"The truck series is some of the best racing in NASCAR and we know that our fans are just going to be thrilled to attend the race.

"The re-opening of Gateway has been great for the racing community and now to add a great NASCAR race to our schedule couldn’t be better for the motorsports fan here in the St. Louis region.

"I expect our phone is going to start ringing."

Francois, who operated the track in 2012 before purchasing it earlier this year, has pumped more than $11 million into the facility, which also has a drag strip, road racing course, go-kart track and will soon be opening an off-road truck facility.

"It really reflects our idea to have multiple venues here, a lot of different elements that all come together in the motorsports park atmosphere."

Francois said the majority of his major capital investment has been geared toward improving the fan experience. He can frequently be found working the parking lot at race events. This week, he spent three straight hours giving pace car rides around the speedway to more than 200 local business leaders to further energize the region about the future of the facility.

"I hear the firsthand feedback of the fans to know what they like and what they want," explained Francois. "It’s a great opportunity to be on the ground floor to bring them what they want, to meet their needs.

"In St. Louis I think the local part of my bio is really important," Francois said. "St. Louis is a big town but the local relationships matter. Lifelong resident, race car driver and real estate developer in the area, I think all of those attributes really make for the perfect scenario of operating the track."

During the track’s previous 13-year run hosting NASCAR truck races from 1998-2010 there was only one repeat winner and Francois is well aware this will be a popular addition to the schedule.

"The negotiations couldn’t have been better," Francois said. "I think both NASCAR and myself recognize the fans in the Midwest deserve top-tier racing and with the interest in the fans … it was an easy decision on both of our parts to harness that energy."

NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Steve O’Donnell agreed.

"We’re excited to have the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series return to Gateway and to the St. Louis area, which is such a racing hotbed," O’Donnell said.

"Curtis Francois and his staff have worked diligently to bring NASCAR national series racing back to those great fans."

Ron Hornaday Jr. was excited as well about the addition of Gateway to the schedule.

"Lots of fun there," said Hornaday, who won at Gateway in 2008. "I remember one year, I got my appendix out on a Wednesday and I was racing on a Saturday, so I’ve got good memories there at Gateway. I’m looking forward to it, and the fans just love us there."

Francois already anticipates the natural follow-up question to hosting a Camping World Truck Series race. Will Gateway Motorsports Park pursue a NASCAR Nationwide or Sprint Cup race in the future?

"We have a lot going on and the most important thing we can do is do what we were chosen to do, and do it well," Francois said. "My goal is to make sure we have a wonderful truck race and if we do that, whatever other races come our way we’ll be ready for them when the opportunity arises."

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"It’s an incredible privilege to work with and represent the Guard," Earnhardt Jr. said. "We have the opportunity to interact with those who serve our country and many who are considering military careers. I’m personally in awe of their sacrifices and feel a tremendous amount of pride in our relationship with them. The entire No. 88 team is looking forward to another season together."

Currently in sixth place in the point standings, Junior has seven top-fives and 18 top-10s this season in his No. 88 Chevrolet. He sported a National Guard paint scheme during his runner-up finish in February’s Daytona 500.

In fact, Junior’s Chevrolet had National Guard colors in six of his seven top-fives — at Phoenix and Fontana early this season, at Pocono twice and in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Dover in September.



"We’ve been honored to partner with the National Guard since 2007," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "Sports affiliations drive engagement, and we know citizen soldiers are especially likely to engage with NASCAR specifically. The Guard has recognized the opportunities, and Dale Jr. has been a terrific spokesperson. We’re proud to continue what’s been an effective and impactful program."

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READ: Johnson’s best track is Kenseth’s biggest test	WATCH: Fantasy Showdown: Martinsville	READ: Logano learning from first time in Chase	WATCH: Almirola unveils No. 41 for Maurice Petty

"It’s just valuable information," said Earnhardt Jr., who also announced a sponsorship extension for National Guard on his No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet through the 2014 season. "If you care about your well-being, your health and your quality of life, it’s a smart move to embrace."

Earnhardt became more familiar with the rigors of neurological testing after his crash last season forced him to the sidelines. Friday, he said that no two people have the same baseline and that all concussions "are like snowflakes," all unique. 

He sounded off on the potential for any resistance to the possible change. 

"I don’t understand any concerns. Going through what I went through, I don’t understand that," Earnhardt said. "You have to go through the test and know how the test is scored and how you are evaluated in the re-test. It’s not two plus two equals four, but well, you chose three, you’re out. There’s no right or wrong answers. It’s a test that gives you an image of how someone thinks, how quickly they make decisions, how they rationale, it’s not really a test of what’s the capital of North Carolina. There’s not a grade."

He added: "I don’t feel more worried about getting a concussion and being held out than I did before. It’s kind of frustrating, but I think if everybody gets a year down the road and understands how the test works, especially when all the drivers are forced to take it, it’s no sweat and I don’t think they’re going to be too worried about it."

MORE:

READ: Johnson’s best track is Kenseth’s biggest test	WATCH: Fantasy Showdown: Martinsville	READ: Logano learning from first time in Chase	WATCH: Almirola unveils No. 41 for Maurice Petty