Famed NASCAR track promoter passed on Thursday
Legendary motorsports promoter Eddie Gossage passed. He was 65.
Early in his career, Humpy Wheeler hired Gossage to work at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He worked in public relations for the track while he learned the promotions side of the business from one of the best to ever do it.
See statements from NASCAR INDYCAR, Marcus Smith and Mark Faber below.
In 1995, Gossage was promoted to the general manager position at Texas Motor Speedway. The track was a property under the Speedway Motorsports banner.
In 2021, he worked his final race as the president of TMS. He exited with flare as a concert took place during the parade laps, leading right into the green flag.
Marcus Smith comments
“Today we have lost one of the world’s biggest race fans,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith.
“From his legendary promotions to the lasting relationships he developed throughout the sports and entertainment industries, Eddie Gossage meant so much to the world of motorsports. On behalf of our Speedway Motorsports teammates across the country, our hearts go out to his many friends and his beloved family.
“We are praying for his wife, Melinda, daughter Jessica, son Dustin and daughter-in-law Lauren during this trying time as well as his grandchildren Lyra, Evelyn and Oliver. We know the children were the light of his life.
“Eddie’s career spanned 32 years promoting major events at Charlotte Motor Speedway and supporting my father, Bruton, with the iconic showplace that is Texas Motor Speedway,”
Smith added. “His impact in our sport will be felt for many years to come. We repeat one of Eddie’s favorite sayings often. ‘If we don’t make a big deal out of it, nobody else will.’ He lived that mantra every day at work developing creative publicity stunts, pre-race shows and over-the-top entertainment.”
Mark Faber comments
“Eddie Gossage was a trailblazer, promoter and innovator at a time when attracting attention was critical as Speedway Motorsports expanded NASCAR into the Lone Star State,” said Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Mark Faber.
“Each day I come to work, I see the impact he had throughout our property. Eddie laid a foundation for success to build upon for generations to come and made Texas Motor Speedway a showplace of which Texans will always be proud.”
NASCAR statement
“Eddie Gossage was a consummate promoter whose outside-the-box ideas helped engage fans across the country,” a NASCAR statement read.
“He was truly passionate about motorsports and always looking for the next great idea to bring new fans to the sport and keep them entertained at the racetrack. Our deepest condolences go to Eddie’s family and friends.”
INDYCAR Statement
“Eddie Gossage was a giant in the motorsports industry,” INDYCAR opened in a statement.
“His endless creativity,, flair and dedication to the fan experience at Texas Motor Speedway raised the bar for racetracks across America. Eddie was a phenomenal supporter of the NTT INDYCAR Series.”
“Our races at TMS always were among the most highly anticipated weekends on the schedule, both for the incredible on-track action and the memorable promotions Eddie turned from ideas to reality.”
They concluded, “Eddie will be missed, and we extend our sympathies to his family and friends.”
