NASCAR SpeedPark Opening was Grand

4 June 1999

An estimated 3,000 people turned out for the June 1 event, according to venue officials. The grand opening was highlighted by a visit from NASCAR Senior Vice President and COO Mike Helton, along with NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jarrett, Geoffrey Bodine and Jerry Nadeau.

"We were thrilled with the turnout," said Bob Leisen, vice president of International Speed Parks L.L.C., a subsidiary of Burroughs and Chapin Company. "We love the folks here and we're happy to be open and part of the community. The drivers had a great time and the fans had a great time. It was amazing. Overall it was a very positive evening."

The evening's festivities were capped off by driver, guest and media participation in go-kart races around NASCAR SpeedPark's quarter-mile Smoky Mountain Speedway oval. Helton won the first 10-lap race.

"This was the most fun I've had in a long time," Helton said after climbing from his 20-horsepower, V-twin engine go-kart.

While at the NASCAR SpeedPark, Earnhardt, Jarrett, Bodine and Nadeau made appearances on MRN's weekly radio show, "NASCAR Live." Earnhardt, Jarrett and Bodine also participated in chat sessions on NASCAR Online.

"It (Tuesday night) was a proud moment for both the staff and the team we put together," said Steve Williams, general manager for NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains. "It was flawless. We hope to continue to be a leader for this community. We're proud of our association with NASCAR."

NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains is a sister-attraction to NASCAR SpeedPark Myrtle Beach (S.C.), which opened in 1998. Eight more NASCAR SpeedParks are slated for construction over the next five years.

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.