IROC Cancels Texas Race
Due to a lack of title sponsorship, the International Race Of Champions (IROC) has cancelled its event scheduled for Friday, April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway, and speedway President Eddie Gossage announced today that the race will be replaced with a special viewing party of the much-anticipated motion picture, “Dale.”
“Dale,” a documentary on NASCAR icon and seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt, premiered recently in Daytona Beach, Fla., but Texas Motor Speedway will serve as the local market venue for the premiere of the movie in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area during April’s Samsung 500 NASCAR race weekend. The movie will be shown on five giant NextelVision screens situated on the speedway frontstretch and the screening is expected to begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. CT. The film is expected to play to one of the largest movie crowds ever and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup qualifying has been moved from 3:10 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. CT to accommodate the throng of fans who plan to attend both Dallas Morning News Qualifying Day and the screening on April 13.
Fans attending this special event will be treated to a movie introduction and conversation with NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, for whom Earnhardt drove the legendary No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, and FOX Sports NASCAR analyst Larry McReynolds, who served as the Daytona 500-winning crew chief for Earnhardt, among others. In addition, each fan will receive a collector’s edition “Dale” poster as well as enjoy a firework spectacular following the movie screening.
“We looked to identify something special for our race fans to replace the IROC race and we thought the premiere of this much-anticipated movie in the Metroplex would be quite a treat,” Gossage said. “It’s great that Richard, Larry and a few other special guests will make this a memorable occasion for our fans that also have an opportunity to be part of one of the largest movie audiences ever. We’re honored that ‘The Great American Speedway!’ is the only track to be selected to show the film in this manner.”
Narrated by legendary actor Paul Newman, “Dale” is a 100-minute documentary that chronicles not only the career but life of Earnhardt. The story is told through historic race footage, never-before-seen family home videos and past interviews with Earnhardt himself. Fellow NASCAR competitors, along with family and friends, weave an introspective look into Earnhardt’s life and the strong legacy he left behind. Produced with support and endorsement of the Earnhardt family and Richard Childress Racing, “Dale” is a collaborative effort between NASCAR Images and CMT Films. “Dale” is touring the U.S. with premieres in select cities throughout the year.
All Texas Motor Speedway season tickets will be honored at the movie event, as well as individual tickets that were purchased for the IROC event. For those who have not yet purchased tickets for the activities surrounding April 13, Texas Motor Speedway is offering two ticket specials. For a $40 ticket, fans will receive a full day of racing action including NEXTEL Cup practice and qualifying as well as admission to the “Dale” movie. A $20 movie ticket also will be available for purchase at Gate 4 following the conclusion of qualifying.
Race tickets, including some prime frontstretch seats, are still available for the Samsung 500 NASCAR weekend April 12-15 by calling (817) 215-8500 and by visiting (www.texasmotorspeedway.com).
Due to a lack of title sponsorship, the International Race Of Champions (IROC) has cancelled its event scheduled for Friday, April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway, and speedway President Eddie Gossage announced today that the race will be replaced with a special viewing party of the much-anticipated motion picture, “Dale.”
“Dale,” a documentary on NASCAR icon and seven-time series champion Dale Earnhardt, premiered recently in Daytona Beach, Fla., but Texas Motor Speedway will serve as the local market venue for the premiere of the movie in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area during April’s Samsung 500 NASCAR race weekend. The movie will be shown on five giant NextelVision screens situated on the speedway frontstretch and the screening is expected to begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. CT. The film is expected to play to one of the largest movie crowds ever and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup qualifying has been moved from 3:10 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. CT to accommodate the throng of fans who plan to attend both Dallas Morning News Qualifying Day and the screening on April 13.
Fans attending this special event will be treated to a movie introduction and conversation with NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, for whom Earnhardt drove the legendary No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, and FOX Sports NASCAR analyst Larry McReynolds, who served as the Daytona 500-winning crew chief for Earnhardt, among others. In addition, each fan will receive a collector’s edition “Dale” poster as well as enjoy a firework spectacular following the movie screening.
“We looked to identify something special for our race fans to replace the IROC race and we thought the premiere of this much-anticipated movie in the Metroplex would be quite a treat,” Gossage said. “It’s great that Richard, Larry and a few other special guests will make this a memorable occasion for our fans that also have an opportunity to be part of one of the largest movie audiences ever. We’re honored that ‘The Great American Speedway!’ is the only track to be selected to show the film in this manner.”
Narrated by legendary actor Paul Newman, “Dale” is a 100-minute documentary that chronicles not only the career but life of Earnhardt. The story is told through historic race footage, never-before-seen family home videos and past interviews with Earnhardt himself. Fellow NASCAR competitors, along with family and friends, weave an introspective look into Earnhardt’s life and the strong legacy he left behind. Produced with support and endorsement of the Earnhardt family and Richard Childress Racing, “Dale” is a collaborative effort between NASCAR Images and CMT Films. “Dale” is touring the U.S. with premieres in select cities throughout the year.
All Texas Motor Speedway season tickets will be honored at the movie event, as well as individual tickets that were purchased for the IROC event. For those who have not yet purchased tickets for the activities surrounding April 13, Texas Motor Speedway is offering two ticket specials. For a $40 ticket, fans will receive a full day of racing action including NEXTEL Cup practice and qualifying as well as admission to the “Dale” movie. A $20 movie ticket also will be available for purchase at Gate 4 following the conclusion of qualifying.
Race tickets, including some prime frontstretch seats, are still available for the Samsung 500 NASCAR weekend April 12-15 by calling (817) 215-8500 and by visiting (www.texasmotorspeedway.com).
