NASCAR is currently submerged in the feeling of the loss of a true motorsports legend today. Eddie Gossage, the renowned promoter and former president of Texas Motor Speedway, passed away at 65, right as the 40th NASCAR All-Star Race weekend was about to kick off. Primarily known for his old-school marketing genius, Gossage had an important role in reigniting NASCAR’s presence in Texas. Although it wasn’t officially announced, his close friends say the cancer he once fought off had returned. 

At one point, Eddie Gossage even wanted the Texas Motor Speedway to host a football match

Eddie Gossage’s death was revealed late Thursday by Speedway Motorsports. Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, wrote in words the community’s sentiment, saying, “Today we have lost one of the world’s biggest race fans. From his legendary promotions to the lasting relationships he developed throughout the sports and entertainment industries, Eddie Gossage meant so much to the world of motorsports,” praising Gossage for his work.

Back in late 2008, Eddie Gossage was hit with a cancer diagnosis and started treatment early in 2009. By September 2009, he shared some good news: his cancer was in complete remission. He joyfully announced in March 2010 that he had beaten the cancer. However, as his friends have recently revealed, the cancer had returned, and this time, it claimed his life.

Gossage was at the helm of Texas Motor Speedway for its first 25 seasons, starting from the very beginning. He took charge right from the groundbreaking in 1995, about 20 miles north of downtown Fort Worth. Just two years after that, the facility roared to life with its first race. In fact, before making his mark at Texas Motor Speedway, Gossage honed his skills in various roles across the racing world. His journey included times at Nashville (his first job After getting a recommendation from fellow Tennessean sportswriter Larry Woody) and Bristol International Raceway (in 1981), as well as in motorsports management and public relations at Miller Brewing Co. He began his long and influential tenure with Speedway Motorsports in F 1989, starting at Charlotte.

Actually, Eddie Gossage retired from his role at Texas Motor Speedway in the summer of 2021, signing off a remarkable 32-year career with Speedway Motorsports that included the 25 years that he spent at the helm of TMS. In fact, during his tenure, Gossage became a national figure, known for his unique promotion of NASCAR and Texas Motor Speedway through innovative and sometimes audacious marketing strategies.

For instance, at one point, Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) hosted some of the biggest races on the circuit. Recognizing its popularity, NASCAR even added a second TMS race to its annual schedule, and IndyCar became a regular fixture there. During the track’s heyday, it was Gossage who suggested that the venue could host a football game. He pointed out that the large stretch of grass on the front stretch was big enough to fit a football field. And that added to the popularity of the racetrack even more.

The former TMS president had already mastered the art of drawing crowds and creating memorable events under the mentorship of Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith and the legendary promoter Humpy Wheeler by the time he joined Texas Speedway. He had a knack for filling the stands and turning NASCAR and IndyCar races into must-see spectacles, mixing passion with a flair for the dramatic.

After Eddie Gossage hung up his hat, he admitted that his promotional style might have taken a leaf out of the playbook of flamboyant boxing promoters like Bob Arum and Don King. Not to mention, his tactics were often bold and brash, but they always aimed at delighting fans, elevating the racing experience, and boosting the speedway’s profile. No wonder he was adored by so many!

But now, all that remains are the memories and stories he crafted, as fans and the racing community reflect on the indelible mark left by the man who was a driving force behind Texas Motor Speedway.

Amid an outpour of prayers and disbelief, NASCAR by Fox posted, “Legendary motorsports promoter and former Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage has died at the age of 65,” on which fans wrote, “Damn ! 😔,” “Very sad news. Loved that guy,” and “May he rest in peace.”

A fan who could not even believe what just happened, commented, “Wait what!?,” while another fan expressing his sadness, wrote, “Damn that sucks. RIP EG.” A few other comments who did not want to write anything but still pay their tribute commented with emojies like, “🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼” and “🙏👼.”

Eddie Gossage was more than just a promoter; he brought a vibrant, fun spirit to NASCAR that resonated deeply with fans and colleagues alike. Here’s Essentially Sports hoping he finds peace.