View source for Texas Motor Speedway

{{Short description|Motorsport track in the United States}}
{{Distinguish|Texas World Speedway}}
{{Motorsport venue
| Name              = Texas Motor Speedway
| Nicknames         = The Great American Speedway
| Location          = 3545 Lone Star Circle, [[Fort Worth, Texas|Fort Worth]], [[Texas]]
| Time              = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|UTC−6]] / [[UTC-05:00|UTC−5]] ([[Central Daylight Time|DST]])
| Coordinates       = {{coord|33|2|15|N|97|17|4.92|W|type:landmark_globe:earth_region:US-TX|display=it}}
| Logo              = Texas Motor Speedway logo.svg
| Image             = Texas Motor Speedway 2024.svg
| Image_caption     = Quad-oval (1997–present)
| Capacity          = 75,000
| Owner             = [[Fort Worth, Texas|Fort Worth Sports Authority]]
| Operator          = [[Speedway Motorsports]] (1996–present)
| Broke_ground      = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1995|04|11}}
| Opened            = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1996|08|03}}
| Construction_cost = {{USD}}110 million
| Former_names      = Texas International Raceway (September 1996–December 1996)
| Events            = '''Current:'''<br />'''[[NASCAR Cup Series]]'''<br/>''[[NASCAR Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway|Würth 400]]'' (2005–present)<br/>''[[NASCAR Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway|O'Reilly Auto Parts 500]]'' (1997–2020)<br/>''[[NASCAR All-Star Race]]'' (2021–2022)<br />'''[[NASCAR Xfinity Series]]'''<br/>''[[Andy's Frozen Custard 300]]'' (2005–present)<br/>''[[SRS Distribution 250]]'' (1997–2022)<br />'''[[NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series]]'''<br/>''[[SpeedyCash.com 250]]'' (1999–present)<br/>''[[Vankor 350]]'' (1999–2020) 
'''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)
| Miles_first       = True
| Layout1           = Oval (1996–present)
| Surface           = Asphalt
| Length_mi         = 1.500
| Length_km         = 2.414 
| Turns             = 4
| Banking           = Turns 1 and 2: 20°<br/>Turns 3 and 4: 24°<br/>Frontstretch and backstretch: 5°
| Record_time       = 0:22.972
| Record_driver     = {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tony Stewart]]
| Record_car        = [[Dallara IR-7]]
| Record_year       = [[1998 True Value 500|1998]]
| Record_class      = [[IndyCar Series|IRL]]
| Layout2           = Road Course with Chicane (2000–present)
| Surface2          = Asphalt
| Length_mi2        = 2.324
| Length_km2        = 3.740 
| Turns2            = 10
| Record_time2      = 1:12.912
| Record_driver2    = {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Allan McNish]]
| Record_car2       = [[Audi R8 (LMP)|Audi R8]]
| 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|1.500|mi|km|abbr=on}} quad-oval [[Oval track racing#Intermediate|intermediate]] speedway in [[Fort Worth, Texas]]. It has hosted various major races since its inaugural season of racing in 1997, including [[NASCAR]] and [[IndyCar]] races. The track is owned by the city of Fort Worth's sports authority and is leased out by [[Speedway Motorsports|Speedway Motorsports, LLC]] (SMI) for racing, with Mark Faber serving as the track's general manager. 

As of 2021, the track has a capacity of 75,000. Alongside the main track, Texas Motor Speedway features an infield road course with four layouts alongside two adjacent tracks, including a {{Convert|0.200|mi|km|abbr=on}} paved short track and a {{Convert|0.400|mi|km|abbr=on}} dirt track. TMS features numerous amenities, including the world's largest HD video screen, a Speedway Club overlooking the first turn, and a 10-story building dedicated for office space and [[Condominium|condominiums]].

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 and rising [[Speedway Motorsports]] and its founder, [[Bruton Smith]], sought 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 was completed in 1996, with TMS holding its first races in 1997. Upon the track's christening, TMS became one of the biggest sports facilities in the United States. In recent years, TMS has come under criticism for a poor racing product, particularly for its NASCAR races.

== Description ==

=== Configurations ===
Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) in its current form is measured at {{Convert|1.500|mi|km|abbr=on}}, 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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170310/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-turns-to-el/139202149/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |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]] |url-status=live }} {{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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170303/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/139203677/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |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]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Disputes over the track's length exist; the [[IndyCar Series]] have at times utilized two lengths: one at {{Convert|1.455|mi|km|abbr=on}} and one at {{Convert|1.44|mi|km|abbr=on}}. However, these measurements have been disputed as an "error" by former longtime track general manager [[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 |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=[[Yahoo Sports]] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421145423/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/track-can-listed-accurately-two-different-lengths-173505330.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1999, track developers announced 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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170246/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-adds-weeken/139088043/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |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]] |url-status=live }} {{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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121235358/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-road-course/139225751/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=11D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121235407/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-winning-formula/139225832/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |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]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> 

=== Amenities ===
TMS 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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170258/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-gridlock-guaran/139203999/ |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-gridlock-guaran/139204040/ 25A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The intersection has seen criticism since the track's construction; in 2010, [[Denton County, Texas|Denton County]] officials announced the widening of Highway 114 in response to traffic within the area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dickson |first=Gordon |date=December 9, 2010 |title=Texas 114 set for new lanes near speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-114-set-f/139203883/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170309/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-114-set-f/139203883/ |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-texas-114-set-f/139203919/ 3B] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>

As of 2021, TMS has a reported capacity of 75,000 according to the ''[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]''.<ref name=":16" /> TMS's track complex covers 1,500 acres according to the ''Star-Telegram''.<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=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124165735/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138889592/ |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |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> At the time of TMS's opening, the ''[[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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070313/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-guide-to-texas/139072095/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |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]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> 

==== Track complex buildings, Big Hoss TV ====
[[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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070320/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-ground-broken-f/139071887/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=2B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> and completed in early 1998,<ref name=":5225">{{Cite news |last=Virgil |first=Jo |date=December 20, 1997 |title=Racing toward progress |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-racing-toward-p/139072614/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-racing-toward-p/139072614/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=5B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> with the building costing Texas Motor Speedway around $25 million in taxes.<ref name=":5226">{{Cite news |last=Vaughn |first=Chris |date=March 30, 1998 |title=Fort Worth marketing idea that speed thrills |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-fort-worth-mark/139072741/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070323/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-fort-worth-mark/139072741/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-fort-worth-mark/139072751/ 2A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The first four floors are dedicated for office space, with the rest of the floors being dedicated for condos.<ref name=":5224">{{Cite news |last=Bowen |first=Bill |date=March 21, 1998 |title=Life above the fast lane |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-life-above-the/139073117/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070324/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-life-above-the/139073117/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=8B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Initially, 58 condos were planned to be sold;<ref name=":5223" /> the number later increased to 76.<ref name=":5224" /> By the next year, the speedway made efforts to fill up the tower's office space of a combined 100,000 square feet.<ref name=":5227">{{Cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Bill W. |date=January 28, 1999 |title=The Fast Lane |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-the-fast-lane/139073544/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070314/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-the-fast-lane/139073544/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-the-fast-lane/139073546/ 6C] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> TMS also announced in 1997 that they were building a members-only Speedway Club overlooking the first turn that was inspired by the club at the [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]].<ref name=":5228">{{Cite news |last=Markiewicz |first=David A. |date=April 4, 1997 |title=Speedway officials plan office tower |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-offici/139073876/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070316/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-speedway-offici/139073876/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=6A |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The nine-story club was completed in March 1999 at a cost of $35 million,<ref name=":5229">{{Cite news |last=Bowen |first=Bill |date=January 28, 1999 |title=Racing The Clock |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-racing-the-cloc/139073904/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-racing-the-cloc/139073904/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=6C |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> featuring 26,000 square feet of space.<ref name=":52210">{{Cite news |last=Laura |first=Vozzella |date=March 24, 1999 |title=Gentlemen, Start Your Entrees! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-gentlemen-star/139073982/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119070319/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-gentlemen-star/139073982/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=6B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>

In 2013, Gossage announced the construction of ''Big Hoss TV'', which when constructed, 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">{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828052021/https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/10037504/texas-motor-speedway-not-selling-backstretch-tickets-sprint-cup-races |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref> 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 was 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, TMS announced that the screen was to be expanded by 10%.<ref name=":3" /> 

==== Adjacent tracks ====
TMS's complex has two adjacent tracks. 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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120073930/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-raceway-champ-f/139135761/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 18, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=8D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name=":52283">{{Cite news |last=Hayward |first=Len |date=May 7, 1998 |title=A capable pit crew vital at any level |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-a-capable-pit-c/139136171/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120073929/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-a-capable-pit-c/139136171/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=8D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In August 1999, Gossage announced plans of a new {{Convert|2/5|mi|km}} dirt track to the main track's east that could seat 13,007.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hayward |first1=Len |date=August 18, 1999 |title=New dirt track to be located on TMS' east side |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-new-dirt-track/139136550/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120073928/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-new-dirt-track/139136550/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=2D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The $8 million track is made out of black [[Gumbo (soil)|gumbo soil]],<ref name=":732">{{Cite news |last=Hayward |first=Len |date=March 10, 2000 |title=Outlaws drivers say TMS track is dirt-rich |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-outlaws-drivers/139137257/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120073932/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-outlaws-drivers/139137257/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=13D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> and held its first races in March 2000.<ref name=":733">{{Cite news |last=Hayward |first=Len |date=March 28, 2000 |title=Cleaning up with dirt |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-cleaning-up-wit/139137236/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120073959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-cleaning-up-wit/139137236/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=10D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>

== History ==

=== 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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121235356/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-everything/139269382/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]] |pages=9A |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{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/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=[[Autoweek]] |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126171749/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a39540847/nascar-at-texas-world-speedway-meant-high-speeds-deer-rattlesnakes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, in the coming years, the track faced a slew of issues; the [[1973 oil crisis]] halted any major racing for nearly three years.<ref name=":7311">{{Cite news |last=Kammlah |first=Joe |date=December 13, 1973 |title=Two Sides to Coin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-two-sides-to/139271420/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121235355/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-two-sides-to/139271420/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]] |pages=2B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name=":7312">{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1976 |title=TWS Schedules 5 Major Events |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-tws-schedule/139271289/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121235411/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-tws-schedule/139271289/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]] |pages=6B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> Although NASCAR eventually returned in 1979,<ref name=":7313">{{Cite news |last=Waggoner |first=Jerry |date=May 27, 1979 |title=NASCAR's return timed just right for TWS |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-nascars-ret/139272243/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121235334/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-nascars-ret/139272243/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]] |pages=1B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> heading into the 1980s, the track faced a lack of stable and modern infrastructure along with attendance issues. NASCAR left in 1981, with its president [[Bill France Jr.]] citing a poor track surface and amenities. USAC also left the track in the 1980s, although this was due to, according to track president R. C. Connole, USAC splitting with [[Championship Auto Racing Teams]] in 1979, leading to major turmoil within USAC.<ref name=":7314">{{Cite news |last=Hoeckley |first=Rhonda |date=December 11, 1982 |title=A new turn in the road |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-a-new-turn-i/139272773/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121235332/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-a-new-turn-i/139272773/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]] |pages=42, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-a-new-turn-i/139272848/ 43], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-a-new-turn-i/139272859/ 44], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/bryan-college-station-eagle-a-new-turn-i/139272878/ 45] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Leitschuh |first=Max |date=March 20, 2020 |title=The Lost Tracks: Texas World Speedway |url=https://champweb.net/texas-world-speedway/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=ChampWeb |language=en-US |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170249/https://champweb.net/texas-world-speedway/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the track was swapped around numerous owners, the track never held a major series again, leaving Texas without a track that held a major series for over a decade.<ref name=":5" />

=== 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 TMS 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 facility 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 TMS.<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; an IndyCar first.<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 ===
TMS 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 [[Mall.com 500|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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170248/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-11-injured-at-s/139137105/ |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-11-injured-at-s/139137130/ 19A] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The next year, during a [[NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series]] race, the track oversaw its first fatality when driver [[Tony Roper (racing driver)|Tony Roper]] crashed on the track's frontstretch,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hawkins |first=Stephen |date=October 15, 2000 |title=NASCAR truck series driver dies after Texas accident |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-anniston-star-nascar-truck-series-dr/130899729/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044326/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-anniston-star-nascar-truck-series-dr/130899729/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2023 |work=[[The Anniston Star]] |pages=7D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> suffering a fatal [[basilar skull fracture]] that caused renewed controversy within NASCAR over driver safety.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mulhurn |first=Mike |date=October 15, 2000 |title=Controversy Reigns |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-controversy-reigns/130899908/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831044324/https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal-controversy-reigns/130899908/ |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=August 29, 2023 |work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]] |pages=C9 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In 2001, the track sought to hold its first CART race; however, after a culmination of events that occurred over the course of several months, the race was cancelled after it was found that drivers could suffer extreme vertical ''g''-loads in the track's turns 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/ |url-status=live |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]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The track was later repaved that same year to remove any bumps from the racing surface, with Gossage stating in an interview that to maintain the track, they needed to repave it every couple of years.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Kathleen |date=June 29, 2001 |title=Repaving the fast lane |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-repaving-the-fa/139303250/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1D, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-repaving-the-fa/139303254/ 11D] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170254/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-repaving-the-fa/139303250/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> 

==== Speedway's stabilization and expansion ====
By the early 2000s, problems with the track declined. TMS 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 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=":152">{{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><ref name=":8">{{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/ |url-status=live |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]]}} {{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>

TMS 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, TMS sparked 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, TMS 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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119161110/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138458366/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |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]] |url-status=live }} {{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/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=Frontstretch |language=en-US |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110210649/https://frontstretch.com/2022/09/28/dropping-the-hammer-put-texas-motor-speedway-out-of-its-misery/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

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, TMS leaders 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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116201909/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-tms-hopes-to-of/138887933/ |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |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]] |url-status=live }} {{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 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]] |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821143318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/130371614/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[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/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=[[D Magazine]] |language=en-US |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116173852/https://www.dmagazine.com/sports/2021/10/new-gm-rob-ramage-takes-the-wheel-at-texas-motor-speedway/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He also expressed a desire to increase fan diversity, specifically with Hispanics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Brian |date=May 20, 2022 |title=Drawing in more Hispanic fans at Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2022/05/19/creating-more-hispanic-fans-at-texas-motor-speedway |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=[[Spectrum News 1 Austin]] |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116173852/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2022/05/19/creating-more-hispanic-fans-at-texas-motor-speedway |url-status=live }}</ref> In September, NASCAR announced that the NASCAR All-Star Race was set to return to the speedway in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Davison |first1=Drew |date=September 16, 2021 |title=NASCAR's All-Star Race is returning to Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-nascars-all-st/138876223/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116173854/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-nascars-all-st/138876223/ |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=2B |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>
[[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 ==

=== Racing events ===

==== NASCAR ====
{{See also|NASCAR Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway|Andy's Frozen Custard 300|SpeedyCash.com 250|label 1=Würth 400}}
[[File:2017 O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Start.jpg|alt=refer to caption|thumb|The [[NASCAR Cup Series]] racing at TMS in 2017. Since 1997, the facility has hosted the series annually in some fashion.]]TMS holds one annual NASCAR weekend, highlighted by a [[NASCAR Cup Series]] race known as the [[NASCAR Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway|Würth 400]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=April 11, 2024 |title=Reality of NASCAR's future both in Texas, and all over the United States, is the same |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mac-engel/article287586425.html |access-date=October 16, 2024 |website=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]}}</ref> The track also features support races for the Cup Series, including the second-tier [[NASCAR Xfinity Series]]' [[NASCAR Xfinity Series at Texas Motor Speedway|Andy's Frozen Custard 300]] and the third-tier [[NASCAR Truck Series]]' [[SpeedyCash.com 250]].<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> In 2021, the track hosted the exhibition [[NASCAR All-Star Race]] as part of SMI CEO [[Marcus Smith (businessman)|Marcus Smith]]'s effort to boost declining attendance.<ref name=":1022">{{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=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119161110/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138458366/ |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |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> However, after two years, the All-Star Race moved to [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]].<ref name=":1232">{{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 |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=[[Forbes]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Open-wheel racing ====
{{See also|IndyCar Series at Texas Motor Speedway|Firestone Firehawk 600}}

TMS formerly held [[IndyCar Series]] races from 1997 to 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> In 2024, the IndyCar Series did not return to TMS due to an [[NBC]] conflict with the [[2024 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonkowski |first=Jerry |date=September 25, 2023 |title=IndyCar 2024 Schedule: Texas A No, Milwaukee A Go Go |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/indycar/a45301385/indycar-2024-schedule-texas-a-no-milwaukee-a-go-go/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120021850/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/indycar/a45301385/indycar-2024-schedule-texas-a-no-milwaukee-a-go-go/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=[[Autoweek]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pruett |first=Marshall |date=September 22, 2023 |title=Date conflicts throw Texas into doubt for IndyCar's 2024 schedule |url=https://racer.com/2023/09/22/date-conflicts-throw-texas-into-doubt-for-indycars-2024-schedule/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170246/https://racer.com/2023/09/22/date-conflicts-throw-texas-into-doubt-for-indycars-2024-schedule/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=[[Racer (magazine)|Racer]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2000, a [[Championship Auto Racing Teams|CART]] race was planned for 2001 but was canceled after it was found that drivers could suffer extreme vertical g-loads that could have led to death.<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> The speedway later sued CART for breach of contract and settled for approximately $5–7 million, and races scheduled for 2002 and 2003 were canceled.<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 events ====
[[File:2009 Solar Car Challenge.jpg|thumb|Competitors and their cars at the 2009 Solar Car Challenge.]]

* Since 1998, TMS 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 2000, the [[American Le Mans Series]] expanded their schedule to include TMS 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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170321/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-right-formula/139296444/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=6D |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref> The series ran the event again in 2001.<ref name=":52211">{{Cite news |last=Sturbin |first=John |date=March 5, 2001 |title=Repeat Sweep |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-repeat-sweep-p/139296956/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170320/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-repeat-sweep-p/139296956/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-repeat-sweep-p/139296968/ 14C] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}</ref>

* In 2015, TMS 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=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170322/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texan-hopes-to/139224696/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |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=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121235359/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-air-race-world/139224765/ |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=5B |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>

* In 2017, TMS 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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=[[NBC Sports]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The series raced at the 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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126170245/https://us.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/stadium-super-trucks-nascar-texas/4309342/ |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |access-date=January 21, 2024 |website=[[Motorsport.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

* In 2022, the track hosted the [[Indy Autonomous Challenge]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oitzman |first=Mike |date=September 29, 2022 |title=Indy Autonomous Challenge announces next competition at Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.therobotreport.com/indy-autonomous-challenge-announces-next-competition-at-texas-motor-speedway/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 30, 2025 |website=The Robot Report |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In 2024, the track hosted the second round of the [[2024 SuperMotocross World Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beaver |first=Dan |date=September 14, 2024 |title=Hunter Lawrence wins SuperMotocross playoff Round 2 at Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/news/live-supermotocross-2024-playoff-updates-from-round-2-at-texas-motor-speedway-chase-sexton-jett-lawrence-eli-tomachaiden-deegan |url-status=live |access-date=April 30, 2025 |website=[[NBC Sports]] |language=en-US}}</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", who stated that the festival was extremely chaotic.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://speedsport.tv/videos/30310 |title=Fast Car 2 NASCAR with Mike Wallace: Eddie Gossage |date=September 19, 2023 |last=Wallace |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Wallace (racing driver) |last2=Kent |first2=Jeff |type=Video |language=en |access-date=October 16, 2024 |via=[[Speed Sport]]}}</ref> 

After 1997, TMS has held fewer 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 ===
* In 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the facility 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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116200406/https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/03/us/texas-motor-speedway-graduation-ceremonies-trnd/index.html |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116201908/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-texas-motor-spe/138876763/ |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |access-date=January 16, 2024 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |pages=3A |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>

== 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="5" | Oval: {{Convert|1.482|mi|km|abbr=on}} (1996–present)
|-
| [[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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827174009/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1998-texas-indycars-2/ |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |date=6 June 1998 |archive-date=27 August 2023 |access-date=17 March 2024 |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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162101/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2004-texas-indy-lights/ |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |date=16 October 2004 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |access-date=17 March 2024 |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162100/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/results/2018/texas-190360/?st=FL |date=8 April 2018 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |access-date=17 March 2024 |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317163602/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-xs/results/2018/texas-190500/?st=FL |date=7 April 2018 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |access-date=17 March 2024 |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317163602/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-truck/results/2018/texas-ii/?st=FL |date=2 November 2018 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |access-date=17 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> || [[Brett Moffitt]] || [[Toyota Tundra#NASCAR|Toyota Tundra]] || [[2018 JAG Metals 350]] 
|-
! colspan="5" |Road Course: {{Convert|2.324|mi|km|abbr=on}} (2000–present)<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas Motor Speedway - Motor Sport Magazine |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/circuits/texas-motor-speedway/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162100/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/circuits/texas-motor-speedway/ |website=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport Magazine]] |archive-date=17 March 2024 |access-date=17 March 2024 |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317162100/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Texas-2000-09-03.html |date=3 September 2000 |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-date=17 March 2024 |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524135802/https://www.racingsportscars.com/race/Texas-2001-03-04.html |date=4 March 2001 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |access-date=24 May 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> || Steven Knight || [[Lola B2K/40]] || [[2001 Grand Prix of Texas]]
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{commons category-inline|Texas Motor Speedway}}

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[[Category:Texas Motor Speedway]]
[[Category:American Le Mans Series circuits]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Denton County, Texas]]
[[Category:Champ Car circuits]]
[[Category:IndyCar Series tracks]]
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