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=== 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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-turns-to-el/139202183/ 4C] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> When the track was initially constructed, it had a dual-banking system, with a high bank of 24 degrees and a low bank of eight degrees in the turns.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=November 28, 1995 |title=Texas Motor Speedway Banking On Dual Concept |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/139203677/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/139203705/ 6C] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Other series have also measured the track at different lengths; the [[IndyCar Series]] have at times utilized two lengths: one at {{Convert|1.455|mi|km}} and one at {{Convert|1.44|mi|km}}. However, these measurements have been disputed as an "error" by former longtime track general manger [[Eddie Gossage]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bromberg |first=Nick |date=April 13, 2017 |title=How a track like Texas Motor Speedway can be listed accurately at two different lengths |url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/track-can-listed-accurately-two-different-lengths-173505330.html
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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-adds-weeken/139088058/ 3D] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The infield road course was completed in August 2000,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=July 27, 2000 |title=TMS road course winds toward completion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-road-course/139225751/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=11D |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> and has four variations that are mainly used for [[sports car racing]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baker |first=Sandra |date=March 10, 2006 |title=Winning formula |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-winning-formula/139225832/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=September 2, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-winning-formula/139225837/ 3C] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
=== 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 |
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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=30M, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-guide-to-texas/139072102/ 31M] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Since then, capacity has decreased numerous times; in 2013, backstretch seats were removed to reduce the capacity to 112,662.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2013 |title=TMS not selling Sprint Cup backstretch tickets |url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/10037504/texas-motor-speedway-not-selling-backstretch-tickets-sprint-cup-races |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref> As of 2021, renovations have been made to reduce capacity to around 75,000.<ref name=":16" /> Also, as of 2023, the complex of the track has now expanded to cover 1,500 acres.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Engel |first1=Mac |date=September 23, 2023 |title=Texas Motor Speedway future with IndyCar, NASCAR uncertain |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138889592/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138889621/ 11B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
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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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]] |pages=9A |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> holding its first NASCAR race in December. The track was built like the [[Michigan International Speedway]], but with higher banking for faster speeds.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Hembree |first=Mike |date=March 25, 2022 |title=NASCAR At Texas World Speedway Meant High Speeds, Deer, Rattlesnakes |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a39540847/nascar-at-texas-world-speedway-meant-high-speeds-deer-rattlesnakes/
=== Planning, construction, naming dispute ===
{{See also|Bruton Smith|Eddie Gossage}}
[[File:EG and Bruton on press conference set.jpg|thumb|[[Eddie Gossage]] (left) and [[Bruton Smith]] (right) were instrumental to the construction of the Texas Motor Speedway.]]
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=":8">{{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}}</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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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">{{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}}</ref> 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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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/
[[File:Eddie Gossage at Texas Motor Speedway construction in 1995.jpg|thumb|Gossage posing for a picture during framework construction of the track in 1995.]]
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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]] |pages=C6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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}}</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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=22C |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=19D |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=7D |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Eventual NASCAR races were announced in July 1996,<ref name=":74">{{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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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">{{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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
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=== 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= |archive-date= |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Waco Tribune-Herald]] |pages=4C |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Waco Tribune-Herald]] |pages=3C |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=3B |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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/
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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138458393/ 3B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> a move that saw criticism in the coming years.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=McFadin |first=Daniel |date=September 28, 2022 |title=Put Texas Motor Speedway Out of Its Misery |url=https://frontstretch.com/2022/09/28/dropping-the-hammer-put-texas-motor-speedway-out-of-its-misery/
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}}</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]]}}</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]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
==== Rob Ramage and Mark Faber eras ====
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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-hopes-to-of/138887956/ 3B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> On August 4, 2021, Marcus Smith announced that Rob Ramage, a Texas Motor Speedway executive and counselor, had been promoted to replace Eddie Gossage as general manager.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=August 5, 2021 |title=Texas Motor Speedway names Ramage next general manager |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/130371614/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1B, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/130371640/ 6B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In an interview with [[D Magazine|''D Magazine'']], Ramage pledged that the speedway would place a bigger emphasis on technology, including releasing [[Non-fungible token|NFTs]] and experimenting with [[augmented reality]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swanger |first=Ben |date=October 1, 2021 |title=New GM Rob Ramage Takes the Wheel at Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.dmagazine.com/sports/2021/10/new-gm-rob-ramage-takes-the-wheel-at-texas-motor-speedway/
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
== Events ==
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==== NASCAR ====
{{See also|Ferko v. National Ass'n for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.}}
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= |archive-date= |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[Knoxville News Sentinel]] |pages=C6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[The Greenville News]] |pages=4 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]] |pages=C9 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[Knoxville News Sentinel]] |pages=C6 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=15C |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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}}</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/
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= |archive-date= |access-date=August 30, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=10D |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The date remained on the schedule annually until 2023, when it was moved to the spring.<ref name=":11" />
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==== 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/
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= |archive-date= |access-date=September 2, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=8D |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{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= |archive-date= |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]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
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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/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=6B |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The track once again hosted the series in 2018, this time as the season finale of that year.<ref name=":735">{{Cite news |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=November 17, 2018 |title=Air Race World event flies into Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-air-race-world/139224765/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=5B |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>
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
=== Festivals ===
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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 |website=[[Speed Sport]] |publisher=[[Speed Sport]] |date=February 11, 2020 |url=https://speedsport.tv/videos/30310 |time=57:47 |access-date=July 22, 2023 |last=Kent |first=Jeff |last2=Wallace |first2=Mke}}</ref>}}
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/
=== 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/
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
== Lap records ==
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