NASCAR's "The Winston" to move?

[MountaineerTom]

From Jayski's:

The Winston to Move? It is possible, but not likely, that The Winston will move to another track after this year's May 19 running of Winston Cup's all-star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Rick Sanders, president of Sports Marketing Enterprises, the marketing arm of series sponsor R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., said Saturday that discussions are under way about the future of the event. The Winston has been held at the Charlotte track 15 times in the 16-year history of the event. It was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1986, the second year of its existence. Sanders said that Winston would prefer having The Winston continue to stand alone on its own racing weekend, rather than be included as part of activities during a regular points event. Another option that is being considered for The Winston, Sanders confirmed, is naming the trophy that goes to the winner of the event the Dale Earnhardt Trophy.(That's Racin')(3-31-2001)

[General Lee 01]

I can't imagine the Winston being held anywhere else except Charlotte.  The Winston and Charlotte are as synonimous IMO as Apple Pie to America.

[Guest Friz]

I remember the time they held it in Atlanta.

[MountaineerTom]

I like it in Charlotte also.  Other than the 2nd year, when they ran it at Atlanta, it's always been at Charlotte.  They say change is good.  But, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.  

I don't like Bruton Smith (The owner of Speedway Inc. that owns Charlotte, Atlanta, Bristol, Texas, Vegas, Sears Point and others) I think he's a little greedy.  Ever since the deal with North Wilkesboro, I haven't liked him.

(Edited by MountaineerTom 99Z71 at 9:20 pm on April 1, 2001)

[General Lee 01]

If Bruton Smith owns them then what does Humpy Wheeler do? CEO or something?

[MountaineerTom]

Quote: from General Lee 01 on 9:20 pm on April 1, 2001

If Bruton Smith owns them then what does Humpy Wheeler do? CEO or something?

 

He's the president of Lowes Motor Speedway (Charlotte).

[Guest Friz]

I think NASCAR wants to get away from Bruton Smith. A few years ago, he had NASCAR by the balls, but now there are so many tracks, they could run anywhere. It would be a shame to lose his tracks, though. Don't be surprised...

[General Lee 01]

Well, there aren't that many more tracks left. Speedway Inc.  owns half the tracks on the circuit.

International speedways Inc. (France family owned)  has Richmond, Daytona, Phoenix, and I believe New Hampshire (but not sure).

Watkins Glen, Martinsville, Indy, Homestead, Pocono, and Talladega (once again, not sure) are the last of the Independants left.

Hey, who owns Chicagoland and Kansas?

[MountaineerTom]

Bob Bahre owns New Hampshire.

ISC owns Tally and, I think, Kansas City.

 

[Bill89]

I heard yesterday that Bruton was going to go in with someone else and buy Darlington.  And the fall race would be cancelled and brought to Texas.  I wouldn't mind that, I could see two races a year.

[Kansas Kid]

Quote: from General Lee 01 on 11:27 pm on April 1, 2001

Hey, who owns Chicagoland and Kansas?

 

ISC does own the Kansas City track and I'm not sure about Chicago.  Personally I would like to see Bruton Smith go away, but leave his tracks behind. I still hate the guy for getting rid of North Wilkesboro (partly his doing) and redesigning Atlanta.

Bill89,

I heard the same thing about Darlington, only I don't like that idea either.  I may be mistaken, but ISC owns Darlington now and I doubt ISC will sell it to him.

[General Lee 01]

Actually, I think I heard one time that Chip Ganassi (Owns Sterling Marlin, and Jason Leffler) owns Chicago.

[MountaineerTom]

ISC does own Darlington.  I'm only 45 minutes away from Darlington, and a spokesperson for the track said it was all rumors.  We'll se though.  I would hate to see Darlington go since it's the oldest Super Speedway on the circuit.  

Bruton Smith proved he's a liar with the North Wilkesboro deal.  I loved that track.