Long-time NASCAR track owner Eddie Gossage dies aged 65

Eddie Gossage, who was the track president for Texas Motor Speedway from the day it opened its doors in 1996 until he retired in 2021, has passed away at the ripe age of 65. The news of his demise comes just a day before the NASCAR All-Star weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. However, there is no information yet about the cause of his death.

Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith has lamented the death of Gossage, who, he believes, was one of the biggest race fans in the world. Speedway Motorsports owns Texas Motor Speedway.

"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," said Smith, as reported by Toby Christie.

During his career, which spanned over three decades, Eddie Gossage managed the operations in Texas Motor Speedway and promoted major events at the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway.

---

Family always came first for Eddie Gossage

In an exclusive interview with Autoweek, Eddie Gossage revealed that he quit the office of the president and general manager of Texas Motor Speedway in 2021 because he wanted to spend more quality time with his family.

After 25 years of holding the office, Gossage decided to resign just after the NASCAR Cup All-Star Race on June 13, 2021. However, his decision to quit was not spontaneous by any means.

"It's just something I had done for a long time and I felt like I had run my course," said Gossage. "Probably, as I looked down the road...felt like I would be losing my effectiveness. And I don't want to do something just for doing it. I felt like I had done everything in my career and I'm one of those guys who loves my wife, my kids and my grandkids and this is one of those deals where I truly wanted to go spend more time with my family."

Before assuming the role of the Track President for TMS, Eddie Gossage used to be a promoter in the arena of NASCAR. He is best known for his promotion of the 1992 NASCAR All-Star race, which was then known as The Winston. That race earned the name "One Hot Night."

Gossage is survived by his wife Melinda, his children Jessica and Dustin, his daughter-in-law Lauren, and his three grandchildren Lyra, Evelyn, and Oliver. Dates for his funeral services will be announced soon.