Speedway News (9994)
Keep up on racing and speedway news from around the US
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Ed Clark wins 2019 O. Bruton Smith Award
06 Dec 2019 Written by Speedway Digest StaffIn recognition of four decades of dedicated service to Speedway Motorsports, officials have named Atlanta Motor Speedway President Ed Clark as the O. Bruton Smith Award recipient for 2019.
“It is an honor to recognize the invaluable efforts of those who blaze a trail at Speedway Motorsports’ eight world-class motorsports entertainment facilities,” said Marcus Smith, President and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. “It has been a privilege to have Ed Clark’s vision and leadership enhance our company in the vital roles he’s served since he joined the Speedway Motorsports family nearly 40 years ago.
Created seven years ago to recognize one employee annually across all of Speedway Motorsports and its subsidiaries, the recipient of the prestigious O. Bruton Smith Award is someone who exhibits Speedway Motorsports’ Executive Chairman and Founder O. Bruton Smith’s traits: character, enthusiasm, drive, a heart for helping others, respect/appreciation for team members, vision and determination.
Clark began his tenure with Speedway Motorsports in 1981 as a member of the public relations department at Charlotte Motor Speedway. For the next decade, he worked his way through the ranks of the public relations and events departments, serving on the leadership team that developed the first NASCAR All-Star Race and NASCAR Media Tour.
In 1992, he was named General Manager of Atlanta Motor Speedway, and added the title of AMS president in 1995. During his 27 years in Atlanta, Clark was integral in overseeing modernization projects, expanding the speedway’s major event schedule, and increasing Atlanta Motor Speedway's track rental business, brand awareness and regional economic impact.
Speedway Motorsports announced earlier this week that Clark will retire in 2020, following the March 13-15 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 NASCAR weekend.
“When you think about the characteristics that this award is meant to represent, it’s easy to see why Ed was such a clear choice to receive it this year,” said Marcus Smith, Speedway Motorsports’ President and CEO. “His love for motorsports is only outmatched by his desire to exceed the expectations of every race fan. He is admired by his peers in Atlanta and across the motorsports community. Ed reflects all that the O. Bruton Smith Award represents.”
Clark was presented the O. Bruton Smith Award in Nashville this week as Speedway Motorsports recognized employees who have excelled in 2019. In addition to Clark, Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Ted Austad was also honored with the AMS Salesman of the Year Award.
SMI PR
Officials at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, have announced the addition of the new Midwest SuperStar Bracket Series to its 2020 track schedule. The series, which will pay $10,000 to the winner of each day’s bracket event, will consist of six races over two weekends. The first event will be held April 17-19, 2020, in conjunction with the NHRA Division 3 JEGS Super Quick Series. A second event is scheduled for June 12-14, 2020.
“Our sales team, drag strip staff and our core racing community are working hard to secure additional sponsorships and bonus awards for the series so that participants are competing for a true championship,” said World Wide Technology Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Blair. “Our team will be aggressively working the floor at the PRI Show in Indianapolis in hopes of securing both cash and product awards for the top 10 points earners in the six-race series. We hope to have some exciting announcements prior to the start of the 2020 season.”
Each of the two event weekends will feature early parking on Thursday evening and complete days of racing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The SuperStar series will consist of one bracket class with door cars and bikes racing each other and dragsters racing dragsters as late as possible through the program. Multiple entries will be permitted and a color-coded punch card system will be used. Buy-backs will be offered in the first or second round if there are less than 170 entries. If there are 170-299 entries, only first-round buy-backs will be offered. If there are more than 300 entries, no buy-backs will be offered. All races will be contested as 1/8-mile. Super Pro ET limits for 1/8-mile racing: 3.66 seconds to 7.75 seconds.
“The April weekend will be run in conjunction with the JEGS Super Quick Series which, if a racer competes in both days of that event, provides the opportunity for a driver or rider to compete in five events in one weekend,” Blair added. “We are in discussions regarding a higher-payout Friday and Saturday night bonus race to run in conjunction with the June event.”
In addition to the Midwest SuperStar Bracket Series, WWTR also will host two $5,000 events in the autumn (dates TBA), a bracket class in conjunction with NMRA and NMCA, a pre-1979 footbrake special in conjunction with the new Mother Road Rendezvous nostalgia event in May and the local E.T. Racing Series track championship program.
WWTR, formerly known as Gateway Motorsports Park, is just five minutes from downtown St. Louis. WWTR is currently in discussions with other event promoters regarding local and regional classes at soon-to-be-announced special events.
For more information on WWTR, please call (618) 215-8888 or visit www.wwtraceway.com. Follow WWTR on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram.
WWTR PR
Bristol Motor Speedway and Alsco partner with Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen for naming rights of spring NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
05 Dec 2019 Written by Speedway Digest StaffThe Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) family is getting even larger next season as Alsco, the global leader in uniform and linen rental services and a proud partner of the Speedway, brings longtime customer Darden Restaurants and its Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen brand aboard for naming rights of the April NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race.
The Cheddar’s 300 presented by Alsco will see the stars of the NASCAR Xfinity Series battle it out on the high banks of The Last Great Colosseum on Saturday, April 4. With short track racing breeding excitement and energy, race fans will want to flock to BMS for the Cheddar’s 300 presented by Alsco.
“Bristol is the place for historic finishes and close, hard-knock racing action,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager at Bristol Motor Speedway. “Alsco and our new friends at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen understand the reputation of racing at The Last Great Colosseum and we’re ready to show them an incredible experience. The Cheddar’s 300 presented by Alsco is a must-see event on the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule.”
Alsco’s partnership began with BMS at the Alsco 300 this past April where NXS star Christopher Bell grabbed the victory and earned an additional $100,000 through Xfinity’s Dash 4 Cash program.
“Bristol Motor Speedway is an awesome venue to showcase the partnership between Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Alsco,” said Ben Fox, director of sales and marketing for Alsco. “We have a great partnership inside Darden owned Restaurants across the country, so it was only natural to bring that partnership out onto the track.”
“Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is all about delivering an experience that wows guests, and we’re thrilled to be part of such an iconic, ‘wow’ event at Bristol Motor Speedway,” said Jaime Bunker, vice president of marketing at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. “We’re thankful to Alsco for inviting us to be part of the action and look forward to celebrating the race with fans this April.”
The Cheddars 300 presented by Alsco is one of four NXS entitlements for Alsco in 2020, all at Speedway Motorsports facilities. In addition to the BMS April race, Alsco currently sponsors events at affiliate tracks Kentucky Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway and is adding Las Vegas Motor Speedway to its record-breaking collection next season. Alsco also provides sponsorship on the NASCAR team level with Richard Childress Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports and JR Motorsports.
The Cheddar’s 300 presented by Alsco is a part of a NASCAR weekend that also includes the Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 5 and the ARCA East Zombie Auto 150, also April 4. The Cheddar’s 300 presented by Alsco will be broadcast live on FS1.
Tickets for all three races are still available. Cheddar’s 300 presented by Alsco tickets start at $30 and are free for kids 12 and under with a paid adult. Race weekend packages start at just $80 for adults and are $10 for kids. For more information, visit www.BristolTix.com or call 423-BRISTOL.
BMS PR
Sonoma Raceway Hosts 9th John’s March Against Stomach Cancer, Jan. 11
05 Dec 2019 Written by Speedway Digest StaffWalkers and runners alike can join Sonoma Raceway and No Stomach for Cancer in the battle against gastric cancer at the 9th John’s March Against Stomach Cancer on Saturday, Jan. 11.
John’s March offers the once-a-year opportunity to walk or run around Sonoma Raceway’s 2.52-mile road course, all in the name of charity. This unique fundraising event has raised more than $133,000 over its eight-year history, and is the only major fundraising walk for gastric cancer on the West Coast. It is named in honor of longtime raceway spokesperson, John Cardinale, who passed away in 2013 after a two-year battle with stomach cancer.
Participants and donors are encouraged to raise awareness and increase their impact by registering and creating a team page at www.johnsmarch.org. Registration is $40 per person, which includes the walk/run, a T-shirt and light refreshments following the March.
For those looking for more of challenge, 5K and 10K race distances will be also marked. A shorter, less hilly course is available for those who do not wish to complete the full 2.52-mile circuit. This is an all-inclusive event - children, pets, everyone is welcome. No scooters or skateboards are allowed on track; bicycles are permitted.
Participants can also bring pictures of loved ones affected by gastric cancer to share on the Warrior Wall, which will honor those affected by the disease.
No Stomach For Cancer is a non-profit group that works to increase awareness and education about stomach cancer, provide a support network for affected families and support research efforts for screening, early detection, treatment and prevention of stomach cancer. Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer type worldwide.
Day-of registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, and the March begins at 9 a.m. Advance registration is not required; walk-ups are welcome and encouraged. For more information about John’s March, visit www.johnsmarch.org or contact Diana Brennan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-933-3918.
Sonoma Raceway PR
Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith Statement on NASCAR’s Premier Partners Announcement
05 Dec 2019 Written by Speedway Digest StaffPerris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian has released the 2020 silver anniversary season schedule for the famous Riverside County clay oval.
The season will kick off on March 7th when “LKQ Pick Your Part Presents Night of Destruction #1.” The 25th year of racing at the track will conclude a little over eight months later on November 21st, with the PASSCAR Stock Car Series “Champions Night.”
In total, 25 race dates are on the schedule. Sprint Cars lead the way with 10 dates. The PASSCAR Stock Car Series and IMCA Modifieds will be on hand eight-times and LKQ Pick Your Part will present the popular Night of Destruction on seven different occasions.
Sprint Car highlights include the March 28th “Sprint Car Season Opener” that will include the World of Outlaws, USAC/CRA and PAS Senior Sprint Cars. Sprint Cars will also be the entertainment for the April 25th “Sokola Shootout,” the May 23rd annual “Salute to Indy,” “California Racer’s Hall of Fame Classic” on August 22nd and the September 26th “Glenn Howard Memorial.” The sprint car season will conclude with the “25th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals Presented by All Coast Construction” on November 5th, 6th and 7th.
In addition to the opening night, the popular “Night of Destruction” will be part of two other special nights during the year. The first will be on July 4th when it will combine with the biggest and best fireworks spectacular in Riverside County. Also, “N.O.D.” will also be in action on Halloween Night.
The PAS will continue its war against cancer with “American Cancer Society Nights” benefiting “The Up, Down ‘n Dirty for a Cure Mud Run” on March 28th, April 4th, May 2nd, May 23rd, June 6th and July 4th.
March 7th "OPENING NIGHT" LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION I - DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8'S, TRAILER FIGURE 8'S, MINI STOCKS and DOUBLE DECKERS
March 14th PASSCAR SERIES - SUPER STOCKS, STREET STOCKS, AMERICAN FACTORY STOCKS AND IMCA MODIFIEDS
March 28th NOS ENERGY DRINK WORLD OF OUTLAWS, AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS and PAS SENIOR SPRINTS - AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY NIGHT Benefiting The Up, Down 'n Dirty 4 a Cure MUD RUN
April 4th LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION II - DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8'S, TRAILER FIGURE 8'S, MINI STOCKS and DOUBLE DECKERS - AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY NIGHT Benefiting The Up, Down 'N Dirty 4 a Cure Mud Run
April 18th PASSCAR SERIES - SUPER STOCKS, STREET STOCKS, AMERICAN FACTORY STOCKS AND IMCA MODIFIEDS
April 25th "SOKOLA SHOOTOUT" AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS and PAS SENIOR SPRINTS
May 2nd LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION III - DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8'S, TRAILER FIGURE 8'S, MINI STOCKS and DOUBLE DECKERS - AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY NIGHT Benefiting The Up, Down 'N Dirty 4 a Cure
Mud Run
May 16th PASSCAR SERIES - SUPER STOCKS, STREET STOCKS, AMERICAN FACTORY STOCKS AND IMCA MODIFIEDS
May 23rd "SALUTE TO INDY" AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS and PAS SENIOR SPRINTS - AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY NIGHT Benefiting The Up, Down 'n Dirty 4 a Cure MUD RUN
June 6th LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION IV – DEMO CROSS, FIGURE8'S, TRAILER FIGURE 8'S, MINI STOCKS and DOUBLE DECKERS - AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY NIGHT Benefiting The Up, Down 'N Dirty 4 a Cure Mud Run
June 13th PASSCAR SERIES - SUPER STOCKS, STREET STOCKS, AMERICAN FACTORY STOCKS AND IMCA MODIFIEDS
June 27th AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS and PAS SENIOR SPRINTS
July 4th FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION V - DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8'S, TRAILER FIGURE 8'S, MINI STOCKS and DOUBLE DECKERS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY NIGHT Benefiting The Up, Down 'N Dirty 4 a Cure MUD RUN
July 18th PASSCAR SERIES - SUPER STOCKS, STREET STOCKS, AMERICAN FACTORY STOCKS and IMCA MODIFIEDS
July 25th AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS and PAS SENIOR SPRINTS
August 15th PASSCAR SERIES - SUPER STOCKS, STREET STOCKS, AMERICAN FACTORY STOCKS AND IMCA MODIFIEDS
August 22nd CALIFORNIA RACERS HALL OF FAME NIGHT" AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS and PAS SENIOR SPRINTS
September 5th LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION VI – DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8'S, TRAILER FIGURE 8'S, MINI STOCKS and DOUBLE DECKERS
September 26th "GLENN HOWARD CLASSIC" AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PAS SENIOR SPRINTS AND PAS YOUNG GUNS
October 24th PASSCAR SERIES - SUPER STOCKS, STREET STOCKS, AMERICAN FACTORY STOCKS AND IMCA MODIFIEDS
October 31st LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION VII - DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8'S, TRAILER FIGURE 8'S, MINI STOCKS and DOUBLE DECKERS
November 4th 25TH ANNUAL BUDWEISER OVAL NATIONALS Presented by ALL COAST CONSTRUCTION - Practice Night
November 5th 25TH ANNUAL BUDWEISER OVAL NATIONALS Presented by ALL COAST CONSTRUCTION AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL, AMSOIL USAC/CRA, USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CARS
November 6th 25TH ANNUAL BUDWEISER OVAL NATIONALS Presented by ALL COAST CONSTRUCTION AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL, AMSOIL USAC/CRA, USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CARS
November 7th 25TH ANNUAL BUDWEISER OVAL NATIONALS Presented by ALL COAST CONSTRUCTION AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL, AMSOIL USAC/CRA, USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CARS
November 21st PASSCAR “CHAMPIONS NIGHT” SUPER STOCKS, STREET STOCKS, AMERICAN FACTORY STOCKS AND PAS MODIFIEDS
Note: Schedule is subject to change.
Perris Auto Speedway is conveniently located on the SoCal Fair and Event Center (home of October’s Southern California Fair), approximately one-hour east of Los Angeles and one-hour North of San Diego. To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, on the Ramona Expressway and go three miles east to the fairgrounds. For directions on MapQuest, the address to enter is: 18700 Lake Perris Drive and the zip code is 92571.
Perris Auto Speedway wants to thank its corporate partners for the 2019 season. All Coast Construction, Austin Hutchinson Realtor, Battery Systems, Brass and Bass Firearms & Fishing Supplies, Budweiser, Bud’s Tire Pro, Chris’ Hauling, City of Perris, Communication Innovations, Daytona Boat & RV Storage, Ed Moore Bullet Proof Driveshaft, Flowdynamics, HD Industries, Hoosier Tires, Inland Rigging, K2 Displays, Living Water’s Hospice, LKQ Pick Your Part, Luke’s Transmission, Pepsi-Cola, Pole Position, PrintItNow.com, Rainbow Bolt & Supply, Rugged Radios, Shaver Specialties, Square H, Sunoco Race Fuels, Sunstate Equipment, Trench Shoring, Upland Rock, Varner Construction, VIA RV Service and Vista Paint.
To keep up with all the latest Perris Auto Speedway news, photos, gossip and receive special offers, please use the following links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Perris-Auto-Speedway/113876798686480?ref=hl
Twitter: Perris Auto Speedway on Twitter.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perrisautospeedway/
Website: http://perrisautospeedway.com/
Video and DVD productions of all racing sprint cars events at Perris Auto Speedway are available from Loudpedal Productions. For more information on these productions you can contact them by calling (805) 844-3854, E-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can visit the website LoudPedal Productions.
DVD’s of all the PASSCAR/IMCA racing and Nights of Destruction at The PAS are available from Fourvideos. For more information call (714) 225-9500.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is the only authorized Internet address to issue official media news released from The Perris Auto Speedway or Oval Entertainment.
*** Schedule Subject to Change
PAS PR
Dover Motorsports, Inc. President and CEO Denis McGlynn receives prestigious Buddy Shuman Award
04 Dec 2019 Written by Speedway Digest StaffDover Motorsports, Inc. President and CEO Denis McGlynn is the winner of the prestigious Buddy Shuman Award, which recognizes individuals for their contributions to professional stock car racing
The announcement was made today in Nashville, Tennessee, in conjunction with NASCAR Champion’s Week activities.
McGlynn is the 63rd recipient of the Buddy Shuman Award, which was established in 1957 and named for a former NASCAR driver and the sport’s first technical inspector. Previous Buddy Shuman Award recipients include NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., team owners Rick Hendrick, Jack Roush and Robert Yates, Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty and track executive Bruton Smith.
“Denis has had a tremendous career at Dover International Speedway and this is a well-deserved honor,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover International Speedway’s president and CEO. “As we near the end of our 50th anniversary celebrations, it’s impossible to think of the Monster Mile and all of the growth NASCAR experienced in this region without Denis’ vision and leadership.”
McGlynn joined what was then known as Dover Downs International Speedway in 1972 as director of public relations, just after completing his service with the U.S. Air Force at Dover Air Force Base. At that time, the innovative facility was in its third year of hosting both auto racing and horse racing.
“I didn’t know anything about auto racing or horse racing, but I didn’t know anything about airplanes when I joined the Air Force either and I did OK,” McGlynn recalled in an interview earlier this year. “I started doing publicity, group sales and just about anything that needed to be done.”
McGlynn was named chief executive officer and president of Dover Motorsports, Inc. in 1979 and oversaw the company’s expansion, including its construction of Nashville Superspeedway in the late 1990s and purchasing Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois, Memphis (Tenn.) International Raceway and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach (Calif.).
At Dover, McGlynn and his team oversaw the track’s internal improvements, including converting the Monster Mile to a concrete racing surface in 1994, building the famous 46-foot Monster Monument in Victory Plaza in 2008, expanding the FanZone area which features the track’s partners and fan activities, and this year’s addition of a new $5.5 million Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garage area.
“Our team is offering more music, more entertainment and a wider range of food options,” McGlynn said earlier this year. “The race will always be most important to us, but we realize - as the entire sports world does - that the fan’s experience has to be more than just the race.”
In 1996, McGlynn became president and CEO of Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. and led it and Dover Motorsports, Inc. to public ownership and listings on the New York Stock Exchange in 2002. This past spring, Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment merged with Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc., which operates casino and gaming venues in Colorado, Mississippi and Rhode Island.
Dover International Speedway is hosting two NASCAR tripleheader weekends in 2020 on May 1-3 and Aug. 21-23, including a NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, May 3 and the “Drydene 400” NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Learn more about Monster Mile events and activities at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, or on Twitter and Instagram at @MonsterMile.
Dover Motorsports PR
Take advantage of $40 Food City 500 tickets at all Food City locations through Dec. 31
04 Dec 2019 Written by Speedway Digest StaffRace fans already know they can get their race tickets and everyday essentials at their local Food City, but Bristol Motor Speedway is making the deal even sweeter with special prices at the family-favorite neighborhood supermarket.
Through Dec. 31, all Food City stores will offer $40 adult tickets to the Food City 500 on Sunday, April 5, 2020. Kids tickets for those 12-and-under are also available in-store for just $10. In addition to being able to see some of the best short track racing in the country, each ticket purchased awards shoppers 500 additional ValuPoints on their Food City ValuCard. ValuPoints are redeemable to save money during the holidays on fuel, groceries and more.
All tickets will feature blind-reserved seats selected by knowledgeable members of the BMS ticket office. Tickets will be sold at the customer service area of each Food City location and emailed within seven days of purchase.
Food City continues to serve as one of the most collaborative partners in the NASCAR industry. In addition to being the second longest Cup entitlement sponsor, Food City has been the innovative visionary behind Food City Family Race Night, which continues to be one of the longest running and most popular fan fest in NASCAR. The event returns for a 33rd year in 2020.
For more information, see the customer service area at your neighborhood Food City or visit www.BristolMotorSpeedway.com.
BMS PR
ISM Raceway and local NASCAR drivers deliver Speedy Bears to children at Banner Children's Hospital
04 Dec 2019 Written by Speedway Digest StaffIn the spirit of giving back in the community, ISM Raceway and The NASCAR Foundation, along with local NASCAR drivers Jagger Jones, Jace Jones and Sara Houston, teamed up for the third-annual “Operation Speedy Bear Brigade” yesterday on Giving Tuesday, delivering stuffed Speedy Bears to children at Banner Children’s Hospital within Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.
“It always a very special day when we get to share the excitement of racing with our community, and in this case young patients, siblings and families at Banner Children’s Hospital,” said Jagger Jones, the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West 2019 Rookie of the Year. “I’m honored to have been a part of ‘Operation Speedy Bear Brigade’ with Sara and my brother Jace, and help spread some cheer on behalf of The NASCAR Foundation.”
In addition to ISM Raceway’s efforts at Banner Children’s Hospital, “Operation Speedy Bear Brigade” took place in over 30 locations across the country on Giving Tuesday, including participation from several NASCAR office and track locations.
“The Speedy Bear Brigade truly demonstrates the generosity of our sport,” The NASCAR Foundation Executive Director Nichole Krieger said. “This effort has continued to grow from year to year, without losing sight our ultimate goal to bring smiles to the faces of so many children who really need it.”
The effort was organized through The NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics Children’s Fund, which supports needs expressed by hospitals, specialty clinics, camps and others providing children’s medical and health care services.
ISM Raceway PR
In a continued effort to recognize excellence across its motorsports entertainment properties, Speedway Motorsports officials have announced promotions for three senior executives. Jessica Fickenscher has been promoted to Chief Experience Officer; Kevin Camper to Chief Sales Officer; and Steve Swift to Senior Vice President of Operations and Development.
Jessica Fickenscher – Chief Experience Officer
A member of the Speedway Motorsports staff for more than 20 years, Fickenscher will now expand her role to develop new Fans First initiatives and continue improving the sports entertainment company’s best-in-class fan experiences.
Fickenscher also facilitates capital improvement and property development projects across all eight of Speedway Motorsports’ premier NASCAR facilities and oversees the company’s relationship with food services partner, Levy Restaurants. In addition, she leads business operations as the senior executive for company subsidiaries U.S. Legend Cars International, the world’s largest producer of fun and affordable race cars, and SMI Properties, a souvenir production and merchandising division. Fickenscher is also the managing director of Speedway Children’s Charities national chapter and serves as a board member for the Charlotte chapter.
“It takes a very unique skillset to excel in different facets of business, and Jessica has excelled in every area of her responsibilities during more than two decades with our company,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “Her attention to detail is exceeded only by her commitment to improve our fan experiences, and we look forward to her continued efforts each day to bring our ‘Fans First’ commitment to life.”
This promotion comes after Fickenscher served the past 17 months as senior vice president of special projects. She had previously worked as vice president of special projects from 2011-2018, director of special projects from 2008-2011, director of client services from 2006-2008 and manager of client services from 2001-2006.
Fickenscher graduated from Belmont Abbey College in 1998 with a degree in Sports Management and Business Administration.
Kevin Camper – Chief Sales Officer
In his new role, Camper will be responsible for corporate sales revenue across all eight of Speedway Motorsports’ world-class facilities and its Performance Racing Network subsidiary. Camper will work with corporate sales managers at each speedway to maximize revenue and facilitate best practices. He’ll also collaborate with executive leadership company-wide to develop new events and revenue platforms while continuing his sales leadership role at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“Kevin’s passion for excellence, creative business savvy and customer service mentality toward our marketing partners make him the perfect fit for this new role,” Smith stated. “He leads by example and has a longstanding record of success that will continue to solidify Speedway Motorsports as an industry leader in the event entertainment space.”
Since Camper’s arrival in 2011, Las Vegas Motor Speedway has renewed many of its event entitlement sponsors and added a new sponsor for its spring NASCAR Cup Series race. Camper played a significant role in developing a Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority partnership that helped recruit an annual fall NASCAR Cup Series playoff event weekend to the speedway in 2018. Camper and his team signed entitlement sponsors for all three NASCAR events for the new September race weekend.
During his tenure, Camper has been a key player in the recruitment of the Electric Daisy Carnival, Red Bull Air Race World Championships and many other major events. Under his leadership, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway sales department has been a crown jewel for Speedway Motorsports in each of his eight years.
Camper is a graduate of Liberty University and former collegiate baseball player. After graduation, he began his professional career as an intern with the Texas Rangers and became season ticket manager before joining the Texas Motor Speedway sales team in 1996. For nearly a decade, he worked his way through the ranks from the ticket office to corporate sales at The Great American Speedway before becoming chief partnership and sales officer for the Professional Bull Riders Association in 2009. After two years with the PBR, Camper returned to Speedway Motorsports in 2011 as the senior vice president of sales and marketing for Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Steve Swift – Senior Vice President of Operations and Development
In his new role, Swift will oversee construction projects and capital expenditures at all eight of Speedway Motorsports’ world-class facilities. Additionally, he will lead the development and management of standardized operation-related processes and procedures.
“During his 15 years with Speedway Motorsports, Steve has been an invaluable member of our operations and development team, overseeing major projects at our facilities across the country,” said Smith. “His leadership and drive to be the best help elevate our company to be a front-runner in the entertainment industry and we look forward to his continued efforts in this new role.”
To date, Swift has supervised the construction of zMAX Dragway; the Neon Garage and ThriveHive Digital Center at Las Vegas Motor Speedway; multiple structures in the Bristol Motor Speedway infield; Kentucky Speedway grandstand and camping expansions plus track reconfigurations at Bristol, Texas, Las Vegas, Kentucky and the creation of the innovative Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL™, among other projects.
Swift began his career with Speedway Motorsports as a Senior Construction Manager in 2004, before assuming the role of Vice President of Operations and Development at Kentucky Speedway in 2011. In 2015, he was promoted to Vice President of Operations and Development for Speedway Motorsports.
Before joining the company, Swift spent five years as a project manager for JA Street and Associates. Prior to that, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technology from East Tennessee State University in 2000.
SMI PR
South Boston Speedway Gift Certificate Perfect Christmas Present For The Race Fan In Your Life
04 Dec 2019 Written by Speedway Digest StaffTired of fighting mall traffic and aggressive shoppers? Tired of wracking your brain to come up with that perfect Christmas gift? Want to see a smile as big and bright as Richard Petty’s on Christmas morning?
South Boston Speedway’s got you covered!
A gift certificate from the historic southside Virginia track is the absolute perfect gift for that person that has everything.
“If you have a race fan in your life, it would be difficult to find a better gift than a South Boston Speedway gift certificate,” said Cathy Rice, general manager of South Boston Speedway. “You can spend a little or a lot, and regardless of how much you spend, you know it’s going to be a great gift. Where else could you find a gift that would include an evening of exciting short-track racing.”
Gift certificates may be purchased by stopping by the South Boston Speedway office Monday through Thursday from 9-5 or by calling 877.440.1540.
The first opportunity to use a South Boston Speedway gift certificate will be the 2020 season-opener on March 21 when the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour visits for a 150-lap race. There will also be twin 75-lap NASCAR Late Model Stock races that afternoon.
SBS PR