Texas Motor Speedway

Track News and Announcements

Stadium Super Trucks added to Texas tripleheader spring weekend: The 2019 O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR tripleheader spring weekend at Texas Motor Speedway will be further bolstered by the addition of Robby Gordon's Stadium Super Trucks Series, speedway president Eddie Gossage announced. The Stadium Super Trucks Series will showcase its action-packed, high-flying show by having three points-paying races over the course of the March 28-31 weekend featuring the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Gander Outdoors Truck Series.[More](12-6-2018)

Speedway Children's Charities-Texas Chapter distributes more than $250,000: One of the state's largest living Christmas trees provided the perfect centerpiece for Tuesday evening's Speedway Children's Charities-Texas Chapter Grant Distribution and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held on the Speedway Club Circle at Texas Motor Speedway, the annual outdoor public holiday event delivered $258,251 to nine children's organizations across North Texas.[More](12-6-2018)

Kevin Harvick won the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. The win is his 8th win of 2018, 2nd win at Texas and 45th career win. He dominated much of the race, winning the first two stages and leading 177 laps.
Pole winner #12-Blaney finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #20-Jones, #42-Larson, #9-Elliott, #41-Busch, #10-Almirola, #78-Truex, Jr., and #3-Dillon.
The race ended under an overtime finish after a caution with three laps to go for an accident.
There were 16 lead changes among 7 drivers and 8 cautions for 37 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 150.558mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Drivers Points Standings (pdf)
Unofficial Owners Points Standings (pdf)

Vankor signs multi-year sponsorship for Gander Outdoors Truck Series race at Texas: Vankor, an independent energy and commodities company headquartered in North Texas that specializes in the trade and distribution of oil and gas, has signed a multi-year deal to serve as the entitlement sponsor for the spring NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race beginning in 2019.The Vankor 350 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race will be making its debut during the spring weekend for the first time in the history of Texas Motor Speedway.[More](11-2-2018)

AAA Texas salutes upcoming Veterans Day with two military heroes in honorary positions: Ret. U.S. Army Major Ed Pulido will serve as the Grand Marshal and give the command for the drivers to start their engines while former U.S. Marine Mark Geist will be the Honorary Pace Car Driver and help lead the field to the green flag for the AAA Texas 500.[More](11-2-2018)

Hawg Heaven "Taternater" will debut at Texas: Only at Texas Motor Speedway is 1½ pounds of a variety of barbeque meats not nearly enough to satisfy the imaginative mind of Levy Restaurants Executive Chef Lincoln Engstrom when it comes to the creation of yet another Hawg Heaven novelty concession item. Chef Engstrom's latest concession item is a potato of prodigious proportions, the 24-ounce Hawg Heaven "Taternater" that will debut at next weekend's AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Playoff tripleheader weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](10-30-2018)

Black Rifle Coffee Company named "Official Coffee" of Texas Motor Speedway: Black Rifle Coffee Company, a premium, small-batch, roast-to-order business that is owned and operated by military veterans, has signed a multi-year agreement to secure the category designation as the "Official Coffee" of Texas Motor Speedway.[More](10-26-2018)

Texas Motor Speedway installs WeatherSTEM technology: Texas Motor Speedway has become the first motorsports venue in the country to install a WeatherSTEM weather station that will benefit its fans and the motorsports industry with comprehensive real-time weather data specific to that exact location. WeatherSTEM has installed its weather units at more than 30 college facilities as well as Heinz Field, home of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, but the world-renowned venue in Fort Worth will be the first of its kind in the motorsports arena.[More](10-24-2018)

Josh Abbott Band to perform pre-race concert at Texas: Before the green flag flies on the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race on Sunday, Nov. 4, fans will have the opportunity to rock out to some country music - Texas style. Beginning at 12 p.m. CT, the Josh Abbott Band will take the stage for the Texas Corn Producers Loud & Proud Pre-Race Show Powered By American Ethanol. This will be the band's first performance at Texas Motor Speedway, but the group certainly is no stranger to the Lone Star State. Lead vocalist Josh Abbott founded the seven-member band in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock, which is about 300 miles west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.[More](10-12-2018)

7-Eleven opens store at Texas Motor Speedway; first at a professional sports venue: The store will open at Texas Motor Speedway in time for the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Playoff weekend.[More](10-8-2018)

Carl Edwards to be inducted into Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame: Carl Edwards, who won six times at TMS over the course of his NASCAR career, will be inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 3. Site of the final victory of his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career, Edwards will return to world-renowned motorsports facility on Saturday, Nov. 3 during the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader playoff weekend, where he'll be inducted into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame.[More](10-4-2018)

Kyle Busch won the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. The win is his 1st win of 2018, 3rd win at Texas and 44th career win. Busch led 115 of the 334 laps.
#4-Harvick finished 2nd followed by #1-McMurray, #20-Jones, #12-Blaney, #22-Logano, pole sitter #41-Busch, #42-Wallace, #24-Byron, and #14-Bowyer.
Stage 1 was won by #4-Harvick. Stage 2 was won by #18-Busch.
There were 16 lead changes among 8 drivers and 8 cautions for 48 yellow flag laps. There was a red flag for track cleanup following an accident that took out #10-Almirola, #2-Keselowski, #11-Hamlin, and #48-Johnson.
The average speed of the race was: 141.714mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Unofficial Drivers Points
Unofficial Owners Points

Anheuser-Busch lands naming rights to Texas Restart Bar: Beer brewing giant Anheuser-Busch has signed a multi-year partnership with Texas Motor Speedway for the naming rights of the Restart Bar, the venue's latest fan amenity that will debut at this weekend's O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend.[More](4-6-2018)

Texas to debut Hawg Heaven BLT: Texas Motor Speedway's famous Hawg Heaven line of concession items has had some outlandish and delicious pork-based offerings the past five years, but this time Chef Lincoln Engstrom went classic with a twist, giving us the Hawg Heaven BLT. It combines the classic "B" "L" and "T" you've come to know and love on the All-American sandwich, but it also provides a hint of candy and a helping of kick.[More](4-4-2018)

Texas Motor Speedway preps for first major weekend of 2018: Does mowing your lawn each weekend get you down? It could be worse. You could be tasked with mowing 1,000 acres and all that weed-eating that accompanies that massive chore. Those are just two items on the extensive check list for the Texas Motor Speedway Operations Department to make the facility look meticulous for 100,000+ of their guests arriving for this weekend's O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR doubleheader.[More](4-3-2018)

Bret Michaels to perform pre-race concert at Texas: Multi-platinum star Bret Michaels, renowned as the lead singer for the glam metal band Poison, will headline the Loud & Proud Pre-Race Show Powered by Ashley HomeStores on Sunday, April 8 prior to the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](3-13-2018)

MetroPCS partners with Texas Motor Speedway as official wireless provider: MetroPCS, one of the leading providers of wireless service in the United States, has signed a multi-year partnership with Texas Motor Speedway beginning immediately that will be concentrated on the two major NASCAR race weekends at the world-renowned motorsports facility.[More](3-12-2018)

Texas Motor Speedway announces new business partners: Texas Motor Speedway announced six new sponsor partnerships that range from national brands such as In-N-Out Burger, Universal Technical Institute and Jostens to the notable Texas-based Torchy's Tacos during its annual Media Day Luncheon held Wednesday at the world-renowned motorsports facility. The six companies are all new brands to Texas Motor Speedway that begin in 2018. [More](3-1-2018)

Texas Motor Speedway grandstands going smoke-free: In an effort to create a better overall experience for all of its fans, officials announced Tuesday that the grandstands at Texas Motor Speedway will be completely smoke-free, including all electronic cigarette devices, beginning this year. Texas Motor Speedway established a ban on smoking in the grandstands in 2013, but the updated policy to include e-cigarettes and vapes comes as a result of strong feedback from guest surveys and the speedway's fan council. Speedway guests will still be able to smoke - both standard and electronic smoking products - in designated areas throughout the lower concourse area.[More](2-9-2018)

NASCAR safety technology lends helping hand to Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo: NASCAR and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo may vary greatly in their definition of horsepower, but they are one in the same when it comes to the safety of their competitors. The flex-wall system was installed in the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in early January prior to the start of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. The innovative system incorporates design concepts used at NASCAR race tracks such as Texas Motor Speedway, ice hockey rink "dasher board" wall systems and matting materials adopted by Olympic caliber gymnastic competition facilities. [More](1-31-2018)

JAG Metals signs multi-year renewal of fall Truck race at Texas: JAG Metals LLC, a local metal supply company based in Weatherford with multiple locations that specializes in quality metal buildings, components, steel fabrication and roofing materials, has signed a multi-year renewal as the entitlement sponsor of the annual fall NASCAR Camping World Truck Series playoff race at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](1-24-2018)

Speedway Motorsports outlines 2018 fan initiatives: Continuing its "Fans First" approach and building on its lasting legacy of providing exceptional sports entertainment experiences, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: TRK) officials have revealed new, cutting-edge developments at several speedways. "Speedway Motorsports works very hard to continually modernize our facilities, with the ultimate goal of providing fans with the very best amenities and experiences," said Marcus Smith, President and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. [More](1-23-2018)

'World's Largest' Daytona 500 watch party returns to Texas Motor Speedway: Texas Motor Speedway is planning on its "World's Largest" Daytona 500 Watching Party getting even bigger this year. Last year's highly successful event attracted in excess of 300 RVs and more than 3,000 campers and tailgaters to the Texas Motor Speedway infield for NASCAR's opening race weekend at Daytona International Speedway. The race was shown live on the world's largest TV known as "Big Hoss."[More](1-16-2018)

Kevin Harvick won the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 2nd win of 2017, 1st win at Texas and 37th career win. He passed #78-Truex, Jr with 9 laps remaining and pulled away to win by 1.5 second.
The win assures that Harvick will run for the championship at Homestead.
#78-Truex, Jr finished 2nd and locked himself into the championship race at Homestead on points.
#11-Hamlin finished 3rd followed by #20-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #22-Logano, #21-Blaney, #24-Elliott, polesitter #41-Busch, and #77-Jones.
#78-Truex Jr. leads the driver points over #18-Busch by 50 points.
Stage 1 was won by #4-Harvick, who won.
Stage 2 was won by #42-Larson, finished 37th.
There were 29 lead changes among 13 drivers and 8 cautions for 40 yellow flag laps. There was a 10 minute, 29 second red flag for track cleanup with 50 laps to go after an accident by #42-Larson.
The average speed of the race was: 143.234mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)

AAA renews sponsorship of fall Texas race: AAA and Texas Motor Speedway announced jointly Sunday prior to the running of the AAA Texas 500 that the national insurance company and auto club has signed a multi-year renewal of its race entitlement of the marquee Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at the world-renowned motorsports facility.[More](11-5-2017)

Texas Motor Speedway will celebrate to make Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final race gr-eight From the concession stands to "Big Hoss," Texas Motor Speedway will celebrate Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final race in the Lone Star State during this weekend's AAA Texas 500 NASCAR playoff tripleheader. The most unique tribute for NASCAR's most popular driver, who is set to retire at the conclusion of the season, comes best served warm with salt and dipping sauces. Levy Restaurants has created the "JR88" pretzel that features two four-ounce soft pretzels shaped into Earnhardt Jr.'s iconic #88. The specialty concession item, only available at this weekend's AAA Texas 500, will be served in a specially branded "JR88" box and include bacon beer cheese and spicy brown mustard for dipping. The "JR88" pretzels will sell for $10 and are hearty enough to feed two hungry JR Nation fans. The pretzels can be purchased throughout the race weekend at concourse stands outside Gates 4.(Texas Motor Speedway)[Read More Here](10-31-2017)

First 30,000 fans at Texas 500 receive collectible Harvick bobblehead: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick's mini alter ego - Lil' Kev - was busy in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex last week promoting the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Playoffs race at Texas Motor Speedway set for Sunday, Nov. 5. Lil' Kev, the seven-inch Harvick bobblehead outfitted in a Jimmy John's black-and-white firesuit, visited the sandwich franchises in Grapevine, Arlington and Roanoke to "help out" the staff with making sandwiches and a "Freaky Fast" delivery run. Also on hand at those stores for the day was Big Kev, the life-sized bobblehead version of Harvick.[More](10-17-2017)

Pat Green returns to Texas to headline Loud & Proud Pre-Race Show: Texas Motor Speedway is set to go green even before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series hits the track for the AAA Texas 500 on Sunday, Nov. 5. Country music artist Pat Green returns to Texas Motor Speedway as he headlines the Loud & Proud Pre-Race Show Fueled by American Ethanol. Green and his legendary Texas country sound hit the stage at 11 a.m. CT for an hour-long concert on the frontstretch.[More](10-17-2017)

Madison McWilliams to sing National Anthem for Texas XFINITY race: Madison McWilliams, a rapidly emerging teenage pop star from Austin, Texas, will sing the National Anthem prior to the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Texas Motor Speedway. The 16-year-old McWilliams has been a whirlwind of activity with the releases of singles, music videos and her debut EP; live performances at major events; and numerous interviews with various media outlets, including several high-profile teen outlets, that are following her meteoric rise in the music industry.[More](10-10-2017)

Earnhardt, Jr. to be inducted into Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Texas Motor Speedway will forever be synonymous as the NASCAR superstar captured milestone victories in two national series at the world-renowned motorsports facility. That connection from his first career wins in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and XFINITY Series coming at Texas Motor Speedway will be further strengthened by Monday's announcement of his induction into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame during November's AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader playoff weekend.[More](10-9-2017)

Gossage to receive Distinguished Alumni Award: Eddie Gossage returns to Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, Tenn., this weekend as his alma mater honors him with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award. The award, given by the MTSU Alumni Association, is presented to an alumnus representing excellence and distinction through their professional career, loyal support and service to the broader community. Gossage will accept his award during MTSU's homecoming festivities Friday beginning at 4 p.m. Gossage also will receive recognition at other various homecoming activities throughout the weekend.[More](10-6-2017)

Gaines to serve as honorary pace car driver at Texas: Chip Gaines, who co-stars with his wife Joanna on HGTV's hit television show Fixer Upper, has been named as the honorary pace car driver for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoff race Sunday, Nov. 5, at Texas Motor Speedway. Gaines will lead a pack of 40 drivers, including the Round of 8 championship contenders, to the green flag in the official 2017 Chevrolet SS pace car in his role as the honorary pace car driver for the AAA Texas 500. He also will be acknowledged at the driver/crew chief meeting in the NASCAR XFINITY Series garage prior to the race at 11 a.m. CT and on stage during pre-race festivities.[More](10-3-2017)

Tony Stewart returns to Texas for "Smoke Show" fantasy camp UPDATE: Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will make a return to stock-car racing at Texas Motor Speedway to take part in the "Smoke Show" Fantasy Camp set for Wednesday, Oct. 11. Stewart, who retired from NASCAR competition last year, returns to the track as the host of the "Smoke Show" Fantasy Camp benefitting the Texas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities. A limited number of spots remain to take part in this unique experience that offers fans the chance to walk in the shoes of a Cup Series driver on race day and run 20 competitive laps on Texas Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile oval in a Team Texas Driving Experience stock car.[More](8-11-2017)
UPDATE A limited number of spots are still available to take part in the Tony Stewart "Smoke Show" Fantasy Camp benefitting Speedway Children's Charities-Texas that is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Texas Motor Speedway. This year marks the 10th edition of the Tony Stewart "Smoke Show" and the event featuring the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has raised more than $1.6 million in funds for North Texas organizations. It continues to be the largest, single-day fundraiser for Speedway Children's Charities-Texas, which assists organizations in Tarrant, Denton, Dallas and Collin counties. The event includes an afternoon of racing and entertainment, highlighted by a thrilling three-lap, ride-along around Texas Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile oval with Stewart behind the wheel. Packages for the "Smoke Show" begin at $6,000 and the sign-up deadline for those remaining openings is Wednesday, Oct. 4.(TMS)[Read More Here](9-28-2017)

JAG Metals named title sponsor of November Truck race: JAG Metals LLC, a locally based company in Weatherford, has reached an agreement for the title sponsorship of November's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series playoff race at Texas Motor Speedway that will have an emphasis on helping those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The race, scheduled for the evening of Friday, Nov. 3, will raise awareness of those affected by the disaster by being branded the JAG Metals 350 Driving Hurricane Harvey Relief.[More](9-13-2017)

Texas, Earnhardt, Jr. partner for Jr Nation Appreci88ion Party: While JR Nation is expected in force for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway coming Sunday, Nov. 5, in the AAA Texas 500, the appreciation for the series' most popular driver will extend throughout the weekend. JR Motorsports, the NASCAR XFINITY Series team co-owned by Earnhardt Jr., his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Rick Hendrick, is partnering with Texas Motor Speedway for the JR Nation Appreci88ion Party on Saturday, Nov. 4, beginning at 2 p.m. CT prior to the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race. [More](9-3-2017)

Texas Motor Speedway Enhances Benefits for 2018 Season Ticket Holders The perks of purchasing Texas Motor Speedway Season Tickets have never been more abundant with the introduction of a referral program and an early pay gift to celebrate Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final season being added to the 2018 package. The referral program will provide Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to earn statement credits for every individual referred and converted into a fellow Season Ticket Holder as well as earn entry into a random drawing of unique race access and experiences at Texas Motor Speedway. Beginning Monday, Sept. 11, when 2018 Season Tickets go on sale, a current Season Ticket Holder will receive a $50 statement credit toward ticket-related purchases for next year for every new Season Ticket referred and paid in full. Current and new Season Ticket Holders can also earn free tickets to November's AAA Texas 500 to witness Earnhardt Jr.'s final race at Texas Motor Speedway. Every Season Ticket paid in full by Friday, Oct. 27, will earn the account a free ticket to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series AAA Texas 500 on Sunday, Nov. 5. For more information on 2018 Season Tickets and benefits, call the Texas Motor Speedway Ticket Office at (817) 215-8500 or visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(Texas Motor Speedway)(8-23-2017)

Texas celebrating Dale Jr through fans that attended his first win: It was April 2, 2000 and a colossal crowd of 223,000 fans were on hand at Texas Motor Speedway to see NASCAR history in the DirecTV 500. It would be the final season and stop at Texas Motor Speedway for three-time Cup series champion Darrell Waltrip as well as the highly anticipated first Cup start for fourth-generation NASCAR driver Adam Petty. Little did the massive crowd realize that even more history would be in the making by the time the checkered flag fell on the DirecTV 500 that day.[More](8-18-2017)

Texas offering $88 ticket package with Earnhardt, Jr. commemorative t-shirt: Texas Motor Speedway will commemorate Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first career NASCAR Cup and XFINITY victories with a special "Dale Of A Deal" ticket package for the AAA Texas 500 on Sunday, Nov. 5, as his final Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season and career comes to a close.[More](8-17-2017)

Jason Wonderly joins Texas Motor Speedway: Veteran motorsports marketing executive Jason Wonderly has been named Vice President of Sales for Texas Motor Speedway. Wonderly joins Texas Motor Speedway after spending the past nine years with Team Penske as the director of marketing partnerships and new business at the racing organization's headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. He will manage an 11-person business development team for one of the world's premier motorsports facilities that annually plays host to marquee NASCAR and INDYCAR events[More](7-20-2017)

Texas looking for fans that attended Earnhardt, Jr's first Cup win at the track: Texas Motor Speedway is launching a casting call beginning today for race fans that attended Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first career Cup win that came at this world-renowned motorsports facility on April 2, 2000.[More](6-16-2017)

Individual tickets for AAA Texas 500 weekend on sale Monday: As Texas Motor Speedway looks to cap off one exciting race weekend in tonight's Rainguard Water Sealers 600, it looks toward another with individual tickets going on sale Monday for November's AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend.[More](6-10-2017)

winstaronlinegaming.com named title sponsor of Truck Series race at Texas:winstaronlinegaming.com will serve as the title sponsor for next week's NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.The race that is scheduled for Friday, June 9, will be rebranded the winstaronlinegaming.com 400 in a one-year agreement for the annual June truck series race at the world-renowned motorsports facility.[More](6-2-2017)

Texas bill would boost possible bids for All-Star Race, season-ending championship: State lawmakers have given Texas Motor Speedway a big helping hand if the state's premier stock-car track wants to lobby for NASCAR's All-Star Race and season-ending championship. The Texas Legislature approved a bill Thursday that makes those two races eligible for the state's Major Events Reimbursement Program, the same fund that is used to help attract big events such as the Super Bowl, the NCAA tournament's Final Four and Formula One's U.S. Grand Prix. The two NASCAR events would fit right in, too.[More](5-26-2017)

Johnson wins at Texas: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 1st win of the season, 7th at Texas, and 81st career win.
He led 16 of the 334 laps, the final 16 laps of the race.
#42-Larson finished second (his 4th second place finish of the year), followed by #22-Logano, pole sitter #4-Harvick, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #2-Keselowski, #1-McMurray, #78-Truex, Jr., #24-Elliott, and #41-Busch.
#21-Blaney led at the end of the both Stage 1 and Stage 2 and led 148 laps on the day, but got out of pit sequence at the end of stage 2 and never could move back up through the field.
There were 16 lead changes among 6 drivers and 8 cautions for 35 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 147.137mph.
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Monday, April 10 at 6:30am/et on FS1; Monday, April 10 at 7:00pm/et on FS1
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results page (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf)
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).

Ozzy Osbourne, Jim Rome highlight honorary roles at Texas: Legendary musician Ozzy Osbourne and nationally acclaimed sports talk radio and TV personality Jim Rome highlight the honorary positions for Sunday's O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](4-6-2017)

Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick earn induction into Bobblehead Hall of Fame: A Hall of Fame induction traditionally symbolizes the pinnacle of a career in sports and that day has come for three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and milestone-setting female driver Danica Patrick of Stewart-Haas Racing.[More](4-4-2017)

Talladega offering early entry to free campgrounds: Talladega Superspeedway's spring triple-header weekend (May 5-7) is more than just three days of unrivaled track action, it's NASCAR's Party Capital, which fans can experience all week. Track officials are eliminating that "case of the Monday's" feeling for eager campers by offering Early Entry on Sunday, April 30 to access all three of Talladega Superspeedway's free campgrounds for only $50.[More](4-4-2017)

Hawg Heaven Burro Grande debuts at Texas: Once again Texas Motor Speedway and Levy Restaurants have put on their thinking caps to amaze their fans with another creation for them to enjoy at the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 weekend. Fans can cure their need for a bacon-infused treat this April by enjoying the newest member of the best concession items in motorsports - the Hawg Heaven Burro Grande.[More](4-1-2017)

'Cars 3' Road to the Races tour visits Texas Motor Speedway: Disney*Pixar's "Cars 3" opens its Road To The Races nationwide tour today that will include a stop at Texas Motor Speedway on April 7-9 for the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend. The 27-city, nationwide tour features life-size, character look-alikes of five-time Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen, tech-savvy trainer Cruz Ramirez and the sleek next-gen racer Jackson Storm to celebrate the new "Cars 3" movie, which opens June 16.[More](3-24-2017)

Texas unveils track renovations: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Chris Buescher and Verizon IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter joined Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage for the ceremonial first lap Monday as the track's major renovations were officially unveiled. Amid fireworks on the frontstretch, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell and INDYCAR President of Competition and Operations Jay Frye waved the green flag on Buescher, Carpenter and Gossage as they drove the speedway's official Chevrolet SS pace cars three wide for the inaugural lap on the newly repaved and re-profiled 1.5-mile oval.[More](3-13-2017)

Wise Health System to sponsor Texas' April XFINITY Series race Wise Health System has signed a multi-year agreement with Texas Motor Speedway to serve as the entitlement sponsor for April's NASCAR XFINITY Series race and as the speedway's official healthcare provider. The five-year agreement is a multi-pronged sponsorship that is anchored by the entitlement rights for the XFINITY Series race that will be re-branded as the "My Bariatric Solutions 300." The 300-mile, 200-lap race is scheduled for Saturday, April 8.[More](3-13-2017)

Circuit of the Americas would like a NASCAR race: While NASCAR gears up for Sunday's Daytona 500, its kickoff and signature event, Circuit of the Americas officials are casting their eyes toward the most popular racing series in the United States.(2-26-2017)
UPDATE: Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage wanted to be as respectful as possible, but couldn't help but rip the Circuit of the Americas race track in Austin for believing it could land a NASCAR race one day. "I don't blame them for wanting NASCAR races, it's just that they're 20 years too late," Gossage said Monday. "I don't think they know the business, or they wouldn't be saying such things." [More](2-28-2017)

Texas improvements near completion: The biggest question facing Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage these days is where to paint lines on his track's new racing surface. He had a 30-minute conversation with Jeff Gordon about it and didn't come to a conclusion.[More](2-25-2017)

Texas students have opportunity to design diecast: Lionel Racing is providing more than 5,000 Dallas/Fort Worth elementary school students with an extraordinary opportunity to produce a paint scheme for a NASCAR Cup Series stock car that will join the company's NASCAR die-cast line and be available at national retailers. Lionel Racing, the Official Die-Cast of NASCAR, will began the week-long competition Monday at the 10 schools that are taking part in Texas Motor Speedway's Speeding To Read program for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. For the third consecutive year as a partner of the speedway's educational program, Lionel Racing will have students design their own paint scheme for a NASCAR Cup Series stock car. The winning designs will be reproduced on actual 1:24 scale, hood-opening, trunk-opening die-casts. Winners will be selected in both the KG-2nd and 3rd-5th grade divisions and each will have their respective car presented to them in an acrylic case during a school assembly coinciding with April's O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR doubleheader race week at Texas Motor Speedway. The two winners also will receive four tickets each to the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500. The overall winning design among those two will have the distinction of having their paint scheme added to Lionel Racing's commercial NASCAR Authentics line and be available at various national retailers including Walmart, Target, Toys "R" Us, and more. Lionel Racing also will celebrate the winner at their respective school by providing every student and faculty member with that die-cast as a memento of the accomplishment.(Texas Motor Speedway)(2-7-2017)

Repaving of Texas track about to get underway: 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.(Texas Motor Speedway)(2-3-2017)
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Texas to host Daytona 500 watch party: NASCAR fans excited to kick off the season but unable to attend the Daytona 500 can grab the next best seat - watching the race on the "World's Largest TV" for free. Texas Motor Speedway will open its gates for the annual Daytona 500 Watching Party where fans can camp or tailgate inside the speedway and watch the racing action from Daytona Beach, Fla., on "Big Hoss" - the 12-story tall, high-definition TV located on the backstretch. The two-day event, which is free and open to the public, begins when the gates to the South Tunnel open on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8:00am/ct for those looking to camp overnight as well as tailgaters interested in watching the season-opening XFINTIY Series Powershares QQQ 300 beginning at 2:30pm. The weekend culminates with the running of the 59th Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 26, beginning at 1:00pm/ct. Fans interested in camping or tailgating must RSVP at www.texasmotorspeedway.com/DaytonaRSVP before Monday, Feb. 20.(TMS)(1-18-2017)

Goodyear won't be able to do tire test after Texas repave: Goodyear stated that it will not be able to conduct a tire test at Texas Motors Speedway following completion of the repave and reconfiguration project the track announced Friday morning. In addition to the repave, the track is reducing the banking in Turns 1 and 2 from 24 degrees to 20 degrees. The racing surface's width will expand from 60 to 80 feet in those turns. The banking and racing surface in Turns 3 and 4 will not change. The project - which begins Monday - is scheduled for completion in early March, but Goodyear said in a statement that the narrow window before NASCAR's April 7-9 race dates at Texas prevents the tire manufacturer from holding a test.
"We have been kept completely in the loop as the folks at SMI and Texas Motor Speedway considered this move and now, with the announcement that they will both repave and reconfigure their track starting next week, there is no question Goodyear will have to bring a new tire set-up for the NASCAR weekend scheduled there in April," said Greg Stucker, Goodyear's Director of Racing, in the statement. "Because of the tight schedule, we will not have time to do a tire test at Texas, so we will look at the details of the new configuration and understand the asphalt mix that will be used, which is planned to be similar to what was used most recently at Kentucky. That being said, this project will take on a similar feel to the one at Kentucky because that was also both a repave and reconfiguration. Having that recent history, along with our experience with a wide range of track configurations and surfaces - including many that have been repaved over the recent years - we will determine the appropriate tire set-up in advance of the event, giving teams plenty of time to prepare."
Currently, Goodyear has seven tire tests planned for the year, six of them involving Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams. One test occurs the week of the Texas race, at Michigan International Speedway. Here are Goodyear's planned test dates:
- Las Vegas Motor Speedway: Jan. 10-11
- Michigan International Speedway: April 4-5
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: April 25-26
- Kentucky Speedway: May 9-10
- Eldora Speedway (Trucks): May 15-16
- Chicagoland Speedway: June 6-7
- Atlanta Motor Speedway: August 8-9
(NBC Sports)(1-7-2017)

Texas to re-pave, reconfigure turns, improve drainage: 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 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. 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. 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.(Texas Motor Speedway)(1-6-2017)

'Largest Living Christmas Tree in Texas' Officially Lit: Everyone knows everything is bigger in Texas and Texas Motor Speedway proved that once again with its annual lighting of "The Largest Living Christmas Tree in Texas" on Tuesday evening during the Speedway Children's Charities-Texas Chapter grant ceremony. A holiday-themed fireworks show, special visit by Santa Claus, distribution of 100 bicycles to less fortunate youth and nearly $200,000 in grants to North Texas organizations highlighted the ceremony that was held at The Speedway Club Circle at Texas Motor Speedway. A Texas Motor Speedway tradition since the facility opened in 1997, this year's "Largest Living Christmas Tree In Texas" is a 64-foot Norwegian Spruce from Michigan. The tree is decorated with 10,000 LED lights, oversized ornaments and topped with a 4'x4' gold star featuring the Speedway Motorsports, Inc. corporate globe. Speedway Children's Charities-Texas Chapter has made a lasting impact on children in North Texas since its inception in 1997 by awarding more than $10 million in grants to area children's organizations. The funds are raised through special events held throughout the year, with the majority of them centered on the three major race weeks at Texas Motor Speedway.(TMS)(11-30-2016)

Edwards wins at Texas: #19-Carl Edwards won the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 3rd win of the season, 4th win at Texas and 28th career win. Edwards took the lead under pit stops on lap 258 and lead the final 36 laps. The race was called at 11:13pm/et with 293 laps complete after of rain hit the track and NASCAR determined it would at least 2 hours to dry the track.
#22-Logano finished 2nd, followed by #78-Truex, Jr., #24-Elliott, #18-Busch, #4-Harvick, #20-Kenseth, #5-Kahne, #11-Hamlin, and #31-Newman.
Pole sitter #3-Dillon ran near the front for much of the race but spun late, then made contact with the outside wall a short time later. He had to go to the garage and finished 37th.
The start of the race was delayed by nearly 6 hours. It rained just before engines were scheduled to be fired at 2:04pm/et. Cooler temperatures and moisture required an extended amount of time to dry the track. Engines were fired at 7:13pm/et and the race finally started under green/yellow conditions at 7:56pm/et. Six laps were run until the green flag was shown.
The only Chase drivers that did not finish on the lead lap was #41-Busch. he finished 20th.
There were 12 lead changes among 8 drivers and 8 cautions for 37 yellow flag laps.
Average race speed: 134.541mph
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more [NOTE: money/winnings are no longer reported] at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Lap Summary Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Pit Stop Times (pdf)
Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Texas Race & Points Report (pdf).(11-6-2016)

Rangers' manager named honorary pace car driver at Texas: Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister, known for leading his team into the postseason, will lead a different playoff group during Sunday's AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Banister will lead a pack of 40 drivers, including the Round of 8 championship contenders, to the green flag as part of his role as the honorary pace car driver for the AAA Texas 500. Banister, who skippered Texas to its second consecutive American League West Division championship this season, will become the latest Rangers representative to serve as honorary pace car driver. Left-handed pitcher C.J. Wilson, a member of the organization's first team to advance to the World Series, was awarded the role in 2010. Most recently, fan favorite and fellow pitcher Derek Holland served as the honorary pace car driver for the 2014 AAA Texas 500.(TMS)(11-1-2016)

Texas offering VIP experience to Antarctica resident Texas Motor Speedway has become an international destination over the past five years with NASCAR and Verizon IndyCar Series race fans visiting the world-renowned motorsports venue from 41 countries and territories. They have arrived from literally all ends of the earth, with six of the world's seven continents represented including North America, South America, Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe. Not surprising, the lone one missing is Antarctica, the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole that is a virtually uninhabited, ice-covered landmass. But that isn't going to deter Texas Motor Speedway for striving for perfection by having a fan representing every continent attend a race in this five-year span during its 20th anniversary season of racing. It may appear to be an implausible idea to identify a race fan from Antarctica, but let's not forget that the National Science Foundation's United States Antarctic Program (USAP) is stationed there and those employees return to their U.S. homes after their tenures. There also have been military deployments over the years. Texas Motor Speedway is searching for any individual that can prove they were a temporary resident of Antarctica and their reward will be a free VIP package to the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend Nov. 4-6. The speedway will provide that individual along with a guest a pair of suite tickets for the race weekend, pre-race passes to the concert by country artist Jake Owen, access to the Sprint Cup drivers' meeting and garage passes along with a Texas Motor Speedway "No Limits" merchandise package.(TMS)(10-26-2016)

Chuck Norris to introduce Chase drivers at Texas: International film and television star Chuck Norris, known universally for his ageless machoism, will introduce the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers still vying for the series championship when they arrive Sunday, Nov. 6, for the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Norris will introduce the eight drivers still in contention for the championship - Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards, Joey Logano and Kurt Busch - that will include a special twist during pre-race activities leading up to the AAA Texas 500. "I can't wait to get to Texas Motor Speedway to see all those incredible NASCAR fans and have the honor of introducing some of the most courageous and daring athletes in sports," Norris said. "I'm looking forward to some dramatic racing, visiting with (Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Executive Chairman) Bruton (Smith) and (speedway president) Eddie (Gossage) and getting an opportunity to meet (race Grand Marshal) Dennis Quaid. It should be quite an entertaining day." Texas Motor Speedway also will begin a week-long contest that will run through Monday, Oct. 31, where fans can submit their own meme for any of the Round of 8 Chase drivers. The contest info will be available on all of the speedway's social media platforms with a link to the meme album on its Facebook page for submissions. If a fan's submission is selected, it will be featured on Big Hoss during the driver introductions and then printed, signed by Norris and mailed to the individual. Tickets for the AAA Texas 500 begin as low as $49 and are available by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 817.215.8500.(TMS)(10-25-2016)

Dennis Quaid named AAA Texas 500 Grand Marshal: Award-winning actor Dennis Quaid will serve as the Grand Marshal for the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Nov. 6, at Texas Motor Speedway. Quaid, a Houston native, returns to his home state to deliver the command for the 40-car field to start their engines for one of the largest-attended, single-day sporting events in Texas. He will be giving the command for the eighth race in the 10-event, elimination-style Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship playoff. "As a Texan, I'm thrilled to be the Grand Marshal at the AAA Texas 500," Quaid said. "It is a great honor to say the greatest words in motorsports and I'm looking forward to it." The AAA Texas 500 is part of a NASCAR tripleheader weekend at Texas Motor Speedway that also includes the Camping World Truck Series Long Horn 350 on Friday, Nov. 4, and the XFINITY Series O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 5. For tickets or additional information, please visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com or call the speedway ticket office at 817.215.8500.(TMS)(10-21-2016)

Texas to create limited driver bobbleheads for 2017: Texas Motor Speedway will create a driver bobblehead series around its three major race weekends in 2017 featuring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, Sprint Cup Series star Danica Patrick and defending Firestone 600 Verizon IndyCar Series champion Graham Rahal. Patrick will kick off the limited-edition series as the featured bobblehead for the fan promotional giveaway at the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 9. The Rahal bobblehead will be showcased at the Texas Indy 600 Verizon IndyCar Series race on Saturday, June 10, and the bobblehead of Harvick, the 2014 Sprint Cup champ, will culminate the series at the AAA Texas 500 Cup race on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017. Texas Motor Speedway will produce 30,000 each of the seven-inch bobbleheads of the Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Patrick and Harvick, and 20,000 of the Rahal bobbleheads. The series was spurred by the overwhelming response following the announcement of Texas Motor Speedway honoring three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart's final season with a limited-edition bobblehead at the upcoming AAA Texas 500. The speedway will distribute Stewart bobbleheads to the first 30,000 fans attending the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race on Sunday, Nov. 6.The Stewart bobbleheads will be distributed in Texas Motor Speedway's Fan Zone beginning at 8:00am/ct on race day. Fans must show their individual AAA Texas 500 race ticket in order to receive a bobblehead.(Texas Motor Speedway)(10-1-2016)

Texas Motor Speedway would like to host football game: Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage has envisioned his track hosting a major college football game for years. Bristol Motor Speedway pulled it off earlier this month with Tennessee and Virginia Tech squaring off, and TMS sent out a news release the week of the game to remind folks of Gossage's idea for years. TMS and Bristol are both Speedway Motorsports Inc. tracks, and Gossage would like to think Texas could be the next race track to do it. But Gossage knows to make it work the game has to be "special" such as his idea in 2002 of hosting the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma. Gossage still believes that game would be a success at the track, or something such as Texas-Texas A&M. But don't get too far ahead of yourselves - Gossage hasn't reached out to Texas or A&M about them renewing their football rivalry at TMS. Nothing is on the horizon. "The substance is that Bristol did it earlier in the month and did it successfully," Gossage said. "And the game has to be special. Texas-OU is special. Texas-Texas A&M is special. That would fit the bill of special. It just has to be a special game. A national championship game, you know, or whatever." TMS could add as many temporary seats as needed for a possible college football game. TMS proudly boasts that it could hold more than five AT&T Stadiums in its 84-acre infield. AT&T Stadium is 15.17 acres. The issue would come down to getting marquee schools to agree to playing at the track. Gossage said Bristol had to pay Tennessee and Virginia Tech about $4 million each to play the game. Outside of luring the schools with a significant amount of money, TMS would also have to pay to construct the field and each temporary seat costs the track roughly $20, Gossage said. "But we know how to do it because it's been done once now," Gossage said. "We can just call up our friends at Bristol. They did a great job. Great job up there."(Ft. Worth Star-Telegram)(9-30-2016)

Texas to give away Tony Stewart bobbleheads: While bobblehead giveaways of star athletes may be commonplace at other professional sports facilities, the promotion is a rarity at motorsports venues. So it is fitting that in honor of three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart's final season, Texas Motor Speedway will distribute a limited-edition bobblehead of the racing star to the first 30,000 fans attending the AAA Texas 500 on Sunday, Nov. 6. The bobblehead, presented by State Waterheaters and created by Colleyville's TAT Company, features Stewart's likeness with his trademark facial scruff and familiar Mobil 1 firesuit as he hoists a checkered flag inside Texas Motor Speedway. The bobblehead is part of "Tony Stewart's Last Ride at Texas Motor Speedway" weekend, where the speedway and Stewart fans will salute him as he makes his final NASCAR Sprint Cup start at Texas Motor Speedway. The bobbleheads will be distributed in Texas Motor Speedway's Fan Zone beginning at 8:00am/ct on race day. Fans must show their individual AAA Texas 500 race ticket in order to receive a bobblehead. The promotion will limit one bobblehead per individual.(Texas Motor Speedway)(9-8-2016)

Speedway Motorsports Put Fans, Families First with $10 NASCAR Cup Series Kids' Tickets: In conjunction with a NASCAR industry-wide effort to offer free NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and XFINITY Series tickets for children 12 and under next season, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. announced a company-wide Fans First initiative Monday to price select children's tickets at just $10 each to Cup Series events at its eight premier speedways beginning in 2017. "Coming to the races should be about fun, not finances," said Speedway Motorsports' President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith. "Now a parent can get his or her child through the gates for an entire weekend of NASCAR events - including pole night, a Camping World Truck or XFINITY Series race and a Cup Series race - for just $10. This is one of the best, if not THE best, family values in all professional sports. NASCAR fans have passed down their passion for motorsports from generation to generation for decades, and through this new Fans First initiative, we'll continue that legacy by introducing young fans to the sport and engaging them for years to come." With an adult ticket purchase, fans can buy up to two $10 tickets for children ages 12 and under to that same event in select seating sections. This offer is available at all of the 13 Cup Series events shown below next season. Tickets for many of Speedway Motorsports' 2017 events are already on sale.(CMS/SMI)(8-30-2016)

Jake Owens in concert at Texas: Texas Motor Speedway's "Christmas In July" event just added another major present under the tree for fans attending the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Nov. 6, as country music star Jake Owen will perform a free concert during the Loud & Proud Pre-Race Show Fueled By American Ethanol. Since releasing his debut album Startin' with Me in 2006, Owen has risen as one of today's most popular male country singers for his irresistible melodies, smooth vocals, and laid-back attitude. The Florida native is known throughout the music world as an artist who has become a beacon of positive vibes through his uplifting lyrics and melodies, optimism, love of the beach and his youthful spontaneity. While the concert can be enjoyed from the grandstands for free by AAA Texas 500 ticketholders, fans also have an opportunity to watch the concert and pre-race driver introductions stage side by purchasing a Loud and Proud Pre-Race Show Fueled by American Ethanol pass for $79. The pre-race pass and access are free for all Texas Motor Speedway season ticket holders. A ticket to the AAA Texas 500 must accompany all pre-race passes. The free music also will continue for fans following the conclusion of the AAA Texas 500. Jason Boland & The Stragglers will perform at the Portacool Post-Race Show approximately 30 minutes after the finish of the race.(TMS)(7-27-2016)

Texas fall race tickets on sale Monday: Texas Motor Speedway announced that individual tickets for November's AAA Texas 500 race weekend will go on sale this Monday beginning at 9:00am/ct. The AAA Texas 500 weekend features all three NASCAR national series - Sprint Cup, XFINITY, Camping World Truck Series - and will mark the debut of the Chase playoff format for all three series. Race fans can take advantage of the lowest-priced ticket for the AAA Texas 500 with the NASCAR "Sights & Sounds 2-Pack" featuring two frontstretch tickets, a scanner and two earbuds starting at $88. The package provides the biggest savings for fans to catch the excitement of the eighth race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and the second of three races in the pivotal Eliminator 8 Round. Tickets to Texas Motor Speedway's popular RaceDay University presented by Coca-Cola also will be available for $199. The package treats fans to exclusive Q&A sessions with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers and celebrities; hospitality food and Coca-Cola beverages; stage-side access for the pre-race concert and driver introductions; and a frontstretch ticket for the AAA Texas 500. Individual tickets for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Longhorn 350 - which also includes Sprint Cup Series qualifying - on Friday, Nov. 4, and the XFINITY Series O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 5, also will be on sale with prices beginning at $25. To purchase your tickets for all four events during the NASCAR tripleheader weekend, call the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500 or visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(6-12-2016)

Texas to debut new Hawg Heaven concession item: Texas Motor Speedway and Levy Restaurants are giving race fans an American favorite a new Tex-Mex twist - the Hawg Heaven Ranchero Dawg - at the Firestone 600 INDYCAR/NASCAR doubleheader. The Hawg Heaven Ranchero Dawg is the next generation of the highly successful, bacon-infused Hawg Heaven line and is sure to entice all race fans to check out the latest creation by Levy Restaurants Executive Chef Lincoln Engstrom. This oversized sandwich features: Quarter-pound Kobe beef dog on a poppy seed bun topped with 'Charro' beans studded with bacon and chorizo; A crisp, thick slice of bacon; Smoked cheddar cheese; Avocado; Bacon crema. The Hawg Heaven Ranchero Dawg ($10) makes its debut at next weekend's NASCAR/INDYCAR doubleheader that features the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rattlesnake 400 on Friday, June 10, and the Verizon IndyCar Series Firestone 600 on Saturday, June 11. The specialty concession item only will be available at the concession stand on the concourse inside the Gate 4 main grandstand entrance. The Hawg Heaven concession line began in 2013 with Hawg Heaven Bacon Cotton Candy and has featured the Shake 'n Bacon Brew bacon-infused beer milkshake, Bacon Nachos, Queso Wings, Double Barrel Dawg, the Final Rocky Road-eo ice cream sundae honoring Jeff Gordon's final season in 2015 and the BBQ Melt at April's NASCAR race.(Texas Motor Speedway)(6-8-2016)

Texas Motor Speedway's 'Big Hoss' getting bigger: "Big Hoss," the world's largest TV and Guinness World Record holder that towers over the backstretch of Texas Motor Speedway, is about to get even bigger. Texas Motor Speedway will expand the Panasonic-built "Big Hoss" with an additional 2,071 square feet on the lower portion of the behemoth to construct a ribbon-style, high-definition scoreboard for fans to follow the lap count, running order and more for its NASCAR and INDYCAR events. The scoreboard, which has 16 mm pixel resolution as a surface-mounted diode compared to Big Hoss' 20 mm as a discrete LED, also will have the ability to be utilized for advertising opportunities, graphics, race statistics, video, advertising and even social media. The scoreboard, which will be 9½ feet high and 218 feet in length, will increase the total viewing experience of "Big Hoss" to 22,704.64 square feet or nearly a half acre. Comparably, the video board at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Speedway Motorsports, Inc. sister track to TMS, measures 16,000 square feet and the one at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys in nearby Arlington, is at 11,520 sf. The scoreboard is being built as a technological advancement to the traditional electronic scoring pylons used at speedways, including at Texas Motor Speedway where the 110-foot tall scoring pylons situated in Turns 1 and 4 will be removed.(Texas Motor Speedway)(6-7-2016)

O'Reilly Auto Parts sponsoring Spring race at Texas: O'Reilly Auto Parts and Texas Motor Speedway have signed a multi-year agreement for the national automotive aftermarket retailing leader to serve as the race entitlement sponsor for the annual April NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the world-renowned motorsports facility beginning in 2017. O'Reilly Auto Parts will be linking its brand to the state's best-attended, single-day sporting event and the Sprint Cup Series' third-highest paying race in the newly named O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 that will be held Sunday, April 9, 2017. The O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 will be the signature race entitlement of the deal, but the company also will continue its title sponsorship of the annual November XFINITY Series race at Texas Motor Speedway to ensure a year-round presence in a top-five metropolitan market. The current O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge XFINITY Series race that is part of a NASCAR tripleheader in November will be rebranded the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 beginning in 2017. The O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 XFINITY Series race is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2017.In addition to the traditional branding assets in race entitlement agreements, O'Reilly Auto Parts will continue as the "Official Auto Parts Supplier of Texas Motor Speedway" and own exclusive status in the auto parts store category.(Texas Motor Speedway)(5-16-2016)

Debris cautions down at Texas: Texas Motor Speedway often has been the apex for debris cautions in the Sprint Cup Series - which made Saturday's Duck Commander 500 an anomaly. The yellow flag flew only twice for debris in the 500-mile race - on Lap 136 and 296 of 334 - tying the fewest number of debris cautions at the 1.5-mile oval over the past six years. The April 19, 2010 race was the last at Texas that didn't include a debris yellow. In the 12 Cup races since then at Texas, there had been average of three debris cautions per race, including a high of seven in the Nov. 2, 2014 race. There were four in the Nov. 8, 2015 race. The Texas race kept in line with a trend of declining debris cautions this season. Through seven races, there have been eight debris yellows, with a high of two at Texas and Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Martinsville Speedway had none over 500 laps).(NBC Sports)(4-11-2016)

Kyle Busch wins at Texas: #18-Kyle Busch won the Duck Commander 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 2nd win of the season, 2nd win at Texas and 36th career win. He led 34 of 334 laps. Busch also won the XFINITY Series race on Friday night. It is the 9th time he has swept both races at a track during the same weekend.
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. finished 2nd, followed by #22-Logano, #48-Johnson, #24-Elliott, #78-Truex, Jr., #19-Edwards, #5-Kahne, #41-Busch, and #4-Harvick.
Pole winner, Edwards led 124 laps but had to pit under green with a loose wheel, lost a lap, and couldn't get back to the front before the end of the race.
Truex, Jr. led 141 laps, the most of any driver, but did not pit under the last caution and lost the lead to Busch with 32 laps to go.
There was a large wreck late in the race when Johnson got into the back of #3-Dillon, who was on old tires, and sent him into a spin. 13 cars received some damage in the incident.
The start of the race was delayed by nearly 2 hours after light rain hit the track.
There were 17 lead changes among 8 drivers and 7 cautions for 41 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 138.355mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more [NOTE: money/winnings are no longer reported] at:
Unofficial Race Results page (pdf)
Lap Summary Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Pit Stop Times (pdf)
Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)

Hawg Heaven BBQ Melt available at Texas: Texas Motor Speedway and Levy Restaurants are making it easy for race fans to enjoy an entire barbeque meal, including those delicious comfort food sides, with just their hands. The Hawg Heaven BBQ Melt is the next generation of the highly successful, bacon-infused Hawg Heaven line and is sure to entice Texas BBQ lovers to check out the latest creation by Levy Restaurants Executive Chef Lincoln Engstrom. This oversized sandwich features: Texas BBQ pulled pork braised in Texas Motor Speedway's recently released No Limits Checkered Past craft beer produced by the Audacity Brew House in Denton, Texas, Creamy bacon jalapeño mac & cheese, Texas 1015 sweet onions, and Fried spicy pickle chips. All of those ingredients are wedged between two slices of griddled jalapeño cornbread and garnished with a bacon-wrapped jalapeño.
The Hawg Heaven BBQ Melt, which will sell for $12, makes its debut at next weekend's Duck Commander 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The item will only be available at the concession stand on the concourse inside the Gate 4 main grandstand entrance.(TMS)(4-2-2016)

No Limits Checkered Past craft beer to be available at Texas: Texas Motor Speedway will become the state's first professional sports industry entity and arguably the country's first sporting venue to own its own beer with the unveiling of the No Limits Checkered Past craft beer. The rapidly growing Audacity Brew House in nearby Denton created the No Limits Checkered Past session craft beer that will be sold at all major events at the world-renowned motorsports facility in Fort Worth as well as through retailers in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. No Limits Checkered Past officially will debut during the April 7-9 Duck Commander 500 weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The appropriately named No Limits Checkered Past craft beer, centered around the speedway's "No Limits, Texas" marketing campaign, is a versatile, light-bodied Texas steam beer that provides low bitterness and a character that revolves into a toasty, rustic finish that remains perfect for year-round consumption. The beer is carefully crafted with pale barley and lager yeast to provide a light, malt character that is aged for three weeks and cold filtered before being transferred into the signature No Limits Checkered Past can. The 12-ounce can features a diamond-plated look with the iconic No Limits, Texas skull logo adorned at the top with the No Limits Checkered Past logo across a race tire and pistons. Beginning with the upcoming Duck Commander 500, No Limits Checkered Past will be sold throughout Texas Motor Speedway. Following the race weekend, No Limits Checkered Past will be available at various local retailers. No Limits Checkered Past will become the 12th beer on Audacity Brew House's lineup of popular craft beers. Audacity Brew House, which began operation nearly a year and a half ago, has exploded onto the popular craft beer scene after becoming Denton's first brewery when it opened in 2014.(TMS)(3-31-2016)

Blake Shelton filming at Texas; casting call for fans: Texas Motor Speedway is having a casting call during next week's Duck Commander 500 NASCAR doubleheader that will give fans of Blake Shelton the opportunity to take part in a national television commercial featuring the country music superstar. NBC and NBC Sports have selected Texas Motor Speedway as the backdrop for the broadcast partner's opening theme video for its 2016 NASCAR coverage of the season's final half, which includes November's AAA Texas 500, and will film the segment on Friday, April 8, in the south paddock area of the speedway infield. The casting call is for fans to serve as the stage-side crowd as Shelton, also a judge on NBC's popular reality show "The Voice," performs his hit song, "Bringing Back the Sunshine." To register, it's as simple as downloading Texas Motor Speedway's free mobile app. The app is available on iTunes and Google Play. Those selected as participants will get access to the Texas Motor Speedway infield for them and a guest and be part of the crowd for Shelton's performance.(Texas Motor Speedway)(3-29-2016)

Texas Motor Speedway honorary positions announced: Sadie Robertson, who finished runner-up in last year's "Dancing With The Stars" competition and one of the stars of A&E's reality hit show "Duck Dynasty," has been named the Honorary Starter for the Duck Commander 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, April 9, at Texas Motor Speedway. Sadie Robertson will have the honor of waving the green flag from the starter's stand for the 40-car field in the first Saturday night race of the Sprint Cup season that will be televised live on FOX. Robertson was a fan favorite on "Dancing With The Stars" as she advanced to the finals with partner Mark Ballas before finishing runner-up to actor Alfonso Ribeiro and partner Witney Carson. Sadie will be one of several members of the Robertson clan or associated with Duck Commander that will be in honorary positions for NASCAR's third-highest paying race. Those include:
Jase Robertson and 12-year-old Rowdy Robertson, the recently adopted son of Willie and Korie who is from Texas, as the tandem that will provide the most famous words in motorsports in their role as co-Grand Marshals.
Uncle Si will spice up driver introductions as he will announce the top-10 starting lineup for the Duck Commander 500 while his brother and family patriarch, Phil, will deliver the invocation.
Justin Martin, a Duck Commander employee and "Duck Dynasty" co-star, will drive one of the pace cars and lead the field to the green flag.
Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck/Buck Commander, will culminate the day by helping present the Duck Commander 500 trophy to the race winner in Sunoco Victory Lane.(TMS)(3-16-2016)

Lynyrd Skynyrd to headline free concert at Texas: Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band that was fundamental in defining the term "Southern rock," will headline the Loud & Proud Pre-Race Show powered by Texas Lottery for the Duck Commander 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, April 9, at Texas Motor Speedway. Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform an hour-long concert on the frontstretch stage beginning at approximately 4:40 pm prior to the start of the Duck Commander 500 at 6:30 pm. Fans can enjoy the concert from their seats or upgrade with the VIP pre-race pass for $79 that allows "mosh pit" access in front of the stage for the concert and Sprint Cup Series driver introductions. VIP pre-race passes as well as individual tickets for the Duck Commander 500, which must accompany the VIP credential, go on sale Friday beginning at 9:00 am. The VIP pre-race pass is free for most 2016 season ticket packages. For more ticket information, please visit texasmotorspeedway.com or call the ticket office at 817.215.8500.(TMS)(2-16-2016)

Speedway Children's Charities Distributes Nearly $2.9 Million Nationwide: Speedway Children's Charities officials have announced that the nonprofit will distribute nearly $2.9 million in grants to more than 390 different charitable organizations across the country in 2015, bringing the total funds distributed since 1982 to more than $46 million.
"My parents started Speedway Children's Charities from modest beginnings with the goal of helping children in physical, financial, emotional and medical need," said Marcus Smith, vice chairman of Speedway Children's Charities. "From that first chapter at Charlotte Motor Speedway to now eight chapters at Speedway Motorsports' facilities nationwide, we've far surpassed their early expectations. But as long as there is a need, Speedway Children's Charities will continue working to improve the lives of children by supporting local nonprofits that help children in hundreds of local communities."
Funds distributed by Speedway Children's Charities chapters at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway totaled $2,886,902 in 2015. Speedway Children's Charities raises grant money through various fundraising activities, including clay shoots, track events, auctions, holiday light displays and more.
"It was a banner year for Speedway Children's Charities, and we can't thank the race fans, sponsors, volunteers, team owners, drivers and staff enough for all of their efforts to help children in need," said Maj. Gen. Chuck Swannack, executive director of Speedway Children's Charities. "Every single dollar or volunteer hour makes a difference, and these fundraising results will have a true impact to help children in need of a brighter future." For more information on SCC or to see how to volunteer or make a donation, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.(CMS)(12-16-2015)

Cyber Monday sale at Texas for the Duck Commander 500: This is your only change to purchase frontstretch tickets to the entire April weekend at Texas Motor Speedway (including Qualifying Day, O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 and the Duck Commander 500) plus a Pre-Race Pass at one low price. Tickets for the weekend and a Pre-Race pass for only $99 while supplies last. Individual tickets will not go on sale until February 12th, take advantage of the Cyber Monday Special and be the first to get your tickets.(TMS)(11-29-2015)

Johnson wins at Texas: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the AAA Texas 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 5th win of the season, 6th win at Texas and 75th career win. Johnson led just 6 of the 334 laps. He passed #2-Keselowski with 3 laps remaining after Keselowski had dominated the race, leading 312 laps.
#24-Gordon remains the only driver automatically advancing to the Championship round of The Chase after his Martinsville win.
#2-Keselowski finished 2nd followed by #4-Harvick, #18-Busch, #19-Edwards, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #41-Busch, #78-Truex, Jr., #24-Gordon, and #1-McMurray.
#22-Joey Logano cut down a tire 10 laps into the race and had to go to the garage for extended repairs. He finished 40th, 66 laps down.
Erik Jones, filling in for #20 Kenseth, finished 12th.
There were 15 lead changes among 8 drivers and 9 cautions for 47 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 137.490mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf).>(11-8-2015)

Enhanced cellular coverage available at Texas: Since joining the sport in 2004, Sprint has consistently provided a system of traditional mobile/portable integrated communication towers known as Cell on Wheels or COW system at Texas Motor Speedway to ensure fans attending the largest sporting events in the state have complete mobile service. Now, a new Distributed Radio Access Network known as a D-RAN system will build on the COW concept that Sprint pioneered and offer all carriers an even bigger opportunity. Texas Motor Speedway has installed the largest D-RAN system in the state and among the most prevalent deployments in the United States to greatly enhance cellular-based services for its fans using Verizon service beginning with this weekend's AAA Texas 500 NASCAR triple header. This is the initial phase of the multi-million dollar project that was spearheaded and built by Verizon and will only be available to the company's customers for the AAA Texas 500 race weekend. Once the system is established this weekend, other major carriers will have the ability to be added to the D-RAN system in the future to give Texas Motor Speedway the most comprehensive coverage during race weekends with multiple carriers on board. For the AAA Texas 500, other major carriers will continue to utilize the COW system. Sprint will have four COWs to enhance their service on the inside and outside of the facility while AT&T will have one COW situated inside.(Texas Motor Speedway)(11-5-2015)

Texas to debut 'Fire and Ice' food items: Texas Motor Speedway and Levy Restaurants have once again captured their fans love of bacon with a unique combination of 'Fire and Ice' food items for the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend set for Nov. 5-8. The next generation of the highly successful Hawg Heaven line ignites the "fire" with the Hawg Heaven Double Barrel Dawg and then cools things down with an icy treat - the Final Rocky Road-eoice cream sundae in tribute to retiring NASCAR icon Jeff Gordon. Both items will make their debut at during the AAA Texas 500 race week at Texas Motor Speedway. The tradition of bacon-themed concession items continues with the Hawg Heaven Double Barrel Dawg. Following in the footsteps of the widely popular Hawg Heaven Queso Wing, Hawg Heaven Bacon Nachos, Hawg Heaven Bacon Cotton Candy and Shake 'N Bacon Brew, this sandwich is all about bacon. The massive sandwich features two foot-long Texas Hot Links, custom made for Levy Restaurants by locally owned Syracuse Sausage in nearby Ponder, Texas, a jalapeno bacon and caramelized onion mix, bacon queso and topped with crunchy spicy pork rinds. The bacon theme continues with a special tribute to Jeff Gordon's final race at Texas Motor Speedway with the Final Rocky Road-eo Sundae. The sundae features a Krispy Kreme maple bacon donut, two scoops of rocky road ice cream, hot fudge sauce infused with bacon, bacon whipped cream, honey roasted peanuts, chocolate chips, marshmallows and candied bacon. The two scoops of ice cream and four kinds of bacon are the perfect way to celebrate Gordon's final race at Texas Motor Speedway. The sandwich will sell for $11 while the sundae costs $10. Both will be available at the concession stand inside Gate 4 of the speedway.(TMS)(11-1-2015)

John Krasinski named grand marshal at Texas: Film and television star John Krasinski, who stars as a former Navy SEAL in the upcoming, real-life motion picture thriller 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, has been named the Grand Marshal for the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Krasinski, an actor, writer and director, will give the command for the Sprint Cup Series drivers of the 43-car field to start their engines in front of a crowd that annually comprises one of the largest-attended, single-day sporting events in Texas. Krasinski will be joined on the Grand Marshal stage by three of the heroes from the CIA annex security team that fought off Islamic militants on Sept. 11, 2012, in Benghazi, Libya. Mark "Oz" Geist, Kris "Tanto" Paronto and John "Tig" Tiegen are elite ex-military operatives that were part of the small security team that helped ward off the terrorists that attacked U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi and were responsible for saving many American lives. Paramount Pictures' 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is directed by Michael Bay and opens in theaters on Jan. 15, 2016. Krasinski is perhaps best known for his role as the charming boy-next-door Jim Halpert on NBC's Emmy-winning smash hit The Office for nine seasons. He won Screen Actor Guild Awards in 2007 and '08 for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series.(Texas Motor Speedway)(10-27-2015)

Texas adding more SAFER barrier: When NASCAR returns to Texas Motor Speedway next month, competitors will be greeted by 3,000 additional feet of SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier on the 1.5-mile track. On Friday, TMS completed the first of three phases on the frontstretch. The project is expected to be finished next week - in time for the Texas AAA 500 on November 8. In April, TMS added 250 feet of tire-bundle barriers to five inner walls on the recommendation of NASCAR, following a sport-wide reexamination of tracks after Kyle Busch's vicious wreck at Daytona International Speedway in February.(Motorsport)(10-18-2015)

Padilla to sing National Anthem at Texas: Bárbara Padilla, the Mexican-American classical crossover soprano whose career blossomed after finishing runner-up on the fourth season of NBC's "America's Got Talent," has been invited to sing the National Anthem for the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Texas Motor Speedway. Ms. Padilla, the talented songstress, will be making a stop on her North American tour schedule to perform for the first time ever at a NASCAR race before one of the largest crowds expected for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship rounds. The announcement comes during National Hispanic Heritage Month as Texas Motor Speedway and NASCAR celebrate the cultural contributions the international soprano has made to the United States. Ms. Padilla has performed as a soloist at symphonic events and has given concerts and recitals throughout the United States, Italy and Mexico. Her repertoire spans from beloved operas such as La Boheme, Turandot, Tosca, Madame Butterfly and La Traviata to poignant oratorios like Verdi's and Mozart's Requiem Masses and other masterworks including Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Joseph Haydn's Nelson Mass and Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.(TMS)(10-14-2015)

Texas Motor Speedway Announces 2016 Racing Schedule: Texas Motor Speedway will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2016 by continuing to hold the distinction as the only motorsports venue that has hosted all three top-tier NASCAR Series and the Verizon IndyCar Series since its inception. The 2016 schedule will feature two races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, XFINITY Series and Camping World Truck Series to go along with the only stop in Texas for the Verizon IndyCar Series. The Duck Commander 500 NASCAR doubleheader in April and AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader in November will sandwich the traditional INDYCAR/NASCAR doubleheader in June.
The season will open April 7-9 with the Duck Commander 500 weekend featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and XFINITY Series. The weekend is highlighted by qualifying for the Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series as well as the XFINITY Series O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 on Friday, April 8, and the first Saturday night race of the Sprint Cup season with the Duck Commander 500 on April 9.
The Firestone 600 enjoys its 20th anniversary as an INDYCAR/NASCAR combination event dating to Texas Motor Speedway's inaugural year in 1997 when it returns June 9-11. The weekend features qualifying day for the Verizon IndyCar Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Friday, June 10, that will be followed that evening by the running of the Camping World Truck Series Rattlesnake 400. The Firestone 600, the weekend's marquee event known as "America's Original Nighttime IndyCar Race," will run on Saturday, June 11.
The Texas Motor Speedway racing season concludes Nov. 3-6 with a NASCAR tripleheader that includes a pivotal Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race in the Eliminator Round of the playoff-style format. The AAA Texas 500, set for Sunday, Nov. 6, will be the middle event of the three-race segment (Martinsville and Phoenix are the other races) that will determine the four drivers of the eight remaining in championship contention that will earn the right to vie for the Sprint Cup Series crown at the season finale in Homestead.
The race weekend also features Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series qualifying followed by the Camping World Truck Series Longhorn 350 race on Friday, Nov. 4., and XFINITY Series O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge qualifying and race on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Season tickets go on sale beginning Monday, Nov. 2, and start as low as $199 for adults and $139 for children 12 and under. Individual tickets for the Duck Commander 500 and Firestone 600 weekends go on sale Feb. 12 and the on-sale date for the 2016 AAA Texas 500 weekend will be announced at a later date. For more information, contact the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500 or visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)(10-3-2015)

Texas announces new race weekend sponsors: Texas Motor Speedway announced the addition of Service King Collision Repair Centers and Charlie 1 Horse to its family of sponsors with both signing entitlement deals for the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend scheduled for Nov. 5-8. Service King Collision Repair Centers, the Richardson, Texas-based company that operates 253 locations across 23 states, will serve as the event's qualifying day sponsor for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series. Service King Qualifying Days will feature Sprint Cup and Camping World Truck Series qualifying Friday, Nov. 6, and XFINITY Series qualifying Saturday, Nov. 7. Charlie 1 Horse, the Garland, Texas-based manufacturer of the iconic cowboy hat awarded to the winning driver at Texas Motor Speedway, will culminate the race weekend excitement with the Charlie 1 Horse Running Rouge Post-Race Show featuring Roger Creager. The concert, free to all AAA Texas 500 ticketholders, will take place on the frontstretch infield approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the race. Creager, a native of Corpus Christi, has been playing some of Texas country music fans favorite songs since bursting onto the scene in 1998. The Charlie 1 Horse Running Rouge Post-Race Show featuring Roger Creager will be the second of two free concerts for fans attending the AAA Texas 500. Sammy Hagar and The Circle featuring Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson will perform during the Loud and Proud Pre-Race Show fueled by American Ethanol.(TMS)(9-4-2015)

Sammy Hagar to headline pre-race show at Texas: Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar is teaming up with Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson for their only visit to North Texas as the all-star quartet will headline the pre-race activities for the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Texas Motor Speedway. Sammy Hagar and The Circle featuring Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson will perform a free one-hour concert on pit road as part of the Loud and Proud Pre-Race Show fueled by American Ethanol and provide fans with a rare opportunity to experience music spanning more than 40 years of Hagar's career. With Bonham on board, they can also expect a few of Led Zeppelin's biggest hits added to the mix. Joining Hagar for the concert will be Anthony, the renowned rhythm section bassist who has played with him for the last 30 years in bands including Van Halen and Chickenfoot; Johnson, guitarist from Hagar's band the Wabos; and Bonham, acclaimed drummer and son of iconic Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. AAA Texas 500 ticketholders also will have an opportunity to enjoy Sammy Hagar and The Circle stage side along with driver introductions by purchasing a Loud and Proud Pre-Race Show fueled by American Ethanol pass for $79. Pre-race passes as well as individual tickets for the AAA Texas 500 go on sale Friday, beginning at 9:00am/ct, through the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at 817.215.8500 or www.texasmotorspeedway.com. The pre-race pass and access is free for all Texas Motor Speedway season ticket holders. All pre-race passes must be accompanied with a ticket to the AAA Texas 500.
(Texas Motor Speedway)(8-10-2015)

#48-Jimmie Johnson wins at Texas: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the Duck Commander 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 2nd win of the season, 5th win at Texas Motor Speedway and his 72nd career win.
#4-Harvick finished second, the rest of the top 10: #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #22-Logano, #2-Keselowski, #1-McMurray, #24-Gordon, #5-Kahne, #78-Truex, Jr. and #19-Edwards.
Harvick, Logano, and Truex, Jr have all finished in the top-10 every race this season.
Pole sitter #41-Kurt Busch led 46 laps on the night, but finished 14th.
Harvick continues to hold the Chase points lead. He and Johnson each have 2 wins on the season but Harvick has 306 points to #48-Johnson's 216.
There were 29 lead changes among 9 drivers. There were 8 cautions for 40 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 140.500mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).(4-11-2015)

Hawg Heaven Queso Wing to debut at Texas: Texas Motor Speedway and Levy Restaurants are bringing home the bacon once again to its fans. The next generation of the highly successful Hawg Heaven line - the Hawg Heaven Queso Wing - will make its debut at the Duck Commander 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The Hawg Heaven Queso Wing is an oversized chicken drummette that is French cut, doused in a bacon queso sauce and then topped with a mixture of crumbled Doritos and bacon bits. An order includes four wings, which is just under one pound of chicken. The item will sell for $12 and only be available at the concession stand on the concourse inside the Gate 4 main grandstand entrance. The Hawg Heaven concession line began in 2013 with the Hawg Heaven Bacon Cotton Candy and has featured the Shake 'n Bacon Brew bacon-infused beer milkshake and most recently Hawg Heaven Bacon Nachos. The bacon-infused nachos also will be available during the Duck Commander 500 race weekend.(TMS)(4-7-2015)

Texas Motor Speedway to place tire packs at five locations UPDATE: Texas Motor Speedway will present additional safety devices when its racing season begins next week with a NASCAR doubleheader. Speedway Motorsports Inc., which owns TMS, began reviewing its facilities after Kyle Busch's hard crash into an unprotected concrete wall at Daytona International Speedway in the season-opening Xfinity race. Busch incurred a broken right leg and left foot and has not returned. SMI assigned a group of consultants and engineers review TMS' 11/2-mile track on Sunday. They recommended adding 244 linear feet of tire packs in five locations. That includes spaces of 33 feet in Turn 1 and 29 feet in Turn 4. TMS immediately went to work implementing the suggestions, at its expense. The track expects the tire packs to be installed in time for the first events of the season: the Xfinity O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 on April 10 and the Sprint Cup Duck Commander 500 the following evening. The tire packs are a short-term answer. In the off-season, when the material is available, TMS is expected to replace them with the more advanced and more expensive SAFER barrier.(Dallas Morning News)(4-1-2015)
UPDATE: Texas Motor Speedway, following the recommendations and guidance of NASCAR officials, completed a two-day installation project Wednesday to add 250 feet of tire barriers in preparation for next week's Duck Commander 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend. The tire bundles were added to five inner wall areas of the 1.5-mile oval per the instruction of NASCAR as to the specific locations, length of runs and general construction of the safety addition. The inner wall at the exit of pit lane was the most wide-ranging area with 115 feet of tire bundles while areas near pit lane entry, the jet truck staging area in Turn 1 and emergency vehicle cut-out areas in turns 1 and 4 varied between 30 and 35 feet each. Approximately 450 tires were used in constructing the barriers, which will complement the existing, extensive SAFER Barrier system that encompasses the majority of the walls.
The tire bundles, which consist of a combination of racing and street tires, are bolted together using heavy-duty nuts, bolts and washers. The tires are secured to the wall with a 3/8-inch cable that runs through the top row of tires of each tire bundle as well as cable clamps that are also used on the speedway's wheel fence. The purpose of the cable is to minimize the tires becoming dislodged should they be heavily impacted.(TMS)(4-2-2015)

Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame names inductees: Renowned NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick headlines this year's list of honorees for the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame Gala benefiting Speedway Children's Charities on Thursday, April 9, in The Speedway Club's Grand Ballroom at Texas Motor Speedway. Hendrick's induction into the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame culminates an evening of recognizing some of the most outstanding individuals in motorsports. Along with Hendrick, other honorees include NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Cup Series champion Darrell Waltrip; four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon; 2014 NASCAR XFINITY Series champion Chase Elliott; and Texas Motor Speedway's April race title sponsor Duck Commander. Duck Commander, which has played a major role in supporting the initiatives of Speedway Children's Charities, will receive the Maj. General Thomas Sadler Award. The company, made famous by the Robertson family of the popular A&E reality show Duck Dynasty, officially joined Texas Motor Speedway as a race sponsor in 2014. Since becoming a member of the Texas Motor Speedway family, the organization has made key contributions that included unique hunting experiences with TV personality John Godwin, along with signed memorabilia for Speedway Children's Charities Live Auctions. The generosity of Duck Commander has helped Speedway Children's Charities raise more than $55,000 to benefit children in North Texas in the last year. The Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame, located in the outdoor atrium adjacent to The Speedway Club, is free to the public and remains open year round. The Hall of Fame atrium features pedestals of the inductees with a portrait painting and career highlights.(TMS)(3-25-2015)

Texas World Speedway set to be closed for housing development: College Station and Bryan is growing everyday with more than 200,000 people living in the area... and counting. Texas World Speedway will shutdown in mid-June to make way for a multi-million dollar housing development. CEO Bill Mather is also the housing developer who will convert the 400 acre speedway into driveways and into what will be known as the "Southern Point" community. The $55 million dollar development will be constructed in five phases to include 1400 homes, a commercial development, nature trails, and space for a new elementary school. The development will be the first municipal utility district, or MUD, in College Station. Developers like Mather will absorb the costs of building the infrastructure, and bonds will be used to reimburse the developers quicker than waiting for the lots to be sold. Mather hopes to break ground shortly after the track closes in mid-June with the first homeowner possibly moving in by the Summer of 2016.(KBTX)(3-18-2015)

Gordon to be honored by Texas Motor Speedway March 12th: #24-Jeff Gordon, who announced in January that this will be the final season of his illustrious Sprint Cup Series career, will be honored by Texas Motor Speedway, the city of Dallas and a Dallas sports great on Thursday, March 12, during a special public event at Klyde Warren Park in the Dallas Arts District. Gordon is scheduled to make a grand entrance at 12:30pm/ct in the famed #24 Panasonic-sponsored Chevy with Godwin from A&E's hit television reality show Duck Dynasty riding shotgun in the two-seater stock car. Following the presentations, Gordon will conduct a Q&A with the crowd. Gordon, as well as the other special guests, also will conduct media availability sessions following their segment on the park stage. Gordon is visiting on behalf of Texas Motor Speedway to promote the Duck Commander 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, April 11, at Texas Motor Speedway. Tickets are available for the Duck Commander 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com or calling (817) 215-8500.(TMS)(3-4-2015)

Tickets for April Texas race on sale: Texas Motor Speedway announced that individual tickets for April's Duck Commander 500 NASCAR doubleheader weekend as well as pre-race concert passes for the Casey Donahew Band go on sale Friday. Beginning at 9:00am/ct Friday, individual tickets for the Duck Commander 500 - the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series nighttime race of the season set for Saturday, April 11 - start as low as $30 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets for the XFINITY Series O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 on Friday, April 10, also will be available beginning at $30 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. AMDRO Pre-Race LogoThe Casey Donahew Band will open the festivities for the Duck Commander 500as the headliner for the Loud and Proud Pre-Race Show presented by AMDRO. The Texas Country band will take to the stage at 4:45 p.m. for aone-hour concert. The Duck Commander 500 will begin at 6:30 pm/et. Fans can purchase a special $79 "mosh pit" ticket for the Loud and Proud Pre-Race Show presented by AMDRO, providing them exclusive stage-side access for the concert and access to the driver introduction stage. The "mosh pit" ticket must be accompanied by a Duck Commander 500 grandstand ticket. To purchase tickets or for additional information, visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com or call the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500.(TMS)(2-13-2015)

Texas Motor Speedway seeking Fan Council members: For a fourth consecutive year, Texas Motor Speedway is seeking fans to become part of the Texas Motor Speedway Fan Council which provides insightful feedback in an effort to enhance the raceday experience for all speedway's guests. Continuing through Feb. 6, fans can submit their application by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com to be considered for a seat on the Texas Motor Speedway Fan Council. The group will consist of 20 to 30 fans that will maintain an active role in providing constructive feedback to speedway management throughout the upcoming season. The council will possess a diverse makeup, consisting of PSL holders, individual ticket purchasers, suite holders, campers and new race fans. The Texas Motor Speedway Fan Council will host an on-site meeting during each of the speedway's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in April and November and a one-hour teleconference following the Firestone 600 Verizon IndyCar Series/NASCAR Camping World Truck Series doubleheader in June. Members also will be requested to complete five e-mail questionnaires over the course of the term to prepare Texas Motor Speedway management for meetings and recaps following race weekends. Selections will be made Feb. 16 and members will be notified no later than Feb. 20. Once the term expires, new members will be chosen for the 2016 season.(TMS)(1-14-2015)

AAA Texas to stay as sponsor through 2017: AAA Texas has served as the title sponsor of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup's most dramatic race in the 10-race playoff for the last five seasons and on Sunday the organization announced it has extended its partnership as title sponsor with Texas Motor Speedway. AAA Texas has agreed to extend its sponsorship of the AAA Texas 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race through the end of the 2017 season. No financial terms of the deal were disclosed, but with the extension AAA Texas 500 will continue to keep its namesake on the Chase's largest-attended race. "We are always excited for NASCAR racing here at Texas Motor Speedway," AAA Vice President of Direct Sales Vicki Foshee said. "The AAA Texas 500 has loyal fans, many of which are actually AAA members. Since both organizations share a number of high-focus service qualities it makes sense for us to extend our partnership." Sponsors remain the lifeblood of Texas Motor Speedway and an essential component of helping continue its efforts to provide a one-of-a-kind experience to its loyal race fans. "It's important for us to have AAA Texas to help us do things the way we do them - from paying the biggest purse to unicycle football in the 'No Limits' Garage Party and all the other things that we do," Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. "Those kinds of things cost money and to be able to try and do it as first-class and as usual as we try to do things here it's important to us that folks like AAA Texas are good partners. We thank them for their loyal support and look forward to all the excitement that will unfold in the AAA Texas 500 for the next three years."(TMS)(11-4-2014)

Texas World Speedway to be replaced by houses: The College Station City (Texas) Council unanimously gave conditional consent to create a new municipal utility district that will replace the Texas World Speedway just outside of College Station. The plan will now go to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for its approval, during which time a series of agreements will come before city council to ready services and sync up the development plans with the city's building standards. The developer is asking for the city to provide water and sewer services to the community. The concept plan for the development will span about 550 acres in College Station's extra-territorial jurisdiction, and add about 1,400 single-family homes, 27 acres of commercial development, 14 acres for a future College Station school district school and 73 acres of detention and greenways. The Brazos County Appraisal District values that land at $5.4 million, but the projected build out value is $514 million. Three of the public speakers spoke on behalf of the racing community that would miss the track. Mayor Pro Tem Karl Mooney said the speedway just hasn't been able to keep up with the times.(The Eagle)(4-2-2014)

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