Motorsports Venues - Memphis International Raceway Opens Oval Track To Testing

MILLINGTON, June 16, 2011: The sound of race cars roaring through the corners will once again be heard in Memphis. After several months of facility improvements, stock car racing is back at Memphis International Raceway (MIR). The three-quarter mile oval is now open and scheduling dates for testing.

In early 2011, Memphis International Raceway was purchased by Moroso Investment Partners, the ownership group of Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR), in Jupiter, Fla. Since the facility purchase, track officials have worked to improve the condition of the racing surface and property since it was left dormant after the last NASCAR event in 2009.

Memphis International Raceway features a three-quarter mile banked oval, with 11 degrees of banking in the corners and four degrees on the straights. Both frontstretch and backstretch are 1,100 feet in length.

“Opening the oval for facility rentals is the first step in bringing racing back to Memphis,” said Pam Kendrick, Vice President and General Manager, Memphis International Raceway. “We made countless improvements to the facility and there are a few other key elements that need to be completed before we open the drag strip. We anticipate scheduling oval and road course events and an opening day for drag strip soon. Our top priority is to ensure MIR is a safe facility for both racers and spectators.”

Since acquiring Memphis International Raceway this year, track officials have made significant improvements to the property. Two of the three race tracks have received clearance from sanctioning bodies to host racing events. Permits for the drag strip are being finalized and are expected to be filed in the next several weeks. A first-class racing venue is re-emerging in the Memphis market as MIR and Penhall crews scraped and ground the drag racing surface, installed and upgraded the CompuLink timing system, upgraded and painted concession stands and restrooms. All signage has been replaced to reflect the new Memphis International Raceway name and the executive team is developing sponsorship relationships with local businesses and media outlets.

Oval track rental prices start at $5,000 per day for one to four race cars and increases to $5,500 per day for five to six race cars. For more information and scheduling, contact the Memphis International Raceway offices at 901-969-0811 or visit www.racemir.com.