Chicagoland reaction to NASCAR realignment

Comments on NASCAR's 2005 Realignment From Matthew Alexander, Vice President/General Manager of Chicagoland Speedway

General Statement on the announcement:

As the fastest growing sport in the nation, NASCAR continues with its vision of moving from a predominantly south eastern sport to a truly national sport. With the addition of Chicagoland Speedway in 2001, they entered the third largest market in the country. Adding a second race in California this season and second races at Texas and Phoenix in 2005 they continue their growth and with their vision. We applaud NASCAR's decisions and hope the expansion into untapped and large markets will continue the growth of the sport.

What the announcement means for the future schedule of Chicagoland Speedway:

With the introduction of the "Race for the NEXTEL Cup Championship" and "Realignment 2005", it is obvious that NASCAR is not hesitant to make significant changes if they think it can improve the state of NASCAR and the sport. The aggressive approach to have a strong presence in major markets combined with Chicagoland Speedway's growing reputation as one of the favorite stops on the NEXTEL Cup Series for fans, media, drivers and sponsors gives us a great confidence that we will host a second NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event weekend in the future.

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