It’s been reported by ESPN’s NASCAR Now and other print media outlets like the Boston Globe that New Hampshire International Speedway owner Bob Bahre may be interested in selling NHIS. It was also noted that two parties are interested in the track.
Fenway Sports Group , with owners Jack Roush, famous for his 5 car race teams in NASCAR, and John Henry, owner of the Boston Red Sox, have an interest in the future for buying NHIS. Even though they have no prior experience in such a venture like race track ownership, the experience of owning such a successful venture like the Boston Red Sox will fuel there desire for more ventures in sports.
Fenway Sports President Mike Dee has had a few discussions with Bob Bahre about the possible purchase of his facility, but nothing in detail. “I won’t deny that it has come up. But at this stage of the game, that it’s a live and intense discussion is grossly exaggerated. We’re obviously new to the sport,” Dee said.
The other group is Bruten Smith and his Speedway Motorsports, owners of six current Nextel Cup tracks. Bruten Smith is friends with Bob Bahre, who both purchased together North Wilksboro Motorspeedway and closed it; moving both it’s Cup dates to NHIS and Texas Motor Speedway. Bruten would like to move the September Cup date, which happens to be the opening race of 10 for the Chase to the Cup, to his Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
If Bruten Smith buys the track, New England and Canadien RaceFans loose it’s 2nd Cup date at NHIS and it’s link to the Chase for the Cup. And if that race date moves, what or who says the July Cup race doesn’t also move. He’s been part of the closing of North Wilksboro, why not the closing of NHIS. Bruten Smith could also bring other forms of racing to NHIS, such as open wheel back to New Hampshire.
Fenway Sports would most likely keep both races at NHIS, which has sold-out it’s 25th consecutive Cup event since 1993, the year of NHIS’ first Cup event.. They also may bring in other forms of racing to the track.
My best pick would be Fenway Sports. We have a better chance of keeping our two Cup races than going to one or possibly none. Maybe a merger between Fenway Sports and the Bahre Family would be a better way for Fenway Sports to get further into NASCAR racing. It’s better than closing down.
Give some feedback New England. Why give Bruten Smith more to axe.
