Texas Motor Speedway’s Gossage stepping down – KIRO 7 Information Seattle

FORT WORTH, Texas – (AP) – Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage is stepping down after overseeing the track since it opened 24 years ago.

The 62-year-old Gossage said Thursday that his final event will be NASCAR’s All-Star Race on June 13, the first at TMS. He said a moment will come full circle in his 32 years at Speedway Motorsports and Bruton Smith.

Gossage was a young public relations director at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1992 when one of his stunts literally set Smith’s hair on fire during a press conference promoting the first NASCAR All-Star Race that night. When Smith flicked Gossage’s giant light switch to highlight the new Charlotte Speedway lighting system, sparks flew.

“I thought I was definitely heading for the unemployment line,” said Gossage. “But for some reason Bruton kept me with him, and it wasn’t long before he gave me an opportunity I could only dream of.”

When Smith built the Texas Motor Speedway, which opened in 1997, Gossage was the track’s general manager. He added the title of TMS President in 2004 and is one of the longest-serving employees at Speedway Motorsports.

Gossage previously worked for Nashville International Raceway, Bristol International Raceway and Miller Brewing Co. in the areas of motorsport management and public relations. He joined Speedway Motorsports in Charlotte in 1989.

Smith said Gossage has been a sponsor, friend, and asset to the entire industry.

“When I built Texas Motor Speedway, I had a lot of architects, accountants, and lawyers, but what I really needed was a promotion,” said Smith. “This is where Eddie came in. They say everything is bigger in Texas and I needed a big personality in Dallas / Fort Worth. Eddie has become a smart businessman over the years, but he’s remained a publicist at heart and he has never forgotten what the entertainment business is all about, having fun. “

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