DALLAS — Eddie Gossage, a North Texas legend and former Texas Motor Speedway President, died Thursday. He was 65.
Speedway Motorsports confirmed his death on behalf of the Gossage family. The cause of his death was not immediately released.
“Today we have lost one of the world’s biggest race fans,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “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. On behalf of our Speedway Motorsports teammates across the country, our hearts go out to his many friends and his beloved family.
Gossage’s passing comes on the eve of the 40th NASCAR All-Star Race weekend.
“Each day I come to work, I see the impact he had throughout our property. Eddie laid a foundation for success to build upon for generations to come and made Texas Motor Speedway a showplace of which Texans will always be proud," said Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Mark Faber.
Gossage was the ultimate promoter, known for his vibrant personality, catchy lines and many wild ideas aimed at bringing attention to his racetrack.
He joined Speedway Motorsports in 1989 as the Vice President of Public Relations at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was there where he honed his skill for promotional flair under the guidance of Chairman Bruton Smith and then-Charlotte Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler.
In 1995, Smith named Gossage as General Manager of Texas Motor Speedway and added the title of TMS President in 2004.
But his journey came with a few hiccups, including one incident that he thought was going to get him fired.
It was during a 1992 press conference Gossage produced in Charlotte to promote the first NASCAR All-Star Race to run at night. He rigged a giant light switch to highlight the innovative new lighting system at the superspeedway. But when Smith threw the switch, sparks flew, setting the speedway founder and owner’s hair on fire.
Little did Gossage know at the time, he'd be just fine. And it was only the beginning of his iconic career.
Smith took Gossage under his wing, as the Executive Chairman purchased a property in North Texas. Smith said when he started to build TMS he had everything he needed with architects, accounts and attorneys -- but what he really needed was promotion. And that's where Gossage came in.
Under Gossage’s leadership, TMS hosted millions of fans at NASCAR, IndyCar, and World of Outlaw races, and produced countless car shows. TMS has also hosted iconic concerts from the likes of The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, and Willie Nelson.
Gossage told WFAA in 2021 that he had been blessed to meet with presidents, world leaders, astronauts and musicians, among many more. throughout his storied career But he said the greatest person of them all was Smith.
Gossage stepped down as President in June 2021. Prior to his departure, Gossage was one of the longest-tenured employees at Speedway Motorsports, spending 32 years with the company.
He is survived by his wife Melinda, daughter Jessica, son Dustin, daughter-in-law Lauren, and his three grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date.