Teams have survived the first two Car of Tomorrow (COT) races at Bristol and Martinsville. This weekend in Texas they return to their previous car designs to tackle the lightening-fast, 1.5-mile quad-shaped oval. As usual, many activities are planned throughout the entire Texas race weekend. Fans won't be disappointed, as they will be right in the middle of all the action.
NASCAR Nextel Cup qualifying will begin at 4:10 p.m. on Friday. The International Race of Champions (IROC) race, previously scheduled to run after qualifying, has been cancelled due to lack of title sponsorship funding. Fans will be treated however, to the premiere of the new movie "Dale," a 100-minute journey through the life and career of the late NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt, Sr.
The lucky fans in attendance will see a movie introduction and discussion prior to the screening. Richard Childress, Larry McReynolds, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will all join the viewing audience to give their own opinions and experiences with Dale Sr. Narrated by legendary actor Paul Newman, the movie will be shown on five gigantic NextelVision screens lined up along the front stretch. The screening will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. CDT and is expected to draw one of the largest movie crowds ever. Following the movie, fans will also witness a spectacular fireworks show and will receive an exclusive "Dale" movie poster upon exiting the gates.
All Texas Motor Speedway season tickets, as well as previously-purchased IROC race tickets, will be honored for the movie premiere. Other fans that want to attend the movie can still purchase tickets at the gate.
Pre-race entertainment for Sunday's Samsung 500 will be provided by country music star, Jack Ingram. The Houston, Texas native recently scored a number one hit with "Wherever You Are." Singing the National Anthem will be Contemporary Christian rock group, Mercy Me, who have sold more than two million records with the help of their recent crossover hit single, "I Can Only Imagine."
All fans attending Sunday's race are also invited to stick around for the RaceWatch Burnout Bash, a free post-race party and concert. The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Village of Champions outside turn one and will include music, concessions, show cars, sponsor booths, giveaways and much more.
Texas Qualifying Record: Brian Vickers (27.518 seconds/196.235 mph) November 3, 2006
Texas Race Record: Carl Edwards (3 hrs., 19 min., 0 sec./155.055 mph155.055 mph), November 6, 2005
2006 Nextel Cup Winner: Kasey Kahne
Total Purse: $7,253,642
