Shawn Courchesne | Auto Racing

Rahal Letterman Racing Files Suit Against Scott Sharp

Rahal Letterman Racing on Wednesday announced that it has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Miami, Fla. against driver Scott Sharp and sponsor Patron Spirits.

The suit alleges that Sharp, a Norwalk native, breached a multi-year contract with Rahal Letterman Racing. According to a release from the team, the terms of Sharp’s contract with the team, along with sponsor Patron, were that they would compete with Rahal Letterman through the 2008 IndyCar Series season.

According to the release, Sharp is pursuing opportunities with other teams.

Randy "The Intimidator" Edsall

On Dec. 27, two days before the Meineke Car Care Bowl on Dec. 29 in Charlotte, UConn football players will be trading in their football helmets and uniforms for racing helmets and fire suits.

One of the perks for those playing in the Meineke Bowl is getting a chance to go out to Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. and go through the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the 1.5-mile oval.

Yes, that means UConn football players riding shotgun in NASCAR Nextel Cup stock cars at 160 mph at the track.

The Boredom Has Come To A Close And My Ride Is Just Beginning

I heard a little rumor today that the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season came to an end Sunday in Homestead, Fla.

Funny, I lost interest about a month ago.

In all seriousness, I tried to keep an eye on what was going on in yesterday’s season ending Nextel Cup Series Ford 400 and it just wasn’t grabbing my attention.

One More Nail In The Modified Tour Coffin

O. Bruton Smith, chairman and CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc. said all that needed to be said when it came to handicapping the future of the Whelen Modified Tour and Busch East Series at the new New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

During a press conference announcing the purchase of the speedway by SMI from Bob Bahre on Friday Smith was asked about what the sale would mean to the two regional divisions at his new speedway in Loudon, N.H.

Smith said he wasn’t familiar with them.

A Done Deal: Speedway Motorsports Inc. Buys New Hampshire International Speedway

O. Bruton Smith, CEO and Chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc. announced early this afternoon at Texas Motor Speedway that he has agreed to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob Bahre.

Smith will pay $340 million in cash for the 1.058-mile facility in Loudon, N.H. The track will be renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway following completion of the acquisition.

Smith said there is nothing in the purchase agreement that mandates that he must keep 1 or 2 Nextel Cup events at the track. NHIS currently hosts two Nextel Cup events annually.

Asked what New England race fans should think about the purchase Smith said: “Don’t be nervous.”

“We don’t plan to make any changes at this time,” Smith said.

Statement From NASCAR CEO Brian France On SMI Purchase Of New Hampshire International Speedway

Today’s announcement that Speedway Motorsports Inc. has purchased New Hampshire International Speedway is yet another indication that the NASCAR industry continues to grow and thrive. Capitalizing on NASCAR’s national appeal and growth, the Bahre family created a passionate fan base and developed a valuable venue that has hosted the largest sporting events in New England including 26 consecutive sellouts.

The success of NHIS, and the desire of the Bahre family to sell, made the track very attractive to SMI and several other interested buyers. SMI has a highly regarded record for hosting some of the most successful and enjoyable race events in all of NASCAR, and there’s no doubt that will continue.

Reports That SMI Will Announce Friday The Purchase Of New Hampshire International Speedway

The future of big time NASCAR racing in New England could be changing dramatically.

Officials from Speedway Motorsports Inc. are expected to announce in a press conference Friday at Texas Motor Speedway that they have purchased New Hampshire International Speedway from current owner Bob Bahre.

The Boston Globe is reporting today, through a source close to the deal, that O. Bruton Smith, CEO and Chairman of SMI, has entered into an agreement to purchase NHIS from Bahre.