IHRA eyeing up NASCAR return to historic Tennessee – Sports News
Having lately accomplished the acquisition of what was as soon as Memphis International Raceway, also called Memphis Motorsports Park, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has made its intention to convey NASCAR back to the situation crystal clear.
The 0.750-mile tri-oval beforehand hosted NASCAR O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series races from the late Nineteen Nineties up till 2009, with the likes of Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr., Ron Hornaday Jr., and the late Greg Biffle, who lately died in a airplane crash alongside together with his household, having all reached victory lane on the monitor throughout the 2 sequence in Memphis.
The oval, which might seat 35,000 followers, continued to host ARCA Menards Series races there till 2020, whereas the drag strip was in use for a additional two years earlier than the power lastly closed its doorways for good.
Now the IHRA is respiration a new lease of life into the power, having already begun tearing down a lot of its infrastructure with large objectives in thoughts within the very close to future.
IHRA president Leah Martin lately gave a glimpse into the longer term of the power on WREG Memphis, explaining that there are plans to assemble a dust monitor in addition to an amphitheater for live shows and different such occasions. Whether or not this dust monitor will exchange the paved tri-oval is unclear.
Furthermore, Martin commented, “We actually just purchased a track in Rockingham, and we’re hosting one of the NASCAR events there. And so we will be pursuing that here as well.”
As far because the timeline for Memphis is worried, Martin expects that it is going to be internet hosting “large national and international events” in simply three years, though it was not specified whether or not that features NASCAR.
Unfortunately for any sentimental locals, so as to obtain these objectives, Martin admitted that “most” of the present facility might be leveled, though they do intend to “keep some storied pieces that are just iconic for the space.”
This follows a assertion launched by IHRA CEO Darryl Cuttell, who described the power as one with “a special place in American motorsports.”
“This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future,” he added. “We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”
As Martin talked about, this construction work follows the current buy of Rockingham Speedway. “The Rock” noticed NASCAR return to its pavement for the primary time since 2013 final 12 months, with each the O’Reilly’s and Truck Series racing on its 0.94-mile oval. These occasions are set to proceed in 2026.
Following its buy of Rockingham, as with Memphis, the IHRA acknowledged that it supposed to invest within the facility. “IHRA intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination,” the assertion defined.
“Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.”
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