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By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — After 26 years of running Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Chris Powell is calling it quits.
The Speedway announced Tuesday that Powell, the raceway’s longtime president and general manager, is retiring.
Before T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Stadium there was Las Vegas Motor Speedway off Interstate 15 north of town and it was Powell who helmed the efforts by Speedway Motorsports to grow the venue and its sprawling site into one of the country’s top car racing destinations.
Under Powell, Las Vegas Motor Speedway added a second annual NASCAR event, built The Strip at LVMS for drag racing and hosted the popular Electric Daisy Carnival.
Powell’s retirement is effective March 31, two weeks after the Pennzoil 400 NASCAR race weekend March 14-16.
A successor will be named in the coming weeks.
Powell is married to wife Missy and the couple has five sons.
“Our success through the years has not been about one person, but rather the incredible commitment displayed by my teammates through the years,” Powell said. “Their attention to detail has made me so proud, and I could spend years thanking each one of them for their unending efforts. I’m certain my successor will receive the same kind of support.
“I’ve been so fortunate to work for two outstanding leaders in the late Bruton Smith and his son, Marcus. Bruton made an indelible mark on motorsports, and Marcus is following suit by taking our company to new heights. I’ll be forever indebted to the Smith family for allowing me to oversee one of the great sports venues.”