Texas Motor Speedway 1099

Texas Motor Speedway

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.

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.

Road Course With Chicane

2000

Type

Permanent road course

Length

2.324 (Miles)

Oval

1997

Type

Paved oval

Length

1.455 (Miles)

Fastest Race Lap

Tony Stewart (G-Force GF01-Aurora), 22.972s, 228.012 mph, Indycars, 1998

Fastest Qualifying Lap

Kenny Brack (Lola B01/00-Ford), 22.854s, 229.195 mph, Champ Cars, 2001

Latest Races

3,413

Championships

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19,330

Results

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25,216

Drivers

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14,546

Teams

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917

Circuits

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