Viva Las Vegas: Smith Buys New Hampshire

So that Thursday announcement didn't pan out.

But the the Friday one certainly will. (At 12:30pm EST, actually!)

That announcement also won't likely carry any new news along for Lowe's Motor Speedway vs. Concord City Council, either, as Speedway Motorsports CEO Bruton Smith is expected to announce a purchase of Bob Bahre's independently owned track in New England -- New Hampshire International Speedway.

On Friday, Smith is expected to announce only the purchase of the track in Loudon, N.H., and not speculate on any plans to move either of its two Nextel Cup Series race dates, multiple sources said.

Smith has previously stated his desire to add a second Cup date to his track in Las Vegas. He also has expressed interest in an earlier date for his second Texas race to avoid a conflict with the opening of white-tail deer hunting season.

Yes, you read that correctly -- to avoid a conflict in Texas with not an open wheel race, a Cowboys game, or a rodeo but rather white-tail deer hunting season.

Think that just threw out every stereotype that the NASCAR bigwigs in Daytona have been trying so hard to abandon? You can bet Brian France is cringing to hear that a track owner is trying to help the fans that don't drink martinis or Perrier -- but rather is making them us a priority.

And to think, just Tuesday, I was questioning Bruton's commitment to the fans. (And well, I probably still would if he moves LMS, but as for now, he's got some points in my book.)

But the real announcement on this issue, apparently, isn't being made Friday at Texas Motor Speedway.

The fact that NHIS now has -- in the way that Smith does numbers -- a 231% chance of losing one its race dates in favor of shipping one of those to the unproven new pavement offered at Las Vegas isn't expected, mainly because NASCAR has released its 2008 schedule.

The 2008 schedule has already been set by NASCAR. NASCAR vice president Steve O'Donnell said Thursday any changes to the schedule would likely need to occur in 2009.

"This year's schedule is already announced. We will entertain realignment conversations for 2009 and beyond as long as they meet with our long-term objectives," O'Donnell said.

I can't say I'll be complaining too heavily, as NHIS always seems to be one of those races on TV that is a sure-bet for a long mid-race nap.

That's not to say, though, that the New England NASCAR fans (aren't they the ones who Brian France and NASCAR is so trying to earn?) don't see a good show at the mile-plus oval. After all, the track has a pretty good record of sellouts going right now.

So, this comes down to one NHIS date for a second one at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I've got no qualms against, but it's not that exciting either.

But as this stage, I'll take not very exciting over a terrible decision any day.