Fri, 6 Nov 2009, 10:12 AM National Guard ADRL Statement on Memphis Motorsports Park Closing

Courtesy of ADRL Communications

O'FALLON, Mo. -- The National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) regrets the decision announced today by Dover Motorsports Inc. to close Memphis Motorsports Park (MMP), site of this year's ADRL Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II, but already is taking steps to replace the venue for its 2010 season.

"I'm saddened by this news, not only because Memphis Motorsports Park hosted one of our most exciting events this season before being cut short by rain, but because it holds sentimental value for me personally as essentially the birthplace of our complimentary ticket program back in 2006," National Guard ADRL President and CEO Kenny Nowling said.

Nowling praised MMP Vice President and General Manager Jason Rittenberry and his staff for their hard work at the facility, not only during National Guard ADRL events, but for other major drag racing events and races at the speedway that shares the Millington, Tennessee, grounds.

"I wish Jason and his staff nothing but the best in the future," Nowling said. "I also want to thank the fans in Memphis who came out in record numbers this May and hope they all will be able to attend another National Guard ADRL event soon."

A two-day crowd of 58,750 passed through the MMP turnstiles for the ADRL Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II, including more than 38,200 on Saturday alone, representing the largest single-day attendance figure in the drag strip's 23-year history.

Next year's National Guard ADRL event at MMP was scheduled for May 28-29, but obviously will need to be moved to a new venue.

"We're very sorry about not being able to return to Memphis Motorsports Park in 2010, but the good news for National Guard ADRL racers, sponsors and fans is that we've had several tracks jockeying for an event date in 2011 and now one of them will be able to start hosting an ADRL event in 2010," Nowling said. "In fact, I've been on the phone with two potential replacements already today and feel quite confident we'll be able to announce a new event soon, hopefully remaining on the Memorial Day weekend."