Texas/Martinsville Feud

[Elwood]

Gossage denies derogatory comments

By Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive

April 15, 2002

2:01 PM EDT (1801 GMT)

 

 

 

 

CONCORD, N.C. -- The week-long verbal feud between officials at Texas Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway has turned into a classic war of words.

 

Last Saturday, Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell issued a heated statement in response to derogatory comments about his Virginia track by unnamed TMS officials. In rebuttal, TMS general manager Eddie Gossage released his own statement Monday, saying no such comments were ever made.

 

"We were disappointed by the uncharacteristic comments made by Clay Campbell … to media members attending this weekend's Virginia 500,” Gossage said in a statement.

 

“Mr. Campbell said that Texas Motor Speedway officials had recently told the media that Martinsville Speedway should not be on the NASCAR Winston Cup schedule. No such statement was ever made.”

 

Gossage said the two executives had a telephone conversation Sunday evening after the Virginia 500 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race, during which Campbell admittedly responded to rumor, not fact.

 

“He admitted that he had not seen or heard any such statement (made by TMS), only that he responded to rumors that a quote of that nature appeared in (a newspaper) or on television last weekend,” Gossage said. “I told Clay that we made no such statement -- it simply does not exist.”

 

Campbell was unavailable for comment Monday morning, but track representatives did confirm the telephone conversation took place.

 

Gossage says he harbors no ill will towards Campbell. And if he did, in fact, comment on his distaste for Martinsville, he has certainly changed his tune.

 

"We are disappointed by his comments; however, Clay Campbell is a good friend and an important figure in our sport,” Gossage continued. “Personally speaking, races at Martinsville Speedway rate among my favorites. Today's race was another exciting Martinsville event and we are proud that it was won by a native Texan -- Bobby Labonte."

[burgundyz71]

I trust him about as much as Ol' Bruton, I think they are just trying to make the Martinsville Officials look bad.