Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) is a major motorsports complex located in Fort Worth, Texas, serving as a premier venue for NASCAR and other racing series. Known for its high-speed racing and large-capacity spectator facilities, TMS is a flagship speedway in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, hosting multiple key events across NASCAR’s top divisions. The track combines rich racing tradition with a modern fan experience, including one of the world’s largest HD video screens.
History
The vision for Texas Motor Speedway was conceived by Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., aiming to establish a major racing destination west of the Mississippi River. After considering locations in Las Vegas and St. Louis, the Dallas-Fort Worth area was selected in late 1994, with land owned by businessman Ross Perot Jr. Groundbreaking occurred on April 11, 1995, and construction rapidly progressed, with the speedway officially opening in August 1996.
Initial designs featured a unique dual-banked surface—24 degrees to accommodate stock cars and an 8-degree lower banking for open-wheel cars—though the open-wheel configuration led to some skepticism and later adjustments. The first NASCAR races commenced in 1997, with Jeff Burton winning the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race. The venue quickly became one of the largest sports facilities in the United States, initially boasting seating close to 155,000.
Throughout its early years, TMS also hosted open-wheel IndyCar races, including the first night-time IndyCar event in 1997 and a controversial 2001 CART race canceled minutes before the start due to driver safety issues related to extreme G-forces. Over time, the track has been reconfigured to improve racing quality, including repaving and widening efforts responding to driver feedback. In 2014, TMS installed “Big Hoss,” the world’s largest HD video screen, enhancing the spectator experience. Legal disputes over the track name delayed its final official naming, resolved in late 1996 allowing continued use of “Texas Motor Speedway.”
Most Famous Races Held
Texas Motor Speedway is best known for hosting NASCAR’s top series events such as the NASCAR Cup Series races — including the prestigious Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400— the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The track has hosted high-profile finish line moments and intense competitions since its debut, including Jeff Burton’s victory in the inaugural Cup race and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s first NASCAR Nationwide Series win in 1998. The races held here often feature fast, close racing on a challenging quad-oval layout.
Track Information
TMS is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) quad-oval speedway with steep 24-degree banking in the turns, making it one of the fastest and most challenging tracks on the NASCAR circuit. Its front stretch includes a dogleg that adds complexity to racing lines. After removing the 8-degree lower banking section that was initially designed for open-wheel cars, the track now features a consistent surface optimized for stock car racing. The Speedway can accommodate approximately 140,000 spectators, with upgrades continuously made to seating and facilities.