Gateway Motorsports Park Track News, Records & Links

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Phone:
(618) 215-8888

Track address:
700 Raceway Blvd.
Madison, IL 62060

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Track News and Announcements

  • Toys for Tots toy drive December 5-9 at Gateway Motorsports Park: Gateway Motorsports Park will launch a weeklong Toys for Tots toy drive on Monday, December 5. Race fans who come to the GMP ticket office to purchase tickets for the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events and donate a new, unwrapped toy will receive a complimentary pair of tickets to GMP's PSCA Hot Rod Hootenanny on April 21-22 or the annual St. Louis Nostalgia Rendezvous on May 13. The toy drive will conclude at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 9. More info at www.gatewaymsp.com.(GMP)(12-5-2016)

  • Gateway and GEICO offering 60% discount to military personnel for Truck race: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will return to Gateway Motorsports Park on June 25 for the annual Drivin' For Linemen 200 and will be accompanied for the first time by the ARCA Short Track Series and USAC Silver Crown Series. Gateway Motorsports Park and GEICO are honoring the brave men and women who currently serve, or have served, in America's armed forces with a special offer for the exciting oval-track tripleheader. All current military members, veterans - and their families - will receive a 60% discount on all ticket packages offered by GMP courtesy of GEICO. Premium reserved tickets, originally $59, will be available for $24. Reserved tickets, normally $49, are available at $20. General admission seats which usually sell for $36 now are available to military and veterans for only $14. Each ticket purchased with the military/veterans discount also will include a food voucher for one free bottle of water and one complimentary sandwich (redeemable at any GMP concession stand on race day courtesy of GEICO). Each ticket purchased with this special offer also will include one "cold" pit pass and a discounted coupon that may be redeemed at the Gateway Kartplex. The Kartplex coupon may be used anytime throughout the year. For more information, please call GMP at (618) 215-8888 or visit www.gatewaymsp.com.(Gateway Motorsports Park)(4-12-2016)

  • Bisci joins Gateway Motorsports Park: Gateway Motorsports Park officials announced that 28-year motorsports veteran John Bisci has joined the staff of Gateway Motorsports Park in the new position of Media and Promotions Manager. With more than 40 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Bisci will be actively involved in the promotion of the NHRA-sanctioned Dragplex and Gateway Kartplex. Bisci brings event development experience that will be utilized for schedule expansion and racing diversity. Bisci's experience includes media relations for NHRA-sanctioned tracks, as a publicist for Mello Yello Drag Racing Series teams and representation for multiple NASCAR sponsors and drivers. Bisci joins the track's expanding public relations team and will be working closely with Susan Ryan, who has led the public and media relations efforts for Gateway Motorsports Park since its rebirth in 2011. "I am proud and excited to join the Gateway Motorsports Park team," Bisci said. "It is important to work for, and with, people who share my passion for the sport. This is an exciting time for Gateway Motorsports Park, and I am pleased to be a part of the continued growth of one of the fastest growing, up-and-coming motorsports facilities in the United States."(Gateway Motorsports Park)(3-26-2016)

  • American Ethanol partners with Gateway: Officials for Gateway Motorsports Park announced that American Ethanol will serve as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series "Drivin' for Linemen 200" official presenting sponsor. The event marks NASCAR's first visit to the St. Louis area since the 2010 racing season. In 2010, NASCAR embraced the desire for greener, American-job-producing fuels when it announced its decision to move to an ethanol racing fuel called Sunoco Green E15 for NASCAR's three national series. American Ethanol was established by Growth Energy in partnership with the National Corn Growers Association to increase the awareness of the reliability, performance capabilities and affordability of American-made ethanol.(Gateway Motorsports Park)(5-19-2014)

  • Drivin' for Linemen to headline Gateway return: Officials for Gateway Motorsports Park and MAKE Motorsports announced today that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event will be known as the "Drivin' for Linemen 200." NASCAR returns to the St. Louis area on June 14, 2014 for the first time since 2010, with a race that will bring a heightened level of awareness to the Linemen of America and the electrical industry. The Linemen were slated to be recognized today by the U.S. Congress for their efforts as first responders during natural disasters. This race will pay tribute to the past, present, future and fallen Linemen. This is the first venture into event marketing for the Linemen industry as a whole. The #50 MAKE Motorsports Chevy Silverado is the first industry-sponsored NASCAR Camping World Truck Series vehicle. The 'Drivin' for Linemen 200' expands on MAKE's vision to support all Linemen while also bringing awareness to the industry.(Gateway Motorsports Park)(4-18-2014)

  • 2014 Truck Series schedule released: NASCAR today announced the 2014 schedule for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, a slate that includes the return to racing at Gateway Motorsports Park for the first time since 2010. Gateway, a 1.25-mile oval in Madison, Ill., just outside of St. Louis, hosted truck series races from 1998-2010 with only one repeat winner in its 13-race history, Ted Musgrave, who won in 2001 and 2005. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series star Kevin Harvick won the most recent Gateway race, in July of 2010. Now independently owned by St. Louis-native Curtis Francois, a former racer with significant ties to the local community, Gateway will hold its 2014 race on June 14. After a two-year hiatus, New Hampshire Motor Speedway likewise returns to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule (Sept. 20). New Hampshire held truck racing from 1996-2011, and will return in 2014 as part of a companion weekend with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Next season's 22-race schedule also includes two tracks which made wildly successful debuts in 2013; Eldora Speedway (July 23) in Rossburg, Ohio and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Aug. 31) in Bowmanville, Ontario. The entire 2014 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season can be seen on FOX Sports 1 and heard on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Motor Racing Network Radio. In 2013 Eldora, the 0.5-mile dirt track owned by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, held the first NASCAR national series dirt race since 1970. A standing room only crowd of 20,000 fans watched history, as 2011 series champion Austin Dillon captured the victory. This event will be the first of two Wednesday night races for the series, joining Bristol Motor Speedway's popular mid-week race on Aug. 20. This summer, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park became the first road course to host a truck series race in more than a decade. Culminating with end-of-race fireworks that have become a trademark of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing, Chase Elliott, son of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Bill Elliott, won the inaugural international event. Next season's schedule features one date shift, with the series racing at Kansas Speedway on May 9, the first night race for the series at the 1.5-mile venue. The balance of the 2014 NASCAR Camping World Truck schedule, the series' 20th season,maintains a familiar feel, opening with Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 21 and culminating on Nov. 14 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.2014 Truck Series schedule page (NASCAR)(10-25-2013)

  • Gateway Raceway to reopen: A group of investors, led by real estate developer and former professional race car driver Curtis Francois, have reached an agreement to operate the Gateway International Raceway for the 2012 racing season. "With the 2012 racing season fast approaching, we had to move quickly and negotiate a lease for the facility," Francois said. "We were excited to reach an agreement with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to return in October 2012 with the NHRA Midwest Nationals. This event is very important for the future viability of the track and illustrates the interest the industry has in revitalizing this wonderful entertainment venue." Gateway International Raceway, previously owned by Dover Motorsports, Inc. out of Dover, Delaware, ceased operations in November, 2010 citing the inability to run the operations with acceptable returns. The new, local investors have plans to expand the use of the facility, and operate in a manner that will be more cost-effective for the long term. About 50 full-time jobs and up to 300 part-time jobs are expected to result from the reopening of the track, and officials are optimistic about the impact this investment will have on the overall region. Thursday, the NHRA released its 2012 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule and the reopening of the Gateway track was highlighted as a premier event.(KSDK)(11-5-2011)

  • Gateway to run some drag races in 2012: A group of investors, led by real estate developer and former professional race car driver Curtis Francois, have reached an agreement to operate the Gateway International Raceway for the 2012 racing season. "With the 2012 racing season fast approaching, we had to move quickly and negotiate a lease for the facility," Francois said. "We were excited to reach an agreement with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to return in October 2012 with the NHRA Midwest Nationals. This event is very important for the future viability of the track and illustrates the interest the industry has in revitalizing this wonderful entertainment venue." Gateway International Raceway, previously owned by Dover Motorsports, Inc. out of Dover, Delaware, ceased operations in November, 2010 citing the inability to run the operations with acceptable returns. The new, local investors have plans to expand the use of the facility, and operate in a manner that will be more cost-effective for the long term. "We are currently working with state and local governments to put together a redevelopment plan that will allow us to purchase the facility and lay a firm financial foundation for the track. We've received incredible interest and support from the racing industry, state and local officials, local businesses and racing fans," Francois said. "We are very excited about the jobs this investment can create and the overall economic impact it can have on the region."
    "My staff and I have been working closely with Curtis Francois over the past few months as this deal was nearing completion, and we are excited with this great news," said Mark A. Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman. "I've known Curtis for many years and I look forward to the reopening of the Gateway Raceway as it means so much to our region, and in particular St. Clair County. The Raceway will once again attract crowds and fans from throughout the region and country."
    "I'm delighted that the Gateway International Raceway will be reopened and once again become a wonderful entertainment center for the region," said City of Madison Mayor John Hamm. "This nationally renowned facility is a breath of fresh air for the City of Madison. New operator Curtis Francois has been great to work with and every City Council Member has given me the green light to get this deal done."
    About 50 full-time jobs and up to 300 part-time jobs are expected to result from the reopening of the track, and officials are optimistic about the impact this investment will have on the overall region. Thursday, the NHRA released its 2012 Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule and the reopening of the Gateway track was highlighted as a premier event. Francois says plans are for the track to open for a full season of racing sometime in the March of 2012, and there are plans to hold some limited racing events yet this year. "We are excited to return to the St. Louis area, as we have a very strong fan base in the region and they have always supported NHRA Drag Racing," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.(KSDK)(9-15-2011)

  • Latest on proposed Branson area racetrack: Members of the Taney County [Southwest Missouri] Planning Commission on Monday approved controversial plans and a permit to build a $250 million NASCAR-style track on 800 acres south of Hollister. The 4-2 vote in favor of the Branson Sports Entertainment Complex came with hefty conditions, however. In addition to complying with local development codes and state and federal requirements, developer Russell Cook will be required to make any transportation upgrades needed to handle the increased traffic and finish all infrastructure improvements before moving ahead with construction. He also must build four sound measuring stations within a half-mile of the track. He could face a fine of $5,000 if the noise level exceeds 68 decibels (normal conversation with someone a few feet away is about 60 decibels). Representatives for both Cook and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris [sponsor of the #1 Chevy] -- who has publicly opposed the project -- greeted the restrictions with cautious optimism. Commission chair Shawn Pingleton lobbied Monday for penalties on the order of $5,000 per decibel above 68 decibels on the first violation and $10,000 per decibel point on the second, but member Ray Edwards used the lesser penalty in his amended motion to approve.(News Leader)(7-19-2011)

  • Original owner gets involved with sale of Gateway: Original Gateway International Raceway owner Chris Pook and his former construction manager and general manager Rod Wolter have been asked by the track's current landowners to help facilitate the sale of the Madison track. "We've been in discussion with Chris and Rod for several weeks and we've just finalized the consent of the group to engage them," said Clayton attorney Bob West, who represents one of the landowners. "I don't know if afraid is the right term, but the group recognized that these guys had a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience, a lot of credibility in the racing industry that would let them speak with authority to people that the owners would not otherwise have the opportunity to gain an audience with." West also denied Gateway has been sold to Moroso Investment Partners, a Florida firm that owns Palm Beach International Raceway. That group purchased Memphis Motorsports Park at auction in December from Dover Motorsports Inc. and finalized the deal on Jan. 31 for $2.062 million. And, until Feb. 18, Dover had owned parts of and leased parts of Gateway from the four landowners. But the Delaware-based company terminated its leases with the foursome and is no longer involved. Pook originally bought the Gateway property in 1995 and opened the track in 1997. Wolter, 70, who still resides in Edwardsville, was Pook's construction manager and general manager until Pook sold the facility to Dover Motorsports in 1998.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(3-17-2011)

  • Businessman wants to build track south of Branson: Businessman Russell Cook says he thinks Taney County (Missouri) would be a perfect site for a speedway for NASCAR races. Cook proposes a 1 ¼-mile track on 800 acres he owns near Branson Airport. Cook, who is in construction and land development, says he hopes to start construction by February on the track. He says it would seat 80,000 to 100,000 people and cost an estimated $150 million. Cook says a group of investors from Atlanta has agreed to help finance the project. He says he hopes to take formal plans to the Taney County Commission next month. The proposed site is northeast of the junction of U.S. 65 at Missouri 86 between Hollister and Ridgedale, south of Branson. Cook says the track likely would have to start with Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series events before being considered for a Sprint Cup race.(ky3.com)(12-2-2010)

  • Gateway Raceway shut down: The owner of Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis says it will cease all operations at the track. Dover Motorsports Inc. said in a release Wednesday that the track could no longer be operated with "an acceptable return." The company previously announced that it would not seek to run any NASCAR Series events at the facility in 2011. The track ran its final NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Oct. 23, 2010. The majority of the track is leased from third parties. The company owns approximately 150 acres of the facility and has been in discussions with several interested purchasers.(Yahoo Finance/AP)(11-3-2010)

  • No Nationwide or Truck races at Gateway: Dover Motorsports, Inc.announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gateway International Raceway has notified NASCAR that it will not seek 2011 sanctions for its two Nationwide Series and one Camping World Truck Series races. Vice President and General Manager of Gateway, Terry Harmeson stated, "This was a difficult decision in light of the many years of earnest and continued efforts on everyone's part to develop a viable market for these events in one of our nation's greatest cities. We remain committed to fulfill the balance of our 2010 schedule including our October 23rd NASCAR Nationwide race which will provide our fans the opportunity to see Danica Patrick compete here for the first time. We also plan to explore various ways to change the economics at Gateway both from the revenue and expense side."
    Denis McGlynn, President & CEO of Dover Motorsports, stated, "We have a group of extremely dedicated and talented employees who make Gateway a great destination and we deeply appreciate all the support we have had from the racing community over the years - from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies. However, economics dictate that we evaluate all of our options for this facility, including its possible sale." (GIR)(7-28-2010)

  • Allgaier to Lead Gateway Fans in Command to Start Engines: The four most famous words in racing, "Drivers, Start Your Engines" have been spoken by thousands of different people in thousands of different ways over the course of NASCAR's history. At Gateway International Raceway Saturday, July 17, there will literally be thousands of voices giving that command all at once prior to the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race as the fans have been named as the official grand marshals of the event. Leading the fans to the command will be Riverton, Ill., native and reigning NNS Raybestos Rookie of the Year Justin Allgaier.(Gateway PR)(7-8-2010)

  • Dover Motorsports shuts down Memphis track: Dover Motorsports, Inc. announced that it was ceasing all operations at Memphis Motorsports Park and that it would not be promoting any events in Memphis in 2010. As previously announced, the Memphis facility had been under an agreement of sale to Gulf Coast Entertainment but Gulf Coast was unable to secure financing. "This was a difficult decision for us, but one that ultimately was dictated by economics," said Denis McGlynn, President and CEO of Dover Motorsports. "We greatly appreciate the many years of dedication shown by our Memphis employees and their efforts to make Memphis such a great destination for the racing community - from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies. For all concerned, including the Memphis community, it is truly sad to see Memphis Motorsports Park taken off the racing schedule. NASCAR has approved the realignment of our NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events from Memphis Motorsports Park to our Nashville and Gateway facilities." The realigned events and dates are as follows:
    NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Nashville Superspeedway, April 2, 2010, (together with NASCAR Nationwide Series event on April 3, 2010)
    NASCAR Nationwide Series, Gateway International Raceway, October 23, 2010.(Dover Motorsports PR)(10-30-2009)

  • Batycki leaves Gateway Raceway: Gateway International Raceway Vice President and General Manager Lenny Batycki says he has left Dover Motorsports Inc., the parent company of the track. Gateway, located in Madison, Ill., near St. Louis, Mo., hosts races in NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck series. "It just came to a conclusion that I didn't fit Dover's management style," Batycki said, "and we've parted ways." Batycki was hired in December 2006 after serving as team president for the now-defunct Biagi DenBeste Racing team in what was then known as the Busch Series.(Scene Daily)(10-2-2009)

  • Gateway won't be sold..for now: All the rumors about Gateway International Raceway being sold can now be put to rest. The local group that had inquired about purchasing GIR from Dover Downs Entertainment, the company that owns Gateway among its four tracks, has broken off talks. "I wished that I had better news to report," said Kenny Nowling, president and chief executive officer of the American Drag Racing League, the company that had been in talks with Dover. "My investors kind of soured a little bit after finding out ... we weren't aware that Gateway doesn't own this property. Dover owns a very small portion of this property. It got very convoluted. We're talking about having to lease a section ... turn three is owned by someone and this adjoining property (the marsh land that runs parallel to the dragstrip). My group wants to buy a facility, they want to be able to expand that facility, they wanted to put race shops there. Unfortunately it just wasn't the right fit." Gateway general manager Lenny Batycki declined comment, deferring to Dover. Executive Vice President Michael Tatoian, who was at GIR in May for a National Hot Rod Association event, said at the time Gateway "wasn't for sale." But he said Dover would listen to anybody who called.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(7-24-2009)

  • GIR's Mudd Earns STLARFC 2008 Outstanding Media Award: Gateway International Raceway's director of public and media relations, Brandon Mudd, was recently honored by the St. Louis Auto Racing Fan Club with its 2008 Outstanding Media Person of the Year Award. The presentation was part of the organization's 42nd Annual Banquet of Champions, honoring the area's track champions, as well as racers on the national scene with St. Louis ties. Mudd received the award primarily due to his efforts to promote Gateway International Raceway and the sanctions that race there via the track's official website, GatewayRaceway.com. He was also recognized for his work as the host of the O'Reilly Auto Parts SpeedZone on 590 the Fan, KFNS in St. Louis. Entering his sixth year of affiliation with the show, Mudd provides coverage of local, regional, and national motorsports and uses the program to promote local racers and tracks.(GIR PR)(1-30-2009)

  • Gateway tickets on sale: Gateway International Raceway is announcing individual tickets for the O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals, the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250, and the Camping World 200, will be available to the public Monday, Jan. 12. For tickets to these and other exciting events at Gateway International Raceway, call 866-35-SPEED or visit GatewayRaceway.com.(GIR PR)(1-11-2009)

  • Gateway to Host Track Walk to Benefit Midwest Flood Victims: Throughout the spring and summer, residents of the Midwest have fought record-breaking rains and flooding with Missouri and Illinois being particularly hard-hit. In an effort to help those affected by these calamities, Gateway International Raceway is hosting a track walk this Saturday prior to the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250. A number of Nationwide Series drivers are scheduled to participate, with those names being announced Saturday. GIR parking lots are scheduled to open at 12:30 p.m., with general spectator gates opening at 2 p.m. and the walk starting at 2:15 p.m. Walkers will register at the entrance to the infield tunnel. Participants must make a minimum $25 donation with children 12 and under allowed to walk for free. No coolers and no alcohol will be permitted on the track during the walk. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Red Cross.(Gateway Raceway PR)(7-16-2008)

  • Gateway Unaffected by Friday Morning Earthquake: An earthquake originating near the Illinois-Indiana border early Friday morning was felt throughout and Midwest, causing minor damage in the St. Louis area. Gateway International Raceway, located across the Mississippi River from the Gateway City, was not affected by the quake that is said to have ranged between 5.2-5.4 on the Richter scale.(Gateway Raceway PR)(4-18-2008)

  • Gateway VP/GM honored: Gateway International Raceway Vice President and General Manager Lenny Batycki was recently honored by the St. Louis Auto Racing Fan Club with its Outstanding Media award. The award is given during the organization's annual Banquet of Champions. Batycki was recognized for his work as host of "Gateway to Motorsports," a weekly racing radio show airing on Team 1380 KSLG in St. Louis.(GIR PR)(2-3-2008)

  • Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers to Sponsor GIR Nationwide Race: The Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers have been named as the title sponsor for the 2008 Nationwide Series race at Gateway International Raceway and will now be called the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250. The 50-dealer organization moves to the Nationwide event after a successful decade of sponsoring GIR's Craftsman Truck Series races. The announcement was made today at the St. Louis Auto Show by Kenny Wallace, who chose his native St. Louis to disclose his own plans for 2008, announcing he will drive a Fitz Motorsports Dodge in the Nationwide Series in 2008 as a teammate to Mike Bliss. To be a part of the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 at Gateway International Raceway, call 866-35-SPEED or visit GatewayRaceway.com.(GIR PR)(1-25-2008)

  • Gateway Event Tix on Sale: Gateway International Raceway announced it is now selling single-event tickets for its two NASCAR races this year, the Nationwide Series race on July 19 and the Craftsman Truck Series race on Sept. 6. Previously, the tickets were available as a NASCAR Track Pack, where race fans could purchase a ticket for both events for one low price. NASCAR Track Packs are also still available, allowing race fans the ability to purchase tickets for both events for one low price, as well as receive free parking and infield passes. To purchase Nationwide Series tickets, Craftsman Truck Series tickets, or your NASCAR Track Pack, call Gateway International Raceway at 866-35-SPEED or visit GatewayRaceway.com.(GIR PR)(1-9-2008)

  • Gateway Announces Hiring of Brandon Mudd as PR Manager: Gateway International Raceway Vice President and General Manager Lenny Batycki announced the hiring of Brandon Mudd as the organization's new public and media relations manager. Mudd is a former motorsports reporter and show host at 590 the Fan KFNS in St. Louis and a racing reporter for various national, regional and local print, broadcast and internet entities. Mudd will be the official public spokesperson and media coordinator for the track during its more than 100 annual events. Events include NHRA weekly and National events on the facilities quarter-mile drag strip, its Busch and Craftsmen Truck Series and ARCA events on the 1.25-mile oval, and the multitude of SCCA and other club events on the raceway's 1.8 mile road course.(GIR PR)(6-21-2007)

  • Individual Oval Event Tickets On Sale Jan 22 at Gateway: Gateway International Raceway announced that individual race tickets for the 2007 Oval season would go on sale next Monday, January 22 at 8 AM. Fans can call 1-866-35-SPEED (7-7333), or log onto www.gatewayraceway.com to purchase tickets.  As in 2006, prices will remain the same for all events [Busch Series, ARCA and Truck Series](GIR PR)(1-19-2007)

  • Batycki appointed VP & GM of Gateway International Raceway: Gateway International Raceway announced the hiring of veteran motorsports executive Lenny Batycki as Vice President and General Manager. Batycki will assume responsibility for all day-to-day operations and staff at the multi-purpose motorsports facility near St. Louis. In the shadow of the famed Gateway Arch, the 1.25-mile Gateway International Raceway plays host to NASCAR's Busch and Craftsman Truck Series, as well as the O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals. The track begins its 11th season of operations in 2007. Batycki comes to Gateway International Raceway with more than 15 years of experience in senior motorsports management. He was most recently team president of Biagi DenBeste Racing, owner of the No. 4 NASCAR Busch Series team. Batycki handled all of the team's business affairs, contract negotiations, and directed their public relations efforts and website. Batycki will relocate to the St. Louis area from Charlotte with his wife Annette and son Jake.(Gateway International Raceway PR)(11-28-2006)

  • Dodge and Gateway Announce Sponsorship Extension: Gateway International Raceway announced that Dodge has signed a four-year extension through 2009 as the primary sponsor of the Dodge Ram Tough 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race. 2006 will be the 9th consecutive year that Dodge has been a track sponsor and the title sponsor of the Ram Tough 200, which will run at Gateway on April 29 at 7:00pm/ct. Defending Truck Series Champion Ted Musgrave will look for his third career win at Gateway (2001 and 2005) when he returns to run the race. The 2005 Ram Tough 200 was the only race Musgrave won during the season en route to his first career NASCAR Series title. As in 2001, Musgrave also took the pole for the 2005 race. "The Dodge Dealers have arguably been the most important partner in the ten-year history of Gateway and we are thrilled that they will return for four more years," said Matt Strelo the Vice President & General Manager of Gateway International Raceway. "In 2005, all three of our major event champions (Busch-Sorenson, Truck-Musgrave, and ARCA-Miller) had a Dodge Ram on their hood which makes this partnership even more special." Oval season tickets are on sale now for just $ 125 for adults and $ 65 for children 12 and under. NHRA 3-day adult passes are available for $ 125. Nitro 3-day passes are $ 135 while all children 3-day passes are available for $ 60. Season tickets can be purchased by calling 866-35-SPEED (7-7333). Individual tickets for all events will go on sale on Monday, January 23, 2006 at 8 AM.(Gateway International Raceway PR)(1-7-2006)

  • Gateway still hopeful of landing a Cup race: The goal of Gateway International Raceway has and always will be landing a NASCAR Nextel Cup race, the premier motorsports series in the country. Until then, Gateway officials are content making the best with the handful of major events they have. "That's all we can do," said Matt Strelo, general manager of Gateway. "We've proven our worth the last couple of years," Strelo said. "Our truck race is now one of the strongest standalone truck races in the country, if not the strongest. Our Busch race has the largest purse and is becoming one of the largest standalone Busch races in the country. Our drag races are doing great and has moved into being one of the stronger NHRA events. It is what it is. We're obviously not perfect, but we've gotten a lot better looking in the last few years." Becoming more attractive to the eyes of NASCAR is important. The success of the Charter 250 -- which was seen by a record crowd of 55,000 on Saturday -- can only enhance Gateway's standing in NASCAR headquarters. Realistically, Strelo knows Gateway is a long shot to land a Cup race. "But I think we have a chance, and that chance is better than it has been in six or seven years," he said. Heightening Gateway's optimism is talk of rearranging the Nextel Cup schedule. The current schedule is comprised of 38 races packed into a 41-week period. Expanding the schedule is impossible, so relocating races from tracks with two traditionally scheduled Nextel Cup events to different sites is the next option. Last year, NASCAR Chairman Bill France Jr. singled out St. Louis, Nashville and the state of Kentucky as attractive new Nextel Cup markets, should a realignment take place. "Kentucky and Nashville have newer, nicer facilities, but we have a bigger market," Strelo said. "We have a much better location than those two. "We're four minutes from 8,500 luxury hotel rooms and the most marketable landmark in the Midwest. In the other two situations, they are between 40 and 50 minutes outside of a major metropolitan area." In Gateway's favor is lights for nighttime racing, the 20th-largest television market and plans for additional seating (the track can seat up to 70,000). Lately, NASCAR has been targeting the southwestern United States, adding races in Las Vegas and California. Strelo said he's trying to keep Gateway in the best possible position.(Belleville News Democrat)(5-11-2004)

  • Congressman Jerry Costello To Start Charter 250; Joe Buck Announced As Honorary Starter: Gateway International Raceway announced that US Congressman Jerry F. Costello and National Sports Broadcaster Joe Buck will take part in the NASCAR Charter 250 race on Saturday night, May 8 as official and honorary starters respectively. U.S. Congressman Jerry F. Costello will officially begin the event when he utters the most famous words in racing, "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!"  He first took office in August of 1988 to fill the term of late U.S. Representative Melvin Price.  Currently in the midst of his 16th year, Costello is a former St. Clair County Board chairman who is also on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
    Fox National and St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Joe Buck will serve as honorary starter waving the green flag to begin the Charter 250.  Few broadcasters are as well known and regarded nationally as Buck.  He is the only broadcaster to call both the Super Bowl and the World Series in the same year, and is a 3-time Emmy winner. Buck began his broadcasting career in 1991 following in the footsteps of his legendary father Jack calling games for the Cardinals. Purchase the best seats and receive great perks in a Gateway season tickets package, starting at only $115. Season Ticket packages include the ARCA RE/MAX Series race on July 16, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and Travis Tritt concert on July 17. To purchase tickets call Gateway at 1-866-35-SPEED or log onto www.gatewayraceway.com.(5-5-2004)

  • Charter 250 to run May 8th at Gateway: Gateway International Raceway announced that Charter Communications would once again sponsor the NASCAR Busch Series Event on Saturday, May 8, 2004. The green-flag will drop at 7:00 PM and be followed by a spectacular fireworks show and concert by star country music group Diamond Rio. New for 2004, Charter Communications a full-season NASCAR Busch Series primary sponsor for Greg Biffle and #60. Ticket prices for the Charter 250 range from $45-$60 (1/2 price for kids 12 and under). You can also purchase the best seats and receive great perks in a Gateway season tickets package, starting at only $115. Season Ticket packages include the ARCA RE/MAX Series race on July 16, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and Travis Tritt concert on July 17. To purchase tickets call Gateway at 1-866-35-SPEED or log onto www.gatewayraceway.com.(Gateway International Motorsports PR)(3-18-2004)

  • Gateway Grand Marshal: Marine Pvt. Adrian Fakes, wounded in the battle of Al-Nasiryah during Operation Iraqi Freedom in March, will be the Grand Marshal for this year's Charter Pipeline 250 at Gateway International Raceway. Fakes, a 21-year-old from Elsberry, Mo., is a member of the Second Combat Engineers Battallion. He was coming from the southern Iraqi city where he had succeeded in destroying a military installation when his unit encountered machine gun, grenade and rocket fire from Iraqi forces. He was wounded in the leg during the action.(Gateway International Raceway PR)(5-8-2003)

  • Gateway Honorary Starter: Tony Twist, one of the most popular players in St. Louis Blues history will serve as Honorary Starter for the Charter Pipeline 250 Busch Series race May 10 at Gateway International Raceway. Twist, whose charitable and community work in the St. Louis area is as legendary as the right hook he used so effectively in his nine-year National Hockey League career, will drop the green flag in this year's Busch Series race. Before the race, there will be a huge salute to God, Family and Country. We will honor the men and women of the Armed Forces both here at Scott Air Force Base and overseas. After the race, set for approximately 3:00pm/et, fans will be treated to a free post-race concert by Academy of Country Music Vocal Group of the Year Lonestar.(Gateway PR)(5-6-2003)

  • Gateway gets a sponsor: Gateway International Raceway announced today that Charter Pipeline will be the title sponsor of its May 10 Charter Pipeline 250 Busch Series race at Gateway International Raceway. Charter Pipeline, the high-speed internet service offered by St. Louis-based Charter Communications, also sponsored last year's race. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-28-2003)

  • Gateway to move to May? An official with Dover Motorsports Inc., which owns and operates Gateway International Raceway, said July 19 that a request has been made to NASCAR for the track's race to be moved to May next year so the event could be held in cooler weather. The track first held a Busch Series race in July 1997, when it was a day race that featured numerous problems related to the heat. The race was moved to October in 1998, and then back to July in 1999, when its first night race was held. Even under the lights, racing near St. Louis in July has been brutal due to extremely high temperatures and humidity. The high temperature for the July 20 Charter Pipeline 250 was 96 degrees, with a heat index of 107.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(7-25-2002)

  • Gateway Close to Sponsor UPDATE: Gateway International Raceway hopes to have a sponsor "within a week or so" for this year's BGN race according to vice president/general manager Matt Strelo. Strelo said the track has reached a verbal agreement with a sponsor and that the contract is "waiting for a signature." The contract is for one year, but "it's a short-term deal with long-term possibilities," he said.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(4-4-2002)
    UPDATE: hearing Charter Communications will be the sponsor of the BGN race.(4-6-2002)
    UPDATE 2: St. Louis-based Charter Communications will be named Monday as the title sponsor of the BGN race at Gateway International Raceway. The race, which takes place on July 20, will be called the Charter Communications 250. Charter signed a one-year contract with Gateway. Charter replaces Carquest Auto Parts as the title sponsor.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(4-9-2002)

  • Nashville, Homestead and Gateway gets IRL races: The IRL on Sunday announced its 2001 schedule, which includes a race at Nashville Superspeedway on July 21 to be televised on ESPN. The 50,000-seat facility in Wilson County is scheduled to open in April(Tennessean)
    AND The Grand Prix of Miami will have a new look and feel when the race returns to South Florida next Spring as the Indy Racing Northern Light Series becomes the new sanctioning body for the event, Homestead-Miami Speedway President Curtis Gray announced Monday. The Grand Prix of Miami is set for April 8, 2001(Homestead Miami Site)
    AND Less than a week after Gateway officials learned that CART would not return to the facility in Madison after this September's race, the Indy Racing League filled the void. The IRL will stage a 300-mile event on Gateway's 1.25-mile oval on Aug. 26, 2001 and will be televised nationally by ESPN(St Louis Post Dispatch)(6-20-2000)

  • Gateway to Cup? Gateway International Speedway track officials are preparing a bid to secure a Winston Cup race at Gateway for the 2001 season. NASCAR will announce next season's schedule in August(approx). If Gateway gets a Winston Cup race, Ulione said construction will start immediately on a major new grandstand in Turns 3 and 4 that will expand Gateway's seating capacity from 60,000 seats to nearly 140,000 seats. A new $1.4 million pedestrian and small vehicle tunnel built underneath the start of the front straightaway. The tunnel -- with two 9-foot-high by 12-foot-wide portals -- was started last fall and completed earlier this month. Pavers regraded the 140-footsection of the front straightaway and finished laying three levels of asphalt used to resurface the area Friday. Construction of the tunnel allowed Gateway officials to remove the old Firestone pedestrian bridge, which hampered lines of sight through Turns 3 and 4 and the start of the main straightaway. It also clears the way for expansion on the north end of the track(That's Racin') also see the St Louis Post-Dispatch story: If Gateway can land a Winston Cup race, expansion will follow(4-2-2000)

  • Gateway Tunnel: A tunnel is being built at the exit of turn four were the old Firestone pedestrian bridge was located at the Gateway International Raceway. The tunnel is part of Gateway's continued capitol improvement and expansion program and will be in place for the new 2000 racing season which will start with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series in May(Promotions Plus)(1-3-2000)

  • Gateway and Cup? Fans at Gateway International Raceway have spoken, and they want NASCAR to listen closely. They want a NASCAR Winston Cup race. There was an estimated 60,000 who braved the heat and a brief prerace rain Saturday to watch Carquest 250, a BGN event. Track officials no longer release attendance figures, but Gateway spokesman Pete Wickham was pleased with the crowd that saw the first major race under the oval's new lights. See the full story at: Gateway crowd gives hopes for Winston Cup race(8-2-1999)

  • St Louis? Bruton Smith, who owns the tracks at Bristol, Charlotte, Texas, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Sears Point, is looking at the possibility of building a track near St. Louis, according to sources close to Smith. Also, Bill France is pondering the feasibility of a track near Houston(PitNow) St Loius? Huh? What about Gateway??(5-18-1999)

  • Gateway International Race promoter Chris Pook said Friday that about 20,000 more seats will be added to Gateway in Turns 1 and 2 before next season and lights also will be installed. The 1999 BGN schedule has not been released but rumor has it that this event will be moved back to July, as it was in 1997, but will be run at night. Current capacity of the track is 62,000.(Jane Miller/Journal Star)(10-19-1998)

  • Rod Wolter of Gateway International Raceway remains convinced that the St. Louis-area track will get a Winston Cup race, probably in the year 2000. The grandstands will be increased to hold 85,000 spectators by next year. The plans call for upping that to 120,000 by 2000. See the rest of the story at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Site: Gateway International hopes to lure Winston Cup race.(thanks to Bruce for the heads up on the story)(7-12-1998)

  • Gateway International Raceway track officials announced that Carquest Auto Parts had signed a three-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the NASCAR Busch Series race for the next three years.(Speedworld)(1-12-1998)

  • Just another note on the track problems at Gateway in St. Louis. Seems the culprit in the failed surface stems from the EPA changing the additive in the asphalt to something more "environmental friendly" and no one had any experience with the new additive.(8-29-1997)

  • "Gateway paving repairs completed: Pavers completed repair work on the 1.25-mile Gateway International Raceway oval -- less than two weeks after the Gateway 300 NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division race in which heat-related problems caused a breakdown of the racing surface in the turns"(NASCAR Online Newsletter)(8-12-1997)

  • Penske Motorsports and the International Speedway Corp. have each bought a 7% minority share of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach(GPALB). GPALB currently operates Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill. and Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, Tenn. They also promote the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach CART event, held in Long Beach, CA(RPM2Nite and iRace)(8-12-1997)

  • I hear the Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis is also under consideration for a Winston Cup race in 1998, I personally feel they will wait to see how the BGN race goes first. I wonder if they will consider Pikes Peak race track in Colorado, that's a nice track(7-15-1997)


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