TMS could lose 2nd Cup race

For years, Texas Motor Speedway lobbied NASCAR for a second race weekend. Now that the speedway finally has it, the onus is on to fill the massive track. It never has been a problem selling out the spring race, with crowds of 200,000-plus at TMS. This year, the setup is better than ever for that race. The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 has been pushed back a few weeks to April 17, giving it a better shot at avoiding the rain and cold that have dogged the Nextel Cup event in the past.

But Texas has a second Nextel Cup race in 2005, the Dickies 500 on Nov.6, and NASCAR will keep a close eye on ticket sales. "The second Cup race is good for one year," said Tom Krompitz, the speedway's general counsel. "Another race in 2006 depends on us selling out the speedway in 2005."

TMS officials are asking the city of Fort Worth to contribute $500,000 to help with marketing. Early indications are that the city will kick in the money. The speedway will throw $2.8-million into marketing this year. "It makes a lot of sense to come to a market as big as Dallas-Fort Worth twice," said Jeff Gordon, a four-time series champion, "but everyone is clamoring for a race, and NASCAR wants to spread them across the country." St. Petersburg Times