Rumors make circuit at Las Vegas track

Thursday, March 13, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

He doused the latest rumor on Monday, saying he hasn't heard from a group headed by NASCAR legend Richard Petty that allegedly has designs on purchasing or taking over operation of the new track.

A source in Atlanta said one of the hot rumors making the rounds at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, site of this past weekend's NASCAR Winston Cup race, was that a group including Petty and representatives from the Fox Network and/or Walt Disney World have been making inquiries about LVMS.

The source said Petty confirmed an "interest" in both Las Vegas and Phoenix International Raceway during the race weekend. Petty already is a partner with LVMS, operating a fan-driven stock car driving experience at the track.

"I must have heard that 10 different people were going to buy it, but no one has handed me a check yet," said Clyne, dismissing the rumor as nothing more than idle chatter.

Clyne reiterated that the speedway, jointly owned by Las Vegas hotel chiefs Ralph Englestad of the Imperial Palace and William Bennett of the Sahara, is not for sale.

"No. Far from it," Clyne said. "We haven't worked this hard (only) to sell it at this point, that's for sure."

The rumors regarding LVMS' future began circulating during the past month after three key front-office officials -- general manager Ray Wilkings, publicity director John Bisci and, most recently, operations director Lex Dudas -- resigned to pursue other opportunities in racing.

Clyne said he has yet to identify a general manager candidate or candidates. In the meantime, he is relying on assistance from the various sanctioning bodies which will hold events at LVMS.

NASCAR special projects director Andy Hall set up shop at the track last week to oversee preparations for the March 16 Las Vegas 300 Busch Grand National race.

"We haven't been able to pull the trigger yet," Clyne said about hiring a new GM. "But I'm real comfortable with the assistance NASCAR and the IRL (Indy Racing League) have given me."

In another LVMS development that is not hearsay, Clyne will meet with International Motor Sports Association chiefs Andy Evans and Jack Long today to finalize plans for a Sept. 19-20 World Sports Car race at LVMS.