Bruton Smith to purchase NHIS

Bruton Smith, Speedway Motorsports Chairman and owner of Lowe's Motor Speedway, has completed a deal to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from owner Bob Bahre.

A formal announcement of the purchase is expected during a news conference at 12:30 p.m. Eastern on Friday at Texas Motor Speedway, site of Sunday's Dickies 500 and one of six tracks Smith currently owns.

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.

This Cup season, New Hampshire hosted races in June and September. The September race at New Hampshire has opened the 10-race Chase for the Nextel Cup since the format's inception in 2004.

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.