the entrance of pit road. "We are committed to the continued safety of the drivers and our fans," said Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway President. "We will continue to collaborate with ISC and NASCAR for additional safety enhancements deemed necessary."(Martinsville Speedway)(3-23-2015)
  
• Grand Home Furnishings renews as provider of Martinsville Grandfather Clock: Martinsville Speedway and Grand Home Furnishings, two companies with long and storied histories and deep Virginia roots, are continuing their long-standing relationship. Roanoke-based Grand Home Furnishings, which has long been the source of the iconic grandfather clock winner's trophy, has extended its status as the official provider of the grandfather clocks. This marks the 51st year the track has given a grandfather clock to the race winner. Fred Lorenzen took home the first clock in 1964. Since then the clock has found its way into the homes of the sport's biggest stars. Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are just some of the drivers who have taken home multiple clocks. Most recently Dale Earnhardt Jr. added his name to the list of clock owners, with his win last fall.(Martinsville Speedway)(3-20-2015)
  
• Jesse Jones hot dogs out at Martinsville: When fans go to the concession stand at Martinsville Speedway next weekend seeking the "Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog," for the first time in nearly seven decades the red hots and chili will not be produced by Jesse Jones Southern Style Hot Dogs. Calling it a business decision, the track has elected to switch to Valleydale Hot Dogs, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, which is a primary sponsor on Richard Petty Motorsports #43 Sprint Cup car, driven by Aric Almirola. But according Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway, the new hot dog and chili will taste the same as the old standby.
  "Does anybody think I'm crazy enough to change something so iconic and so cherished as the 'Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog?' " Campbell told NASCAR Talk. "We're not in the habit of taking steps backward, we're always going forward. The fans will still have the 'Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog' and it'll be just as good as it has been. I assure you that. We wouldn't do anything to change that. Number one, my grandfather would come back to get me if I did, and Bill France Jr. would be after me. So we're not changing it to where fans will notice any difference whatsoever. The color, taste and texture will still be the same."
  The move ends one of the longest-standing relationships between a speedway and vendor in NASCAR annals, said Jesse Jones motorsports marketing director Stephen Drummond. (NBC Sports)(3-18-2015)
  

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP SERIES MOTORCYCLE RACING

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP SERIES MOTORCYCLE RACING

THIS WEEKEND AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY

MIAMI – Championship Cup Series Motorcycle Racing returns to action this weekend, March 21-22, at Homestead-Miami Speedway as international and national riders will be competing in various events throughout the weekend.

Palm Beach Gardens native Sean Dwyer will be back after winning last month’s “Shoot-Out” main event on his powerful Suzuki GSX-R1000. Competitors from Florida and South America will make up the majority of the entries for this weekend’s events, including Boca Raton native Stefano Mesa and Miami native Ryan Cabrerra.

Gates open on Saturday at 8:00 a.m., with practice and time trials running from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Gates will open on Sunday at 7:00 a.m., with practice running from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., and races beginning at 9:30 a.m. A general admission ticket includes a Paddock Pass, which allows fans into the infield for $15 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday. Two-day passes are $30, with children 12 years and younger admitted for free. Parking will be free all weekend.

For more information, during the week call (561) 793-3394, and (305) 230-5278 on race days. Directions: from North, take the Florida’s Turnpike south to Exit 6/Ralph Sánchez Speedway Blvd./SW 137th Ave.; left 5 miles to SW 344^th St.; left to Gate 18/infield tunnel. From South: U.S. 1 north to Palm Dr.; go right four miles to Homestead-Miami Speedway; follow signs to Gate 18/infield tunnel.

Phoenix International Raceway: History

Phoenix International Raceway:
History

• Construction was completed in January 1964. The facility consisted of a one-mile oval and a 2.5-mile road course.
• Alan Kulwicki won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix on Nov. 6, 1988.
• The first spring race was held on April 23, 2005 and also the first night race, which was won by Kurt Busch.
• The track underwent its first repave in 2011. The construction began in March and concluded in September of that year.
• The following changes were made during the construction period (March – Sept., 2011):
• Widened the frontstretch from 52 to 62 feet
• Reconfigured pit road with the installation of concrete pit stalls
• Pushed the dog-leg curve between Turn 2 and Turn 3 out 95 feet
• Tightened the turn radius of the dog-leg from 800 to 500 feet
• Implemented variable banking to ensure the immediate use of two racing grooves, including 10-11 degree banking between Turn 1 and Turn 2; 10-11 degree banking in the apex of the dog-leg; and 8-9 degree banking in Turn 4

Notebook

• There have been 37 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix International Raceway, one per season from 1988-2004 and two each season since.
• 196 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix; 143 in more than one.
• Mark Martin leads series in starts at Phoenix with 34; Jeff Gordon (second all-time) leads all active drivers with 32.
• Geoffrey Bodine won the first pole in 1988 at a speed of 123.203 mph (29.220 sec.).
• There have been 20 different Coors Light pole winners, led by Ryan Newman with four.

·         Youngest Phoenix pole winner: Kyle Busch (4/22/06 – 20 years, 11 months, 20 days).

• Oldest Phoenix pole winner: Mark Martin (03/03/13 – 54 years, 1 month, 22 days).
• Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards are the only drivers to win consecutive poles. Newman won three straight (2002-04), Gordon won the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2007. Edwards won the fall of 2010 and spring of 2011.
• Denny Hamlin (November, 2005) and AJ Allmendinger (April, 2010) won their first career Coors Light poles at Phoenix International Raceway.
• There have been 23 different NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race winners at Phoenix, eight have won more than once, led by Kevin Harvick, with six – (’06 spring race and Chase race, ’12 Chase race, ‘13 Chase race, ’14 spring race and Chase race).
• The eight drivers have won more than once at Phoenix: Kevin Harvick leads the series in wins with six followed by Jimmie Johnson (four), Davey Allison (two), Jeff Burton (two), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (two), Jeff Gordon (two) Carl Edwards (two) and Mark Martin (two).
• Of the eight drivers with multiple wins at Phoenix International Raceway, Mark Martin is the only driver to win in two different manufacturers: Ford (1993) and Chevrolet (2009).
• Five drivers have won consecutive races at Phoenix: Davey Allison (1991,1992); Jeff Burton (2000, 2001); Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2003, 2004); Kevin Harvick (swept 2006) and (2013 Chase race and swept 2014); Jimmie Johnson is the only one of the five to win three consecutive races (fall 2007, swept 2008).
• Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at Phoenix with nine, followed by Roush Fenway Racing with seven.
• Four of the 37 (10.8%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from the Coors Light pole: Jeff Gordon (spring 2007), Jimmie Johnson (fall 2008), Mark Martin (spring 2009) and Carl Edwards (fall 2010).
• Seven of the 37 (18.9%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from the front row: four from the pole and three from second-place.
• 18 of the 37 (48.6%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from a starting position inside the top 10.
• 19 of the 37 (51.3%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from a starting position outside the top 10.
• 3 of the 37 (8.1%) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Phoenix have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.
• Jimmie Johnson leads the series in average finish at Phoenix with a 7.696; he is the only active driver with an average finish inside the top 10.
• Ricky Rudd won the 1995 race from the 29th-place starting position, the furthest back a race winner has started.
• Matt Kenseth won the 2002 race from the 28th-place starting position, the furthest back an active race winner has started.

·         Three perfect Driver Ratings of 150.0 have been recorded at Phoenix, Kurt Busch in April of 2005 and Kevin Harvick in November of 2006 and November 2014.

• Youngest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Phoenix International Raceway winner: Kyle Busch (11/13/2005 – 20 years, 6 months, 11 days).
• Oldest NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Phoenix International Raceway winner: Mark Martin (04/18/2009 – 50 years, 3 months, 9 days).
• Mark Martin leads the series in runner-up finishes at Phoenix with five; followed by Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart with three each.
• Jimmie Johnson leads the series in top-five finishes at Phoenix with 14; followed by Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon with 12 each.
• Alan Kulwicki (11/6/1988) and Bobby Hamilton (10/27/1996) are the only two drivers to post their first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career win at Phoenix International Raceway.
• 21 of the 23 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who have won at Phoenix participated in at least two or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Alan Kulwicki (11/6/1988) and Tony Stewart (11/7/1999) are the only two drivers to win at Phoenix in their first appearance.
• Jeff Gordon competed at Phoenix International Raceway 16 times before winning (4/21/2007); the longest span of any the 23 winners.
• Six drivers have made 10 or more attempts before their first win at Phoenix: Jeff Gordon (16), Ryan Newman (15), Kasey Kahne (14), Denny Hamlin (13), Carl Edwards (12) and Rusty Wallace (11).
• Jamie McMurray leads the series (active drivers) with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Phoenix without visiting Victory Lane with 23.
• Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Phoenix was the (4/10/2010) race won by Ryan Newman with a MOV of 0.13 seconds.
• Two drivers have won at Phoenix and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in the same season: Jimmie Johnson (2007, 2008 sweep and 2009); Dale Earnhardt (1990).
• Danica Patrick is the only female driver that has made a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start at Phoenix International Raceway.

Driver	Starting Position	Finishing Position	Date
Danica Patrick	32	22	11/9/2014
Danica Patrick	33	36	3/2/2014
Danica Patrick	32	33	11/10/2013
Danica Patrick	40	39	3/3/2013
Danica Patrick	37	17	11/11/2012

 

• Car numbers that have produced three or more Phoenix wins:

Car Number – Drivers – (Years)

• 48 – Jimmie Johnson (2007, 2008 sweep and 2009)
• 99 – Carl Edwards (2010 and 2013) and Jeff Burton (2000, 2001)
• 29 – Kevin Harvick (2006 sweep, 2012 and 2013)
• 5 – Mark Martin (2009), Kyle Busch (2005) and Terry Labonte (1994)
• 4 – Kevin Harvick (2014 sweep) and Kasey Kahne (2011)

NASCAR in Arizona

• There have been 42 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races among three tracks in Arizona.

Track Name	City	NSCS
Phoenix International Raceway	Avondale	37
Arizona State Fairgrounds	Phoenix	4
Tucson Rodeo Grounds	Tucson	1

• 32 drivers in NASCAR national series history have their home state recorded as Arizona.
• None of the drivers from Arizona have won a race in NASCAR’s three national series.

DAYTONA Rising March Project Update:

DAYTONA Rising March Project Update: Daytona International Speedway Prepares to Remove Iconic Sprint Tower

3/6/2015

Share After providing fans with a sneak preview of DAYTONA Rising during Budweiser Speedweeks 2015, Daytona International Speedway (DIS) is now preparing to ramp up construction once again. Shortly following the Daytona 200 Week at Daytona International Speedway, a 490-foot Manitowoc 2250 Crawler Crane will help to remove and disassemble the iconic Sprint Tower as part of a 30-day demolition process. 

The crane will remove 30 large individual sections of the tower (representing 1,000 gross tons of steel) and further disassemble the materials once they’re placed on the ground. More than 40 tractor trailers recently transported the massive crane to DIS where it was assembled and positioned to begin the demolition.
“The removal of the Sprint Tower marks another huge milestone for the DAYTONA Rising project,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “Construction will accelerate during the next few months as we continue to create the world’s first motorsports stadium.”


Additional upcoming construction activities include:

• Ongoing elevator and escalator installation
• Development of hospitality areas/suites

About DAYTONA Rising
DAYTONA Rising is a $400 million reimagining of an American icon – Daytona International Speedway. Five expanded and redesigned entrances, or “injectors,” will lead fans to a series of escalators and elevators, transporting them to three different concourse levels. Each level features spacious social areas, or “neighborhoods,” along the nearly mile-long frontstretch. At the conclusion of the redevelopment, Daytona International Speedway will have approximately 101,000 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession stands. In addition, the Speedway will feature over 60 luxury suites with track side views and a completely revamped hospitality experience for corporate guests. DAYTONA Rising: Reimagining an American Icon, expected to create 6,300 jobs, $300 million in labor income and over $80 million in tax revenue, will be completed in time for the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona and DAYTONA 500. Construction of DAYTONA Rising was recently cited as a primary source of expected growth in the Deltona, Fla., MSA as part of ManpowerGroup’s Employment Outlook Survey.
Toyota and Florida Hospital are Founding Partners of DAYTONA Rising, joining the Speedway to help provide the very best experience for fans through more than 40,000 total square feet of engagement areas, branding rights for two of the injectors/entrances and two of the new neighborhoods.
Barton Malow is serving as the design-builder for the project. In addition to DAYTONA Rising, Barton Malow has renovated the University of Michigan “Big House” and the Rose Bowl.
ROSSETTI, an award-winning architectural design and planning firm for the past 40 years, which headed the design for Ford Field NFL Stadium, University of Notre Dame Compton Family Ice Arena and five Major League Soccer Stadiums, is leading the master planning of the DAYTONA Rising site.
Race fans can follow the progress of the DAYTONA Rising project by visiting www.DAYTONARising.com and connecting with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Also, fans can see the construction project up close by taking one of the daily tours available at the Speedway on non-event days throughout the year. Visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/tours or the Speedway Ticket and Tours Building for more information. For tickets and more information on Daytona International Speedway events, visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP. 
About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is the home of "The Great American Race" - the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Sprint Cup event garners most of the attention - as well as the largest audience in motorsports - the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe, thus earning it the title of "World Center of Racing." In addition to eight major weekends of racing activity, rarely a week goes by that the Speedway grounds are not used for events that include civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.

NASCAR Test Fest at Charlotte Motor Speedway

NASCAR Test Fest at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Wednesday, March 11

What:
Charlotte Motor Speedway is hosting NASCAR Test Fest on Wednesday, March 11 in preparation for the 10 Days of Thunder May races. More than a dozen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will participate in this critically important test session to prepare for the May 16 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and the May 24 Coca-Cola 600.
Gates will open at 9 a.m. for fans who wish to attend. Fans will be able to get an autograph from NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson, get special one-day incentives on tickets, play interactive games at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Van, have some fun with Lug Nut, try their luck with the Spin-to-Win Wheel in the ticket office and more. The Speedway Club will be open for lunch.

Who:      Among the  drivers expected to participate in the test session:

 

Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing

Kasey Kahne , driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motorsports

Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Ford Fusion for Team Penske

Jamie McMurray, driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet SS for Chip Ganassi Racing

Martin Truex, Jr., driver of the No. 78 Chevrolet SS for Furniture Row Racing

 

*Drivers/Teams subject to change

Las Vegas Motor Speedway: History

Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

History

·         The construction to build the superspeedway known today as Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) began in 1995. Speedway Motorsports Inc. acquired the property in 1998.

·         The first NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was a NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race won by Ken Schrader on Nov. 2, 1996.

·         The first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was held on March 1, 1998, won by Mark Martin.

·         In 2006, the track was reconfigured to include progressive banking.

Notebook

·         There have been 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

·         135 drivers have competed in at least one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Las Vegas; 100 in more than one.

·         Two drivers have participated in all 17 races: Jeff Burton and Jeff Gordon.

·         Dale Jarrett won the inaugural pole with a speed of 168.224 mph (32.773 secs.).

·         11 drivers have poles at LVMS, led by Kasey Kahne with three (2004, 2007 and 2012).

·         Kyle Busch is the only driver to win consecutive poles at LVMS from (2008-‘09).

·         Youngest LVMS pole winner: Kyle Busch (3/2/2008 – 22 years, 10 months, 0 days).

·         Oldest LVMS pole winner: Dale Jarrett (3/4/2001 – 44 years, 3 months, 6 days).

·         10 different drivers have won at LVMS, led by Jimmie Johnson (four). Three other drivers have multiple wins at Las Vegas: Matt Kenseth (three), Jeff Burton, Carl Edwards (each have two).

·         Roush Fenway Racing leads the series in wins at Las Vegas with seven, followed by Hendrick Motorsports with five.

·         Las Vegas-native Kyle Busch became the first and only driver to win from the pole, in 2009.

·         Only three LVMS races (17.6%) have been won from the front row: Kyle Busch, 2009 (pole); Carl Edwards, 2008 (second-place); Brad Keselowski, 2014 (second-place).

·         Four of the 17 races (23.5%) have been won from a top-five starting position at Las Vegas.

·         Eight of the 17 (47%) races have been won from a top-10 starting position at Las Vegas.

·         Four of the 17 races (23.5%) at Las Vegas have been won from a starting position outside the top 20.

·         The deepest in the field that a race winner has started was 25th, by Matt Kenseth in 2004.

·         Youngest LVMS winner: Kyle Busch (03/01/2009 – 23 years, 9 months, 27 days).

·         Oldest LVMS winner: Sterling Marlin (03/03/2002 – 44 years, 7 months, 32 days).

·         Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads the series in runner-up finishes at Las Vegas with three; followed by Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart with two each.

·         Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart lead the series in top-five finishes at Las Vegas with six each.

·         Mark Martin has 10 top-10 finishes, more than any other driver. Tony Stewart leads all active drivers with nine top-10 finishes.

·         Carl Edwards leads the series in average finish at LVMS with a 9.200; Jimmie Johnson (9.231) is the only other active driver with an average finish in the top 10.  

·         There has been one green-white-checkered finish at Las Vegas: 2006 (270/267).

·         Kyle Busch made his first start and Kasey Kahne won his first pole at Las Vegas, in the same event (2004).

·         Aric Almirola made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2007.

·         Three drivers have won consecutive races at Las Vegas: Jeff Burton (1999, 2000); Matt Kenseth (2003, 2004) and Jimmie Johnson is the only one of the three to win three consecutive races (2005, 2006 and 2007).

·         Eight of the 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who have won at Las Vegas participated in at least two or more races before visiting Victory Lane. Mark Martin (1998; inaugural event) is the only driver to win at Las Vegas in his first appearance.

·         Tony Stewart competed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 13 times before winning (2012); the longest span of any the nine winners. Stewart is the only driver to have made 10 or more attempts before his first win at LVMS.

·         Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads the series (active drivers) with the most NASCAR Sprint Cup Series starts at Las Vegas without visiting Victory Lane with 15.

·         Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Las Vegas was the (3/12/2006) race won by Jimmie Johnson with a MOV of 0.045 second.

·         No driver has won the first three races of the season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The five drivers that have won the first two events of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season are: Matt Kenseth (2009), Jeff Gordon (1997), David Pearson (1976), Bob Welborn (1959) and Marvin Panch (1957).  

·         Three reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions have gone on to win at Las Vegas the following season: Matt Kenseth (2004), Jimmie Johnson is the only one to do it multiple times (2007, 2010) and Tony Stewart (2012).

·         Three drivers have won at Las Vegas and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in the same season: Jeff Gordon (2001), Matt Kenseth (2003) and Jimmie Johnson (2006, 2007 and 2010).

·         Danica Patrick and Shawna Robinson are the only two female drivers to compete at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Driver	Starting Position	Finishing Position	Date
Danica Patrick	22	21	3/9/2014
Danica Patrick	37	33	3/10/2013
Shawna Robinson	36	42	3/3/2002

·         Only two car numbers have produced three or more Las Vegas NSCS wins:

Car Number – Drivers – (Years)

o    No. 48  - Jimmie Johnson (2005-2007 and 2010)

o    No. 99 – Jeff Burton (1999, 2000) Carl Edwards (2008, 2011)