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

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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.

COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR JOSH TURNER HEADLINE QUIKTRIP 500 Atlanta

COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR JOSH TURNER TO HEADLINE
PRE-RACE PARTY AT FOLDS OF HONOR QUIKTRIP 500

HAMPTON, Ga. (Jan. 10, 2017) – Multi-platinum country music recording artist Josh Turner will bring his distinctively rich and deep voice to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 5, 2017 to headline the pre-race party prior to the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. A Hannah, South Carolina native, Turner has sold more than 12 million units, is a disciple of traditional country music and one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry. He burst onto the country music scene in 2003 with his platinum-selling debut album “Long Black Train” and has since released No. 1 hits including “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “All Over Me.” His single “Time Is Love” was also the most-played country music song of 2012.  Turner, who describes himself as a family man, philanthropist, devoted Christian and passionate sports fan, has garnered multiple GRAMMY, CMA and ACM award nominations since he signed with MCA Nashville Records in 2003. His most recent single, “Hometown Girl,” was released last May. He will perform it and many of his fans’ favorite hits in a full-length concert on the AMS frontstretch beginning at 1 p.m. as part of the pre-race festivities leading up to the scheduled green flag at 2:30 p.m. “We’re gonna have a blast playing at the Atlanta race,” said Turner. “I’ve never been to the track, but I grew up in the NASCAR culture with Darlington just an hour from my home-place. Race fans and country music fans have always coincided, so I’ll be right at home.” Turner has been songwriting and performing since he was a young child, and in support of music education, he created The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund to assist students interested in pursuing a future in arts and music. In addition to his numerous musical accolades, Turner added author to his resume in 2014 with his first book, “Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family and Fatherhood.” Pre-race pit passes will provide stage-front access for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver introductions, as well as Turner’s pre-race performance. In addition, pre-race pit passes will allow fans to tour the pit area and photograph the 40-car field up close and personal prior to the start of the race. A limited number of Sunday-only pre-race pit passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $100, while a three-day weekend pre-race pit pass is just $125 per person. A grandstand or infield ticket is required for each pre-race pit pass holder. Tickets and pre-race pit passes may be purchased at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com, Ticketmaster or at the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office. For more information, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

–AMS–

Tire Testing at Las Vegas Tues & Wed:

Tire Testing at Las Vegas Tues & Wed: The start of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season is more than one month away but four competitors will be back behind the wheel much sooner. #1-Jamie McMurray (Chevy), #24-Chase Elliott (Chevy), #22-Joey Logano (Ford) and #20-Matt Kenseth (new 2018 Toyota Camry) are scheduled to take part in the season's first Goodyear tire test Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 10-11 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The two-day Las Vegas tire test is the first of seven on the 2017 schedule. Other Goodyear tire tests for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams are on tap for Michigan (April 4-5), Indianapolis (April 25-26), Kentucky (May 9-10), Chicago (June 6-7) and Atlanta (Aug. 8-9). All are for 2017 races with the exception of AMS, which will be focused on 2018 as AMS will be repaved following the race in March 2017. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series teams will participate in a Goodyear tire test at Eldora Speedway May 16-17. Eldora is the only dirt track hosting a race among NASCAR's three national series. Also, with news of a repaving and reconfiguration at Texas Motor Speedway, Goodyear could add a test there as well. OPEN TESTS: NASCAR's first organizational test, open to all but limited to one team per organization, will take place at Phoenix Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Additional organizational tests for the series are scheduled for May 30-31 at New Hampshire, Aug. 15-16 at Chicago, Oct. 10-11 at Martinsville and Oct. 24-25 at Homestead. An organizational test for NASCAR XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series teams is set for Charlotte May 2.
One change of note in the 2017 testing schedule is the addition of separate tests for the manufacturers' wheel force transducer (WFT) cars. The vehicles, provided by teams and fitted with various data-gathering devices, were previously allowed for each organizational and Goodyear tire test. NASCAR will also hold a two-day test April 11-12 at Daytona, using the first day to sort through potential safety/competition initiatives while Goodyear is expected to conduct a tire test with any potential changes on the second day. The 2017 season will be the third in which team testing is limited to participation in Goodyear tire tests, organizational tests or any developmental-type tests set by NASCAR. Private team testing has been prohibited since the start of the 2015 season.(NASCAR)(1-10-2018)

RINNAI TO SPONSOR MARCH 4 NASCAR XFINITY SERIES RACE AT AMS

RINNAI TO SPONSOR MARCH 4 NASCAR XFINITY SERIES RACE AT AMS

HAMPTON, Ga. (Dec. 6, 2016) – Peachtree City, Georgia-based Rinnai America Corporation has signed on as a multi-year sponsor of the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, beginning with the 2017 race scheduled for Saturday, March 4. The race will officially be named the Rinnai 250 and will serve as the front-end of an XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series same-day doubleheader unique to Atlanta.

The Rinnai 250 will be the first of three NASCAR national touring series races during the 2017 Atlanta NASCAR Weekend. Following the 1:30 p.m. Saturday race, the Camping World Truck Series Active Pest Control 200 will polish off the twinbill with a scheduled green flag at 4:30 p.m. The Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 NASCAR Cup Series race will round out the weekend with a 2:30 p.m. start time on Sunday, March 5.

"Rinnai is excited about the opportunity to partner with Atlanta Motor Speedway through this sponsorship," said Frank Windsor, COO of Rinnai America Corporation. "Not only will this sponsorship help us to continue to drive consumer awareness of Rinnai tankless water heaters, but it will also provide us with a venue to showcase our products and strengthen our relationships with our valuable trade partners."

Established in 1974, Rinnai America Corporation is a subsidiary of Rinnai Corporation, based out of Nagoyoa, Japan. Rinnai is the No. 1 selling brand of tankless water heaters in North America. Rinnai also manufactures gas appliances, including a wide range of kitchen equipment and heating and air conditioning units. This year, Rinnai’s Ultra Series RUR condensing tankless water heater was named among the "Top 100 Products" in the mechanical and electrical category by Professional Remodeler Magazine. The product offers consumers the ability to have faster and endless hot water at their faucets.

"Rinnai is a world-class company and an excellent sponsoring partner for our annual NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway," said AMS president Ed Clark. "We are honored by the opportunity to join them, as we host fans from around the nation who will attend this event, as they continue to build upon their industry-leading success."

Rinnai, whose corporate vision is "Enhancing lives by changing the way water is heated," becomes a first-time sponsor of a NASCAR event with their partnership in the 2017 NASCAR Weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The sponsorship also includes regional hospitality opportunities and training events at other Speedway Motorsports, Inc.-owned facilities in strategic locations around the country as the company continues to build new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

First Light Poles at Martinsville Speedway Installed:

First Light Poles at Martinsville Speedway Installed: Martinsville Speedway's "Light Up Martinsville" project hit a major milestone Tuesday as the first of 19 light poles was put in place. The project will make the track the first major motorsports facility in the United States to have LED lighting. NASCAR's only remaining track from its original 1949 schedule will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2017 and Track President Clay Campbell said he doesn't know of a more fitting way to celebrate the past than by celebrating the future. "It's a big day for Martinsville," Campbell said. "Who would have ever thought we would have had lights here? For a long time, that was not really in the cards. We're excited to finally have the lights going up. I think it's going to be an exciting year being our 70th anniversary. Our first night race. It's just an exciting day. You're finally getting to see something and it's exciting for all of us. While the installation of the lights marks the visual, Campbell said the work started not long after the track announced they would be installing the lights. "There's been a lot of work going on ever since we made the announcement," Campbell said. "But, you get a visual now of what this place is going to look like with the lights on. We're pretty excited. We're finally getting to the point where you're seeing something happen, not just what's underground." Campbell said the project is on schedule and should be completed around the end of January. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or online at martinsvillespeedway.com.(Martinsville Speedway)(12-21-2016)

NASCAR returning to Memphis

NASCAR returning to Memphis: NASCAR will resurrect its relationship with Memphis International Raceway in 2017 as the NASCAR K&N Series has confirmed a date to run at the famed ¾-mile tri-oval short track on June 3, 2017. The monumental announcement brings a NASCAR sanctioned event back to MIR after an eight-year absence from the Mid-South region. NASCAR and MIR have a storied history that dates back to September 1998 when the facility hosted its first-ever NASCAR event. A sold-out crowd and a national television audience, witnessed the NASCAR Truck Series Memphis 200 on that day. NASCAR returned every year since the inaugural event with two races-the Truck Series in the summer, and the Xfinity Series in the fall. Brad Keselowski won the October 24, 2009 event at the oval by holding off Kyle Busch to the finish line on the 11th and final annual racing event at MIR. Former owners, Dover Motorsports, Inc. announced the closure of the Memphis track, a week after that race. IRG Sports + Entertainment (IRGSE), a TPG Specialty Lending company, purchased the track formerly named Memphis Motorsports Park in 2010 and has been running a full-time schedule at its championship drag strip throughout the reopening of the facility. The tri-oval has hosted various sanctioned events on a limited basis since it reopened and is home to the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience. With the return of NASCAR to MIR, the facility will undergo some minor renovations and safety updates to prepare for the NASCAR K&N Series debut in 2017.(Memphis International Raceway)(12-20-2016)

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES MAJOR PROJECT

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES MAJOR PROJECT FOR COMPLETE REPAVE, EXPANSIVE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND 

RE-PROFILING OF CURRENT 1.5-MILE LAYOUT

FORT WORTH, Texas (January 6, 2017) - Texas Motor Speedway will begin a major capital improvement project Monday consisting of a complete repave, construction of an extensive drainage system and a re-profiling of the 1.5-mile oval configuration at the world-renowned motorsports facility that annually plays host to NASCAR and INDYCAR events.

The renovation will add a new layer of asphalt over the existing pavement, an expansive French drainage system on the frontstretch and backstretch, and reduce the banking in Turns 1 and 2 by four degrees. Barring extensive weather delays, the project is expected to be completed by early to mid-March in anticipation of the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR doubleheader scheduled for April 7-9.

The repaving and drainage system come as a result of issues the facility was incurring in attempting to dry the racing surface, in particular this past year when both NASCAR race weekends and the INDYCAR race were affected by weather-related delays. While the aged track surface at Texas Motor Speedway is lauded by drivers, speedway officials made the decision to repave in the best interests of their fans that had to deal with the inconveniences of the delays.

"The fans are why we are doing this," Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. "The old pavement no longer dried as quickly because through the years of use and weather, the asphalt became porous, kind of like a sponge. Even if we only had a brief shower it was taking us far too long to get the track dried in order to get on to the racing. We owe it to the fans to present the best possible race track so they will be assured of seeing NASCAR and INDYCAR races even if we face some brief inclement weather. This will accomplish that goal." (Click here for complete interviews with Gossage and Swift along with b-roll.) 

Lane Construction Corp., with offices in neighboring Justin, Texas, will handle the repaving project and is known as the preeminent paving company for NASCAR speedways. The company has paved several prominent speedways since 2003 including such marquee facilities as Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Talladega Superspeedway.

The repave will feature an asphalt mix similar to the surfaces at SMI sister tracks, Kentucky Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The mix used in conjunction with the construction method will aid in the track's properties of an "aged" track.

For the installation of the French drainage system, trenches will be cut in numerous locations on the frontstretch and backstretch to provide multiple points for water to drain away from the facility more quickly and efficiently than the current system. The drainable mat installation that will tie into a continuous toe drain will aid in the drainage of the track as well.

In addition to the repaving and drainage system, Texas Motor Speedway will undergo a re-profiling in Turns 1 and 2 to give the venue a more unique layout from its currently symmetrical 24-degree banking in all four turns. While Turns 3 and 4 will remain unchanged, the banking of Turns 1 and 2 will be decreased to 20 degrees with the racing surface width expanding from 60 to 80 feet in that section of the track.

"Due to the issues we had in 2016 with moisture and track drying, we had to take steps to correct the problems to give the fans the experience they deserve," said Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Vice President of Operations and Development Steve Swift, who is coordinating the project. "With that task at hand, we looked at what would be the best way to create more exciting racing and to correct the water issues. We are excited to put these practices in place and create another great SMI race." 

The reduced banking, which will decrease lap speeds and potentially open up additional passing opportunities in Turns 1 and 2, will provide Texas Motor Speedway with a new, distinctive layout for a 1.5-mile oval that will be more challenging to the drivers and add more action for the fans.

"For years, I've heard the absurd comments about 1.5-mile tracks being tagged as 'cookie-cutter' tracks," Gossage said. "While nothing could be further from the truth - all 1.5-mile tracks are different - this assures once and for all that Texas Motor Speedway is unique, unlike any other track in the sport. That's the way we like it here in No Limits, Texas."

There will be four stages to the project beginning with the installation of the drainage system on the backstretch. The same construction will follow on the frontstretch, with the third stage being the grade changes in Turns 1 and 2. The final stage would be the repaving.

This will be the second full repave since Texas Motor Speedway opened in 1997. That project occurred in the summer of 2001 as the speedway had the racing surface repaved with a granite-based asphalt compound from the original limestone-based asphalt.

The O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR doubleheader will open the 2017 Texas Motor Speedway season April 7-9 and will be followed by the Rainguard Water Sealers 600 INDYCAR/NASCAR doubleheader June 8-10. The speedway's season concludes with the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Chase tripleheader Nov. 2-5. For more information, please visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com or call the speedway ticket office at 817.215.8500.

2017 SITE TEST

2017 SITE TEST

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY TO REPAVE IN 2017

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY TO REPAVE IN 2017

HAMPTON, Ga. (Jan. 3, 2017) – Twenty years after it was last resurfaced, Atlanta Motor Speedway’s historic racing surface is scheduled to be repaved this spring, following the March 3-5 NASCAR Weekend triple-header. Work is scheduled to begin in late March with an expected completion in mid-April. The current asphalt at AMS is the second-oldest racing surface on the entire NASCAR Cup Series circuit, and officials credit its longevity to a combination of the mild Georgia winters and a meticulous maintenance program over its entire two-decade lifetime. Since its last repave in 1997, the track has hosted 31 premier NASCAR series races, 19 NASCAR XFINITY Series races, 15 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, eight ARCA Racing Series races, four IndyCar Series races and countless U.S. Legends and Bandolero car races on its quarter-mile “Thunder Ring.” Despite the wear and tear of aging in recent years, the track has been a favorite of many competitors who have raved about the challenging nature of the track. Its aged surface, slick driving conditions and multiple racing grooves have produced not only exciting races and close finishes for fans in attendance, but a technical challenge for drivers who have battled slick corners, fast straightaways and ample opportunity for passing. Some of the most notable NASCAR races have taken place on the current 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 in 2005 and subsequent season sweep of both Atlanta races that year 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. Johnson can break the tie in the final race on the surface at the 2017 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 as he attempts his third consecutive victory at Atlanta. “Many of NASCAR’s greatest moments have occurred on this racing surface, and I have no doubt the world’s best drivers will give it a proper final event before the new surface comes to life,” said AMS president Ed Clark. “Whichever driver can take home the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 trophy in 2017 will mark the end of one era of great racing in AMS history and the beginning of another.” The repaving project calls for a brand-new asphalt surface to be lain over top of the current surface. AMS’s quad-oval layout and 24-degree banking in the turns will remain unchanged.  While a smoother surface and blended seams will accompany the new repave, the high speeds and multiple racing grooves unique to Atlanta Motor Speedway are expected to endure and produce the same, thrilling racing experience for both fans and drivers for many years to come. Drivers who have enjoyed the unique quality of the existing AMS racing surface will have one more opportunity to etch their name in the track record books when NASCAR returns March 3-5.  NASCAR Cup Series qualifying will kick off the weekend on Friday, March 3 before the only same-day doubleheader will take to the track on Saturday, March 4 with the back-to-back Rinnai 250 XFINITY Series and Active Pest Control 200 Camping World Truck Series races. The Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race will round out the weekend on Sunday, March 5 with a scheduled 2:30 p.m. green flag. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211, (877) 9-AMS-TIX or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

–AMS–