NASCAR world reacts to death of former track president and promoter Eddie Gossage

On Thursday night it was announced that Eddie Gossage, former president of Texas Motor Speedway and longtime track promoter had died. Gossage had worked in the racing industry, hosting NASCAR and IndyCar at Texas Motor Speedway for years. He was 65.

The NASCAR world reacted to the news of his passing over the night and into Friday morning. Eddie Gossage worked for years with Speedway Motorsports. From Charlotte Motor Speedway to Texas Motor Speedway, he was an old-school promoter and learned from the generation before him.

Gossage retired from the racing industry in 2021 to become a motivational speaker. During his career, Gossage touched the lives of many and made an impact on many others as well.

Here are some reactions from the NASCAR industry regarding Gossage’s death.

Marcus Smith on Eddie Gossage: “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.” https://t.co/3M2jmeg7xV

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 17, 2024

NASCAR and IndyCar both put out statements on the matter as well.

NASCAR statement on the passing of Eddie Gossage:

Eddie Gossage was a consummate promoter whose outside-the-box ideas helped engage fans across the country. He was truly passionate about motorsports and always looking for the next great idea to bring new fans to the sport and…

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 17, 2024

The statement from IndyCar:

#INDYCAR mourns the passing of former Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage. pic.twitter.com/K8vZTgovQa

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 17, 2024

Erik Jones shared a fun message about Eddie Gossage. Jones was unable to attend his own high school graduation due to racing at Texas Motor Speedway. So, Gossage helped him out with an impromptu graduation at the track.

Saddened to hear about the passing of Eddie Gossage. His vibrant personality lit up the room and he was always dedicated to helping others. I'll never forget his kindness in staging my high school graduation back at Texas Motor Speedway years ago – he knew how to make everyone… pic.twitter.com/CrTqblY9lS

— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) May 17, 2024

Perhaps no other driver was as close to Eddie Gossage as Tony Stewart. Stewart even renamed the tunnel at his own Eldora Speedway as a gesture towards Gossage, despite, or perhaps because of, Stewart’s complaints about Texas Motor Speedway.

A kind message in honor of the former track promoter.

Beyond shocked to learn of Eddie Gossage’s passing. The man was larger than life and one of THE biggest supporters of auto racing. He was always someone I looked to for guidance as a track promoter at Eldora. Eddie certainly made his mark and motorsports is better for it. RIP. pic.twitter.com/yjJCMCGCyk

— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) May 17, 2024

Eddie Gossage left his mark on American motorsports

It would take a long time to write out the history and accomplishments that Eddie Gossage was a part of. That includes some of the not-so-great moments and some would argue, outright failures.

A lot of fans and drivers will associate Gossage with the repave at Texas Motor Speedway and reconfiguration. It was a move that has not panned out well and has created a lot of controversy and criticism in NASCAR and IndyCar over recent years.

There were struggles at Texas Motor Speedway since it was built. However, when the place was rocking, it was unlike anything else in sports, let alone NASCAR. It was also a venue that attracted massive crowds for music festivals for a time.

Eddie Gossage was there throughout the creation of Texas Motor Speedway. He was a key part of the last golden era in NASCAR, where 200,000+ people would show up to his track for a Cup Series race weekend. His impact on the people in the sport and the sport itself cannot be overestimated, and he will be missed.