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{{Short description|Motorsport track in the United States}}
{{Motorsport venue
| Name = Texas Motor Speedway
|
| Location = 3545 Lone Star Circle, [[Fort Worth, Texas]]
| Time = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|UTC−6]] / [[UTC-05:00|UTC−5]] ([[Central Daylight Time|DST]]) | Coordinates = {{coord|33.0375|-97.2847|type:landmark_globe:earth_region:US-TX|display=it}}
| Logo = Texas Motor Speedway logo.svg
| Image = TexasMotorSpeedway.svg
| Image_caption = Quad-oval (1997–present)
| Broke_ground = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1995|04|11}}
| Opened = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1996|08|03}}
Line 12 ⟶ 15:
| Construction_cost = $110 million [[United States dollar|USD]]
| Former_names = Texas International Raceway (1996)
| Events = '''Current:'''<br />'''[[NASCAR Cup Series]]'''<br />''[[Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400]]'' (2005–present)<br />''[[O'Reilly Auto Parts 500]]'' (1997–2020)<br />''[[NASCAR All-Star Race]]'' (2021–2022)<br />'''Former:'''<br />[[IndyCar Series]]<br />''[[IndyCar Series at Texas Motor Speedway|PPG 375]]'' (1997–2023)<br />[[American Le Mans Series]]<br />''[[Grand Prix of Texas]]'' (2000–2001)<br />[[GT World Challenge America|SpeedVision World Challenge]] (2000–2001)
| Layout1 = Oval (1996–present)
| Surface = Asphalt
Line 35 ⟶ 39:
| Record_year2 = [[2000 Grand Prix of Texas|2000]]
| Record_class2 = [[Le Mans Prototype#History|LMP900]]
| website = {{URL|https://texasmotorspeedway.com}}
}}
'''Texas Motor Speedway''' (formerly known as '''Texas International Raceway''' from September to December 1996) is a {{Convert|1.
Following the decline of the [[Texas World Speedway]] that began in the 1980s, the state of Texas found itself without a major racetrack and races for more than a decade. In the early 1990s, the newly incorporated [[Speedway Motorsports]] and its founder, [[Bruton Smith]], saw itself with a major rise in profits that correlated with a rise of popularity in stock car racing. Using the new profits he had made, he set out to build a major racetrack west of the [[Mississippi River]], deciding on the [[Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex]] in 1994 with eventual longtime track general manager [[Eddie Gossage]]. Construction began in 1995 and completed in 1996, with the track holding its first [[NASCAR]] and [[IndyCar]] races in 1997.
== Description ==
=== Configurations ===
The speedway in its current form is measured at {{Convert|1.5|mi|km}}, with 20 degrees of banking in the speedway's first two turns, 24 degrees of banking in the speedway's last two turns, five degrees of banking on the track's frontstretch and backstretch, and a racing surface width of 80 feet.<ref name=":4" /> From 1998 to 2017, the turns were all banked at 24 degrees and the racing surface width was 58 feet.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Markiewicz |first=David A. |date=May 2, 1998 |title=TMS turns to eliminate lower bank |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-turns-to-el/139202149/
In 1999, the speedway announced that they were going ahead with plans to build an infield road course that would utilize both the oval and the infield road course.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=September 9, 1999 |title=TMS adds weekend on road course |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-adds-weeken/139088043/
=== Amenities ===
The track itself is served by numerous major roads. It is located at the intersection of [[Interstate 35W (Texas)|Interstate 35W]] and [[Texas State Highway 114]] to the track's southeast, and [[Farm to Market Road 156]] to the track's west.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Powell |first1=Barbara |last2=Williams III |first2=G. Chambers |date=December 17, 1995 |title=Gridlock guaranteed by raceway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-gridlock-guaran/139203999/
At the time of the track's opening, the [[Fort Worth Star-Telegram|''Fort Worth Star-Telegram'']] reported in March 1997 that the track featured a capacity of 155,061 with a frontstretch grandstand capacity of 120,000, an infield capacity of 53,000, the world record for the amount of toilets at a facility with 2,450 toilets, 67,000 parking spaces for cars and RVs, 194 suites, and a 23-acre lake, with the entire complex of approximately 1,000 acres itself having more than 60 buildings.<ref name=":5222">{{Cite news |date=March 30, 1997 |title=Guide To Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-guide-to-texas/139072095/
[[File:MVI 2863 Texas Motor Speedway Club building.jpg|thumb|The Speedway Club at the speedway. The members-only club was inspired by the one at the [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]], and opened in 1999.]]
Numerous buildings on the site's property serve for business purposes. A 10-story building named the Lone Star Tower overlooks the second turn and is used for [[Condominium|condominiums]] and office space. The Lone Star Tower broke ground in 1996<ref name=":5223">{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Kristin N. |date=July 25, 1996 |title=Ground broken for speedway condo tower |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-ground-broken-f/139071887/
In 2013, the track's Gossage announced the construction of ''Big Hoss TV'', which was set to become the biggest HD screen in the world.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mendez |first=Carlos |date=September 24, 2013 |title=N. Texas to get world's largest video screen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-n-texas-to-get/130778445/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828055035/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-n-texas-to-get/130778445/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-n-texas-to-get/130778458/ 4A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> As a result of its construction, backstretch grandstands that numbered to around 10,000 seats were demolished.<ref name=":1" /> The video screen was completed in March 2014,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=March 20, 2014 |title=Must-See TV |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-must-see-tv-pa/130779364/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828052021/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-must-see-tv-pa/130779364/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-must-see-tv-pa/130779387/ 7A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> and officially certified by Guinness World Records as the largest HD television LED screen in the world.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Golden |first=Cedric |date=April 7, 2014 |title=Showers fail to dampen spirits |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-showers-fail-t/130779730/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828053524/https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-showers-fail-t/130779730/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-showers-fail-t/130779742/ C3] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In 2023, the speedway announced that the screen was to be expanded by 10%.<ref name=":3" />
==== Adjacent tracks ====
The Texas Motor Speedway complex has two adjacent tracks built near the Texas Motor Speedway. In May 1998, the speedway opened Lil' Texas Motor Speedway, a {{Convert|1/5|mi|km}} paved short track that hosts various divisions of local short track racing, primarily [[Legends car racing|legends cars]] and [[Bandolero racing|bandoleros]].<ref name=":52282">{{Cite news |last=Hayward |first=Len |date=April 30, 1998 |title=Raceway champ follows in mom's tracks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-raceway-champ-f/139135761/
== History ==
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=== Previous major tracks in Texas area ===
{{Main|Texas World Speedway}}
The first track to hold major series such as [[NASCAR]] and [[United States Auto Club]] (USAC)-sanctioned races in the state of Texas was the [[Texas World Speedway|Texas International Speedway]] (later named Texas World Speedway), which opened in 1969,<ref name=":7310">{{Cite news |last=Spears |first=Larry D. |date=November 7, 1969 |title=Everything 'GO' for TIS Can-Am |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-everything/139269382/
=== Planning, construction, naming dispute ===
{{See also|Bruton Smith|Eddie Gossage}}
With the rising success of [[Speedway Motorsports]], owned by businessman [[Bruton Smith]], intended to build a major racetrack west of the [[Mississippi River]] with the rise of popularity in stock car racing. Smith employed the help of then Vice President of Public Relations at the [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]], [[Eddie Gossage]], to find a suitable location for the track. Three primary markets were decided on by Bruton: [[Las Vegas]], the [[Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex]], and [[St. Louis]]. In Las Vegas, the duo found out that local businessman [[Ralph Engelstad]] was scouting the same land as the duo; under the orders of Smith, the two stopped scouting Las Vegas to let Engelstad scout the land that later became the [[Las Vegas Motor Speedway]].<ref name=":82">{{cite podcast |title=28 - Eddie Gossage - Deep In the Heart of Texas |website=Life In The Fast Lane |publisher=[[Spotify]] |date=August 17, 2023 |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Mg0XBi5bpthleb3vAKVPa?si=Es0HnvCIR4m82Prge10W_A |time=59:18 |access-date=August 20, 2023 |last=Gonzalez |first=Pedro |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821140313/https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Mg0XBi5bpthleb3vAKVPa?si=Es0HnvCIR4m82Prge10W_A |url-status=live }}</ref> By November 18, 1994, the ''[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]'' reported that Smith and Gossage had made their final choices in either of the two remaining places.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Roland S. |last2=Smith |first2=Jack Z. |date=November 18, 1994 |title=Speedway decision nears finish line |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-decisi/130901186/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831042820/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-decisi/130901186/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-decisi/130901199/ 9A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In St. Louis, the duo saw numerous pieces of land that were flooded, and scratched off St. Louis. In Dallas–Fort Worth, the duo met businessman [[Ross Perot Jr.]] and flew in Perot's helicopter to scout a piece of land that was owned by Perot. The land impressed the duo,<ref name=":82"/> and by November 30, the ''Star-Telegram'' reported that the two were planning to build a 150,000-capacity speedway at a cost of around $75,000,000 (adjusted for inflation, ${{Inflation|index=USD|value=75,000,000|start_year=1994|fmt=c}}).<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Roland S. |last2=Sullivan |first2=Kristin N. |date=November 30, 1994 |title=Smith expected to have inside track for big race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-smith-expected/130914548/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903001244/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-smith-expected/130914548/ |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=September 2, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=17A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-smith-expected/130914562/ 21A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Originally, the speedway was set to have a capacity of 70,000 seats. However, the capacity quickly grew in the initial planning stages; when Bruton requested that 5,000 seats be added, Gossage obliged. According to Gossage, "the next day he’d put in a change order for 5,000 more seats. And then a few days or a week later, he’d say, ‘Do you think you could sell 80 (thousand)?’ I’d say, ‘Oh, piece of cake.' And then one day I looked and we were at 155,000 seats and I told Bruton we’ve got to stop doing this."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonkowski |first=Jerry |date=November 30, 2023 |title='Overcommitted' Racing Super Promoter Eddie Gossage Never Mailed It In |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/indycar/a45997253/super-promoter-gossage-never-mailed-it-in/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[Autoweek]] |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119010939/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/indycar/a45997253/super-promoter-gossage-never-mailed-it-in/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Groundbreaking on the track took place on April 11, 1995.<ref name=":73">{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Roland S. |date=April 12, 1995 |title=Speedway is off to a bang-up start |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-is-off/127877247/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709031523/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-is-off/127877247/ |archive-date=July 9, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-is-off/127877263/ 15A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Gossage was later asked to run the track in late May, which he accepted.<ref name=":72">{{Cite news |last=Mulhurn |first=Mike |date=April 6, 1997 |title=OPENING UP: Smith's Texas lieutenants ready for show to begin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-opening-up-smith/130152277/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-opening-up-smith/130152277/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]] |pages=C6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> According to the duo, the track was inspired by previous tracks Smith owned, with Smith wanting to incorporate the best ideas from those tracks and combine them into the construction of Texas Motor Speedway.<ref>{{cite podcast |title=28 - Eddie Gossage - Deep In the Heart of Texas |website=Life In The Fast Lane |publisher=[[Spotify]] |date=August 17, 2023 |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Mg0XBi5bpthleb3vAKVPa?si=Es0HnvCIR4m82Prge10W_A |time=1:09:09 |access-date=August 20, 2023 |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Pedro |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821140313/https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Mg0XBi5bpthleb3vAKVPa?si=Es0HnvCIR4m82Prge10W_A |url-status=live }}</ref> The speedway initially implemented a dual-banked surface to accompany both [[NASCAR]] and [[open-wheel racing]]; a higher bank of 24 degrees meant to accommodate stock cars, and a lower bank of 8 degrees to accommodate open-wheel cars. In addition, for open-wheel races, a temporary wall was planned to be implemented each time an open-wheel series raced in order to reduce speeds.<ref name=":734">{{Cite news |last=Smith. |first=Jack Z. |date=April 21, 1996 |title=Developer says speedway will be the Ritz of racing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-developer-says/138904884/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170306/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-developer-says/138904884/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-developer-says/138904908/ 29A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The plan met skepticism from open-wheel personalities such as Cary Agajanian<ref name=":739">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=May 26, 1996 |title=Dual-bank plan fuels skepticism |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-dual-bank-plan/139199645/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-dual-bank-plan/139199645/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=22C |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> and [[Jimmy Vasser]] over the feasibility of such a system.<ref name=":738">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=September 12, 1996 |title=Motorsports Report |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-motorsports-rep/139200463/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170305/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-motorsports-rep/139200463/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=19D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> By June 1996, Agajanian reported that the speedway had ditched plans to make a temporary wall, instead deciding to paint a line where the change in banking was.<ref name=":737">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=June 3, 1996 |title=Debate gears up on speedway's dual-banking concept |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-debate-gears-up/139199756/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170249/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-debate-gears-up/139199756/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=7D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> On August 3, the track officially opened to the public for the first time, holding a charity "open-house" event.<ref name=":7315">{{Cite news |last=Mahlberg |first=Bob |date=August 4, 1996 |title=Charity event at speedway gives 38,000 fans test drive |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-charity-event-a/139288335/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170257/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-charity-event-a/139288335/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-charity-event-a/139288365/ 11A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Eventual NASCAR races were announced in July 1996,<ref name=":742">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=July 12, 1996 |title=Green flag drops on Texas 500 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-green-flag-drop/130958439/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044320/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-green-flag-drop/130958439/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-green-flag-drop/130958598/ 6D] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> and IndyCar races were announced the next month on August 7, with the IndyCar race to be run at night, the first IndyCar race to be run at night.<ref name=":742" /><ref name=":743">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=August 8, 1996 |title=An Indy night shirt |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-an-indy-night-s/139200208/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-an-indy-night-s/139200208/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-an-indy-night-s/139200230/ 7D] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>
In August 1996, a quarter-mile dirt track based in [[Alvin, Texas]], sued Smith's speedway over naming rights for the name "Texas Motor Speedway". Gossage and Bruton countersued on September 9, claiming that majority owner Jack Holland was trying to "squeeze and extort money" from them.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Douglas Jr. |first=Jack |date=September 10, 1996 |title=Speedway developers file countersuit against dirt track with same name |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-develo/129843404/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914180807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-develo/129843404/ |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-develo/129843425/ 4B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> As a result, the speedway changed its name to "Texas International Raceway" on September 11.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strubin |first=John |date=September 12, 1996 |title=Speedway changes name |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-racetrack-chang/129844370/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914180807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-racetrack-chang/129844370/ |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-racetrack-chang/129844388/ 2A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Although litigation was expected to take years, on December 2, the dispute was settled out of court. With the settlement, the dirt track agreed to change its name, with the speedway able to retain the "Texas Motor Speedway" name.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strubin |first=John |date=December 2, 1996 |title=Checkered flag |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-checkered-flag/129848830/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914180806/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-checkered-flag/129848830/ |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-checkered-flag/129848842/ 13A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>
=== Turbulent early years ===
The track oversaw a turbulent period in its early years; particularly 1997, the track's first year of racing. In its first major race, the [[1997 Interstate Batteries 500]], heavy rain plagued the race's weekend, causing qualifying to be cancelled and the grass parking lots of the speedway to be heavily soaked. While the parking issue was resolved by using busses,<ref>{{cite web |last=Aumann |first=Mark |date=July 15, 2011 |title=Retro: Traffic issues date back to early days of NASCAR |url=http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2011/07/15/retro-racing-maumann-texas-1997-traffic.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015741/http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/2011/07/15/retro-racing-maumann-texas-1997-traffic.html |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2013 |website=[[NASCAR]]}}</ref> further issues were raised when drivers started to complain about the surface of the race track, leading to a major first lap pileup.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Kristin N. |date=April 7, 1997 |title=A smashing debut |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-a-smashing-debu/130940260/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044325/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-a-smashing-debu/130940260/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-a-smashing-debu/130940277/ 4A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Two months later, the speedway held its first [[IndyCar Series]] race; a scoring dispute between [[Billy Boat]] and [[Arie Luyendyk]] occurred when Luyendyk disputed the victory that was initially given to Boat. As Boat and his team owner, [[A. J. Foyt]] were celebrating, Luyendyk went to victory lane to dispute the victory, demanding officials explain why he was scored as one lap short and demanding that he be given the victory. Foyt proceeded to slap Luyendyk on the back of the head and pushed him to the ground before being separated by security.<ref name=":75">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=June 8, 1997 |title=Fight to the finish |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-fight-to-the-fi/130957620/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708080722/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-bruton-smith-draw/127799011/ |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-fight-to-the-fi/130957639/ 16C] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Luyendyk was given the victory the next day after a scoring recheck.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Herrin |first=Rick |date=June 9, 1997 |title=Reversal of Misfortune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-reversal-of-mis/130957556/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-reversal-of-mis/130957556/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-reversal-of-mis/130957564/ 14C] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>
After both races in 1997, Gossage announced that the speedway would reprofile the fourth turn.<ref name=":52212">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=January 15, 1998 |title=TMS to tune up Turn 4 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-to-tune-up/129823538/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811231710/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-to-tune-up/129823538/ |archive-date=August 11, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-to-tune-up/129823552/ 8D] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Complaints about the turn lasted into 1998, with drivers complaining about a new bump, along with water leakage issues.<ref name=":122">{{Cite web |last=Reeves |first=Jim |date=April 3, 1998 |title=Joke turns all wet as TMS springs its latest leak |url=http://www.thatsracin.com/98/0405/0404reeves.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010503153748/http://www.thatsracin.com/98/0405/0404reeves.htm |archive-date=May 3, 2001 |access-date=September 3, 2022 |website=That's Racin' |publisher=[[The Charlotte Observer]] |agency=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]}}</ref> Further criticism was placed against the speedway and Gossage after a t-shirt was printed that stated "Shut Up and Race"; Gossage claims that NASCAR came up with the idea.<ref name=":42" /> Gossage announced a complete repave of the track, this time completely removing the dual-banking system.<ref name=":9" />
In 1999, during the final practice session of the [[1999 Mall.com 500]], 11 people were injured in a crash on the track's pit road when [[Niclas Jönsson]] lost control of his car while trying to exit pit road, crashing into the parked car of [[Tyce Carlson]] while Carlson's crew was working with his car.<ref name=":522">{{Cite news |last=Mendez |first=Carlos |date=October 17, 1999 |title=11 injured at Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-11-injured-at-s/139137105/
==== Speedway's stabilization and expansion ====
By the early 2000s, problems with the track declined. The track oversaw some of the biggest attended NASCAR races in history; races in 1999 and 2000 saw major success, with attendances of 221,861 and 223,000 people, respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=March 29, 1999 |title=A True Lone Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-a-true-lone-sta/130961095/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831050230/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-a-true-lone-sta/130961095/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-a-true-lone-sta/130961105/ 9D] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Strubin |first=John |date=April 3, 2000 |title=Big V For Little E |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-big-v-for-littl/129752753/ |access-date=August 10, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-big-v-for-littl/129762267/ 9D] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811190001/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-big-v-for-littl/129752753/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In May 2004, as a result of the [[Ferko v. National Ass'n for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.|Ferko lawsuit]], the track gained a second NASCAR race weekend, taking the race weekend of [[Rockingham Speedway]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jeff |date=May 15, 2004 |title=The case is over; now for the ripple effects |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-the-case-is-ove/130919136/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044334/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-the-case-is-ove/130919136/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=10D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The settlement was enforced in 2005.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Jeff |date=November 2, 2005 |title=Fan wishes he hadn't filed suit |url=http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/13059399.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060708031401/http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/13059399.htm |archive-date=July 8, 2006 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=ThatsRacin |publisher=[[The Charlotte Observer]]}}</ref>
The track became known for its promotions and stunts directed by Gossage. Gossage, who self-remarked himself as the last "old-school" promoters,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blount |first=Terry |date=April 4, 2009 |title=TMS president Eddie Gossage not shy about job |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/soccer-transfers/story/4042255/manchester-united-make-bruno-fernandes-breakthrough-with-sporting-lisbon-sources |access-date=August 24, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030004921/https://www.espn.co.uk/soccer-transfers/story/4042255/manchester-united-make-bruno-fernandes-breakthrough-with-sporting-lisbon-sources |url-status=live }}</ref> conducted numerous promotions that were inspired by promoters such as [[Humpy Wheeler]], who Gossage had formerly worked under at the [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Coble |first=Don |date=April 11, 2013 |title=Texas Speedway president willing to stir up controversy to sell tickets |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/motorsports/2013/04/11/speedway-president-willing-stir-controversy-sell-tickets/15832296007/ |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=[[The Florida Times-Union]] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811231729/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/motorsports/2013/04/11/speedway-president-willing-stir-controversy-sell-tickets/15832296007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Under Gossage's tenure, the speedway conducted numerous campaigns to promote the track, including training monkeys to sell [[Programme (booklet)|souvenir programs]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jinkins |first=Shirley |date=November 6, 2010 |title=TMS job really is so easy, a trained monkey can do it |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-job-really/130844883/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829140431/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-job-really/130844883/ |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-job-really/130844891/ 5B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> starting a victory lane tradition of each victor firing blank [[Revolver|six-shooters]] in post-race celebrations,<ref name=":52">{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle R. |date=April 6, 2018 |title=Why NASCAR's Texas track won't give up its tradition of winners celebrating with guns |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/04/nascar-texas-motor-speedway-six-shooter-shotgun-celebrate-gun-control-nra-cup-series |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=For The Win |publisher=[[USA Today]] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829140427/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/04/nascar-texas-motor-speedway-six-shooter-shotgun-celebrate-gun-control-nra-cup-series |url-status=live }}</ref> hiring an all-female pit crew to service a car,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alfano |first=Pete |date=June 6, 2003 |title=Dream Team |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-dream-team-par/130845744/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044328/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-dream-team-par/130845744/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-dream-team-par/130845754/ 14A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> and allowing British motoring television show [[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|''Top Gear'']] and one of its hosts, [[Richard Hammond]], to film a segment for the show.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2012 |title=NASCAR to be featured on BBC America's Top Gear with Richard Hammond |url=http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2012/04/nascar-to-be-featured-on-bbc-americas.html |access-date=August 29, 2023 |website=Skirts and Scuffs |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829140427/http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2012/04/nascar-to-be-featured-on-bbc-americas.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, Gossage directed the "No Limits" campaign, which was self-described as a "hot cars and hot chicks" that intended to target a younger and edgy audience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newton |first=David |date=November 1, 2010 |title=The ringmaster at TMS: Eddie Gossage |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=newton_david&id=5752785 |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829140426/https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=newton_david&id=5752785 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Repave, mounting criticism and decline, retirement of Eddie Gossage ===
[[File:2017 Rainguard Water Sealers 600 02.jpg|thumb|Texas Motor Speedway pictured in 2017.]]
By mid-2016, numerous complaints against the track's surface taking too long to dry were made.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hawkins |first=Stephen |date=June 14, 2016 |title=Texas Motor Speedway struggling with asphalt |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/waco-tribune-herald-texas-motor-speedway/130780346/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828052024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/waco-tribune-herald-texas-motor-speedway/130780346/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Waco Tribune-Herald]] |pages=4C |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> By November, during a rain delay at the [[2016 AAA Texas 500]] which took seven hours to restart, complaints rose again.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=November 8, 2016 |title=TMS needs to fix aging track for sake of fans |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-needs-to-fi/130781550/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828052027/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-needs-to-fi/130781550/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-needs-to-fi/130781569/ 2B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Despite this, Gossage stated that he had no plans to repave the track in the short-term, sharing the opinions of drivers [[Jimmie Johnson]] and [[Carl Edwards]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=November 1, 2016 |title=To repave track or not, tough call looming |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-to-repave-track/130780443/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828052023/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-to-repave-track/130780443/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-to-repave-track/130780457/ 3B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> However, under the direction of SMI CEO [[Marcus Smith (businessman)|Marcus Smith]], the track announced the commencement of a repave in response to the drying issues.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hawkins |first=Stephen |date=January 7, 2017 |title=Texas Motor Speedway to undergo makeover |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/waco-tribune-herald-texas-motor-speedway/130781295/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828052024/https://www.newspapers.com/article/waco-tribune-herald-texas-motor-speedway/130781295/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Waco Tribune-Herald]] |pages=3C |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> With the repave, the banking in the first two turns were decreased from 24 to 20 degrees, and the racing surface was expanded from 60 to 80 feet.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=February 8, 2017 |title=Redo of Texas Motor Speedway moves fast |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-redo-of-texas-m/130780551/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828053527/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-redo-of-texas-m/130780551/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=3B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In a 2017 [[The Dallas Morning News|''Dallas Morning News'']] article, the repave was viewed neutrally by IndyCar drivers, and NASCAR drivers were recorded to be more optimistic about the repave.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Sean |date=April 13, 2017 |title=What IndyCar drivers think of the newly repaved track at Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-sports/2017/04/13/what-indycar-drivers-think-of-the-newly-repaved-track-at-texas-motor-speedway/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116230314/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-sports/2017/04/13/what-indycar-drivers-think-of-the-newly-repaved-track-at-texas-motor-speedway/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Throughout the late 2010s, the track oversaw continuous decline. In November 2019, Gossage made calls to "modernize" the speedway, including decreasing capacity from 135,000 to a range from 80,000 to 90,000, along with better internet services, a wider concession variety, and more suites.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=November 3, 2019 |title=Modernize Texas Motor Speedway, NASCAR track president says |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-modernize-texas/130794582/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829140430/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-modernize-texas/130794582/ |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-modernize-texas/130794595/ 2C] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In 2020, as an attempt by Marcus to increase attendance at the speedway, he moved the [[NASCAR All-Star Race]] from its traditional home at the [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]] to Texas,<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Texas Motor Speedway to host NASCAR All-Star Race in 2021 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138458366/
By 2020, Gossage was in talks with Marcus on retiring from his position, stating that he had grown upset at the IndyCar racing product on the newly-reconfigured track and consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Strubin |first=John |date=May 14, 2021 |title=Departing Gossage: 'It's Probably Time' |url=http://www.racintoday.com/archives/97042 |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website=Racin’ Today |language=en-US |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821140314/http://www.racintoday.com/archives/97042 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2021 |title=Texas Motor Speedway's Gossage stepping down |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/31438794/eddie-gossage-stepping-24-years-president-texas-motor-speedway |access-date=August 22, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]] |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822043233/https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/31438794/eddie-gossage-stepping-24-years-president-texas-motor-speedway |url-status=live }}</ref> By December, he confirmed his decision to retire to Marcus,<ref name=":0" /> officially announcing his retirement in a press conference on May 13, 2021, with his retirement effective after the [[2021 NASCAR All-Star Race]] that was set to take place on June 13.<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=May 14, 2021 |title=After 25 years, Texas Motor Speedway head Gossage to step down |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-after-25-years/130371134/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-after-25-years/130371145/ 7A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821140314/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-after-25-years/130371134/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>
==== Rob Ramage and Mark Faber
After Gossage's retirement, the speedway announced that they would reduce capacity down to 75,000 and renovate the suites at the track.<ref name=":16">{{Cite news |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=June 15, 2021 |title=TMS hopes to offer more with less as sport enters new era |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-hopes-to-of/138887933/
[[File:TexasMotorSpeedway23.jpg|thumb|The Texas Motor Speedway in October 2023.]]
In 2022, the track oversaw controversies in both of its NASCAR races along with general criticism for a poor racing product, leading calls from drivers to completely renovate the track.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Fielding |first=Gregg |date=September 28, 2022 |title=The eyes of Texas are upon Texas Motor Speedway and its future |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/auto-racing-digest/nascar/the-eyes-of-texas-are-upon-texas-motor-speedway-and-its-future |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=Auto Racing Digest |publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110210650/https://www.si.com/fannation/racing/auto-racing-digest/nascar/the-eyes-of-texas-are-upon-texas-motor-speedway-and-its-future |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Walters |first=Shane |date=September 24, 2022 |title=Kyle Larson wants Texas Motor Speedway demolished; Short track |url=https://racingnews.co/2022/09/24/kyle-larson-wants-texas-motor-speedway-demolished-short-track/ |access-date=January 12, 2024 |website=Racing News |language=en-US |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112163844/https://racingnews.co/2022/09/24/kyle-larson-wants-texas-motor-speedway-demolished-short-track/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August, Ramage was removed as general manager after only one year, having been promoted to becoming SMI's vice president of government relations and deputy counsel. SMI replaced Ramage with Mark Faber, who previously worked in [[Las Vegas]] as the [[T-Mobile Arena]]'s senior vice president of global partnerships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Nate |date=August 11, 2022 |title=Texas Motor Speedway names Mark Faber as its new general manager |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/texas-motor-speedway-mark-faber-rob-ramage-general-manager-eddie-gossage |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=[[NBC Sports]] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116200406/https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/texas-motor-speedway-mark-faber-rob-ramage-general-manager-eddie-gossage |url-status=live }}</ref> Under the leadership of Faber, Faber promised for better relations with the city of Fort Worth, with Faber claiming that a "pain point" was Gossage putting "No Limits, Texas" on the outside wall instead of the actual city's name.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henry |first=John |date=September 21, 2023 |title=Are TMS and the City of Fort Worth in the 'Happily Ever After' Phase? |url=https://fwtx.com/api/content/c68d1e2c-5896-11ee-8fe6-12163087a831/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=[[Fort Worth Magazine]] |language=en-us |archive-date=April 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427204644/https://fwtx.com/news/are-tms-and-the-city-of-fort-worth-in-the-happily-ever-after/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Faber also announced the creation of the "No Limits Next" project, aimed at renovating the track and expanding Big Hoss TV.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=September 25, 2022 |title=Texas Motor Speedway Is Open Under New Management |url=http://www.racintoday.com/archives/99421 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=Racin’ Today |language=en-US |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116200406/http://www.racintoday.com/archives/99421 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Pearce |first=Micah |date=August 12, 2023 |title=Texas Motor Speedway's big video board is getting bigger |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138890390/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=7A |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116201910/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138890390/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The speedway also ended the tradition of victors firing six-shooters in victory lane under Faber's leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Jonathan |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Texas Motor Speedway Retires Iconic Victory Lane Celebration |url=https://outsider.com/sports/nascar/texas-motor-speedway-officials-retire-six-shooter-celebration-for-indycar-nascar-winners/ |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=Outsider |language=en-US |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829140427/https://outsider.com/sports/nascar/texas-motor-speedway-officials-retire-six-shooter-celebration-for-indycar-nascar-winners/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By July 2023, Faber also confirmed that the speedway and Marcus Smith were looking at repaving the track by using [[iRacing]] simulations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=July 23, 2023 |title=Changes Could Be Headed Texas Motor Speedway's Way |url=http://www.racintoday.com/archives/100835 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=Racin’ Today |language=en-US |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116200407/http://www.racintoday.com/archives/100835 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Events ==
Line 108 ⟶ 109:
==== NASCAR ====
{{See also|Ferko v. National Ass'n for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.|Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400}}
Despite then-NASCAR vice president of competition [[Mike Helton]] stating that the NASCAR "Cup schedule can't grow much more" in January 1995,<ref name=":52232">{{Cite news |last=Luther |first=Bill |date=January 15, 1995 |title=Building track no sure bet to land Winston Cup race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-building-tra/137132571/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220202126/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-building-tra/137132571/ |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[Knoxville News Sentinel]] |pages=C6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> many within the NASCAR media landscape predicted that with the booming rise of popularity in NASCAR that started in the early 1990s, NASCAR would have to both expand to new markets and leave traditional markets behind that had been staples of the schedule since NASCAR's inception.<ref name=":52242">{{Cite news |last=Hembree |first=Mike |date=February 12, 1995 |title=Winston Cup's overflowing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-greenville-news-winston-cups-overfl/137133071/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220202128/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-greenville-news-winston-cups-overfl/137133071/ |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[The Greenville News]] |pages=4 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name=":52252">{{Cite news |last=Mulhurn |first=Mike |date=January 22, 1995 |title=Growing Pains |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-growing-pains/137133343/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220202130/https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-growing-pains/137133343/ |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]] |pages=C9 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Midway through 1996, [[Knoxville News Sentinel|''Knoxville News Sentinel'']] writer Bill Luther wrote that numerous short tracks, including [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]] and the [[Martinsville Speedway]] were "in peril" of losing Winston Cup dates.<ref name=":52262">{{Cite news |last=Luther |first=Bill |date=April 18, 1996 |title=NASCAR short-track races in peril |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-nascar-short/137133870/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220202132/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-nascar-short/137133870/ |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[Knoxville News Sentinel]] |pages=C6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> NASCAR announced the 1997 schedule in September, with numerous changes on the schedule; among said changes were a new date for Texas in the spring and North Wilkesboro being gone from the schedule completely.<ref name=":722">{{Cite news |last=Boggs |first=Johnny D. |date=September 2, 1996 |title=NASCAR announces its '97 Winston Cup schedule |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-nascar-announce/137135220/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220202127/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-nascar-announce/137135220/ |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=15C |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Until 2022, the spring race has ran annually in at least some form; in 2021, its points race was transferred to a new date at the [[Circuit of the Americas]], with the track instead running the [[NASCAR All-Star Race]] as an attempt by SMI CEO [[Marcus Smith (businessman)|Marcus Smith]] to increase declining attendance.<ref name=":10" /> After two spring races that were met with relative scorn,<ref name=":2" /> the spring date was removed for 2023,<ref name=":53">{{Cite news |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=September 16, 2022 |title=NASCAR hits Texas Motor Speedway with nasty slap |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-nascar-hits-tex/139299323/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-nascar-hits-tex/139299323/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-nascar-hits-tex/139299341/ 3B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> with the All-Star Race moving to North Wilkesboro, the track the speedway removed back in 1997.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Engle |first=Greg |date=September 8, 2022 |title=North Wilkesboro Speedway Comes Full Circle With Nascar All-Star Race |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregengle/2022/09/08/north-wilkesboro-speedway-comes-full-circle-with-nascar-all-star-race/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=[[Forbes]] |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110212151/https://www.forbes.com/sites/gregengle/2022/09/08/north-wilkesboro-speedway-comes-full-circle-with-nascar-all-star-race/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The spring date returned in 2024 as a result of the track's only Cup Series date, which was in the fall, shifting back to the spring.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=DeGroot |first=Nick |date=October 4, 2023 |title=2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule revealed |url=https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/2024-nascar-cup-series-schedule-revealed/10528668/ |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=[[Autosport]] |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170245/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/2024-nascar-cup-series-schedule-revealed/10528668/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
After the track got a race date within the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 1997, [[Bruton Smith]] was reported to have an extreme desire to have a second NASCAR Cup Series date at Texas Motor Speedway, to the point where he was rumored that if NASCAR leadership did not agree with it, Bruton would split off to start his own racing series.<ref name=":76">{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Scott |date=May 21, 2015 |title=Bruton Smith draws honors from NASCAR |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-bruton-smith-draw/127799011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708080722/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-bruton-smith-draw/127799011/ |archive-date=July 8, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |work=[[The Charlotte Observer]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-bruton-smith-draw/127799052/ 6B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In 2002, Francis Ferko, a minority shareholder in SMI, filed a lawsuit against NASCAR and the [[International Speedway Corporation]] for violating antitrust laws, feeling as if SMI did not do enough to protect his investment. A settlement was eventually reached in 2004, which guaranteed a second NASCAR race weekend for Texas at the cost of one of [[Rockingham Speedway]]'s weekends.<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jeff |date=May 15, 2004 |title=The case is over; now for the ripple effects |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-the-case-is-ove/130919136/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044334/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-the-case-is-ove/130919136/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=10D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The date remained on the schedule annually until 2023, when it was moved to the spring.<ref name=":11" /> Along with its Cup Series dates, the track also has hosted lower-series NASCAR races, including second-tier [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]] and third-tier [[NASCAR Truck Series]] races.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 29, 2021 |title=Back to the Future: New venues, return of familiar locations highlight 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series slates |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/09/29/back-to-the-future-new-venues-return-of-familiar-locations-highlight-2022-nascar-xfinity-series-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-slates/ |access-date=September 30, 2021 |publisher=NASCAR}}</ref>
==== Open-wheel racing ====
{{See also|Firestone Firehawk 600}}
Since the track opened for racing in 1997, the speedway has held [[IndyCar Series]] races at the speedway annually until 2023.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Nathan |date=September 19, 2023 |title=Texas put on one of IndyCar's best shows in 2023. It could be off 2024 schedule, per source. |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2023/09/19/indycar-texas-motor-speedway-2024-schedule-risk-falling-off-conflicts-race-fort-worth/70902652007/ |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=[[The Indianapolis Star]] |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919203017/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2023/09/19/indycar-texas-motor-speedway-2024-schedule-risk-falling-off-conflicts-race-fort-worth/70902652007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With one exception in 2011 where the traditional {{Convert|550|km|mi}} distance of the race was split into two separate {{Convert|275|km|mi}} races,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mendez |first=Carlos |date=March 3, 2011 |title=Twist could 'create chaos' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-twist-could-cr/130766770/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828053529/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-twist-could-cr/130766770/ |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=2D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> the race was ran as one singular race.<ref name=":6" /> In 2016, the race was delayed from its original race date on June 12 by over two months to August 27 due to scheduling conflicts and rain.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=June 13, 2016 |title=Rain gods win, race postponed to Aug. 27 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-rain-gods-win/139298057/
The track originally planned to host a [[Championship Auto Racing Teams]] (CART) race in April 2001, announcing it on August 3, 2000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 4, 2000 |title=CART race at Texas Motor Speedway moved to April 29 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-cart-race-at-te/131094721/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903001240/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-cart-race-at-te/131094721/ |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=September 2, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=8D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> However, after a culmination of events that occurred over the events of several months, [[Firestone Firehawk 600|the race]] was postponed and eventually cancelled after it was found that drivers could suffer extreme vertical ''g''-loads that could have led to death.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=April 30, 1997 |title=Soaring speeds postpone race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-soaring-speeds/130924498/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831042829/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-soaring-speeds/130924498/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-soaring-speeds/130924518/ 13A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The speedway later sued CART for breach of contract. The speedway settled for around $5–7 million, and races that were scheduled in 2002 and 2003 were annulled.<ref name=":162">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=October 17, 2001 |title=TMS's lawsuit settled |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tmss-lawsuit-s/130959941/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044325/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tmss-lawsuit-s/130959941/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tmss-lawsuit-s/130959953/ 10D] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>
===== Other racing series =====
In 2000, the [[American Le Mans Series]] expanded their schedule to include Texas to run the [[Grand Prix of Texas]], deciding to run a "roval" version of the track that utilized parts of the newly-constructed infield road course and the oval.<ref name=":142">{{Cite news |last=Hayward |first=Len |date=February 20, 2000 |title=Right Formula |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-right-formula/139296444/
In 2015, the track held the seventh round of the [[2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship]] through the weekend of September 26–27.<ref name=":736">{{Cite news |last=Henry |first=John |date=September 26, 2015 |title=Texan hopes to wing his way back to top at TMS |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texan-hopes-to/139224696/
In 2017, the track hosted a [[Stadium Super Trucks]] event as a support event for the June weekend's [[NASCAR Camping World Truck Series]] and [[IndyCar Series]] doubleheader.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonkowski |first=Jerry |date=June 8, 2017 |title=Ex-NASCAR driver Robby Gordon's Stadium Super Trucks part of Trucks/IndyCar weekend at Texas |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/ex-nascar-driver-robby-gordons-stadium-super-trucks-part-of-trucksindycar-weekend-at-texas |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=[[NBC Sports]] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170245/https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/ex-nascar-driver-robby-gordons-stadium-super-trucks-part-of-trucksindycar-weekend-at-texas |url-status=live }}</ref> The series raced at Texas Motor Speedway annually until 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Utter |first=Jim |date=December 5, 2018 |title=Stadium Super Trucks to join NASCAR Cup weekend at Texas |url=https://us.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/stadium-super-trucks-nascar-texas/4309342/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=[[Motorsport.com]] |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170245/https://us.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/stadium-super-trucks-nascar-texas/4309342/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Festivals ===
The speedway has held numerous festivals throughout its history, with some festivals having a recorded attendance of 250,000 people or more. In 1997, days after the track's IRL race, the speedway held a two-day country music festival titled [[Country Fest]], attracting 260,000 people.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Easton |first=Pam |date=June 16, 1997 |title=Texas-size concert |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-record-news-texas-size-concert/130960885/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831051340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-record-news-texas-size-concert/130960885/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Times Record News]] |pages=3A |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> A week later, the speedway held RockFest '97, a rock music festival that attracted around 400,000 people.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bachman |first1=Justin |last2=Nelson |first2=Dave |date=June 23, 1997 |title=RockFest is over, but the beat goes on |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-rockfest-is-ove/130960963/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831050226/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-rockfest-is-ove/130960963/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-rockfest-is-ove/130960968/ 2A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The latter was described by then-general manager [[Eddie Gossage]] as "the worst day of my life". In a podcast episode with former NASCAR driver [[Mike Wallace (racing driver)|Mike Wallace]], Gossage stated,
{{Poem quote|text=It's June 21st... it's 200 degrees, and you can't move... these kids, they climbed on top of concession stands and the garages and whatever gave them a better vantage point to see the stage. And, the truth is, they were in charge. They didn't know it, but there were so many more of them than there were of us...
This thing was still going on; [it was] supposed to end at 11 o'clock at Saturday night and it's four in the morning... [[Bush (British band)|Bush]] is about to wrap up, and I'm on front edge of the stage trying to end this thing, and I see in the back [[Gavin Rossdale]]'s drum kit and gear and stuff and they're ready to go running and place stuff for yet another band. So, I go around the back side of the stage, and I grab the guy that's the promoter and I said, "What's this?" He said, "this is a local group called [[The Nixons]], and they're gonna play walkout music." I said, "No, they're not." He said, "Well sure, they are!" I said, "No, as long as there's somebody on this stage playing music, ain't nobody going nowhere; and we're done!" He said, "Well, you tell them that!" and pointed to the crowd. I said, "No, this band isn't going on!" He goes, "Sure, they are!" So, I sit down and call the control tower and said, "Send some cops back here to arrest me for something. Come up with a reason to arrest me, because they're trying to put another band on and I'm trying to end this thing!" Our guy in the tower asks, "Do you know what you're doing?" I said, "Roughly."... five minutes later, there's two dozen Fort Worth cops and they're ticked... [one] guy says, "Mr. Gossage, you're under arrest, [for] breaking ordinance..." I said, "Well, it's not my show, it's his!", and I pointed at the promoter... The cops didn't know what to do, so they said, "We'll just take both of you."... [In the end,] The Nixons did not go on, the festival was over, and everybody got to go home.<ref>{{cite podcast |title=Fast Car 2 NASCAR with Mike Wallace: Eddie Gossage
After 1997, the speedway has held various festivals. In 2010, the track hosted ''FortyFest'', a Christian rock music festival.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stagg |first=David |date=August 24, 2010 |title=FortyFest |url=https://hmmagazine.com/fortyfest/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=[[HM (magazine)|HM Magazine]] |language=en |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118054358/https://hmmagazine.com/fortyfest/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, the track hosted a second location of the ''HWY30 Music Fest'', a country music festival that originated from [[Filer, Idaho]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leclercq |first=Matt |date=November 30, 2023 |title=Four-day country music festival to debut at Fort Worth's Texas Motor Speedway in 2023 |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article269361762.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130234016/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article269361762.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The track is scheduled to host the event again in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2023 |title=HWY30 Music Fest: Texas Edition returning to Fort Worth in October 2024 |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/hwy30-music-fest-texas-edition-returning-to-fort-worth-in-october-2024/3381402/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=[[KXAS-TV]] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118054359/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/hwy30-music-fest-texas-edition-returning-to-fort-worth-in-october-2024/3381402/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Other events ===
[[File:2009 Solar Car Challenge.jpg|thumb|Competitors and their cars at the 2009 Solar Car Challenge.]]
Since 1998, the speedway has held the [[Solar Car Challenge]], a solar-powered car race for high school students. In odd-numbered years, the track is used as a starting point for a cross-country route. In even-numbered years, the track is used as a showcase location.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seeley |first=David |date=July 10, 2023 |title=1,400-Mile Solar Car Challenge To Roll West from Fort Worth This Weekend |url=https://dallasinnovates.com/1400-mile-solar-car-challenge-to-roll-west-from-fort-worth-this-weekend/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=Dallas Innovates |language=en-US |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170245/https://dallasinnovates.com/1400-mile-solar-car-challenge-to-roll-west-from-fort-worth-this-weekend/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the track held 23 high school graduation ceremonies for schools within [[Denton County, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elassar |first=Alaa |date=May 3, 2020 |title=Texas Motor Speedway is hosting high school graduations for the class of 2020 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/03/us/texas-motor-speedway-graduation-ceremonies-trnd/index.html |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116200406/https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/03/us/texas-motor-speedway-graduation-ceremonies-trnd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2022, the track became a shelter for victims of [[Hurricane Ida]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cardona |first1=Megan |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Texas Motor Speedway to take in hurricane victims |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138876763/
== Lap records ==
As of November 2018, the fastest official race lap records at Texas Motor Speedway are listed as:
{| class="wikitable"
!Category !! Time !! Driver !! Vehicle !! Event
|-
! colspan="
|-
| [[Indy Racing League|IRL]] || '''0:22.972'''<ref>{{cite web |title=1998 Texas Indycars - Round 4 |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1998-texas-indycars-2/ |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |date=6 June 1998 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=27 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827174009/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1998-texas-indycars-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[Tony Stewart]] || [[Dallara IR-7]] || [[1998 True Value 500]]
|-
| [[Indy NXT|Indy Lights]] || '''0:27.3273'''<ref>{{cite web |title=2004 Texas Indy Lights |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2004-texas-indy-lights/ |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |date=16 October 2004 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162101/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2004-texas-indy-lights/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[P. J. Chesson]] || [[Dallara IPS]] || [[2004 Infiniti Pro Series#Texas 100|2004 Texas 100]]
|-
| [[NASCAR Cup Series|NASCAR Cup]] || '''0:27.617'''<ref>{{cite web |title=NASCAR Cup 2018 Texas Race Fastest Laps |url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/results/2018/texas-190360/?st=FL |date=8 April 2018 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162100/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/results/2018/texas-190360/?st=FL |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[Kevin Harvick]] || [[Ford Fusion (Americas)#NASCAR|Ford Fusion]] || [[2018 O'Reilly Auto Parts 500]]
|-
| [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|NASCAR Xfinity]] || '''0:28.342'''<ref>{{cite web |title=NASCAR Xfinity 2018 Texas Race Fastest Laps |url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/results/2018/texas-190500/?st=FL |date=7 April 2018 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317163602/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/results/2018/texas-190500/?st=FL |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[Ryan Blaney]] || [[Ford Mustang (sixth generation)#Motorsport|Ford Mustang]] || [[2018 My Bariatric Solutions 300]]
|-
| [[NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series|NASCAR Truck]] || '''0:28.913'''<ref>{{cite web |title=NASCAR Truck 2018 Texas II Race Fastest Laps |url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-truck/results/2018/texas-ii/?st=FL |date=2 November 2018 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317163602/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-truck/results/2018/texas-ii/?st=FL |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[Brett Moffitt]] || [[Toyota Tundra#NASCAR|Toyota Tundra]] || [[2018 JAG Metals 350]]
|-
! colspan="5" |Road Course: {{Convert|2.324|mi|km}} (2000–present)<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/circuits/texas-motor-speedway/ |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162100/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/circuits/texas-motor-speedway/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Le Mans Prototype#History|LMP900]] || '''1:12.924'''<ref name='alms_texas_2000'>{{cite web |title=American Le Mans Series Texas 2000 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Texas-2000-09-03.html |date=3 September 2000 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162100/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Texas-2000-09-03.html |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[Allan McNish]] || [[Audi R8 (LMP)|Audi R8]] || [[2000 Grand Prix of Texas]]
|-
| [[Group GT1#GTS "GT1" (2000–2009)|GT1 (GTS)]] || '''1:20.108'''<ref name='alms_texas_2000' /> || [[Olivier Beretta]] || [[Dodge Viper GTS-R]] || [[2000 Grand Prix of Texas]]
|-
| [[LM GTE#History|GT]] || '''1:23.879'''<ref name='alms_texas_2000' /> || [[Sascha Maassen]] || [[Porsche 911 GT3#996 GT3 R (1999–2001)|Porsche 911 (996) GT3-R]] || [[2000 Grand Prix of Texas]]
|-
| [[Le Mans Prototype#History|LMP675]] || '''1:26.134'''<ref name='alms_texas_2001'>{{cite web |title=American Le Mans Series Texas 2001 |url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Texas-2001-03-04.html |date=4 March 2001 |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524135802/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Texas-2001-03-04.html |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[Steven Knight (racing driver)|Steven Knight]] || [[Lola B2K/40]] || [[2001 Grand Prix of Texas]]
|-
|}
|