CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eddie Gossage, one of the biggest promoters in NASCAR history and the former president of Texas Motor Speedway, has died, his family said on Thursday. He was 65.
Gossage was the president of Texas Motor Speedway from the track's inception in 1996 until his retirement in 2021. He helped establish TMS as a hotspot for racing and entertainment events of all kinds.
Before his work with TMS, Gossage worked as a promotor at Charlotte Motor Speedway under former track president Humpy Wheeler.
Gossage was a key figure behind 1992's NASCAR All-Star Race, named "One Hot Night." The race was the first superspeedway event held at night time and featured one of the most iconic finishes in NASCAR history.
“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."
Gossage also led major fundraising efforts at TMS for the track's chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.
“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."
This story will be updated.