• Gossage Dons University Of Alabama Hat While Raising Talladega Flag At TMS As A Result Of University Of Texas’ 37-21 Loss To Crimson Tide In BCS National Championship Game

FORT WORTH, Texas (January 8, 2010) – Less than 12 hours after the University of Texas’ 37-21 loss to the University of Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game, Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage was feeling the sting of the defeat once again.

Despite freezing temperatures in the teens and high winds, Gossage settled his bet with Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey on Friday morning as he personally raised the Alabama speedway’s flag in front of the Texas Motor Speedway administration building. Gossage, donning a University of Alabama ball cap, was hoisted up on a scissor lift to the top of the 25-foot flag pole, where he hung the Talladega Superspeedway flag alongside the flags of the United States, state of Texas and Texas Motor Speedway. As part of the bet, the Talladega flag will fly throughout the weekend.

Gossage also had a small, wooden University of Alabama gnome on hand to serve as a stand-in for Humphrey, who was not in attendance for the “ceremony.”

“I knew we may be in trouble when Colt (McCoy, Texas quarterback) went out after five snaps due to the shoulder injury, but I was proud of the way the Longhorns kept battling and rallied to 24-21 in the fourth quarter,” Gossage said. “Alabama is a great team, but you did notice they needed a Southlake Carroll High product (‘Bama quarterback Greg McElroy) to help lead them to the national title. Congrats to Alabama on a great season as well as Rick, who will get to enjoy some real barbeque next week.”

In keeping with the tradition of state versus state bets and offering up a special fare from the loser’s locale, Gossage also will be sending Humphrey and his staff Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse beef brisket next week to celebrate the victory.

“I’m very excited to know that the Talladega Superspeedway flag is flying over Texas Motor Speedway,” Humphrey said. “But more importantly, I’m excited for the University of Alabama and the pride that a national championship brings to our state. I love Talladega Speedway and I love the Alabama Crimson Tide. Today is a great day for both of us.”

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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.