• Eddie Gossage, Rick Humphrey Putting State Pride On The Line Thursday When Longhorns Meet Crimson Tide For National Crown

FORT WORTH, Texas (January 6, 2010) – While “friendly wagers” for major college football games usually are reserved for politicians of the states or cities of the respective teams, a few presidents have decided to get involved.

Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage and Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey have come up with a “friendly wager” between the two distinguished speedways for Thursday evening’s BCS national championship game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

The loser not only will have to swallow his pride but also proudly fly the flag of the winning speedway on their property beginning Friday morning and throughout the weekend. The losing track president also will have to don a golf shirt and hat of the winning team.

And in keeping with tradition, Gossage and Humphrey also will offer up some special fare from their home state. Texas Motor Speedway is offering up Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse beef brisket while Talladega Superspeedway is bidding Dreamland Barbeque ribs.

“I’m always up for a good bet,” Gossage said. “I think Rick will look great in burnt orange and the Texas Motor Speedway flag will look great flying over Talladega Superspeedway. As his former boss, I think he owes me a good meal and those Dreamland ribs will be perfect.”

“I look forward to seeing photos of the Talladega Superspeedway flag flying over Texas Motor Speedway after the Tide rolls over the Longhorns,” Humphrey said.  “I may even have to call Eddie on Friday morning and play the ‘Bama fight song for him as he hoists our flag wearing an Alabama shirt and hat.  Our staff is looking forward to dining on some delicious Texas beef for lunch next week while we revel in another national championship for the University of Alabama.  This has all the makings of a very good week.”

Tickets are on sale now for the April 16-18 Samsung Mobile 500 weekend featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and ARCA Racing Series Presented by RE/MAX and Menards. Special ticket promotions include the Samsung Mobile 500 Frontstretch “2 for $99” offer and “Backstretch Buster” seating starting at $20. Tickets can be purchased online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com or by calling (817) 215-8500.