Daylight Racing Time’ Returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 8

Daylight Racing Time’ Returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 8

·           The Bank of America 500, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s fall classic, returns to a traditional Sunday afternoon start time at 2 p.m. ET on Oct. 8

·           The family-friendly, Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend format also includes Bojangles’ Pole Night Friday night under the lights and the Drive for the Cure 300 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina on Saturday afternoon. Average afternoon highs for the Charlotte area in early October are 72-75 degrees, giving the races ideal autumn weather

·           Kids’ tickets for the entire race weekend cost only $10; Adults can buy three-day weekend packages starting at just $79; Tickets, camping and upgrades are available by visiting www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets or calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267)

CONCORD, N.C. (April 20, 2017) – "Daylight Racing Time" is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Bank of America 500, NASCAR’s homecoming, returns to its original afternoon starting time on Sunday, Oct. 8, in a move geared for on-track competition and a schedule-friendly weekend format for families.

"Charlotte’s so tricky, especially when the sun’s out," said seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, the driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS. "And, the track’s finally aging and getting to a place with a lot of character (so) that a day race will allow us to run so many more lanes and, I think, create such an entertaining and compelling race … I’m really excited for a hot, slick, day race."

Charlotte’s iconic 1.5-mile superspeedway hasn’t scheduled a daytime Bank of America 500 since 2002, but a return to the traditional Friday-Saturday-Sunday format offers families an unmatched opportunity to enjoy two sun-drenched afternoons of racing at an affordable price. Kids’ tickets cost just $10 for the Bank of America 500 and are FREE for every other event.

The schedule enhancement means Charlotte Motor Speedway’s annual calendar will offer NASCAR fans their choice of showcase events that start in the afternoon (Bank of America 500), in the evening (May 28 Coca-Cola 600) and at night (May 20 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race). Additionally, the average early-October daytime high temperature for the Charlotte region is 72 to 75 degrees – the perfect temperature for fans to enjoy fall sunshine at the speedway.

Johnson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Dale Earnhardt Jr., supports the move to a daytime start.

"You've got a better opportunity for a good race during the day," said Earnhardt, the driver of the No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS. "There's a bit of a science to it – the track surface is hotter, the track is slicker and the groove is wider. You want guys sliding around, having to get out of the gas and able to move around.

"That's why I think Charlotte races better during the day. In practice during the day, you see us running against the wall and moving all over the place. That's what you'd see in the race. I think this is a good move for Charlotte."

Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR champion and the driver of the No. 4 Jimmy John’s Ford Fusion, echoed his fellow drivers’ sentiments.

"I like racing in the day, especially here at Charlotte," Harvick said, "because it seems like the cars move around more and it's harder to get a hold of your car."

Bojangles’ Pole Night remains under the lights at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6 while the NASCAR XFINITY Series Drive for the Cure 300 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina will run at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. The exhilarating second round of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs begins with the Bank of America 500 at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8 on NBC. Race times are subject to change.

"We’ve heard from fans and from several drivers about how much fun it is to race during the daytime at Charlotte Motor Speedway," said Marcus Smith, speedway president and general manager. "A return to ‘Daylight Racing Time’ also builds on our commitment to being ‘FANS FIRST’ by providing families with affordable, world-class entertainment on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone should set their clocks for ‘Daylight Racing Time,’ because it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend of racing."

TICKETS:

To purchase tickets, camping and race-day upgrades to the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder or the Bank of America 500, fans can call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or shop online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

KEEP TRACK:

Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter and Instagram or becoming a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedwa

AMS PIT NOTES FRIDAY:

AMS PIT NOTES FRIDAY: JIMMIE JOHNSON, FAST LAPS, 2,500TH
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES RACE, AIR SHOW COMING TO AMS

HAMPTON, Ga. (March 3, 2017) – Jimmie Johnson, the two-time defending champ at Atlanta Motor Speedway, is going to cherish this last weekend on the track before its repaved later this spring.
Johnson has won five times at the 1.54-mile oval.
“This track is so fun and so interesting and so challenging, I hate that it's our last run on this asphalt,” the No. 48 driver said. “But the practice session didn't disappoint. We're learning as we go with this new package, this new season. We're ready to go collect some points and some wins.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. suggested via Twitter that there should be some kind of memorial service for the surface, which is 20 years old. Johnson thought that idea had merit. 
“We all appreciate tracks with so much character,” Johnson said. “(The repaving) shocked and upset a lot of us. We get it. We understand. But it's just going to take a long time for the track to get back to this condition. 
“I don't think Darlington is even back to where it once was and the challenges it poses the teams. It's got to happen at some point. It's part of racing.”
Tire management is key in Atlanta, including practices and qualifying.
“We have to be conservative with our tire allotment and how many laps we put on every set that we can take to the race,” Johnson said. 
Qualifying is set for 5:45 p.m. tonight and is just the second race where teams must adjust to the revamped inspection process. Two years ago, Johnson was one of 13 drivers to miss Cup qualifying due to inspection delays and came from the back of the field to win the race. 
This year's adjustments mean any car that fails one of six stations, must pass all six on reinspection instead of just the one it failed. Since teams only have their Daytona experience to work off of, Johnson said it's still too early to tell how preparations might need to be adjusted in order to ensure passing tech in time to qualify. 
“We have a process we go through,” Johnson said. “What's so tough is their instruments track differently than what we have at the shop. We've always dealt with that. There are some challenges.

“I think if you have the opportunity to push the envelope for that extra little bit of skew in the car, everybody is rethinking that no.”
Johnson tested in Kansas with the downforce package in use at Atlanta.
“But the Kansas asphalt is pretty new with a lot of grip,” Johnson said. “At that point in time, I couldn't feel a difference and we were still running the same speeds. Today though, I've had a lot of loose and I'm sure the smaller spoiler has a lot to do with it. But until we get into side drafting and trying to free people up, I don't know if I have a good read on it yet.”
Fastest at first practices
Ryan Newman, who is tied at nine for the most poles at Atlanta, was fastest in Friday's first practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. The No. 31 Chevy posted the top lap time of 29.509 and an average speed of 187.875.
Aric Almirola led the morning's XFINITY Series Rinnai 250's first practice. The No. 98 circled the track in 30.567 (181.372 mph). The fastest driver actually qualified to earn points in the XFINITY series, Spencer Gallagher, was fifth.
Camping World Truck Series rookie Chase Briscoe was quickest in the first practice for the Active Pest Control 200 in 30.616 and he also had the best 10 consecutive lap average of 176.255 mph. 
110th Cup race at AMS is 2,500th in NASCAR history 
Sunday's Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at AMS will be the 2,500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race in history and 110th time the top series has raced on the 1.54-mile track in Hampton. 
Jim Roper won the first race on June 19, 149 at Charlotte Speedway, but no one has won more than Richard Petty. Of the King's 200 series wins, six came at Atlanta. Petty has also started more Cup races than any driver, nearly half of the total (1,182).
Monster Energy took over title sponsorship this season, following Winston and Nextel/Sprint.
The winningest driver at Atlanta is the late Dale Earnhardt with nine checkered flags. Defending champ Johnson has the most of any active driver with five. 
Atlanta air show comes to AMS
The first air show in AMS history is also the inaugural Atlanta Air Show and will be Oct. 14-15.
“We have finally found a stadium large enough to host an air show and look forward to working with the incredible team of professionals at Atlanta Motor Speedway to bring this new event to fruition,” said Bryan Lilley, President of B. Lilley Productions, which also organizes air shows in New York, Maryland and Florida.
The performer lineup includes a variety of demonstrations, including military jets, aerobatic planes, helicopters, parachute team jumps and more. The lineup will be announced in the coming months and will include four hours of flight demonstrations each day.
“The Atlanta Air Show is a fantastic new event for Atlanta Motor Speedway that will offer fans a unique variety of aerial entertainment not often seen at facilities like ours,” AMS President Ed Clark said. 
Sponsorship opportunities and corporate hospitality suites are available. Attendees can save 50 percent off the day-of-event price when they purchase by March 20.
More information will be available online at AirShowAtlanta.com.
For more information or to purchase tickets today, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS- TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY

HAMPTON, Ga. (March 1, 2017) – The last time Atlanta Motor Speedway was repaved, iPhones were still a decade away, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was well under 8,000 points, and the average loaf of bread hovered around $1.
It was the same year that Mike Tyson infamously bit Evander Holyfield during a boxing match, the comet Hale-Bopp was visible, the movie “Men in Black” hit theaters and the band “Hanson” was still a thing.
The year was 1997 – two full decades ago. If the AMS track surface were a human, it could vote today and legally purchase alcohol next year.
In all those years since the current track surface was born, it has seen 31 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races, 19 XFINITY Series races and 15 Camping World Truck Series races.
In case you were counting, that’s 603,600 laps and 929,544 mile driven on the 1.54-mile asphalt oval – and that’s just for NASCAR.
That, of course, doesn’t include the eight ARCA Racing Series races, the four IndyCar Series races, the pace laps, the caution laps, the monster trucks, the speedway cruises and the countless U.S. Legends and Bandolero car races on the quarter-mile “Thunder Ring” that this 20-year-old surface has endured.
Some of the most notable NASCAR races have taken place on the current AMS racing surface, including Dale Earnhardt’s 0.010-second margin of victory over Bobby Labonte in 2000, Kevin Harvick’s emotional and record-setting 0.006-second margin of victory over Jeff Gordon in Earnhardt’s Richard Childress Racing car the following year, Carl Edwards’ first Cup Series victory and subsequent season sweep of both Atlanta races in 2005 and the first-ever Atlanta night race in 2009.
Geoff Bodine’s amazing AMS qualifying record was set at the very first race on the current surface in 1997, when he blazed around the track in 28.074 seconds at an average speed of 197.478 mph. And currently, Bobby Labonte and seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson are tied at five for the most Cup Series victories on the surface. 
Age-wise, AMS has the second-oldest asphalt on the entire Cup Series circuit. Thanks to a combination of the mild Georgia winters and a meticulous maintenance program over the years, it’s been able to enjoy a life of longevity.
But like anything that gets old, the wear and tear of all those tires in all those races and the constant battery of temperature swings and downpours of southern summertime thunderstorms (and even a tornado or two), has taken its toll. No longer is it a grippy, perfectly-smooth loop of asphalt like the one you enjoy on your daily commute after a brand new construction project around town.
Instead, it’s a slower, slick, abrasive track prone to tire spins, sideways race cars and challenging driving conditions not for the faint of heart. Fortunately for the drivers, they love that kind of stuff, and fortunately for fans, they love watching it. 
So for NASCAR stars, the thought of one more go-around on the 20-year-old surface and last chance to add his or her name to a prestigious list of drivers who have earned a trip to Victory Lane on this very same asphalt before it undergoes a repave later this spring, is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Georgia native Chase Elliott, who cut his teeth in the Legends program at AMS and who was about 1 ½ years old when the current surface was lain, identifies the 2017 Atlanta race as one he particularly looks forward to.
“I’m going to enjoy this race weekend, because of the (coming) surface change,” he said. “I think we all enjoy the surface that’s there and just the options it gives you as a driver to move around.”
Joey Logano, who won the pole at Atlanta in 2015 and has finished as high as second at the track, takes the 2016 race to a whole new personal level.
“Atlanta, to me - I lived down there for six years,” he said. “So it's special. I want to be able to win at that race track, especially before the repave. I want to be able to say I won on that surface. We've come very close to winning there before. We've had very fast cars, but we haven't done it yet, so it's kind of the last shot at that, at least on that surface." 
And for the sport’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who won at Atlanta in 2010 and has 14 top-10 finishes on the rough and aged track, it will be a bittersweet farewell to the memorable, old surface.
“I expect it to drive good. I love the race track. I know they’re going to repave it after this year, so, we’ll try to enjoy the last race on that old asphalt, because it’s hard to beat the surfaces that get aged like that.” 
So for Earnhardt and 39 others, it all comes down to one final weekend, as drivers mark the end of one era of racing in Atlanta before beginning another in 2018. The only thing left to determine now is who will cement his or her name as the final driver to win on one of the sport’s most influential surfaces in history.
NASCAR racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway March 3-5, 2017, featuring the Rinnai 250 XFINITY Series and Active Pest Control 200 Camping World Truck Series doubleheader on Saturday, March 4 and the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, March 5.
For more information or to purchase tickets today, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

-AMS-

Martinsville Speedway Already Gearing Up for the Fall

Martinsville Speedway Already Gearing Up for the Fall

Fans to get more value than ever with a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ticket.

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Feb. 28, 2017) – As Martinsville Speedway celebrates its 70^th anniversary in 2017, fans will get more value for their ticket to the fall race, as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will qualify and race on the same day, Sunday, October 29.

Saturday will have an "old-school" feel as well, as NASCAR will return to a true "happy hour" practice session, immediately following the Alpha Energy Solutions 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. All kids 12-and-under are admitted free on Saturday.

"I think the weekend schedule is really going to add value to a Martinsville Speedway ticket," Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell said. "The fans are the ones who are the real winners here. A Sunday ticket gets fans all of the same excitement they’ve always had, but now they get to watch qualifying as well.

"On Saturday, you can bring the kids for free and treat them to a full day of action, as they will get to see the current Cup stars practice and the future of the sport race in the Alpha Energy Solutions 200."

Martinsville Speedway and NASCAR are also planning a fan event on Friday, October 27, featuring some of NASCAR’s top stars. More information on the event will be available in the coming months.

NASCAR makes its first visit to Martinsville Speedway March 31-April. 

This year the historic track celebrates its 70^th anniversary. 

The weekend starts on Friday with Virginia Lottery Pole Day and continues on Saturday with the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race. Kids 12-and-under are admitted free Friday and Saturday. 

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be in action on Sunday with the running of the STP 500. 

The race is the first short-track race of the season and marks the series’ return to the east coast after the "West Coast Swing." 

Last year Kyle Busch became the first driver in the tracks storied history to win both the Truck and Premier Series races in the same weekend.

In addition to buying tickets at the track, tickets can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX or online at www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

PHOENIX RACEWAY AND FUNWALL TO BRING MOBILE GAMING

PHOENIX RACEWAY AND FUNWALL TO BRING MOBILE GAMING TO THE CAMPING WORLD 500 RACE WEEKEND

Motorsports venue adds unique social gaming capability to the race day experience

PHOENIX – Phoenix Raceway, a subsidiary of the International Speedway Corporation, announced today that FunWall has signed a letter of intent to bring FunWall’s proprietary mobile social gaming platform to the world of motorsports. With this partnership, the track will be the first motorsports venue to offer social mobile gaming that is fully integrated into the race day experience.

“We are excited to offer even more to our fans as part of their race day experience through FunWall’s revolutionary technology,” said Bryan R. Sperber, President of Phoenix Raceway. “This partnership combines the attraction of mobile gaming with the excitement of live motorsports entertainment creating a unique and engaging platform for our fans.” 

FunWall’s unique technology will give Phoenix Raceway the ability to revolutionize fan communication by transforming one-way communication channels into intelligent, two-way fan experiences. This partnership provides the opportunity to engage the race fan at each Phoenix Raceway event with fun incentivized tournament games.

“FunWall makes the vital audience connection by combining fun and incentives into the same experience,” said Steve Ridley, CEO of FunWall. “Phoenix Raceway is the perfect partner to help us pioneer the power of mobile social gaming into the dynamic world of motorsports.”

FunWall will deploy its new proprietary “GeoGame” platform, which allows Phoenix Raceway to offer fans specific games and competitions based on the user location within the facility. This unique tool unlocks the ability for fans to interact with each other and with Phoenix Raceway partners in designated locations as well as have the opportunity to be awarded unique experiences or prizes based on the specific location that they are visiting at that time.

Social mobile games provide the perfect vehicle to engage, entertain, capture and incentivize an audience. FunWall’s unique platform takes the buzz around eSports and places it at the fingertips of users whenever and wherever they are. FunWall is the first technology allowing users to take any mobile game from a “one-on-one” challenge to a “play-the-entire-world” tournament.

FunWall’s mobile gaming app will be featured in key areas of the Raceway and will be fully available to race franchises, sponsors, race teams, and concessions, making social mobile gaming a key engagement tool for anyone looking to maximize their experience on race day and beyond the race track.

DOVER

DOVER, Del. (Feb. 16, 2017) – Dover International Speedway’s NASCAR stage lengths have been established for the upcoming 2017 season and the Monster Mile will host the year’s final NASCAR XFINITY Series Dash 4 Cash race on Saturday, June 3, NASCAR and track officials announced today.

Stages will be used in all Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this year to enhance the racing product for fans, with playoff point incentives on the line throughout the race.

Dover International Speedway’s two NASCAR tripleheader weekends on June 2-4 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1 will include the following stage schedule:

•  Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series: Stage 1-120 laps, Stage 2-120 laps, Stage 3-160 laps

•  NASCAR XFINITY Series: Stage 1-60 laps, Stage 2-60 laps, Stage 3-80 laps

•  NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Stage 1-45 laps, Stage 2-45 laps, Stage 3-110 laps (June only)

NASCAR determined stage lengths for each track by working with race teams on expected tire and fuel usage, creating distances that would provide the best race for fans.

Also, NASCAR has announced its Dash 4 Cash schedule with Dover International Speedway hosting the fourth and final race on Saturday, June 3. Other Dash 4 Cash races will take place at Phoenix (March 18), Bristol (April 22) and Richmond (April 29).

The new stage formats will take the place of last year’s Heat races, with the top two finishers that have declared for NASCAR XFINITY Series points qualifying for the Dash 4 Cash bonus. The top finisher of the four advancing drivers in Stage 3 will earn the $100,000 Dash 4 Cash prize. Two Dash 4 Cash wins will also qualify a driver for the NASCAR XFINITY Series playoffs, assuming the driver did not win a Stage 3 event.

The June 2-4 NASCAR tripleheader weekend at the Monster Mile includes the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, June 2, the NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, June 3 and the “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 4.

The Sept. 29-Oct. 1 NASCAR tripleheader weekend includes the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Oct. 1, the “Drive Sober 200” presented by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, Sept. 30 and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Friday, Sept. 29.

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 and Instagram at @MonsterMile.

# # #

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 plays host to the Firefly Music Festival, produced by Red Frog Events and Goldenvoice. For more information, visit www.DoverMotorsports.com.

STAGE LENGTHS FOR ALL SIX NASCAR NATIONAL SERIES RACES AT TEXAS MOTOR

STAGE LENGTHS FOR ALL SIX NASCAR NATIONAL SERIES RACES AT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCED

FORT WORTH, Texas (February 16, 2017) - Texas Motor Speedway announced Thursday the stage lengths for the six NASCAR national series races that will be held at the world-renowned motorsports facility this season.

The enhanced competition format that will be implemented this season in all three NASCAR national series - Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series - will divide every race into three stages with each carrying championship implications.

The new race format is expected to increase the sense of urgency, emphasize aggressive racing and strategy, and add drama with playoff points incentivizing drivers throughout. The first two stages will be identical in length and consist of 25 to 30 percent of the race laps based off fuel mileage reviews conducted by NASCAR. That second stage will conclude near the midpoint of each of those races.

For the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 (Sunday, April 9) and AAA Texas 500 (Sunday, Nov. 5):

• Stage 1 - 85 laps (Laps 1-85)
• Stage 2 - 85 laps (Laps 86-170)
• Stage 3 - 164 laps (Laps 171-334) 

For the XFINITY Series Cowboy 300 (Saturday, April 8) and O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 (Saturday, Nov. 4):

• Stage 1 - 45 laps (Laps 1-45)
• Stage 2 - 45 laps (Laps 46-90)
• Stage 3 - 110 laps (Laps 91-200) 

For the Camping World Truck Series Rattlesnake 400 (Friday, June 9):

• Stage 1 - 40 laps (Laps 1-40)
• Stage 2 - 40 laps (Laps 41-80)
• Stage 3 - 87 laps (Laps 81-167) 

For the Camping World Truck Series Longhorn 350 (Friday, Nov. 3):

• Stage 1 - 35 laps (Laps 1-35)
• Stage 2 - 35 laps (Laps 36-70)
• Stage 3 - 77 laps (Laps 71-147) 

The top-10 finishers of the first two stages will be awarded additional championship points. The winners of the first two stages will receive one playoff point, and the race winner will receive five playoff points. Each playoff point will be added to the driver's reset total following race No. 26, if that competitor makes the playoffs.

All playoff points will carry through to the end of the third round of the playoffs (Round of 8) that includes the AAA Texas 500, with the Championship 4 racing straight-up at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the title.

Championship points following the first two stages will be awarded on a descending scale, with the stage winner receiving 10 points, second receiving 9, etc. The race winner following the final stage will now receive 40 points, second place will receive 35, third place 34, fourth place 33, and so on down the finishing order.

Tickets for the 2017 Texas Motor Speedway season, including a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) offer starting at $69 for the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500, are available by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 817.215.8500. 

CHASE ELLIOTT SET FOR DOUBLE-DUTY IN ATLANTA

CHASE ELLIOTT SET FOR DOUBLE-DUTY IN ATLANTA

Georgia native to drive NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entry for GMS Racing

HAMPTON, Ga. (Feb. 15, 2017) – Dawsonville, Georgia native and 2016 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, Chase Elliott, will have two chances to score his first NASCAR national touring series win at his home track, Atlanta Motor Speedway, as he pulls double-duty in races both Saturday and Sunday, March 4 and 5, 2017.
In his first-ever truck race at Atlanta, Elliott will climb behind the wheel of the No. 23 All-Star Team for GMS Racing in the March 4 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Active Pest Control 200.
  
The race will be Elliott’s 11th career start in the Camping World Truck Series and his first since winning the pole and finishing second at Martinsville last October. In those 11 races, Elliott has one win, six top-5s and eight top-10 finishes.
Following the Saturday night truck race, Elliott will return to his normal Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 Chevrolet SS for Sunday afternoon’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. In Elliott’s Atlanta Cup Series debut last year, he recorded his first top-10 at NASCAR’s top level with an impressive eighth-place finish.
“With Chase pulling double-duty on both Saturday and Sunday of race weekend, Georgia racing fans will have twice the opportunity to watch one of their hometown drivers compete for his first-ever win in his home state,” said Ed Clark, Atlanta Motor Speedway president. “Our affordable pricing and free Saturday admission for kids make the Atlanta NASCAR weekend a family-friendly event geared towards fun for the whole family.”
Tickets for Saturday’s XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series doubleheader start at just $40, while kids 17 and under will be admitted free. Sunday tickets start at $39, with kids 12 and under just $10.
NASCAR racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway March 3-5, 2017, featuring the Rinnai 250 XFINITY Series and Active Pest Control 200 Camping World Truck Series doubleheader on Saturday, March 4 and the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, March 5.
For more information and to purchase tickets today, call the AMS ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

-AMS-

Dover International Speedway extending SAFER barriers

Dover International Speedway extending SAFER barriers along outside frontstretch, backstretch before June 2-4, 2017, NASCAR tripleheader weekend

DOVER, Del. (Feb. 13, 2017) – Dover International Speedway will extend SAFER barriers across the frontstretch and backstretch of the facility in preparation for the 2017 NASCAR season, track officials announced today.

Work will be complete on the project before the June 2-4, 2017, NASCAR tripleheader weekend at the Monster Mile, which includes the “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 4.

Facts on the project plans are listed below:

-- Approximately 1,800 feet of Steel And Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers will be added to the one-mile, high-banked, concrete oval. Outside walls along the frontstretch and backstretch, including the gates for track entry, will now include SAFER barriers. With this project, all of the Monster Mile’s outside walls will have SAFER barriers installed.

-- The installation company will be Smith Fence of Clearwater, Fla.

-- Construction will begin in March.

“Continued improvements to our facility, particularly in the areas of fan and driver safety, are of the utmost importance to us,” said Mike Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway. “The decision to add more SAFER barriers is a collaborative decision with NASCAR and various stakeholders and collectively we felt this is something that needed to be completed prior to NASCAR’s return to the Monster Mile this spring.”

Before the NASCAR tripleheader weekend in October 2016, Dover International Speedway added approximately 500 feet of SAFER barriers along the outside wall in Turn 2, under the walkover bridge, and along the outside wall of Turn 4 entering the frontstretch.

“Dover has really done a great job in making the facility as safe as possible for us as drivers,” said Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Ford Fusion for Team Penske. “The Monster Mile is an extremely fast track. For only being a one-mile track, the high-banked corners and concrete surface produce really high speeds and with that you increase the risk for heavier impacts.

“As a driver I really appreciate the investment in safety. The initiative to add 1,800 feet of SAFER barrier to completely cover the outside walls is another great step.”

The June 2-4, 2017, NASCAR tripleheader weekend at Dover International Speedway includes the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, June 2 and the NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, June 3.

The Monster Mile is also hosting a NASCAR tripleheader weekend from Sept. 29-Oct. 1, including the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Oct. 1, the “Drive Sober 200” presented by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, Sept. 30 and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race on Friday, Sept. 29.

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 and Instagram at @MonsterMile.

XFINITY SERIES TESTS

XFINITY SERIES DRIVERS FROM STEWART-HAAS RACING,
GMS RACING, JR MOTORSPORTS TEST AT AMS

EDITOR'S NOTE: High-definition footage, including B-roll and one-on-one interviews with drivers from the two-day NASCAR XFINITY Series test at Atlanta Motor Speedway, is available to view and download by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2lA4k9m. HAMPTON, Ga. (Feb. 10, 2017) – Drivers from three NASCAR XFINITY Series teams wrapped up a two-day, pre-season test at Atlanta Motor Speedway Friday afternoon in preparation for the 2017 NASCAR season that gets underway in two weeks. William Byron, who won 2016 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors after winning seven races last season, tested the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro for JR Motorsports. Byron joins JR Motorsports this season, moving into a full-time NASCAR XFINITY Series role for the first time. It was a homecoming of sorts for Byron, who raced U.S. Legends cars on AMS's quarter-mile "Thunder Ring" in 2013, winning that year's Young Lions Division championship. Testing the No. 23 Chevrolet Camaro for GMS Racing was Spencer Gallagher. Gallagher also moves into his first full-time NASCAR XFINITY Series ride after two full seasons in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for the same team. Finally, Cole Custer tested the No. 00 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing, whose XFINITY Series program debuts full-time for the first time in 2017. Custer last season drove full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for JR Motorsports, picking up two poles and 14 top-10s. NASCAR racing returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway March 3-5, 2017, featuring the Rinnai 250 XFINITY Series and Active Pest Control 200 Camping World Truck Series doubleheader on Saturday, March 4 and the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, March 5. For more information or to purchase tickets today, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

FINAL STAGE OF TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY TRACK RENOVATION PROJECT

FINAL STAGE OF TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY TRACK RENOVATION PROJECT TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK WITH REPAVING 

• Completion Of Track Repave On Target For Beginning Of March
• Full Repave Of Pit Lane Added To Project
• New Surface, Layout To Debut April 7-9 At O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Doubleheader   

FORT WORTH, Texas (February 2, 2017) - The final stage of Texas Motor Speedway's major capital improvement project will begin next week with the repaving of the track surface for the 1.5-mile oval configuration at the world-renowned motorsports facility that annually plays host to NASCAR and INDYCAR events.

The project began Jan. 9 and construction crews already have completed the installation of the drainage system on the backstretch and frontstretch as well as the grade changes in Turns 1 and 2. The re-profiling of that segment of the track will reduce the banking from 24 to 20 degrees and expand the racing surface from 60 to 80 feet. Turns 3 and 4 will remain unchanged from the current configuration of 24 degrees of banking and 60 feet of racing surface.

Lane Construction Corp., known as the preeminent paving company for NASCAR speedways, will direct the repaving project. The entire 1.5-mile oval racing surface will be repaved, along with pit road being recently added to the project list and scheduled for a complete repave. The paving phase is expected to take 28 days barring any delays.

"We didn't initially mention we were going to pave pit road, but over the years it has gotten a little rough and this was an opportune time to add it to the project," Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. "It's been re-patched where needed over the years, but a new layer of pavement will make it nice and smooth for both the NASCAR and INDYCAR competitors.

"Paving equipment will be on the track within the week and the project should be complete and ready to roll by March 1. We are moving ahead wide open and right on target."

Click here for the finished video package with Gossage on the track providing the updates or here for the b-roll video package that includes Gossage sound bites.

The new configuration and racing surface will debut April 7-9 with the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR doubleheader. The weekend features SportsDay Qualifying Day Powered by The Dallas Morning News for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Friday, April 7; SportsDay Qualifying Day Powered by The Dallas Morning News for the XFINITY Series and Cowboy 300 race on Saturday, April 8; and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 on Sunday, April 9.

Tickets are available by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com or calling the speedway ticket office at 817.215.8500.

PHOENIX RACEWAY UNVEILS DETAILS FOR $178 MILLION MODERNIZATION

PHOENIX RACEWAY UNVEILS DETAILS FOR $178 MILLION MODERNIZATION PROJECT

DC Solar to serve as title sponsor of project that will enhance fan amenities at Phoenix Raceway, anchored by one-of-a-kind infield experience

Click for Video

PHOENIX – Phoenix Raceway, together with its parent company, International Speedway Corporation ("ISC"), announced today the details of a $178 million modernization of the race track with a variety of enhanced amenities for fans, teams, sponsors and other stakeholders.

"This is a great day for ISC and Phoenix Raceway, but more importantly, for racing fans in the state of Arizona and around the world," ISC Chief Executive Officer Lesa France Kennedy said. "A project of this magnitude is monumental for our company as we get to work enhancing the experience of the great fans who love to watch our races in Phoenix and enjoy this beautiful area. Having Phoenix Raceway within our prestigious stable of venues always has been a tremendous asset and source of pride for us. We are thrilled to create a best-in-class facility in Phoenix, and we’re confident it will grow the fan base here and further serve as a destination track for motorsports fans everywhere."

Among the many highlights of the modernization project is a completely redesigned infield featuring a first-of-its-kind Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Garage Fan Zone, placing fans face-to-face with the superstars of the sport. Phoenix Raceway’s start/finish line will be repositioned in Turn 2 just before the track’s well-known dog leg. Other new highlights include a new pedestrian tunnel connecting the infield to the new seating areas featuring in-seat Wi-Fi connectivity.

DC Solar, entitlement partner of Phoenix Raceway’s spring NASCAR XFINITY Series race, the DC Solar 200, will serve as the title sponsor for the modernization project (Phoenix Raceway Project Powered by DC Solar) as well as a multi-year sponsor of the redesigned Midway.

"When our project is completed, we will have a venue that delivers amazing fan experiences to go along with our reputation for great racing action," said Phoenix Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber. "By shifting the start/finish line to Phoenix Raceway’s famed dog leg, fans will be perfectly positioned to watch one of the most exciting turns in motorsports. We are confident The Phoenix Raceway Project powered by DC Solar will put racing in Arizona in a whole new and exciting light."

The repositioned start/finish line will enhance the competition near one of the most challenging areas of the track while adding to the excitement during key race moments such as restarts and the closing laps.

"It’s great to see Phoenix Raceway make such a big investment to improve the experience for the fans," said Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing. "I’m from the West Coast and Phoenix is one of those places that always feels like home to me. Moving the start/finish line is a big change for all the racers that have been used to racing at Phoenix in the past; I’m looking forward to seeing how those changes might affect the racing and how the end of the races play out."

The modernization project also includes the installation of new/upgraded seating and hospitality areas near the current Turn 2 location. A new grandstand will be built alongside upgraded seats in the existing Bobby Allison Grandstand (both featuring individual chair back stadium seats with armrests), complete with modern amenities such as several new escalators and elevators, additional restrooms and concessions and a redesigned Midway conveniently located near the seating areas.

Fans can learn more about the Phoenix Raceway Project Powered by DC Solar and obtain news, updates and alerts by visiting www.phoenixraceway.com.

Project renderings can be accessed via FTP site: ftp.iscmotorsports.com (username: pirprftp; password: pirpr2017).

All images can be credited: "courtesy Phoenix Raceway."

About ISC

International Speedway Corporation is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities. The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway® in Florida (home of the DAYTONA 500®); Talladega Superspeedway® in Alabama; Michigan International Speedway® located outside Detroit; Richmond International Raceway® in Virginia; Auto Club Speedway of Southern California^SM near Los Angeles; Kansas Speedway® in Kansas City, Kansas; Phoenix Raceway™ in Arizona; Chicagoland Speedway® and Route 66 Raceway^SM near Chicago, Illinois;  Homestead-Miami Speedway^SM in Florida; Martinsville Speedway® in Virginia; Darlington Raceway® in South Carolina; and Watkins Glen International® in New York.

The Company also owns and operates Motor Racing Network^SM, the nation's largest independent sports radio network and Americrown Service Corporation^SM, a subsidiary that provides catering services, and food and beverage concessions. In addition, the Company has a 50 percent interest in the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at www.internationalspeedwaycorporation.com.

About Phoenix Raceway

Since 1964, Phoenix Raceway has been the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest. Founded as an open-wheel racing mecca, Phoenix Raceway is proud to once again host the Phoenix Grand Prix Verizon INDYCAR Series race under the lights on April 29. Phoenix is the only track in the West to feature two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekends a year, beginning with the Camping World 500 race weekend in March 17-19. The schedule is anchored by the upcoming Can-Am 500 race weekend on Nov. 10-12, the semifinal race in the Chase for the NASCAR Cup after which the field is reduced to the final four championship contenders. For more information, visit www.PhoenixRaceway.com.

About DC Solar
DC Solar is a clean energy company that specializes in mobile solar products. Their flagship product, The Solar Eclipse, is the most widely distributed mobile solar generator in the U.S., and it has revolutionized the solar industry by taking the technology off-grid. DC Solar serves a variety of industries, including emergency preparedness, disaster relief, construction, entertainment, sports and agriculture, to name just a few. DC Solar’s mission is to promote a healthier planet by offering unique portable solar products that make a difference in how people use and think about power. To learn more information about DC Solar, please visit www.dcsolardistribution.com and follow DC Solar at www.facebook.com/dcsolarsolutions and on Twitter at @DCSolar.

Auto Club Speedway’s 20th Anniversary

WHO HAS BEST HAIR IN THE NASCAR GARAGE? WHO’S CLASS CLOWN? WHO’S MOST LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ARGUMENT ON RACE DAY?

NASCAR drivers weigh in on Auto Club Speedway’s 20^th Anniversary Reunion superlatives

FONTANA, Calif. – (Jan. 13, 2017) – Who, in the NASCAR garage area, does Jimmie Johnson think is the "Most Athletic" driver?  Who does Brad Keselowski think has the "Best Hair"? Who does Jeff Gordon think is the "Most Likely to Cause an Argument on Race Day?" In the spirit of Auto Club Speedway’s 20^th Anniversary Reunion, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Drivers were asked ever-popular yearbook superlatives such as "Who is the "Class Clown" or "Who is "Class President" in the NASCAR garages as part of the "Track Reunion Awards."

Each week starting Jan. 13, fans can find out the answers to the life’s most important questions by following Auto Club Speedway on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to be directed to the "Track Reunion Awards." Plus, fans can participate by guessing who they think the drivers picked with a chance to enter and win NASCAR Auto Club 400 race weekend tickets and packages.

NASCAR Cup Drivers will share which driver they think deserves a "Track Reunion Award" for the following:

1.     Class Clown

2.     Best Hair

3.     Most Athletic

4.     Most Likely to Succeed

5.     Best Car Collection

6.     Most Likely to Lend a Helping Hand

7.     Most Likely to Cause an Argument on Race Day

8.     Most Likely to be Stranded on a Deserted Island With

9.     Best Burnout

10.  Class President

NASCAR fans will be reuniting next year to celebrate Auto Club Speedway’s 20^th Anniversary Reunion at the Auto Club 400 race weekend - March 24-26. With a race ticket, fans have access to 20^th Anniversary celebrations in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fan Zone including special Q&A with racing legends, historic show cars on display, and musical entertainment. A special "Yearbook" themed souvenir program will also be available to purchase full of past memories and driver "well wishes."

To purchase tickets or upgrade ticket packages to NASCAR’s Auto Club 400 Weekend at Auto Club Speedway, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223), shop online at www.autoclubspeedway.com, or stop by the Auto Club Speedway ticket office at 9300 Cherry Ave. in Fontana. Ticket office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

Follow Auto Club Speedway and use #ACS20 to share racing memories by tagging @ACSUpdates on Twitter or @AutoClubSpeedway on Facebook and Instagram.

About Auto Club Speedway:
Located 50 miles east of Los Angeles in Fontana, Auto Club Speedway is California’s premier motorsports facility, hosting over 320 days of track activity each year including the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 weekend, March 24-26, 2017. The two-mile D-shaped oval is one of the fastest tracks on the circuit.  The Speedway is also home to numerous movies, television and commercial productions, photo shoots, new car testing, club racing and a variety of racing schools. For more information on events at Auto Club Speedway call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com. 

Dover International Speedway promotes Camp, Lofland to assistant vice president positions

Dover International Speedway promotes Camp, Lofland to assistant vice president positions

DOVER, Del. (Jan. 13, 2017) – Two longtime senior directors at Dover International Speedway have been promoted to assistant vice president positions, track officials announced today.

Gary Camp will serve as Dover International Speedway’s new Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Camp, who began his career at Dover International Speedway in 2004, will oversee planning and implementation of the track’s marketing and communications efforts, including advertising strategies, media relations, internal and external customer communications and social media.

Rob Lofland will serve as Dover International Speedway’s new Assistant Vice President of Business Development. Lofland, who started his Dover International Speedway career in 2000, has been instrumental in securing many of the sponsors and partners that play a critical role in the Monster Mile’s two NASCAR tripleheader weekends each year.

“Rob and Gary have both demonstrated their ability to become an even more integral part of our organization and their additional responsibilities are reflective of our confidence in each of them. We’re delighted that they will continue to contribute to our success,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover International Speedway’s president and CEO. “This is an exciting time for our business, with NASCAR’s introduction of Monster Energy as the Cup Series’ premier sponsor and Firefly Music Festival’s continued growth. We’re looking forward to Rob and Gary using their expertise to help us expand our marketing and business development reach for years to come.”  

NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway for two tripleheader weekends on June 2-4 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1, including the “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 4 and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Oct. 1.

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, on Twitter and Instagram at @MonsterMile and the mobile app in the App Store and Google Play.

PHOENIX RACEWAY TO HOST NASCAR OPEN TEST

PHOENIX RACEWAY TO HOST NASCAR OPEN TEST SESSION ON TUESDAY, JAN. 31

$5 donation gives fans access to see Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick and more NASCAR stars on track

PHOENIX – Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series stars will appear at Phoenix Raceway for the first time in 2017 when the track hosts an open test session on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Phoenix Raceway will open its gates to fans from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with general seating in the Bobby Allison Grandstand. Free parking is available and fans are asked to make a $5 donation to Phoenix Raceway Charities for admission.

Several 2016 NASCAR Chase contenders including Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Matt Kenseth and Austin Dillon are scheduled to be participate, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be making his first public appearance behind the wheel in six months.

With a new series sponsor, manufacturer changes and new faces to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, there will be plenty of excitement when the drivers look for valuable track time ahead of the 2017 season and Phoenix Raceway’s Camping World 500 on Sunday, March 19.

Tickets for the Camping World 500 start at just $25, and 2017 season tickets are available beginning at $99. Individual tickets and season tickets are available online at PhoenixRaceway.com, by phone at 1-866-408-RACE (7223) or in person at the PIR ticket office.

Phoenix Raceway Charities is a Donor Advised Fund under The NASCAR Foundation, and its mission is to accelerate the development of children in Arizona by supporting education, children and families of our military and military veterans, and life enrichment programs for children and families in our community.