When Bruton Smith’s new D-shaped tri-oval at Fort Worth opened on 6 April 1997, its high 24-degree banking and narrow track immediately caused controversy. Many NASCAR drivers were unhappy about the numerous accidents in that race. Worse was to come when the Champ Car World Series made its first scheduled visit in 2001. Drivers suffered dizziness and blackouts due to high centrifugal forces generated by excessive speeds at such a tight facility. The race was cancelled after qualifying, infuriating fans as well as the race’s promoter. That championship did not return but the rival IndyCar Series has run here since 1997. The opening race featured a pit-lane scuffle involving AJ Foyt, and the winner was not declared for 24 hours. The 154,861-grandstand capacity makes the Texas Motor Speedway the second largest sporting venue in the country. It has no connection to the similarly named Texas World Speedway, which was active in the 1970s.
