Texas firms up 2005 sponsor deals.

As the chequered flag flew over the final 'major league' event of its 2004 season, the Texas Motor Speedway set its 2005 season in motion with a number of significant sponsorship deals for 2005 and beyond.

The 2005 season will see the return of many sponsors as well as some new corporate names associated with speedway events.

"We are excited and energized for 2005," said speedway president Eddie Gossage. "In addition to a great race schedule, we have some great corporate partners who will be with us next year and beyond. Next year could be our best year ever."

Race event sponsors announced for 2005 include O'Reilly Auto Parts, The Dallas Morning News, Albertsons and Chevrolet. The speedway also announced deals with HCA North Texas Division and Infinity Radio Dallas.

In 2005 O'Reilly Auto Parts will sponsor the new autumn Busch Series race, the O'Reilly Fall Challenge on November 5th in addition to the O'Reilly 300 on April 16th. Since 1999, O'Reilly has sponsored several Texas Motor Speedway events including the spring NASCAR Busch Series race, the June NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, qualifying days and events at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track.

"They are a company who values their relationship with motorsports," said Gossage. "We look forward to working with them for many more years to come."

The Dallas Morning News will move its sponsorship to qualifying days for the spring NASCAR weekend. The Dallas Morning News Pole Days will be April 14th-15th 2005. Since 1999 The Dallas Morning News has sponsored the autumn IRL IndyCar and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series qualifying.

"Texas Motor Speedway has been dedicated to Texas race fans for the last eight years," said Laura Gordon, Senior Vice President of Marketing of The Dallas Morning News. "We're proud to have the continued opportunity to be a loyal supporter of Texas Motor Speedway."

Albertsons will sponsor qualifying days for the new autumn NASCAR tripleheader weekend. Albertsons Qualifying Days will be November 3rd-4th 2005 for the NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck Series events. Albertsons has set up a grocery store in the speedway campground outside Turn 3 since 1998. They also regularly sponsor the "Family 4 Pack" special ticket offers.

"Albertsons is always excited to partner with Texas Motor Speedway," said Tom Whitby, Albertsons Sr. Vice President of Marketing/Merchandising, Dallas/Fort Worth Division. "They are a very generous community partner as well as provide a great venue for the citizens of North Dallas. Albertsons is looking forward to three great race weekends this next year and being the grocery store of choice for our Texas Motor Speedway fans."

Chevrolet will return as the "Official Vehicle" of Texas Motor Speedway as well as the sponsor of the November 4th Silverado 350k NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Chevy has been the "The Official Vehicle" since the speedway opened in 1997 and has sponsored the fall truck race since 2001.

"We're excited about extending our relationship with the Texas Motor Speedway for three additional years," said Steve Shannon, Executive Director of General Motors Marketing Services. "Chevrolet is one of America's most powerful automotive brands and we can't think of a better racing venue to showcase their impressive new product lineup."

HCA North Texas Division has been the "Official Healthcare Provider" for Texas Motor Speedway since 1997 and today announced they will continue in that role. The title includes support and equipment for the HCA Infield Care Centre used primarily for driver injuries as well as the care centre located outside the front stretch grandstands that is available to fans.

"HCA is thrilled to be the 'Official Healthcare Provider' of the Texas Motor Speedway," said Randy Moresi, CEO of North Hills Hospital in North Richland Hills. "We are happy to continue a long-standing partnership and wish them much success during the upcoming race weekend."

Live 105.3 will be the new "Official Radio Station" for Texas Motor Speedway beginning in 2005. The station, part of the Infinity Radio Dallas group, will carry all Texas Motor Speedway race events. Live 105.3 will also carry all NASCAR races covered by MRN and PRN as well as the Indianapolis 500 broadcast by IMS Radio. The station will also carry this weekend's Silverado 350k and Chevy 500k from the speedway.

"We are ecstatic to be teaming up with Texas Motor Speedway on their events," said Brian Purdy, vice president and market manager for Infinity Radio Dallas. "They are a class organization to work with and this is a perfect fit for Live 105.3."