Admission At Tracks Like Texas Motor  Speedway Adds To SMI's Bottom Line

Speedway Motorsports Inc. posted its first quarterly loss in three years, and company execs blame the results largely on losses at Motorsports Authentics, SMI's joint merchandising venture with Int'l Speedway Corp.  Without MA, SMI claims, the $13.6M Q3 loss would have been a $4.4M profit.  But while that operation has been a drag on profits, other areas indicate a healthy business. 

Music To Their Ears 
Local Predators bid group, city of Nashville reportedly reach new lease agreement.  The caveat?  Deal puts no restrictions on team relocating after 2010-11 season.

Bush Whacker 
Saints RB fires marketing agent Mike Ornstein despite large endorsement portfolio.

Changing Course 
PGA Tour’s BOD expected to approve plan to shift ’08 Tour Championship to week following Ryder Cup.

Man On 
19 Entertainment helps AEG recruit coach Ruud Gullit to MLS Galaxy, crafts marketing package to supplement salary.

Power Play 
Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux part of separate groups eyeing purchase of Nike Bauer.

Losing The Trail 
Comcast SportsNet Northwest cancels interviews to avoid questions about lack of carriage for Blazers games.

Extra Mayo 
USC men’s basketball seeing increased demand for tickets with arrival of hyped freshman, stronger non-conference schedule.