Truck Series Driver Buys Montgomery Speedway

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Rick Crawford has reached an agreement in principal to buy the half-mile track, according to Doug Carwyle, a local businessman who helped broker the deal. The only stipulation to the sale is that the city of Montgomery grant a license allowing the track to hold races. Kevin Radvany, who handles public relations for Crawford's race team, said track representatives will make the request with the city licensing board July 17. "Outside of that one thing, it's a done deal," said Carwyle, who is expected to help manage the track once Crawford takes ownership. "Rick and (current owner) Bill Manfull have agreed on the price. Rick sent the retainer -- $50,000 -- to the auction company. All that's left is getting that license. If that happens, we go back racing." Carwyle said Crawford, a Mobile native who is currently fifth in the Craftsman Truck Series points standings, has been involved in the sale of MMS since the auction a month ago. Radvany said Crawford's purchase of the track would have no effect on his participation in the Truck Series. "This is no different than Tony Stewart owning Eldora Speedway (a small dirt track in Ohio)," Radvany said. "This is something Rick has always said he wanted to do."(Montgomery Advertiser)