TMS president Eddie Gossage to step down this summer, says ‘timing just feels right’

The man who has been the face of Texas Motor Speedway since it opened is stepping down.

President Eddie Gossage is leaving the track after next month’s NASCAR All-Star Race.

“It is time,” Gossage said during a news conference Thursday afternoon. “It’s just time for me to move on from Texas Motor Speedway.”

Asked why it’s time, Gossage said: “It’s just something I decided. This is the time — 25 years is a good round number even though it’s an odd number. I’ve still got my fastball, but always leave them wanting more.”

Gossage, 62, repeatedly said he is not “retiring,” simply moving on from the track. He mentioned possibilities that he’s turned down in the past such as joining different company’s boards or becoming a TV analyst.

“I’ve been so 24/7 Texas Motor Speedway since I got that phone call from Bruton Smith back in ‘94 or ‘95,” Gossage said. “Those are things [joining a corporate board or a TV gig] that may present themselves. We’ll see.”

Speedway Motorsports will launch a nationwide search for Gossage’s successor. Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith didn’t offer many details on a timeline to find Gossage’s replacement.

“Right now, we’re really focused on these last few weeks until the All-Star Race,” Smith said. “Eddie’s working hard, he and his whole team, to make sure this All-Star Race is absolutely awesome. Those are big shoes to fill and an incredible legacy that’s really unmatched.”

Gossage joined Speedway Motorsports in 1989 as the vice president of public relations at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Smith, Speedway Motorsports’ executive chairman, took Gossage under his wing and handed him the reins when the company opened TMS in far north Fort Worth.

Gossage was named general manager of TMS in 1995, and added the title of president in 2004. The track opened in 1996.

“When I built Texas Motor Speedway, I had plenty of architects, accountants and attorneys, but what I really needed was promotion,” Smith said in a statement. “That’s where Eddie came in. They say ‘everything’s bigger in Texas,’ and I needed a big personality in Dallas/Fort Worth.

“Eddie’s become a shrewd businessman over the years, but he’s remained a publicist at heart, and he never forgot what the entertainment business is about—having FUN,” Smith said. “I am grateful for all that Eddie has done for our company. He’s been a promoter, friend and an asset to the entire motorsports industry.”

Gossage has made a name for himself for his promotions over the years. He had two trained capuchin monkeys sell programs at the 2010 fall race. He gave Tony Stewart a life-sized bobblehead as a retirement gift, and Jeff Gordon a couple Shetland ponies. In 2015, he built the world’s largest LED high-definition TV known as “Big Hoss.”

Gossage said the ones involving live animals certainly stand out as favorites because “things can go really bad really quick, which in some cases makes them even better.”

Gossage went on to talk about other promotions such as the time in 2003 when Shawna Robinson had an all-female pit crew for a truck race.

“That was big because it was front page in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram,” Gossage said.

Another personal favorite for Gossage was the “fight night” billed before the 2011 fall race between NASCAR Cup Series championship contenders Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards.

“We did the lockers with the robes and all that kind of stuff,” Gossage said. “Both guys embraced it.”

TMS became a place to be and be seen during its heyday under Gossage. The track hosted a number of musicians, ranging from the Rolling Stones to Willie Nelson, as well as a number of high-profile athletes, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin and 2004 Olympic gold medalist gymnast Carly Patterson.

“Eddie Gossage has been synonymous with Texas Motor Speedway’s success, and his contributions to our company and the speedway’s impact on the state of Texas during his career are immeasurable,” Marcus Smith said. “Beyond the big events, wild pre-race shows and publicity stunts, Eddie has always been the biggest fan of the fans. No one has more desire to give them a memorable experience. I’ll always be thankful for his dedication to our company and the inspiration he’s given our staff to always put the fans first.”

The NASCAR All-Star Race is scheduled for June 13. Ticket information is available through the track’s website.