Motorsports

Is Texas Motor Speedway turning a corner? GM Mark Faber on the state of the track

A few years ago, NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Larson said of Texas Motor Speedway: “I would like them to demolish this place and then start over from scratch.” He was far from alone. Ever since the track was repaved and two of the turns were reconfigured in 2017 to make them wider and flatter […]

Published

1 month ago

May 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A few years ago, NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Larson said of Texas Motor Speedway: “I would like them to demolish this place and then start over from scratch.”

He was far from alone. Ever since the track was repaved and two of the turns were reconfigured in 2017 to make them wider and flatter while keeping the other two turns at the same degree of banking, Texas has been the butt of jokes in the garage. Last year, we wrote how Texas was NASCAR’s “most disparaged track,” detailing how those changes have not worked as intended.

“Racetrack-wise, we all wish we could do more there,” Ross Chastain said then. “It truly is one of the hardest tracks to pass (on). When I get a pass done, I sometimes physically celebrate in the car on the next straightaway because I did what I thought was impossible.”

But then, suddenly, last April saw the best Texas race in years and the only one (out of 16) to top a 70 percent approval rating in my weekly “Was it a good race?” poll, offering a hint the track has turned the corner from two of its corners being an annual punching bag.

Now Texas Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Mark Faber is bullish about the upcoming race weekend, rattling off a list of recent on-track successes in an interview with The Athletic: Eight different winners in the last eight Cup Series races, an “Under 30 Club” of young winners in the Next Gen Era (William Byron, Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott) and the second-most green-flag passes ever at Texas last season.

“We’re competitive, we’re proud, and we think we have a lot of great things going on,” Faber said. “We think we’re a really good test in the first part of the year to see who can use it as a springboard to have a successful overall season.”

Below is an edited version of the interview.

In my “Good Race” poll, your most recent race last year was ranked No. 1 out of 16 Texas races, and the year before that was the No. 5 race. That’s a big turnaround from how Texas racing had been regarded. Why do you think that’s happened, and what is the state of the racing there?

We’ve talked to a lot of people about the track, there’s no doubt about it. A few years ago when I started, Marcus (Smith, the Speedway Motorsports owner) and Steve Swift (who oversees track operations for the company), were talking to iRacing about some different modeling and (asking), “What do we want to look at?” There were some people chattering about it.

Since that time, some of that chatter has really died down. We had Christopher Bell in here (for a promotional appearance) and he said, “This is my home track. I want it to be challenging. I don’t want it to be in a single-file race around the track.” Jimmie Johnson called this the “treacherous track.” We take pride in that.

This race weekend will be another indicator about the racing and what people think about it. The past couple have been really, really good.

What is the state of your fan support right now in the market?

We have double-digit increases on our ticket sales year-over-year. Our premium seating, we have several of those areas sold out. Our camping is right now No. 1 in Speedway Motorsports across the tracks so far this year. The move to the first weekend of May has really been embraced by a lot of folks, and we’re going to have one of the best weekends we’ve had in awhile.

To what do you attribute the increase in ticket sales? Is it mostly getting to a better date versus the unpredictable spring weather you had last April?

We obviously talk with NASCAR about scheduling, and one of the things is motorsports moving away from football — especially here in Texas where everyone is raised on football. We’ve got (high school football), college football, pro football. The last time we were in the fall with a September race (in 2023), our Xfinity race was up against a TCU-SMU game, and then we were up against the NFL on Sunday. And then it was oppressively hot; it was 105 degrees and we had some medical issues with fans, staff and teams.

TMS has had a great track record with spring racing, so we moved to April (last year). But we were much closer to COTA (the road course in Austin, which is three hours away), so we wanted to spread the two out and get some separation (on the calendar). … Now we have two months between them where a year ago, fans might have had to pick and choose because the races were so close together.

There’s been a lot of discussion and debate about the racetrack over the years, ever since it got reconfigured. A lot of people have said, “Why can’t they just reconfigure Turns 1 and 2 to make it like Turns 3 and 4?” Others have suggested redoing the entire thing. Some have even noted (converting it to a superspeedway-style track, as happened at Atlanta Motor Speedway) could be an option. You said the discussion has died down a little bit, but how do you see it now in terms of where you stand or what plans could be in the future?

We look at statistics and averages, and we’ve got stats to show the racing is getting better year over year. From spring 2011 to fall 2016 — 12 races before the repave — the average was seven cautions, 21 lead changes, 2.312-second margin of victory. If you look at the 12 races since the repave, the average is 10 cautions, 22.3 lead changes, 1.012-second margin of victory.

So the racing has gotten better, and fans want to see exciting races. They want to see lead changes, they want to see close finishes. We’re going to analyze this upcoming weekend and see how that fits into the averages. People don’t want to see some of the racing where there’s not a lot of lead changes. But we analyze this all the time, and we think we’re moving in the right direction. We’ll take a look at it after the race weekend.

There was a rumor put out by a former NASCAR mechanic that claimed an intermediate track was going to be converted into the next Atlanta. NASCAR’s Mike Forde then came out and said it wasn’t any of the NASCAR-owned tracks, leaving some to speculate it could be a Speedway Motorsports track. But from what you’re saying, there are no current plans right now to turn Texas into an Atlanta? Am I understanding that correctly?

Yeah, I mean, that’s just a rumor. That’s just the best way to put it.

There was a long time when former track president Eddie Gossage would say, “There’s no way we’re going less than 500 miles” for a Texas race. Now the race has been 400 miles for the last two years as part of an industry-wide trend. Have your fans been receptive to that?

We’re fine with the industry-wide trend. It’s been fine from the fan feedback for us as well. So we’re comfortable with the 400 miles.

Texas Motor Speedway, during last April’s Cup Series race. The stained and slick Turns 1 and 2 — which have caused issues for drivers — are visible at right. (Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)

You have that part of the track that was stained from all the traction compound chemicals that were put on it at one point and it’s still been slick despite attempts to clean it. Is there any sense of whether that will eventually go away with age? Do you still have to try and clean that area before a race weekend?

Yeah, it’s aging. It’s aging in the sun, and certainly we coordinate with NASCAR on that. We haven’t applied any (compound) for recent races, and again, it’s just waiting on the age of the sun to go through that process.

What else do you think is important for people to know about your race weekend?

We feel we’re an important track and an important facility to NASCAR, being in the fourth-largest market in the United States. We have heightened interest from fans, the most we’ve had in recent years, and the fan zone is going to be robust. … We’ve got a lot of action going on.

(Top photo of Chase Elliott taking the checkered flag under caution at last year’s Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway: Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)

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Motorsports

Atlanta Motor Speedway new name

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Motor Speedway has a new name! Gov. Brian Kemp joined Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive for the announcement on Tuesday, in which the new name was revealed: EchoPark Speedway. According to a release from the speedway, it’s part of a new partnership that will carry the EchoPark brand through a seven-year, […]

Published

4 minutes ago

June 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Motor Speedway has a new name!

Gov. Brian Kemp joined Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive for the announcement on Tuesday, in which the new name was revealed: EchoPark Speedway.

According to a release from the speedway, it’s part of a new partnership that will carry the EchoPark brand through a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement.

EchoPark Automotive is one of three operating segments of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and a leading automotive and powersports retailer in the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith said. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

EchoPark Automotive operates 17 locations in 13 markets, including Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

“This partnership allows us to share the value of the exceptional EchoPark car-buying experience with more guests in Atlanta and the surrounding area who enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing at this iconic venue,” Sonic Automotive Chairman and CEO David B. Smith added.

The speedway hosts two NASCAR Cup Series events annually, including the Quaker State 400 starting on June 28. For more information about EchoPark Speedway and its upcoming races, click here.

News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia.

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Motorsports

AUTO RACING: Blaney earns 1st season win in NASCAR and F1’s McLaren duo extends lead

By The Associated Press All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Firekeepers Casino 400 Site: Brooklyn, Michigan. Track: Michigan International Speedway. Race distance: 200 laps, 400 miles. Schedule: Saturday, practice, 9:30 a.m., qualifying, 10:40 a.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX). Last year: Tyler Reddick held off William Byron to earn the win in […]

Published

5 minutes ago

June 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By The Associated Press

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Firekeepers Casino 400

Site: Brooklyn, Michigan.

Track: Michigan International Speedway.

Race distance: 200 laps, 400 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 9:30 a.m., qualifying, 10:40 a.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX).

Last year: Tyler Reddick held off William Byron to earn the win in double overtime, giving him his second victory of the season.

Last race: Ryan Blaney led a race-best 139 of 300 laps at Nashville, earning his first series win of the year and securing him a spot in the playoffs.

Next race: June 15, Mexico City.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

Last race: Justin Allgaier took the his third series win of the season in Nashville while holding off a late surge from rookie teammate Connor Zilisch.

Next race: June 14, Mexico City.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

DQS Solutions & Staffing 200 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics

Site: Brooklyn, Michigan.

Track: Michigan International Speedway.

Race distance: 125 laps, 250 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 1 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 8:05 a.m., race, Noon (FOX).

Last year: The last race which was held in 2020, was won by Zane Smith after a last-lap pass in double overtime.

Last race: Rajah Caruth broke a 31-race winless streak and earned his second career series win while leading the final 51 laps in Nashville.

Next race: June 20, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Last race: Oscar Piastri secured the victory and held off teammate Lando Norris in Spain to take back momentum after Norris’s previous win at Monaco.

Next race: June 15, Montreal.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

Last race: Kyle Kirkwood surged ahead on a late restart to take his second win of the season.

Next race: June 15, Madison, Illinois.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Site: Bristol, Tennessee.

Track: Bristol Dragway.

Race distance: 1/4 mile.

Schedule: Friday, qualifying, 6 p.m., qualifying, 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 12:30 p.m., qualifying, 3 p.m.; Sunday, race, Noon.

Next race: June 22, North Dinwiddie, Virginia.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

World of Outlaws Fendt Showdown

Site: Jackson, Minnesota.

Track: Jackson Motorplex.

World of Outlaws Badger State Triple

Site: Plymouth, Wisconsin.

Track: Plymouth Dirt Track.

World of Outlaws Jim “JB” Memorial

Site: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Track: Beaver Dam Raceway.

World of Outlaws Badger State Triple

Site: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Track: Angell Park Speedway.

Next events: June 13-14, Knoxville, Iowa.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

_____

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing

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Motorsports

DVIDS – News – New DeCA-themed race car logo unveiled at Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary ahead of simulator’s 54-store tour

By Mike Perron, DeCA public affairs specialist NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click https://vimeo.com/1090105713/2b54e7ac1c. FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports (JRM) driver Justin Allgaier at its Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary in Virginia May 14. During the visit, team sponsor Unilever […]

Published

27 minutes ago

June 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Mike Perron, DeCA public affairs specialist

NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click https://vimeo.com/1090105713/2b54e7ac1c.

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports (JRM) driver Justin Allgaier at its Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary in Virginia May 14.

During the visit, team sponsor Unilever joined Allgaier to unveil this year’s custom paint scheme bearing the commissaries’ logo on the hood of a full-sized simulator of the team’s No. 7 Chevrolet. Allgaier piloted the actual No. 7 Chevy in the BetMGM 300 race May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, finishing fourth.

Unilever and JRM have worked with DeCA for more than a decade to publicize the commissary benefit, and in 2021 presented their first military-themed car sporting the DeCA logo.

During his commissary visit Allgaier praised the collaboration, noting his pride in carrying the logo on the track at Charlotte over Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s a way for us to honor the military community and thank them for their service and sacrifice,” Allgaier said.

The event offered Fort Gregg-Adams families and race fans a chance to sit behind the wheel of the replica car, while enjoying music, prize giveaways, face painting and free food samples sponsored by Unilever.

Allgaier signed autographs, posed for photos with attendees and spoke about what the commissaries’ logo on the hood meant to him.

“This is more than just a paint scheme,” he said. “It’s about recognizing the men and women who serve — and making sure they know they’re appreciated.”

DeCA Director and CEO John Hall noted that commissary sales were up over the last three years, and added that he believed the ancillary benefits provided by commissary suppliers like Unilever have helped spur that increase.

“This drives awareness and drives traffic, but more importantly, it communicates that patrons can come and get 25 percent savings inside the gate versus outside the gate,” Hall said. “And on the back of the car, it also says ‘Commissary Click2Go™.’ It’s a great way to drive that message and hopefully we drive a lot of impressions and we drive traffic [to stores] and get patrons excited.”

Allgaier led this year’s Charlotte race for 103 laps of 205 and was leading headed into the final lap after multiple crashes sent the race into overtime. Having missed an opportunity to pit for tires, Allgaier was passed by William Byron in the No. 17 Chevrolet on fresher rubber for the win.

Allgaier remains firmly seated in first place in the NASCAR Xfinity Series points standing with 583 as of June 2. He’s JR Motorsports winningest driver, with 24 victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series championship trophy last season and drove the No. 7 Chevrolet bearing the commissary logo to victory lane at Charlotte in 2023. The team is co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., along with his sister Kelly Earnhardt Miller and fellow Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick.

The simulator’s tour takes it to 54 commissaries across the nation during the 2025 season, with its last stops at the Army’s two Fort Bragg Commissaries in North Carolina in September.

Schedule of remaining commissary appearances for the JR Motorsports No. 7 NASCAR Xfinity Series simulator car:

June

5, Fort Knox, Kentucky; 7, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; 11, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; 13, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; 16, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; 17, Fort Riley, Kansas; 19, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado; 20 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; 21, Fort Carson, Colorado.

July

28, 29, Fort Bliss, Texas.

August

1, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; 2, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; 4, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; 6, Fort Cavazos I Texas; 8, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; 11, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas; 14, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi; 15, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida; 22, Hurlburt Field, Florida; 23, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida; 25, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; 26, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; 28, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida; 30, Fort Benning, Georgia.

September

2, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia; 4, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; 5, Fort Bragg North, North Carolina; 6, Fort Bragg South, North Carolina.

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities. A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Date Taken:	06.03.2025
Date Posted:	06.03.2025 12:09
Story ID:	499521
Location:	FORT GREGG-ADAMS, VIRGINIA, US

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Motorsports

Charlotte City Council considering $25 million for NASCAR Hall of Fame improvements – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte City Council is considering spending $25 million to upgrade the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This is the first major renovation project for the city-owned facility since its opening in 2010. “We done updates from an exhibit standpoint,” Executive Director Winston Kelley said. “But nothing on this level of magnitude.” A significant portion […]

Published

28 minutes ago

June 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

“We done updates from an exhibit standpoint,” Executive Director Winston Kelley said. “But nothing on this level of magnitude.”

A significant portion of the Hall of Fame would see changes under the proposal. A new education space would go where the current gift shop is located. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has served more than 21,000 students since its opening. It welcomes many field trips each year. An event space would take the space currently occupied by the café. The café would relocate to the Legends Room. A new gear shop will replace the former studio space.

The city of Charlotte has a dedicated fund for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The fund can only be used on projects for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Crown Ballroom and the Hall of Fame and Convention Center’s parking deck. The fund is paid for by a 2% tax added on to hotel bills.

Last year, more than 201,000 people visited the Hall of Fame. That’s the second-highest attendance since opening in 2010.

Charlotte City Councilmember Ed Driggs asked for more information about the Hall’s finances but generally leaders are in favor of the improvements. Like the Spectrum Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a city asset that they are required to maintain.

The Hall of Fame was projected to bring in 800,000 visitors for its first year. It has never hit that figure. Despite the attendance, Councilman James Mitchell says the Hall of Fame has been a success. He was a city leader as Charlotte recruited the facility.

“This has been good for tourism,” he said. “This has been good for our brand.”

The CRVA says the NASCAR Hall of Fame has an annual economic impact of $74 million.

Charlotte City Council will consider the project again in the late summer.

(WATCH BELOW: NASCAR drivers to honor fallen heroes in yearly Memorial Day tradition)

NASCAR drivers to honor fallen heroes in yearly Memorial Day tradition

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EchoPark Lands Entitlement Sponsorship of Atlanta Motor Speedway

Atlanta Motor Speedway will now be known as EchoPark Speedway as the iconic race track in Hampton, GA, announced a naming rights agreement with EchoPark, an online and in-person used car marketplace, on Tuesday in a press event inside the Marcy Scott Media Center in the infield of the 1.54-mile speedway. According to a press […]

Published

29 minutes ago

June 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

According to a press release from Speedway Motorsports, which owns the facility, the partnership between the track formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway and EchoPark is a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith, EchoPark Speedway EVP and GM Brandon Hutchison, as well as NASCAR Cup Series drivers Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain took part in the Tuesday announcement at the facility.

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

The upcoming Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday, June 28, will mark the beginning of a five-race in-season tournament, where 32 drivers will battle it out in a bracket-style tournament for a prize of $1 million.

The winner of the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart will be presented with a “nearly new” EchoPark Chevrolet Silverado and a trailer equipped with the first of 26 manufacturered 85th Anniversary, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Limited Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycles all courtesy of EchoPark.

Sonic Automotive, like Speedway Motorsports, is a Smith-family owned entitity. David B. Smith, the brother of Marcus Smith, serves as the Chairman and CEO of Sonic Automotive, which is the parent company of EchoPark.

Sonic Automotive feels the newly announced partnership will allow EchoPark to bring further attention to the plethora of used vehicles they sell.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible vehicles we sell at EchoPark and share the exposure with another important entity in our Sonic Automotive family,” said Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive. “The Sturgis Rally is right around the corner, and we know NASCAR fans and drivers will not only love the new presentation of this track, but also the opportunity to see this limited edition Harley-Davidson presented in Victory Lane.”

Christopher Bell took the win in the most recent NASCAR Cup Series event at EchoPark Speedway as he triumphed in February’s Ambetter Health 400.

EchoPark Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series event in July 1960, an event that was won by Fireball Roberts. In all, the facility has hosted 122 NASCAR Cup Series races as well as 38 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, and 24 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races.

Motorsports

Famed Atlanta NASCAR Facility Now EchoPark Speedway

Published

44 minutes ago

June 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

EchoPark Speedway, then known as Atlanta International Raceway, hosted its first NASCAR event in 1960, and has been a stop on the calendar ever since. The venue hosted the NASCAR season finale from 1987 to 2000. It was the site of the memorable conclusion to the 1992 NASCAR Cup Series season, which saw Richard Petty’s final race, Jeff Gordon’s first career NASCAR Cup Series start, and a dramatic championship battle with Alan Kulwicki narrowly claiming the title.

The 1.54-mile oval was reconfigured following the 2021 season, with banking in the turns increased to 28 degrees. This repave and reconfiguration brought superspeedway-style racing to the Hampton, Georgia facility. In 2024, Daniel Suarez defeated Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide finish where the trio was separated by just 0.007 seconds.

EchoPark Speedway will host two NASCAR national touring series during the spectacular June 26-28 summer event. Schedules, tickets, and camping for the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend, can be found online at EchoParkSpeedway.com.

-Photo credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

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