GATEWAY MANAGEMENT: NHRA EVENT STILL ON SCHEDULE
The NHRA has an event scheduled at Gateway for the 2011 season. According to a media spokesperson, the event is still planned and will go forward until further notice is given.
Track Still Weighing Drag Racing Options For 2011 …
Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) announced yesterday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gateway International Raceway had notified NASCAR that it will not seek 2011 sanctions for its two Nationwide Series and one Camping World Truck Series races. The announcement sent shockwaves through the motorsports community and those ripples reached the drag racing community almost immediately.
The NHRA has an event scheduled at Gateway for the 2011 season. According to a media spokesperson, the event is still planned and will go forward until further notice is given.
“It should have no effect,” confirmed Brandon Mudd, Director of Media Relations for Gateway International Raceway. “A number of options are being looked at including running Gateway as a drag strip with a road course. There’s an option to possibly sell the track. Then there’s the option to close. All of those options are being looked at equally.
“As of now, the 2010 schedule is going to play out as originally planned. While NASCAR obviously won’t be here in 2011, the way it stands, we are still a functioning facility that has no current plans to shut down.”
Mudd confirmed the drag strip and in particular it’s NHRA race date, has been a profitable venture for Gateway International Raceway.
There is no timetable for any further announcements regarding the options available.
“I really don’t want to speculate on a timetable or what their plans are,” said Mudd, when asked if there was a deadline for a decision. “I believe something will come out sooner than later as far as a purchase or a close down, or restructuring of the facility.”
Last year Dover closed down their Memphis Motorsports Park facility cancelling their national event scheduled for the 2010 season.
