NHIS presently has two Cup races each season, and this newly acquired piece of property by Smith could change this in the near future; as Smith had purchased North Wilkesboro Speedway, NC closed it down just to get another date at one of his other tracks. However, he did state that nothing would be changed to the 2008 schedule. But do recall, Smith has mentioned in the past, that he would like to have a second race date at his Las Vegas track.
Also, Smith recently spoke about building a new track near Charlotte NC and walk away from the present Lowe's Motor Speedway he owns because the city of Concord, NC will not let him build a dragstip at Lowe's. Face it, Smith is a businessman, and has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I believe that Smith, will do what is best for him and if moving a date in the future is best for him, and NASCAR approves, it will be done.
According to reports, NASCAR did tell Smith, that he could move a race from one of his tracks, and purchasing NHIS would give him that option - but any race he does decide to move, NASCAR would still have the final say or nay.
Along with the ownership change, the name will also change and no longer be called New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS) but instead will be renamed New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Smith now owns seven racing facilities with the acquisition of NHIS; others are Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Las Vegas.
Only two hours after the news was made public, New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch issued his own statement on the subject, stating that he intended to reach out to the new owner of NHIS, welcome him to the state and encourage him to maintain both races at Loudon.
Karen Eryou
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