General News & Notes
by John Davison
Robert Arthur (Bobby) Allison passed away November 9, 2024 at his home in Mooresville, NC. Allison was a member of the ‘Alabama Gang’ of racers that included Red Farmer, Bobby and Bobby’s brother, Donnie. Allison was one of the most versatile racers of his era, running a total of 718 NASCAR Cup races, 43 Xfinity races, 17 GN East, 21 various ARCA races, six Champ Car (Indycar) races, plus winning the 1980 IROC championship and numerous other races, including a win in the 1982 Busch Clash at Daytona.
Read Full Story
Volume 2024, Issue 11, Posted 8:56 PM, 11.09.2024
by John Davison
CONCORD, NC (Oct. 10, 2024) – In a first-of-its-kind partnership combining unparalleled motorsports history, automotive heritage and business expertise, officials with Speedway Motorsports and business leader Rick Hendrick today announced the creation of the Ten Tenths Motor Club, a 100-acre complex designed to attract automotive enthusiasts and manufacturers from around the world. Operated by Speedway Motorsports, the Ten Tenths Motor Club will include the Ten Tenths Circuit, a purpose-built, lighted road course with three configurations for high-performance driving; the Ten Tenths Clubhouse, a 20,000-square foot special event facility; a members’ garage featuring secure, climate-controlled storage, cigar lounge, bourbon bar and putting course; and expansive off-road driving trails.
Read Full Story
Volume 2024, Issue 10, Posted 8:14 PM, 10.10.2024
by John Davison
CMS Hurricane Relief Drive Extended to Thursday, Oct. 3
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Silver Parking Lot directly across from Charlotte Motor Speedway Main Entrance
6558 Bruton Smith Boulevard
Read Full Story
Volume 2024, Issue 10, Posted 7:48 PM, 10.02.2024
by John Davison
CONCORD, N.C. (May 25, 2024) – Today, Greg Walter, a 25-year veteran of Speedway Motorsports, was promoted from Executive Vice President and General Manager to President of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith made the announcement today in the media center at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the eve of the 65th running of the Coca-Cola 600.
Read Full Story
Volume 2024, Issue 5, Posted 9:46 PM, 05.25.2024
by John Davison
First-of-its-kind regional annual show focused automotive aftermarket; has something for everyone
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural High Performance Expo (HPX), the exclusive business and consumer show of the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), will be held from June 3-5, 2025, at the Charlotte Convention Center, followed by area-wide enthusiast activities. The event will bring together all segments of the racing and performance community for the first time in the heart of the auto racing industry.
Read Full Story
Volume 2024, Issue 4, Posted 10:42 PM, 04.18.2024
by John Davison
CONCORD, N.C. (April 2, 2024) – Thousands of hot rods, classics and custom cars will take center stage when the AutoFair presented by Camping World returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this Thursday through Sunday, but they aren’t the only attractions that will get guests’ motors running. Fans are in for a four-day adventure filled with Hall of Fame appearances by industry experts, fast-paced thrill rides and family-friendly entertainment.
Read Full Story
Volume 2024, Issue 4, Posted 2:34 PM, 04.02.2024
by John Davison
Speedway Children’s Charities hosted this year’s Charlotte and North Wilkesboro recipient organizations at Speedway Christmas to spread cheer and deliver grant funding, capping a record-breaking year of fundraising for local children in need
Read Full Story
Volume 2023, Issue 12, Posted 11:11 PM, 12.11.2023
by John Davison
Looking for a different gift for the gearhead on your holiday gift list? Would you rather find something other than team regalia or souvenirs in the giftwrap? Here are some suggestions that might start someone else on the path to reading more about our favorite subject: cars and racing. Not all of these books are still in print, but they can be found online or in a local second-hand bookstore and most are available as ebooks.
Read Full Story
Volume 2023, Issue 11, Posted 3:53 PM, 11.16.2023
by John Davison
CONCORD, NC (Nov. 14, 2023) - The lights, sights and sounds of Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health have played a part in bringing the magic of the holidays to visitors for the last 14 seasons. This year the lights are brighter and the show even bigger as the new nearly four-mile course is illuminated by almost 5 million lights featuring a new concourse, tunnels and Christmas Village attractions.
Read Full Story
Volume 2023, Issue 11, Posted 4:18 PM, 11.14.2023
by John Davison
CONCORD, NC (August 15, 2023) - Sparks will fly as the metal-mashing machines return to The Dirt Track at Charlotte for a night full of power and adrenaline like no other, as the Circle K Monster Truck Bash kicks off Charlotte Motor Speedway’s fall season.
Read Full Story
Volume 2023, Issue 8, Posted 3:15 PM, 08.16.2023
by John Davison
CONCORD, N.C. – Things to see, things to do – for people who love cars. In just two weeks, Charlotte Motor Speedway will roll out a fan-favorite event with an all-new feel as AutoFair returns to the famed entertainment facility to celebrate all things automotive and the community that drives car culture. The four-day show, April 13-16, will be highlighted by a number of new attractions and events that pay homage to the history, artistry and innovation of the automobile.
Read Full Story
Volume 2023, Issue 4, Posted 6:56 PM, 04.10.2023
by Larry Clarino
Cary, NC (November 9, 2022) Auto Racing legend Willy T. Ribbs today endorsed Mark Dill's first children's book, "The Legend of the First Super Speedway." Dill based the new book on his original historical novel of the same name. Ribbs wrote the forward to that book, released in 2020. Not only did Ribbs race in the Indianapolis 500, but he also became the first and only African American to test a Formula One racer.
"I said it before, and I will repeat it. Mark is the perfect person to tell this previously untold tale," says Ribbs, who currently serves as Formula One's Ambassador for Diversity and Inclusion. “He brings to the surface the true-life characters that created American auto racing. It's a true, entertaining history written to engage young people. Racing is a terrific sport, and just as my work for Formula One brings new people in, it's essential to engage youngsters."
Read Full Story
Volume 2022, Issue 11, Posted 8:22 AM, 11.10.2022
by John Davison
CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2022) – The cars may be the stars when the Charlotte AutoFair returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this Thursday through Saturday, but they are far from the only attraction bringing fans to the famed 1.5-mile superspeedway. An action-packed lineup of entertainment and fun includes a chainsaw artist, seminars with automotive icons, music, Q&As and more.
Read Full Story
Volume 2022, Issue 9, Posted 3:20 PM, 09.05.2022
by John Davison
CONCORD, N.C. (Aug. 30, 2022) – For a car or motorcycle enthusiast, there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a vehicle up close that starred in a favorite movie. During Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Sept. 8–10 Charlotte AutoFair, fans will have a chance to spend time with the only DC-licensed jet-powered Batmobile; cars and bikes from Ghost Rider, Animal House, and Leatherheads; and a trio of big-screen big-rigs.
Read Full Story
Volume 2022, Issue 8, Posted 11:05 AM, 08.31.2022
by John Davison
Monday Night:
Sir Purr Roars To Mascot Mayhem Victory In Cook Out Summer Shootout Opener
Read Full Story
Volume 2022, Issue 6, Posted 10:08 PM, 06.15.2022
by John Davison
The 29th season of the Summer Shootout kicks off with a fender-banging Mascot Mania go-kart race among Charlotte’s high-profile sports mascots on Monday, the return of school bus racing with area principals on Tuesday, and a full slate of Legend and Bandolero racing each night
Read Full Story
Volume 2022, Issue 6, Posted 2:29 PM, 06.09.2022
by Ron Fleshman
CHARLOTTE, N.C. and DOVER, DE (Nov. 8, 2021) – Speedway Motorsports, LLC (“Speedway Motorsports”), a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment, and Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) (“Dover Motorsports”) today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Speedway Motorsports has agreed to acquire Dover Motorsports for $3.61 per share in cash for an approximate total equity value of $131.5 million. The transaction was announced today by Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith and Dover Motorsports President and CEO Denis McGlynn.
Read Full Story
Volume 2021, Issue 11, Posted 3:02 PM, 11.11.2021
by John Davison
(CONCORD, NC – MAY 17, 2021 – RIS) Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Cup champion, can drive pretty much anything he straps into. He has won sprint car races, midgets, Indy cars, and come very close to winning the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in prototype racers. Tony Stewart (Smoke) recently attended a Doug Hawley drag racing school, then, if reports are accurate, made enough passes to get his Top Alcohol license and now has made enough Top Fuel passes for a Top Fuel license, even if he only keeps driving in test sessions.
Read Full Story
Volume 2021, Issue 5, Posted 9:47 PM, 05.17.2021
by John Davison
Capacity Restrictions Lifted for Month of May Motorsports Events Including NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals This weekend and May 28-30 Coca-Cola 600 Weekend
(CONCORD, NC – MAY 14, 2021) With Gov. Roy Cooper’s latest executive order, Charlotte Motor Speedway can operate at full capacity for an action-packed motorsports month of May, including this weekend’s NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and Memorial Day Weekend’s Coca-Cola 600.
Read Full Story
Volume 2021, Issue 5, Posted 3:19 PM, 05.14.2021
by John Davison
Santa Claus leads a group of nearly 250 children through Speedway Christmas during the Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) Charlotte chapter grant distribution event at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Thursday. SCC distributed $300,000 to area nonprofits that serve children in need. (RIS/John Davison photos)
The Charlotte chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, with support from the Kevin Harvick Foundation, distributed $300,000 to 30 area nonprofits Wednesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway
More than 250 children joined SCC officials and representatives from the area charities for a socially distant, drive-through holiday experience at Speedway Christmas
Fans can register to volunteer or donate to Speedway Children's Charities by visiting www.speedwaycharities.org
Read Full Story
Volume 2020, Issue 12, Posted 11:13 PM, 12.17.2020
by John Davison
Speedway Christmas presented by Count On Me NC opens this weekend for its 11th season.
Read Full Story
Volume 2020, Issue 11, Posted 11:04 PM, 11.20.2020
by Paul T. Glessner, M.S.
Save The Salt Once Again Bringing
Illegal Activity to the Attention of BLM Officials
Salt Lake City, UT—Last week a photo surfaced of two Utah residents, Cameron Ramage and Skyler Pittman, who took credit for driving recklessly on the Bonneville Salt Flats in a highly modified Ford Crown Victoria. They had made multiple hard-circling maneuvers, breaking through the thin salt crust and plowing ruts into its surface. The photo was posted on BF Goodrich’s national website and Facebook pages igniting hundreds of negative responses from the U.S. and international land speed racing community.
It initially appeared as though BF Goodrich (BFG) was endorsing the destructive conduct. Not so. When BFG corporate staff became aware of the situation, they took immediate steps to apologize on BFG social media platforms, then remove the posting and contact Save the Salt. BFG discovered that the two Utah residents pictured in the car had supplied the photo to BFG’s social media contractor, which then uploaded the image innocently, thinking the action shot showing company product was a publicity opportunity.
“We applaud BF Goodrich’s quick response in removing the posting once it became aware of the irresponsible act,” said Dennis Sullivan, President of the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association. “BF Goodrich has long ties to Bonneville and its tires have helped racers set land speed records over many decades. The company values this unique venue and has joined the racing community in efforts to restore the salt flats. To assist in the effort, the company is making a $5,000 donation to the Save the Salt Foundation.”
The photo which documents damage to the salt crust was posted on Mr. Pittman’s Facebook page on September 4, 2018. This is not the first time the two Utah residents have been to Bonneville. At least two other photos show the same vehicle. One in November 2016 shows the vehicle along with a similar car in standing water when driving on the salt flats is prohibited and the crust is especially vulnerable to damage.
Save the Salt representatives have notified officials at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of the incident and asked the agency to investigate further. Bonneville’s custodian, the BLM posts warnings about limited access to the salt flats but the directives are not always obeyed.
Another incident in 2016 drew the ire of the land speed racing community and the BLM. A small group of young Canadians called “High on Life” posted a Facebook video of men skiing behind an RV on water covering the salt flats. The video received enormous negative attention and federal officials were able to tie the group to illegal off-road activity on other federal lands as well. Several members were fined and banned from American public lands for five years. In both cases, Save The Salt was responsible for bringing this illegal activity to the attention of the BLM officials.
“The racing community urges the BLM to pursue violations of rules and regulations governing the Bonneville Salt Flats," said Save the Salt Foundation Vice Chairman Tom Burkland. “Enforcement will help send a message where signs and other warnings have proven to be insufficient mechanisms. The public must respect this environmental jewel.”
Read Full Story
Volume 2019, Issue 7, Posted 11:01 AM, 07.18.2019
by John Davison
Elvis Presley’s 1960 MG MGA 1600 MKI Used in ‘Blue Hawaii’ Coming to Pennzoil AutoFair - A 1960 MG MGA 1600 MKl owned by Elvis Presley and used in the movie "Blue Hawaii" will appear at Pennzoil AutoFair April 4-7 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photos courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises)
Read Full Story
Volume 2019, Issue 3, Posted 10:51 PM, 03.28.2019
by Ron Fleshman
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Mar. 14, 2019 - TicketGuardian, a Protecht company, waved the checkered flag on an extraordinary second year as title sponsor of the TicketGuardian 500 NASCAR Weekend on Mar. 8-10, 2019, at ISM Raceway in Phoenix with a focus on fan engagement and support.
Read Full Story
Volume 2019, Issue 3, Posted 8:41 PM, 03.16.2019
by John Davison
More than 3.5 million lights strung across more than 3.75 miles make Speedway Christmas presented by Disconnect and Drive a can't-miss attraction for fans looking to get into the holiday spirit.
-- For Immediate Release -- CONCORD, N.C. –When Charlotte Motor Speedway opens its doors for the eighth annual Speedway Christmas presented by Disconnect and Drive this weekend, fans will be treated to the biggest and brightest holiday lights spectacle yet at the iconic speedway. Ushering in the return of one of the Southeast’s largest and most-anticipated holiday traditions, the show kicks off Saturday with the Egg Nog Jog, a holiday-themed 5K run through the lights, before visitors from across the country descend on the twinkling track for the drive-through show, which runs nightly through Dec. 31, but is closed Christmas Day.
Read Full Story
Volume 2018, Issue 11, Posted 10:13 PM, 11.15.2018
by John Davison
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT - NOVEMBER 9, 2018
JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE'S POWER OF PRIDE CAMARO ZL1,was joined by two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso via Skype from Sao Paulo, Brazil during his media availability to discuss their impending ride swap in Bahrain. Full Transcript:
Read Full Story
Volume 2018, Issue 11, Posted 7:59 PM, 11.09.2018
by John Davison
BRAKES Breakfast Biggest Yet at zMAX
(CONCORD, NC – APRIL 28, 2018 – RIS) The annual Nitro and Pancakes breakfast to benefit B.R.A.K.E.S., a free teen safe driving school, set records in every category Saturday morning. Held annually in the Don Schumacher Racing hospitality area, the fund raising event “was the biggest ever,” according to charity director Matt Reilly.
Read Full Story
Volume 2018, Issue 4, Posted 6:08 PM, 04.28.2018
by Paul T. Glessner, M.S.
March 7, 2018 Burbank, CA -
Read Full Story
Volume 2018, Issue 3, Posted 7:41 PM, 03.08.2018
by Paul T. Glessner, M.S.
March 6, 2018 Hollywood, CA - I had the great opportunity to preview the racing film, DIRT, by Forrest Films and ESX Entertainment that just happened to include a ton of trucks racing, mud and tempers flying, luxury cars drifting, logo placement, hugs dished out and some first class acting, filming, writing, music, with a few great ‘fake-outs’ and perfectly timed jokes. All the right people and their talents, desires and effort came to fruition in this captivating racing film…
Read Full Story
Volume 2018, Issue 3, Posted 7:43 PM, 03.08.2018
by John Davison
-- For Immediate Release -- The Charlotte chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities distributed a record amount of more than $952,000 to 98 Charlotte-area charities on Wednesday at a grant reception at Charlotte Motor Speedway
CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 6, 2017) – In a special grant presentation on Wednesday, Speedway Children’s Charities officials announced that the nonprofit’s Charlotte Motor Speedway chapter distributed more than $952,000 in grants – a record number – to 98 charitable organizations in 11 counties throughout the Charlotte area.
Read Full Story
Volume 2017, Issue 11, Posted 10:45 PM, 12.06.2017
by Larry Clarino
Red Bull Air Race World Championship on the Line This Weekend at IMS
INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 - With only one race left, four pilots from three continents remain locked in the fight for the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship. Who will triumph to kiss the famous bricks in Indianapolis and take home the World Championship trophy?
After seven global races spanning eight months, the wait is almost over: This Saturday and Sunday, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the Red Bull Air Race season finale for the first time. In a weekend packed with heart-stopping action, one name will join the legends who have made sporting history at the holy grail of motorsport. Will it be Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic, Yoshihide Muroya of Japan, Pete McLeod of Canada or America's own Kirby Chambliss?
Read Full Story
Volume 2017, Issue 10, Posted 5:07 PM, 10.13.2017
by John Davison
Denver, North Carolina, native Robert Isenberg and his 1969 Dodge Charger 500 won Best of Show honors at Sunday's Pennzoil AutoFair presented by Advance Auto Parts at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
An R4 Performance red 1969 Dodge Charger 500 owned by Denver, North Carolina, native Robert Isenberg claimed Best of Show honors on Sunday after four days of family fun and entertainment including thousands of classic and modern cars from manufacturers across the world; Fans also enjoyed a Dodge ride-and-drive, fun foods from Levy Restaurants and the Hogway Raceway pig, duck and goat races
Peter Ashby’s red 1998 Toyota Supra was first runner-up; Bill Burnside’s blue 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza earned second runner-up honors
Read Full Story
Volume 2017, Issue 9, Posted 9:16 PM, 09.24.2017
by Paul T. Glessner, M.S.
Chino Hills, CA – The 10th Annual (Friends of) Steve McQueen Car & Motorcycle Show coincided with the Boys Republic’s 110th Anniversary of the school’s founding and combined - made for another incredible show with over 400 cars and scores of motorcycles all viewed by some 10,000 plus attendees.
I was given tickets to last year’s VIP dinner which was held the night before the Saturday show. I was smittened by the school and its charter, “Nothing Without Labor” after a personal tour after the Saturday show by the school’s executive director, Chris Burns, PhD. I found a few ways to help make the following year’s (2017) show a further success. I was able to garner a tour of Jay Leno’s Garage and fly-overs by Steve’s last owned aircraft, a 1945 Boeing PT-17 Stearman whose N number was his student’s number while he was a resident of the school. It is owned by Bill & Claudia Allen and flown in from their lovely Allen Airways Flying Museum located in San Diego. I got another surprise later in the story.
Read Full Story
Volume 2017, Issue 6, Posted 8:46 PM, 06.07.2017
by John Davison
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. will join cousin Robby Unser, another former Indy car driver, at Team Speedway in the Pro class of Goodguys Autocross competition at the Oct. 21-23 Goodguys 23rd Pennzoil Southeastern Nationals at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Read Full Story
Volume 2016, Issue 8, Posted 9:38 PM, 10.21.2016
by John Davison
Don Prudhomme, Bruce Larson, Matt Hagan and Leah Pritchett to make special appearances April 8-9
Display showcases cars from drivers like Richard Petty, Dick Brannon, “Jungle Jim” Liberman and more
Read Full Story
Volume 2016, Issue 3, Posted 9:55 AM, 04.05.2016
by John Davison
CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2015) – [Track press release] For one weekend twice a year, families and car enthusiasts alike eagerly make their way to Charlotte Motor Speedway for a dose of automobiles and entertainment that can only be found at the AutoFair. The four-day event is known to feature one of the largest arrays of automobiles in the country, including one-of-a-kind vehicle displays in the Nationwide Showcase Pavilion. Read on to learn about all of the exciting elements coming to AutoFair Thursday – Sunday, Sept. 24-27.
Read Full Story
Volume 2015, Issue 8, Posted 8:44 PM, 09.24.2015
by John Davison
-- For Immediate Release -- Parade of More Than 30,000 Horsepower, Q&A and Autograph Session with NASCAR Drivers Austin And Ty Dillon, One-Day Ticket Deals and the Chance to Drive the Track Await Fans at Free Event
CONCORD, N.C. (July 30, 2015) – Richard Childress Racing drivers Austin and Ty Dillon will join Charlotte Motor Speedway officials as they wave the green flag on the speedway’s Fall Season of Speed at the seventh annual Parade of Power on Wednesday, Aug. 5. This free event marks the beginning of the action-packed fall motorsports schedule at the greatest place to see the race.
Read Full Story
Volume 2015, Issue 7, Posted 4:37 PM, 07.30.2015
by Tom Beeler
Yesterday evening, as I checked my e-mail, I noticed a note from my friend Tim.
“You may have heard,” he succinctly wrote, “dear Denise passed today. Aren’t we blessed to have known her.”
It came as a thunderbolt. I hadn’t heard. Denise McCluggage had passed away. We didn’t see each other often the last few years, and while we lived thousands of miles apart, I felt I’d lost a family member.
And yet, as many people as Denise’s rich, full life had touched, I’m sure I wasn’t alone in feeling I’d lost a close friend. Denise knew everyone, and they were drawn to her energy, her knowledge, her beauty, her talent, and to her irrepressible charm.
Over the years, our paths crossed several times, most often at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and I hung out with her like a rock star groupie, devouring every story she shared, every memory, every joke. She illuminated a room with her grace.
Read Full Story
Volume 2015, Issue 5, Posted 6:35 PM, 05.07.2015
by John Davison
Track Release: Top 10 Activities for the Entire Family to Enjoy at AutoFair This Weekend
CONCORD, N.C. – The world’s largest automotive extravaganza returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this Thursday through Sunday, bringing with it the personal vehicles of NASCAR stars, high-flying stunts, lawn mower racing, a collector car auction, pristine automobiles from more than 50 clubs and so much more! Below are the top 10 activities the entire family can enjoy at AutoFair.
Read Full Story
Volume 2015, Issue 3, Posted 4:42 PM, 04.08.2015
by Dusty Brandel
Veteran journalist Reid joins LVMS as media relations manager
LAS VEGAS – Neal Reid, a published writer for more than 20 years, has been named media relations manager at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the speedway announced on Friday.
In his new role, Reid will help publicize events at all LVMS facilities including the Bullring and The Strip, assist with the speedway’s social media efforts, maintain and edit the speedway’s website and oversee all publications.
Read Full Story
Volume 2015, Issue 3, Posted 6:46 PM, 03.21.2015