Speedway Motorsports (TRK) 10-Q 30 Jul 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jul. 28, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SPEEDWAY MOTORSPORTS INC
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,288,403
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	934,648
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 98,096	$ 110,046
Accounts and notes receivable, net	51,324	34,855
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	7,645	8,306
Inventories, net	9,021	8,350
Prepaid expenses	3,755	3,881
Deferred income taxes	7,979	23,786
Total Current Assets	177,820	189,224
Notes and Other Receivables	1,480	1,555
Other Assets	30,269	30,714
Property and Equipment, Net	1,040,059	1,052,153
Other Intangible Assets, Net (Note 4)	298,411	394,941
Goodwill (Note 4)	47,342	49,680
Total	1,595,381	1,718,267
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	8,235	7,070
Accounts payable	26,400	11,166
Deferred race event and other income, net	66,363	55,209
Accrued interest	4,421	7,055
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	24,792	25,131
Total Current Liabilities	130,211	105,631
Long-term Debt (Note 5)	340,625	397,747
Deferred Income, Net	5,377	4,822
Deferred Income Taxes	332,816	371,903
Other Liabilities	7,195	7,019
Total Liabilities	816,224	887,122
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common Stock, $.01 par value, shares authorized – 200,000,000, issued and outstanding – 41,298,000 in 2015 and 41,340,000 in 2014	457	456
Additional Paid-in Capital	253,111	252,571
Retained Earnings	622,594	671,648
Treasury Stock at cost, shares – 4,368,000 in 2015 and 4,216,000 in 2014	(97,005)	(93,530)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	779,157	831,145
Total	$ 1,595,381	$ 1,718,267

Consolidated Balance Sheets (U3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common Stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	41,298,000	41,340,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding	41,298,000	41,340,000
Treasury Stock at cost, shares	4,368,000	4,216,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Admissions	$ 31,904	$ 31,084	$ 50,656	$ 52,335
Event related revenue	52,979	52,965	75,249	76,972
NASCAR broadcasting revenue	86,479	84,049	122,798	115,746
Other operating revenue	7,959	7,779	15,892	15,366
Total Revenues	179,321	175,877	264,595	260,419
Expenses and Other:
Direct expense of events	34,598	33,498	49,468	49,692
NASCAR event management fees	51,004	49,453	72,623	69,176
Other direct operating expense	5,254	5,150	10,092	9,879
General and administrative	25,453	25,615	48,544	48,651
Depreciation and amortization	13,375	15,359	26,710	28,911
Interest expense, net	3,593	5,326	9,850	10,927
Impairment of other intangible assets and goodwill (Note 4)	98,868		98,868
Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing (Note 5)			8,372
Other expense (income), net	57	(1,097)	(333)	(2,358)
Total Expenses and Other	232,202	133,304	324,194	214,878
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes	(52,881)	42,573	(59,599)	45,541
Provision for Income Taxes	20,657	(15,374)	22,976	(16,475)
Net (Loss) Income	$ (32,224)	$ 27,199	$ (36,623)	$ 29,066
Basic (Loss) Earnings Per Share (Note 6) (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.78)	$ 0.66	$ (0.89)	$ 0.70
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in Shares)	41,313	41,411	41,326	41,407
Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Share (Note 6) (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.78)	$ 0.66	$ (0.89)	$ 0.70
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in Shares)	41,346	41,431	41,361	41,430

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 456	$ 252,571	$ 671,648	$ (93,530)	$ 831,145
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	41,340
Net loss			(36,623)		(36,623)
Share-based compensation, net of windfall tax benefits adjustment (Note 9)	$ 1	(55)			(54)
Share-based compensation, net of windfall tax benefits adjustment (Note 9) (in Shares)	72
Exercise of stock options		595			595
Exercise of stock options (in Shares)	38
Quarterly cash dividends of $0.15 per share of common stock			(12,431)		(12,431)
Repurchases of common stock				(3,475)	(3,475)
Repurchases of common stock (in Shares)	(152)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2015	$ 457	$ 253,111	$ 622,594	$ (97,005)	$ 779,157
Balance (in Shares) at Jun. 30, 2015	41,298

Consolidated Statement of Stoc6

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash dividends, per share of common stock	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (36,623)	$ 29,066
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Impairment of other intangible assets and goodwill	98,868
Deferred loan cost amortization	893	801
Gain on insurance recovery and disposal of property and equipment	(489)	(2,346)
Interest expense accretion of debt discount and premium, net	(132)	(325)
Depreciation and amortization	26,710	28,911
Amortization of deferred income	(1,323)	(1,427)
Deferred income tax provision	(24,971)	16,470
Share-based compensation	1,651	1,309
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable	(16,469)	(22,842)
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes	661	(780)
Inventories	(671)	(869)
Prepaid expenses	126	(424)
Accounts payable	6,394	4,678
Deferred race event and other income	11,773	6,435
Accrued interest	(2,634)	(3)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(241)	1,463
Deferred income	1,399	195
Other assets and liabilities	73	158
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	64,995	60,470
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings under long-term debt	250,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	(302,625)	(40,750)
Payment of debt refinancing costs	(3,818)
Dividend payments on common stock	(12,431)	(12,455)
Exercise of common stock options	595	47
Repurchases of common stock	(3,475)	(1,678)
Net Cash Used By Financing Activities	(71,754)	(54,836)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(13,097)	(14,219)
Proceeds from insurance recovery and sales of property and equipment	505	1,397
Repayment of notes and other receivables	75	173
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(12,517)	(12,649)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(19,276)	(7,015)
Change in cash collected for and payable to third party, cash not provided or used by operating activities (Note 2)	7,326	5,036
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	110,046	97,343
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	98,096	95,364
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	12,808	11,018
Cash paid for income taxes	599	553
Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Information:
Increase in accounts payable for capital expenditures	$ 1,514	$ 1,362

Note 1 - Description of Busines

Note 1 - Description of Business	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned and operating subsidiaries: Atlanta Motor Speedway LLC (AMS), Bristol Motor Speedway LLC (BMS), Charlotte Motor Speedway LLC (CMS), Kentucky Raceway LLC d/b/a Kentucky Speedway (KyS), Nevada Speedway LLC d/b/a Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS), New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Inc. (NHMS), North Wilkesboro Speedway, Inc. (NWS), Speedway Sonoma LLC (Sonoma Raceway or SR), Texas Motor Speedway, Inc. (TMS), SMISC Holdings, Inc. d/b/a SMI Properties (SMI Properties), US Legend Cars International, Inc. (Legend Cars), Oil-Chem Research Corporation (Oil-Chem), SMI Trackside LLC (SMI Trackside), Speedway Funding LLC, Speedway Motorsports International Limited (BVI) and consolidated foreign entity (SMIL), Speedway Properties Company LLC a/k/a Performance Racing Network (PRN), Speedway Media LLC a/k/a Racing Country USA (RCU), and TSI Management Company LLC d/b/a The Source International LLC (TSI) (collectively, the Company, SMI, we, our or us). Hereafter, references to “the Company’s” or “eight” speedways exclude NWS, which presently has no significant operations and assets consist primarily of real estate which has no significant fair value. See Notes 1 and 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (2014 Annual Report) for further description of its business operations, properties and scheduled events. Racing Events – In 2015 , we plan to hold 24 major annual racing events sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR), including 13 Sprint Cup and 11 Xfinity Series racing events. We also plan to hold eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, three NASCAR K&N Pro Series, four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, two IndyCar Series, six major National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), one Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) and three World of Outlaws (WOO) racing events. In 2014, we held 24 major annual racing events sanctioned by NASCAR, including 13 Sprint Cup and 11 Xfinity Series racing events. We also held seven NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, three NASCAR K&N Pro Series, four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, two IndyCar Series, six major NHRA, one ARCA and three WOO racing events.

Note 2 - Significant Accounting

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER DISCLOSURES These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements included in its 2014 Annual Report. In management's opinion, these unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for their fair presentation at interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise noted. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of operating results that may be expected for the entire year due to the seasonal nature of the Company's motorsports business. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report for further discussion of significant accounting policies. Quarterly Reporting – The Company recognizes revenues and operating expenses for all events in the calendar quarter in which conducted. Changes in race schedules at the Company's speedways from time to time, including speedway acquisitions, can lessen the comparability of operating results between quarterly financial statements of successive years and increase or decrease the seasonal nature of its motorsports business. The more significant racing schedule changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to 2014 include: • AMS held one NASCAR Sprint Cup and one Xfinity Series racing event in the first quarter 2015 that were held in the third quarter 2014, and one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing event (same day as the Xfinity event) in the first quarter 2015 that was not held in 2014 • BMS held one NASCAR Sprint Cup and one Xfinity Series racing event in the second quarter 2015 that were held in the first quarter 2014 (poor weather resulted in delays in starting and completing the Sprint Cup race) • CMS held one major NHRA racing event in the first quarter 2015 that was held in the second quarter 2014 • KyS held one NASCAR Sprint Cup , one Xfinity and one Camping World Truck Series racing event in the second quarter 2014 that are being held in the third quarter 2015 • LVMS held one major NHRA racing event in the second quarter 2015 that was held in the first quarter 2014 Income Tax es the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report for additional information on our accounting for income taxes. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was 39.1% and 38.6%, and reflects an approximate 2% increase associated with the current period intangible asset and goodwill impairment charges and adjustments to certain deferred tax assets. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was 36.1 % and 36.2%, including derecognition of accrued interest and penalties for estimated income tax liabilities of $397,000. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, current income taxes payable of approximately $15.8 million and $21.4 million were reduced by utilization of current deferred income tax assets described below. Income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits approximate $885,000 as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and are included in other noncurrent liabilities, all of which would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, management believes $386,000 of unrecognized tax benefits will be recognized within the next twelve months. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits of $7,000 and $14,000 were recognized in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, and $483,000 were derecognized in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $342,000 and $328,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions, which is included in other noncurrent liabilities. The tax years that remain open to examination include 2006 through 2014 by the California Franchise Tax Board, and 2011 through 2014 by all other taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. Anticipated Income Tax Benefit From Equity Interest Abandonment The Company believes it is more likely than not that its filing position would be sustained based on its technical merits upon examination with taxing authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company reached this conclusion based on the use of outside legal counsel and other tax consultants and the potential to utilize tax losses. Under applicable accounting guidance, tax positions are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely (or more-likely-than not) of being ultimately realized. As such, the full anticipated tax benefit was recognized because the Company believes that partial sustaining of its tax position by taxing authorities would be an unlikely outcome given the nature of the position. The Company believes it will fully utilize the associated tax losses. Should the Company’s tax position not be fully sustained if examined, a valuation allowance would be required to reduce or eliminate the associated deferred tax assets and material acceleration of income taxes then currently payable could occur. Any differences between the final tax outcome and amounts recorded would affect the Company’s income tax provision in the period in which such determination was made. Taxes Collected from Customers – The Company reports sales, admission and other taxes collected from customers on both a gross and net basis in operations. Such taxes reported on a gross basis for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $2,514,000 and $1,373,000, and for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $2,991,000 and $2,338,000. Advertising Expenses – Event specific advertising costs are expensed when an associated event is held and included principally in direct expense of events. Non-event related advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included principally in other direct operating expense. Advertising expense amounted to $5,540,000 and $5,914,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and $7,823,000 and $8,354,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. There were no deferred direct-response advertising costs at June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance which requires that financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured and reported on a fair value basis be classified, disclosed and categorized as further described below. Fair value estimates are based on relevant market information and single broker quoted market prices where available at a specific point in time, and changes in assumptions or market conditions could significantly affect estimates. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, certain other assets and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. Cash surrender values are carried at fair value based on binding broker quoted market prices. Notes and other receivables and bank revolving credit facility and term loan borrowings are variable interest rate financial instruments and, therefore, carrying values approximate fair value. The fixed rate senior notes payable are publicly traded and estimated fair values are based on single broker quoted market prices. Other long-term debt is non-interest bearing and discounted based on estimated current cost of borrowings and, therefore, carrying values approximate market value. There have been no changes or transfers between category levels or classes. The following table presents estimated fair values and categorization levels of the Company’s financial instruments (in thousands): June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 98,096 $ 98,096 $ 110,046 $ 110,046 Cash surrender values 2 NR 8,450 8,450 8,177 8,177 Liabilities Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 148,125 148,125 150,000 150,000 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 200,500 — — 6.75% Senior Notes Payable previously due 2019 (Note 5) 2 NR — — 253,372 257,500 Other long-term debt 2 NR 735 735 1,445 1,445 Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Class R: Measured at fair value on recurring basis, subsequent to initial recognition. Class NR: Measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis, subsequent to initial recognition. Land Conservation Easement - Property and Equipment TMS Oil and Gas Mineral Rights Lease Receipts An initial lease agreement was extended and oil and gas extraction commenced in 2014, entitling TMS to stipulated stand-alone and shared royalties. The lessee expanded production capacity in 2014, including an increased number of extraction wells. At this time, while extraction activities continue, management is unable to determine possible ongoing volumes of production if any or for how long, or if stipulated natural gas price levels will be maintained or adequate. The lease agreement stipulates the sharing of production revenues, and requires TMS to spend a portion of shared royalties on TMS facility and road infrastructure improvements, up to specified amounts. Any future production revenues or royalties are subject to production levels and market prices that can fluctuate significantly and rapidly, as well as other factors outside of TMS’s control. As such, management is unable to determine the amounts if any, or timing, of possible future royalty payments to TMS. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was no deferred income associated with the expired or extended agreements. Quicksilver Resources, Inc. (Quicksilver), the company with whom TMS and FWSA contracted for the exploration and extraction of natural gas, filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on March 17, 2015. On April 15, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court entered a final order approving Quicksilver’s motion to continue operating in the ordinary course by honoring obligations under its oil and gas contracts (such as the contracts with TMS and the FWSA) in Quicksilver’s business judgment. As such, at this time, the Company anticipates that Quicksilver will continue to perform under the contracts for the foreseeable future. Deferred Income , Other Arrangements Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – At times, the Company collects and temporarily holds cash on behalf of its third-party food and beverage concessionaire which is not remitted until after period end and is presented separately from cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There are no specific limitations, restrictions or other holding requirements for such cash. Recently Issued Accounting Standards – The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Section A—Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40)” which enhances comparability and clarifies principles of revenue recognition. The guidance includes the core principle that entities recognize revenue to depict transfers of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration entities expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The FASB has approved deferral of this update for one year, and such guidance will now be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted as of the original issuance date. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements. The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” which requires performance targets that affect vesting and could be achieved after requisite service periods be treated as performance conditions and reflected in estimating grant-date fair values of awards. Compensation cost should be recognized in the periods when achieving performance targets becomes probable, and should represent the compensation cost attributable to periods for which requisite services have already been rendered. If achieving performance targets becomes probable before the end of the requisite service periods, any remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. Among other things, the guidance applies to entities that grant employees share-based payments in which award terms provide that performance targets that affect vesting could be achieved after the requisite service periods. The guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the guidance either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements. The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03 "Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” which requires that debt issuance costs related to debt liabilities be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated carrying amount, similar to debt discounts. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements. The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11 "Inventory – Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330)” which requires measuring inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value based on estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation (changed from the previous guidance of lower of cost or market). This update also clarified various other inventory measurement and disclosure requirements. The update does not apply to inventory measured using the LIFO or retail inventory methods. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and should be applied prospectively. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements.

Note 3 - Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	3. INVENTORIES Inventories, net consist of the following components (in thousands): June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Finished race cars, parts and accessories $ 4,982 $ 5,186 Souvenirs and apparel 3,178 2,472 Micro-lubricant ® 861 692 Total $ 9,021 $ 8,350

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Int

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Annual Assessment – evaluates goodwill and other intangible assets for possible impairment annually in the second quarter, or when events or circumstances indicate possible impairment may have occurred. See Notes 2 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report for additional information on the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets and assessment methodology and evaluation. The inputs for measuring fair value are considered "Level 3" or unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data under applicable fair value authoritative guidance, as quoted market prices are not available. Management's latest annual assessment in the second quarter 2015 was based predominately on management's best estimate of future discounted operating cash flows and profitability attributable to such assets for all individual reporting units. Management also considered that the estimated market value for comparable NASCAR race event sanction and renewal agreements (the Company has agreements with NASCAR to annually conduct thirteen Sprint Cup, eleven Xfinity and eight Camping World Truck Series races as of the evaluation date), combined with the estimated fair value for all other Company net assets, exceeds its current market capitalization. Management also considered recent market trading ranges of price to earnings and sales multiples, cash flow and other traditional valuation methods, control premiums, and other market information related to the Company’s common stock from historical and forward-looking perspectives. Impairment of Other Intangible Assets – ur 2014 annual assessment found that the excess of estimated fair value over associated aggregate carrying values for material non-amortizable race date event sanctioning and renewal agreements associated with NHMS was relatively nominal, resulting in heightened sensitivity to management’s assumptions used in estimating future discounted cash flows and profitability and associated risk of failing impairment testing. Our 2015 annual assessment found the estimated fair value of each reporting unit and each indefinite-lived intangible asset substantially exceeded its associated carrying value except for those NHMS race date agreements. NHMS was acquired in 2008 largely before the severe economic recession, which has resulted in long-term operating challenges for many major sports. The 2015 evaluation reflects continuing lowered estimated future cash flows because the economic recovery has been slower and weaker than previous forecasts, and ongoing lower than anticipated revenues for various major racing events held at NHMS. The evaluation also reflects, similar to challenges faced by many major sports, reduced visibility on profit recovery due to factors such as changing demographics, evolving entertainment choices for fans and appealing “at-home viewing” experiences. As a result, the Company lowered its expectations for forcasted growth rates for certain revenues and profit recovery. As such, a non-cash impairment charge of $96,530,000, before income tax benefits of $37 , 502,000, was reflected in the second quarter 2015 to reduce the race date intangible assets to estimated fair value. Impairment of Goodwill – Our 2015 annual assessment indicated that goodwill associated with SMI Trackside, which conducts event souvenir merchandising at our and other third-party speedways, was impaired because of potentially unfavorable developments associated with NASCAR’s announced industry changes to the trackside merchandising business model. As such, a non-cash impairment charge of $2 , 338,000, before income tax benefits of $908,000, was reflected in the second quarter 2015 to reduce associated goodwill to an estimated fair value of $0. These impairment charges are included in the Company's "motorsports event related" reporting segment (see Note 10). Management believes the methods used to determine fair value and evaluate impairment were appropriate, relevant, and represent methods customarily available and used for such purposes and are the best available estimate of fair value. Management also believes the Company’s operational and cash flow forecasts support its conclusions that no unrecognized impairment exists as of June 30, 2015. Different economic or industry conditions or assumptions, and changes in projected cash flows or profitability, if significantly negative or unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the impairment evaluation and the Company’s future financial condition or results of operations. The evaluations are subjective and based on conditions, trends and assumptions existing at the time of evaluation. Other I nformation - At June 30, 2015, the carrying amounts for goodwill and other intangible assets include accumulated impairments of $148.6 million and $99.8 million, respectively. The gross carrying values and accumulated amortization by class of intangible asset are as follows (dollars in thousands): June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Estimated Amortization Period (Years) Nonamortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements $ 298,383 — $ 298,383 $ 394,913 — $ 394,913 — Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements 100 $ (72 ) 28 100 $ (72 ) 28 5-6 Total $ 298,483 $ (72 ) $ 298,411 $ 395,013 $ (72 ) $ 394,941 Changes in the gross carrying value of other intangible assets and goodwill during the six months ended June 30, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Balance, beginning of period $ 395,013 $ 49,680 Increase from acquisitions – – Decrease from impairment charges (96,530 ) (2,338 ) Balance, end of period $ 298,483 $ 47,342

Note 5 - Long-term Debt

Note 5 - Long-term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	5. LONG-TERM DEBT Bank Credit Facility – (i) provides for a five-year $100,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, with separate sub-limits of $50,000,000 for standby letters of credit and $10,000,000 for swing line loans; (ii) provides for a five-year $150,000,000 senior secured term loan (which was fully drawn in December 2014) and a five-year delayed draw term loan of up to $50,000,000 (which was fully drawn in March 2015 and repaid in the second quarter 2015) (the Term Loan or Term Loans); (iii) matures in December 2019; (iv) contains an accordion feature allowing the Company to increase revolving commitments or establish a term loan up to an aggregate additional $100,000,000 or $200,000,000, respectively (or a combined aggregate additional amount of up to $250,000,000) with certain lender commitment conditions; (v) allows for annual aggregate payments of dividends and repurchases of SMI securities of up to $50,000,000, increasing up to $75,000,000 subject to maintaining certain financial covenants; and (vi) limits annual capital expenditures to $75,000,000 and provides for motor speedway acquisitions and related businesses. Term Loans require equal minimum quarterly principal payments of at least 5% of initial amounts drawn on an annualized basis (or $10,000,000 each twelve-month period based on initial draws of $200,000,000). Interest is based, at the Company’s option, upon the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.25% to 2.00% or a base rate defined as the higher of Bank of America’s prime rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%, plus 0.25% to 1.00%. The Credit Facility also contains a commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% of unused amounts available for borrowing. The interest rate margins on borrowings and the commitment fee are adjustable periodically based upon certain consolidated total leverage ratios. The Credit Facility contains a number of affirmative and negative financial covenants, including requirements that the Company maintain certain consolidated total leverage ratios and consolidated interest coverage ratios. During the first quarter 2015, the Company borrowed $50,000,000 under the Term Loan (for partial funding of the 2019 Senior Notes redemption as further described below). The Company repaid Term Loan borrowings of $51,875,000 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, and $30,000,000 and $40,000,000 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility were $148,125,000 and $150,000,000 (all Term Loan borrowings), and outstanding letters of credit amounted to $1,150,000 and $1,152,000. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had availability for borrowing up to an additional $98,850,000, including up to an additional $48,850,000 in letters of credit, under the revolving Credit Facility. 2015 Issuance of New Senior Notes The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Senior Notes at annually declining redemption premiums ranging from 103.844% of par in fiscal years beginning February 1, 2018 to par after February 1, 2021, and up to 35% of the 2023 Senior Notes before February 1, 2018 with proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption premium of 105.125% of par. The Company may also redeem some or all of the 2023 Senior Notes before February 1, 2018 at par plus a "make-whole" premium. In the event of a change of control, the Company must offer to repurchase the 2023 Senior Notes at 101% of par value. The 2023 Senior Notes rank equally in right of payment with all other Company existing and future unsubordinated debt, are senior in right of payment to any future subordinated debt and are effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured debt, including the Credit Facility. The Indenture governing the 2023 Senior Notes permits dividend payments each year of up to approximately $0.80 per share of common stock, increasable subject to meeting certain financial covenants. The 2023 Senior Notes contain specific requirements and restrictive financial covenants and limitations, guarantees and cross-default provisions generally similar to those of the 2019 Senior Notes. 2015 Early Redemption of 2019 Senior Notes – ,106,000, for associated redemption premium, unamortized net deferred loan costs of $3,134,000 and transaction costs, net of issuance premium of $3,200,000. Other Notes Payable 0 00 and $55,000, respectively, based on an effective interest rate of 7%. Other Terms and Conditions . See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report for additional information on these debt agreements, including dividend, redemption, and right of payment provisions, pledged security and financial and restrictive covenants. Subsidiary Guarantees – Interest Expense, Net – Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30: June 30: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gross interest costs $ 3,945 $ 5,483 $ 10,310 $ 11,214 Less: capitalized interest costs (75 ) (114 ) (136 ) (199 ) Interest expense 3,870 5,369 10,174 11,015 Interest income (277 ) (43 ) (324 ) (88 ) Interest expense, net $ 3,593 $ 5,326 $ 9,850 $ 10,927 Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings 1.9 % 2.2 % 1.9 % 2.2 % During the first quarter 2015, the Company incurred net interest expense of $1,688,000 on the former 2019 Senior Notes between January 27, 2015 (issuance date of the new 2023 Senior Notes) and March 13, 2015 (redemption date of the 2019 Senior Notes). The new notes were issued before redemption of the former notes because of a favorable interest rate environment and required notice of redemption to 2019 Senior Note holders by the Company.

Note 6 - Per Share Data and Oth

Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Stockholders Equity And Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stockholders Equity And Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	6. PER SHARE AND OTHER EQUITY INFORMATION The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted income (loss) per share (where computations are anti-dilutive, reported basic and diluted per share amounts are the same) (in thousands except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30: June 30: 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Loss) income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions $ (32,224 ) $ 27,199 $ (36,623 ) $ 29,066 Weighted average common shares outstanding 41,313 41,411 41,326 41,407 Dilution effect of assumed conversions: Common stock equivalents—stock awards 33 20 35 23 Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions 41,346 41,431 41,361 41,430 Basic (loss) earnings per share $ (0.78 ) $ 0.66 $ (0.89 ) $ 0.70 Diluted (loss) earnings per share $ (0.78 ) $ 0.66 $ (0.89 ) $ 0.70 Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted (loss) earnings per share 171 643 167 612 Stock Repurchase Program The Company’s Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program authorizing SMI to repurchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock from time to time, depending on market conditions, share price, applicable limitations under the Company’s debt agreements (see Note 5), and other factors the Board of Directors or its designees, in their sole discretion, may consider relevant. The purchases can be in the open market or private transactions. The stock repurchase program is presently funded using available cash and cash equivalents and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company repurchased 63,000 and 124,000 shares of common stock for $1,452,000 and $2,832,000. As of June 30, 2015, the Company could repurchase up to an additional 822,000 shares under the current authorization. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company repurchased approximately 28,000 shares of common stock for $643,000 from management employees to settle income taxes on 60,000 restricted shares that vested during the period. As of and through June 30, 2015, treasury stock includes 190,000 shares of common stock delivered to the Company for such purposes. Declaration of Cash Dividends Declaration date February 11, 2015 April 15, 2015 July 15, 2015 Record date March 2, 2015 May 15, 2015 August 14, 2015 Paid or payable to shareholders March 13, 2015 June 5, 2015 September 4, 2015 Aggregate quarterly cash dividend $ 6,233 $ 6,198 Approximately $6,200 Dividend per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.15

Note 7 - Related Party Transact

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Before July 30, 2002, the Company made loans to, paid certain expenses on behalf of and had a loan due to Sonic Financial Corporation (Sonic Financial), a Company affiliate through common ownership by the Company's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, for various corporate purposes. The Company and Sonic Financial share various expenses in the ordinary course of business under a shared services agreement. Due to final loan repayment and settlement in 2014, no amounts were due at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The amounts due under the prior agreements were reduced from shared expenses and repayments, net of accrued interest, by $102,000 and $404,000 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company incurred expenses under the shared services agreement of $83,000 and $212,000 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. The Company and certain SMI subsidiaries lease office and warehouse facilities from companies affiliated through common ownership by the Company's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, under annually renewable lease agreements. Rent expense amounted to $170,000 and $167,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and $337,000 and $333,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Amounts owed to these affiliated companies at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were not significant. Various SMI subsidiaries purchased new and used vehicles for operations and employee use from certain subsidiary dealerships of Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAI), an entity in which Sonic Financial is a controlling stockholder, for an aggregate of $18,000 and $129,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and $41,000 and $161,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. There were no vehicles sold to SAI in the three or six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Also, SMI sold through certain speedways and its SMIP merchandising subsidiary various event related inventory and merchandise to SAI totaling $306,000 and $187,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and $467,000 and $333,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. At June 3 0 , 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximately $100,000 and $89,000 was due from SAI and is reflected in current assets. Oil-Chem sold zMAX micro-lubricant product to certain dealerships of SAI for resale to service customers of the dealerships in the ordinary course of business. Total purchases from Oil-Chem by SAI dealerships approximated $540,000 and $587,000 in the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and $1,090,000, and $1,063,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximately $195,000 and $143,000 was due from SAI to Oil-Chem and is reflected in current assets. SMI Properties and, to a lesser extent, other SMI subsidiaries purchased and sold motorsports merchandise, and received commissions from MA for merchandise sold during Company events. As further described in Note 2, the Company abandoned its interest in MA on January 31, 2014, after which MA is no longer a related party. Merchandise purchases in the one month ended January 31, 2014 approximated $234,000. Merchandise sales and event related commissions in the one month ended January 31, 2014 approximated $60,000. The foregoing related party balances as of June 3 0 , 2015 and December 31, 2014, and transactions for the three and six months ended June 3 0 , 2015 and 2014, are summarized below (in thousands): June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Notes and other receivables $ 295 $ 232 Three Months Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Merchandise and vehicle purchases $ 18 $ 129 $ 41 $ 395 Shared services expense, net of reimbursements 83 95 212 391 Merchandise and vehicle sales and event related commissions 846 774 1,557 1,456 Rent expense 170 167 337 333 Interest income - 18 - 37 Interest expense - 25 - 50

Note 8 - Legal Proceedings and

Note 8 - Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND CONTINGENCIES From time to time, we are party to routine litigation incidental to our business. We believe that the resolution of any or all of such litigation will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Pla

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	9. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS 2013 Stock Incentive Plan The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 35,000 restricted stock units to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President (former Chief Operating Officer until February 2015) and 35,000 shares of restricted stock to the Company’s Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer in each of the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. These grants are to be settled in shares of common stock, vest in equal installments over three years and are subject to reaching certain defined full year earnings targets established at the beginning of each year by the Compensation Committee. An additional 65,000 restricted stock units were granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President in the six months ended June 30, 2015 under the same conditions as described above except with a vesting period of five years. Forfeitures in any given year result from differences between the Company’s actual results for the previous year as compared to the defined full year earnings target. The following is a summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted, vested and forfeited under the Incentive Compensation Plan for the indicated periods (shares in thousands): Six Months Ended June 30: 2015 2014 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, beginning of period 64 64 59 59 Granted 35 100 35 35 Vested (29 ) (29 ) (27 ) (27 ) Forfeited (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) Outstanding, end of period 67 132 64 64 In the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company repurchased 28,000 and 26,000 shares of common stock for $630,000 and $523,000 from executive management employees to settle income taxes on 58,000 and 54,000 shares that vested during the period, respectively. Also, the Company awarded 4,500 shares of restricted stock to a non-executive management employee during the six months ended June 30, 2014 under the 2013 Plan which vest in equal installments over three years. The Company repurchased approximately 500 shares of common stock for $13,000 from the employee during the six months ended June 30, 2015 to settle income taxes on 1,500 shares that vested during the period. 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan, Amended and Restated as of April 17, 2012 Share-Based Payments Share-based compensation cost for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 totaled $855,000 and $670,000, before income taxes of $317,000 and $249,000, and for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 totaled $1,651,000 and $1,309,000, before income taxes of $613,000 and $486,000, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expense. There were no capitalized share-based compensation costs at June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2015 reflect a reduction of additional paid-in capital of $1,705,000 and deferred tax assets of approximately $1,874,000 and an increase in income tax expense of $169,000 for windfall tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. Although the adjustment pertains to previous reporting periods, the Company believes the impact was not material to prior or current periods. As of June 30, 2015, there was approximately $4,645,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units granted under the 2013 Plan, the 2004 Plan and the 2008 Formula Plan that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. As of June 30, 2015, all stock options were vested and there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under any of the Company’s stock compensation plans. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report for additional information and terms of the Company’s stock compensation plans.

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	10 . SEGMENT DISCLOSURES The Company’s operations are predominately comprised of promoting, marketing and sponsoring motorsports racing events, merchandising and other related activities conducted at its various major speedway facilities located in the United States. The Company’s business activities, including those of its subsidiaries, are further described in Notes 1 and 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report. The Company’s “motorsports event related” segment consists of revenues and expenses associated with all admissions, event related, NASCAR broadcasting and event motorsports merchandising activities. The segment includes motorsports related events and operations for all Company speedways, NASCAR broadcasting and ancillary media rights, PRN and RCU motorsports radio programming, and SMI Properties and SMI Trackside motorsports merchandising at Company and non-Company speedways. These operating segments have been aggregated into the motorsports related reporting segment as each share similar types and classes of customers, similar methods for providing or distributing motorsports related services, souvenirs and other merchandise, and other similar economic characteristics. The Company’s “all other” operations consist of SMIP subsidiary non-event motorsports and non-motorsports merchandising, Legend Cars non-event merchandising and sanctioning body activities, Oil-Chem micro-lubricant activities, TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease and related revenues, and office rentals at certain Company speedways. All segment information below pertains to continuing operations. Segment information as presented below comports with information the Company’s chief operating decision maker and management use and focus on when assessing segment performance and allocating resources. Segment operating income or loss excludes interest, taxes, other income or expense and specified non-recurring items, if any, and corporate general and administrative and depreciation costs are allocated to operating segments based on their respective revenues relative to consolidated revenues. The following tables present the Company’s segment information (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30: 2015 2014 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 176,047 $ 3,274 $ 179,321 $ 171,037 $ 4,840 $ 175,877 Depreciation and amortization 13,336 39 13,375 15,312 47 15,359 Impairment of other intangible assets and goodwill (Note 4) 98,868 – 98,868 – – – Segment operating (loss) income (48,573 ) (658 ) (49,231 ) 45,912 890 46,802 Capital expenditures - - - - - - Six Months Ended June 30: 2015 2014 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 255,547 $ 9,048 $ 264,595 $ 251,141 $ 9,278 $ 260,419 Depreciation and amortization 26,626 84 26,710 28,814 97 28,911 Impairment of other intangible assets and goodwill (Note 4) 98,868 – 98,868 – – – Segment operating (loss) income (42,928 ) 1,218 (41,710 ) 52,927 1,183 54,110 Capital expenditures 13,066 31 13,097 14,187 32 14,219 June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Other intangibles $ 298,411 – $ 298,411 $ 394,941 – $ 394,941 Goodwill 47,342 – 47,342 49,680 – 49,680 Total assets 1,570,512 $ 24,869 1,595,381 1,694,103 $ 24,164 1,718,267 The following table reconciles segment operating income or loss above to consolidated income or loss before income taxes for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30: June 30: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total segment operating (loss) income $ (49,231 ) $ 46,802 $ (41,710 ) $ 54,110 Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (3,593 ) (5,326 ) (9,850 ) (10,927 ) Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing (Note 5) – – (8,372 ) – Other income (expense), net (57 ) 1,097 333 2,358 Consolidated (loss) income before income taxes $ (52,881 ) $ 42,573 $ (59,599 ) $ 45,541

Accounting Policies, by Policy

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Quarterly Reporting [Policy Text Block]	Quarterly Reporting – The Company recognizes revenues and operating expenses for all events in the calendar quarter in which conducted. Changes in race schedules at the Company's speedways from time to time, including speedway acquisitions, can lessen the comparability of operating results between quarterly financial statements of successive years and increase or decrease the seasonal nature of its motorsports business. The more significant racing schedule changes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to 2014 include: • AMS held one NASCAR Sprint Cup and one Xfinity Series racing event in the first quarter 2015 that were held in the third quarter 2014, and one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing event (same day as the Xfinity event) in the first quarter 2015 that was not held in 2014 • BMS held one NASCAR Sprint Cup and one Xfinity Series racing event in the second quarter 2015 that were held in the first quarter 2014 (poor weather resulted in delays in starting and completing the Sprint Cup race) • CMS held one major NHRA racing event in the first quarter 2015 that was held in the second quarter 2014 • KyS held one NASCAR Sprint Cup , one Xfinity and one Camping World Truck Series racing event in the second quarter 2014 that are being held in the third quarter 2015 • LVMS held one major NHRA racing event in the second quarter 2015 that was held in the first quarter 2014
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Tax es the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2014 Annual Report for additional information on our accounting for income taxes. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was 39.1% and 38.6%, and reflects an approximate 2% increase associated with the current period intangible asset and goodwill impairment charges and adjustments to certain deferred tax assets. The effective income tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 was 36.1 % and 36.2%, including derecognition of accrued interest and penalties for estimated income tax liabilities of $397,000. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, current income taxes payable of approximately $15.8 million and $21.4 million were reduced by utilization of current deferred income tax assets described below. Income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits approximate $885,000 as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and are included in other noncurrent liabilities, all of which would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, management believes $386,000 of unrecognized tax benefits will be recognized within the next twelve months. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits of $7,000 and $14,000 were recognized in the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, and $483,000 were derecognized in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had $342,000 and $328,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions, which is included in other noncurrent liabilities. The tax years that remain open to examination include 2006 through 2014 by the California Franchise Tax Board, and 2011 through 2014 by all other taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. Anticipated Income Tax Benefit From Equity Interest Abandonment The Company believes it is more likely than not that its filing position would be sustained based on its technical merits upon examination with taxing authorities that have full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company reached this conclusion based on the use of outside legal counsel and other tax consultants and the potential to utilize tax losses. Under applicable accounting guidance, tax positions are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely (or more-likely-than not) of being ultimately realized. As such, the full anticipated tax benefit was recognized because the Company believes that partial sustaining of its tax position by taxing authorities would be an unlikely outcome given the nature of the position. The Company believes it will fully utilize the associated tax losses. Should the Company’s tax position not be fully sustained if examined, a valuation allowance would be required to reduce or eliminate the associated deferred tax assets and material acceleration of income taxes then currently payable could occur. Any differences between the final tax outcome and amounts recorded would affect the Company’s income tax provision in the period in which such determination was made.
Taxes Collected From Customers [Policy Text Block]	Taxes Collected from Customers – The Company reports sales, admission and other taxes collected from customers on both a gross and net basis in operations. Such taxes reported on a gross basis for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $2,514,000 and $1,373,000, and for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $2,991,000 and $2,338,000.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Expenses – Event specific advertising costs are expensed when an associated event is held and included principally in direct expense of events. Non-event related advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included principally in other direct operating expense. Advertising expense amounted to $5,540,000 and $5,914,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and $7,823,000 and $8,354,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. There were no deferred direct-response advertising costs at June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company follows applicable authoritative guidance which requires that financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured and reported on a fair value basis be classified, disclosed and categorized as further described below. Fair value estimates are based on relevant market information and single broker quoted market prices where available at a specific point in time, and changes in assumptions or market conditions could significantly affect estimates. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, certain other assets and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. Cash surrender values are carried at fair value based on binding broker quoted market prices. Notes and other receivables and bank revolving credit facility and term loan borrowings are variable interest rate financial instruments and, therefore, carrying values approximate fair value. The fixed rate senior notes payable are publicly traded and estimated fair values are based on single broker quoted market prices. Other long-term debt is non-interest bearing and discounted based on estimated current cost of borrowings and, therefore, carrying values approximate market value. There have been no changes or transfers between category levels or classes. The following table presents estimated fair values and categorization levels of the Company’s financial instruments (in thousands): June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 98,096 $ 98,096 $ 110,046 $ 110,046 Cash surrender values 2 NR 8,450 8,450 8,177 8,177 Liabilities Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 148,125 148,125 150,000 150,000 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 200,500 — — 6.75% Senior Notes Payable previously due 2019 (Note 5) 2 NR — — 253,372 257,500 Other long-term debt 2 NR 735 735 1,445 1,445 Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Class R: Measured at fair value on recurring basis, subsequent to initial recognition.
Land Conservation Easement [Policy Text Block]	Land Conservation Easement -
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	TMS Oil and Gas Mineral Rights Lease Receipts An initial lease agreement was extended and oil and gas extraction commenced in 2014, entitling TMS to stipulated stand-alone and shared royalties. The lessee expanded production capacity in 2014, including an increased number of extraction wells. At this time, while extraction activities continue, management is unable to determine possible ongoing volumes of production if any or for how long, or if stipulated natural gas price levels will be maintained or adequate. The lease agreement stipulates the sharing of production revenues, and requires TMS to spend a portion of shared royalties on TMS facility and road infrastructure improvements, up to specified amounts. Any future production revenues or royalties are subject to production levels and market prices that can fluctuate significantly and rapidly, as well as other factors outside of TMS’s control. As such, management is unable to determine the amounts if any, or timing, of possible future royalty payments to TMS. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was no deferred income associated with the expired or extended agreements. Quicksilver Resources, Inc. (Quicksilver), the company with whom TMS and FWSA contracted for the exploration and extraction of natural gas, filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on March 17, 2015. On April 15, 2015, the Bankruptcy Court entered a final order approving Quicksilver’s motion to continue operating in the ordinary course by honoring obligations under its oil and gas contracts (such as the contracts with TMS and the FWSA) in Quicksilver’s business judgment. As such, at this time, the Company anticipates that Quicksilver will continue to perform under the contracts for the foreseeable future.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Income , Other Arrangements
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – At times, the Company collects and temporarily holds cash on behalf of its third-party food and beverage concessionaire which is not remitted until after period end and is presented separately from cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There are no specific limitations, restrictions or other holding requirements for such cash.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards – The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Section A—Summary and Amendments That Create Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers (Subtopic 340-40)” which enhances comparability and clarifies principles of revenue recognition. The guidance includes the core principle that entities recognize revenue to depict transfers of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration entities expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The FASB has approved deferral of this update for one year, and such guidance will now be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted as of the original issuance date. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements. The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” which requires performance targets that affect vesting and could be achieved after requisite service periods be treated as performance conditions and reflected in estimating grant-date fair values of awards. Compensation cost should be recognized in the periods when achieving performance targets becomes probable, and should represent the compensation cost attributable to periods for which requisite services have already been rendered. If achieving performance targets becomes probable before the end of the requisite service periods, any remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. Among other things, the guidance applies to entities that grant employees share-based payments in which award terms provide that performance targets that affect vesting could be achieved after the requisite service periods. The guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the guidance either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements. The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03 "Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” which requires that debt issuance costs related to debt liabilities be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated carrying amount, similar to debt discounts. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements. The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11 "Inventory – Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330)” which requires measuring inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value based on estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation (changed from the previous guidance of lower of cost or market). This update also clarified various other inventory measurement and disclosure requirements. The update does not apply to inventory measured using the LIFO or retail inventory methods. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and should be applied prospectively. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that adoption may have on its financial statements.

Note 2 - Significant Accounti19

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 98,096 $ 98,096 $ 110,046 $ 110,046 Cash surrender values 2 NR 8,450 8,450 8,177 8,177 Liabilities Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 148,125 148,125 150,000 150,000 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 200,500 — — 6.75% Senior Notes Payable previously due 2019 (Note 5) 2 NR — — 253,372 257,500 Other long-term debt 2 NR 735 735 1,445 1,445

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	June 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Finished race cars, parts and accessories $ 4,982 $ 5,186 Souvenirs and apparel 3,178 2,472 Micro-lubricant ® 861 692 Total $ 9,021 $ 8,350

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I21

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Estimated Amortization Period (Years) Nonamortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements $ 298,383 — $ 298,383 $ 394,913 — $ 394,913 — Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements 100 $ (72 ) 28 100 $ (72 ) 28 5-6 Total $ 298,483 $ (72 ) $ 298,411 $ 395,013 $ (72 ) $ 394,941
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Other Intangible Assets Goodwill Balance, beginning of period $ 395,013 $ 49,680 Increase from acquisitions – – Decrease from impairment charges (96,530 ) (2,338 ) Balance, end of period $ 298,483 $ 47,342

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30: June 30: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gross interest costs $ 3,945 $ 5,483 $ 10,310 $ 11,214 Less: capitalized interest costs (75 ) (114 ) (136 ) (199 ) Interest expense 3,870 5,369 10,174 11,015 Interest income (277 ) (43 ) (324 ) (88 ) Interest expense, net $ 3,593 $ 5,326 $ 9,850 $ 10,927 Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings 1.9 % 2.2 % 1.9 % 2.2 %

Note 6 - Per Share Data and O23

Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Stockholders Equity And Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30: June 30: 2015 2014 2015 2014 (Loss) income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions $ (32,224 ) $ 27,199 $ (36,623 ) $ 29,066 Weighted average common shares outstanding 41,313 41,411 41,326 41,407 Dilution effect of assumed conversions: Common stock equivalents—stock awards 33 20 35 23 Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions 41,346 41,431 41,361 41,430 Basic (loss) earnings per share $ (0.78 ) $ 0.66 $ (0.89 ) $ 0.70 Diluted (loss) earnings per share $ (0.78 ) $ 0.66 $ (0.89 ) $ 0.70 Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted (loss) earnings per share 171 643 167 612
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	Declaration date February 11, 2015 April 15, 2015 July 15, 2015 Record date March 2, 2015 May 15, 2015 August 14, 2015 Paid or payable to shareholders March 13, 2015 June 5, 2015 September 4, 2015 Aggregate quarterly cash dividend $ 6,233 $ 6,198 Approximately $6,200 Dividend per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.15

Note 7 - Related Party Transa24

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Related Party Balances [Member]
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Notes and other receivables $ 295 $ 232
Related Party Transactions [Member]
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Merchandise and vehicle purchases $ 18 $ 129 $ 41 $ 395 Shared services expense, net of reimbursements 83 95 212 391 Merchandise and vehicle sales and event related commissions 846 774 1,557 1,456 Rent expense 170 167 337 333 Interest income - 18 - 37 Interest expense - 25 - 50

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P25

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Six Months Ended June 30: 2015 2014 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, beginning of period 64 64 59 59 Granted 35 100 35 35 Vested (29 ) (29 ) (27 ) (27 ) Forfeited (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) (3 ) Outstanding, end of period 67 132 64 64

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30: 2015 2014 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 176,047 $ 3,274 $ 179,321 $ 171,037 $ 4,840 $ 175,877 Depreciation and amortization 13,336 39 13,375 15,312 47 15,359 Impairment of other intangible assets and goodwill (Note 4) 98,868 – 98,868 – – – Segment operating (loss) income (48,573 ) (658 ) (49,231 ) 45,912 890 46,802 Capital expenditures - - - - - - Six Months Ended June 30: 2015 2014 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 255,547 $ 9,048 $ 264,595 $ 251,141 $ 9,278 $ 260,419 Depreciation and amortization 26,626 84 26,710 28,814 97 28,911 Impairment of other intangible assets and goodwill (Note 4) 98,868 – 98,868 – – – Segment operating (loss) income (42,928 ) 1,218 (41,710 ) 52,927 1,183 54,110 Capital expenditures 13,066 31 13,097 14,187 32 14,219
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30: June 30: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total segment operating (loss) income $ (49,231 ) $ 46,802 $ (41,710 ) $ 54,110 Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (3,593 ) (5,326 ) (9,850 ) (10,927 ) Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing (Note 5) – – (8,372 ) – Other income (expense), net (57 ) 1,097 333 2,358 Consolidated (loss) income before income taxes $ (52,881 ) $ 42,573 $ (59,599 ) $ 45,541
Other Intangibles and Goodwill [Member]
Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Other intangibles $ 298,411 – $ 298,411 $ 394,941 – $ 394,941 Goodwill 47,342 – 47,342 49,680 – 49,680 Total assets 1,570,512 $ 24,869 1,595,381 1,694,103 $ 24,164 1,718,267

Note 1 - Description of Busin27

Note 1 - Description of Business (Details)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		24
IndyCar Series [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		2
National Hot Rod Association [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		6
Automobile Racing Club of America [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		1
World of Outlaws [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		3
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	24
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | IndyCar Series [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	2
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | National Hot Rod Association [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	6
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Automobile Racing Club of America [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	1
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | World of Outlaws [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	3
Sprint Cup Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		13
Sprint Cup Series Events [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	13
Xfinity Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		11
Xfinity Series Events [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	11
Camping World Trucks Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		7
Camping World Trucks Series Events [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	8
K And N Pro Series Events [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		3
K And N Pro Series Events [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	3
Whelen Modified Tour [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number Of Racing Events		4
Whelen Modified Tour [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | NASCAR [Member]
Note 1 - Description of Business (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Events Planned	4

Note 2 - Significant Accounti28

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details) [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	39.10%	36.10%	38.60%	36.20%
Income Tax Examination, Increase (Decrease) in Liability from Prior Year		$ 397,000		$ 397,000
Taxes Payable, Current	$ 15,800,000	21,400,000	$ 15,800,000	21,400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	885,000		885,000			$ 885,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	386,000		386,000			386,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	14,000		7,000
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Current		483,000		483,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	342,000		342,000			328,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(20,657,000)	15,374,000	(22,976,000)	16,475,000	$ (49,300,000)
Excise and Sales Taxes	2,514,000	1,373,000	2,991,000	2,338,000
Advertising Expense	5,540,000	5,914,000	7,823,000	8,354,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment		985,000
Proceeds from Royalties Received	879,000	402,000	2,135,000	$ 1,464,000
Deferred Revenue, Leases, Net	$ 0		$ 0			$ 0
Bristol Motor Speedway LLC [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details) [Line Items]
Depreciation		651,000
NHMS [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details) [Line Items]
Depreciation		$ 1,131,000
Adjustments to Certain Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details) [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent			2.00%
Motorsports Authentics [Member]
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage							50.00%
Equity Method Investments							$ 0

Note 2 - Significant Accounti29

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details) - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 98,096	$ 110,046
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	98,096	110,046
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Assets
Cash surrender values	8,450	8,177
Liabilities
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan	148,125	150,000
Other long-term debt	735	1,445
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Assets
Cash surrender values	8,450	8,177
Liabilities
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan	148,125	150,000
Other long-term debt	735	1,445
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Liabilities
Senior Notes Payable	200,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Liabilities
Senior Notes Payable	$ 200,500
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Liabilities
Senior Notes Payable		253,372
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Liabilities
Senior Notes Payable		$ 257,500

Note 2 - Significant Accounti30

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details) - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (Parentheticals)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes Payable, interest rate	5.125%	5.125%
Senior Notes Payable due	2,023	2,023
Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes Payable, interest rate	5.125%	5.125%
Senior Notes Payable due	2,023	2,023
Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes Payable, interest rate	6.75%	6.75%
Senior Notes Payable due	2,019	2,019
Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes Payable, interest rate	6.75%	6.75%
Senior Notes Payable due	2,019	2,019

Note 3 - Inventories (Details)

Note 3 - Inventories (Details) - Inventories - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory	$ 9,021	$ 8,350
Finished Vehicles Parts And Accessories [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory	4,982	5,186
Souvenirs And Apparel [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory	3,178	2,472
Micro Lubricant And Other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory	$ 861	$ 692

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I32

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($)	Total	Total
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 96,530,000	$ 96,530,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	37,502,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	2,338,000	2,338,000
Impairment of Goodwill, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	908,000
Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	148,600,000	148,600,000
Accumulated Impairments	$ 99,800,000	$ 99,800,000

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I33

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	$ (72)	$ (72)
Total	298,483	395,013
Total	(72)	(72)
Total	298,411	394,941
Nonamortizable Race Event Sanctioning And Renewal Agreements [Member]
Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Nonamortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	298,383	394,913
Amortizable Race Event Sanctioning And Renewal Agreements [Member]
Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	100	100
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	(72)	(72)
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	28	28
Total	$ (72)	$ (72)
Minimum [Member] | Amortizable Race Event Sanctioning And Renewal Agreements [Member]
Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Amortizable Race Event Sanctioning And Renewal Agreements [Member]
Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Gross Carrying Values and Accumulated Amortization by Class of Intangible Asset [Line Items]
Amortizable race event sanctioning and renewal agreements	6 years

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I34

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Changes in Gross Carrying Value of Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($)	Total	Total
Changes in Gross Carrying Value of Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period		$ 395,013,000
Balance, beginning of period		49,680,000
Decrease from impairment charges	$ (96,530,000)	(96,530,000)
Decrease from impairment charges	(2,338,000)	(2,338,000)
Balance, end of period	298,483,000	298,483,000
Balance, end of period	$ 47,342,000	$ 47,342,000

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 13, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 98,850,000			$ 98,850,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount			1,150,000			$ 1,150,000		$ 1,152,000
Term Loan [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 50,000,000
Eurodollar [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate						1.00%
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate						0.50%
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Covenant Maximum Dividends Payments And Repurchases Of Securities			50,000,000			$ 50,000,000
Debt Instrument Covenant Annual Capital Expenditures			75,000,000			75,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Subject To Maintaining Certain Financial Covenants [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Covenant Maximum Dividends Payments And Repurchases Of Securities			75,000,000			75,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			100,000,000			$ 100,000,000
Debt Instrument, Term						5 years
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount			48,850,000			$ 48,850,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			50,000,000			50,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Swing Line Loans [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			10,000,000			10,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			150,000,000			150,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			50,000,000			50,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			250,000,000			$ 250,000,000
Debt Instrument Quarterly Principal Repayment Percentage						5.00%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal						$ 10,000,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit						200,000,000
Repayments of Debt			51,875,000		$ 30,000,000	$ 51,875,000	$ 40,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term						5 years
Term Loan [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit			148,125,000			$ 148,125,000		150,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			50,000,000			$ 50,000,000
The 2023 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.125%
Proceeds from Notes Payable		$ 196,816,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Dividend Payments Per Share (in Dollars per share)		$ 0.80
The 2023 Senior Notes [Member] | Beginning February 1, 2018 [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		103.844%
The 2023 Senior Notes [Member] | Before February 1, 2018 [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		105.125%
Debt Instrument Redeemable, Percent		35.00%
The 2023 Senior Notes [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		101.00%
The 2019 Senior Notes [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 250,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.75%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage	103.375%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium				$ 3,200,000				3,372,000
Debt Redemption Premium				8,372,000
Income Taxes Paid, Net				3,106,000
Unamortized Net Deferred Loan Costs				3,134,000
Interest Expense, Debt				$ 1,688,000
Other Notes Payable [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Number of Periodic Payments						60
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment						$ 125,000
Long-term Debt			735,000			735,000		1,445,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount			$ 15,000			$ 15,000		$ 55,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage			7.00%			7.00%		7.00%
Minimum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate						1.25%
Minimum [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate						0.25%
Minimum [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage						0.25%
Minimum [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net						$ 100,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate						2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate						1.00%
Maximum [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage						0.40%
Maximum [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 200,000,000			$ 200,000,000

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Deta36

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details) - Interest Expense, Net - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Interest Expense, Net [Abstract]
Gross interest costs	$ 3,945	$ 5,483	$ 10,310	$ 11,214
Less: capitalized interest costs	(75)	(114)	(136)	(199)
Interest expense	3,870	5,369	10,174	11,015
Interest income	(277)	(43)	(324)	(88)
Interest expense, net	$ 3,593	$ 5,326	$ 9,850	$ 10,927
Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings	1.90%	2.20%	1.90%	2.20%

Note 6 - Per Share Data and O37

Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	5,000,000	5,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	63,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)	$ 1,452,000	$ 3,475,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	822,000	822,000
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	190,000	190,000
Repurchase #1 [Member]
Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		124,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)		$ 2,832,000
Repurchase #2 [Member] | Management [Member]
Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		28,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)		$ 643,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		(29,000)	(27,000)
Restricted Stock [Member] | Management [Member]
Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		60,000

Note 6 - Per Share Data and O38

Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) - Basic and Diluted Earnings or Loss Per Share from Continuing Operations - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Basic and Diluted Earnings or Loss Per Share from Continuing Operations [Abstract]
(Loss) income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions (in Dollars)	$ (32,224)	$ 27,199	$ (36,623)	$ 29,066
Weighted average common shares outstanding	41,313	41,411	41,326	41,407
Dilution effect of assumed conversions:
Common stock equivalents—stock awards	33	20	35	23
Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions	41,346	41,431	41,361	41,430
Basic (loss) earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.78)	$ 0.66	$ (0.89)	$ 0.70
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$ (0.78)	$ 0.66	$ (0.89)	$ 0.70
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted (loss) earnings per share	171	643	167	612

Note 6 - Per Share Data and O39

Note 6 - Per Share Data and Other Equity Information (Details) - Declaration of Cash Dividends - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Declaration of Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Declaration date	Jul. 15, 2015	Apr. 15, 2015	Feb. 11, 2015
Record date	Aug. 14, 2015	May 15, 2015	Mar. 2, 2015
Paid or payable to shareholders	Sep. 4, 2015	Jun. 5, 2015	Mar. 13, 2015
Aggregate quarterly cash dividend		$ 6,198	$ 6,233	$ 12,431
Dividend per common share	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15

Note 7 - Related Party Transa40

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties		$ 295,000		$ 295,000		$ 232,000
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party		83,000	$ 95,000	212,000	$ 391,000
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party		$ 18,000	$ 129,000	$ 41,000	$ 395,000
Number of Vehicles Sold		0	0	0	0
Revenue from Related Parties		$ 846,000	$ 774,000	$ 1,557,000	$ 1,456,000
Sonic Financial [Member]
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties		0		0		0
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties			(102,000)		404,000
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party		83,000		212,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		170,000	167,000	337,000	333,000
Sonic Automotive, Inc. [Member]
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party		18,000	129,000	41,000	161,000
Due from Affiliates		100,000		100,000		89,000
Due from Related Parties		195,000		195,000		$ 143,000
Sonic Automotive, Inc. [Member] | SMI Properties [Member]
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		306,000	187,000	467,000	333,000
Sonic Automotive, Inc. [Member] | Oil-Chem [Member]
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		$ 540,000	$ 587,000	$ 1,090,000	$ 1,063,000
Motorsports Authentics [Member]
Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	$ 234,000
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 60,000

Note 7 - Related Party Transa41

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) - Foregoing Related Party Balances - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Foregoing Related Party Balances [Abstract]
Notes and other receivables	$ 295	$ 232

Note 7 - Related Party Transa42

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details) - Related Party Transactions - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Merchandise and vehicle purchases	$ 18	$ 129	$ 41	$ 395
Shared services expense, net of reimbursements	83	95	212	391
Merchandise and vehicle sales and event related commissions	846	774	1,557	1,456
Rent expense	$ 170	167	$ 337	333
Interest income		18		37
Interest expense		$ 25		$ 50

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P43

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)						0	0
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense				$ 855,000	$ 670,000	$ 1,651,000	$ 1,309,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount						0		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Decrease in Additioal Paid-in Capital						1,705,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Decrease in Deferred Tax Assets						1,874,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Increase in Income Tax Expense						169,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options				0		$ 0		$ 0
The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Management [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)						28,000	26,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value						$ 630,000	$ 523,000
Restricted Stock, Shares Issued Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings (in Shares)						58,000	54,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares (in Shares)						1,500
The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Non-executive Management Employees [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)						500
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value						$ 13,000
Stock Incentive Plan 2004 [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)						38,000	3,000
The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)						$ 15.83	$ 15.83
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense				317,000	$ 249,000	$ 613,000	$ 486,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)						35,000	35,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-executive Management Employees [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period							3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period (in Shares)							4,500
Restricted Stock [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period						3 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Chief Executive Officer and President [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)						35,000	35,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period						5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized (in Shares)						65,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Non-Employee Directors [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)	3,204	16,112	16,668
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options				$ 4,645,000		$ 4,645,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition						1 year 109 days

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P44

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock - shares shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Outstanding, beginning of period	64	59
Granted	35	35
Vested	(29)	(27)
Forfeited	(3)	(3)
Outstanding, end of period	67	64
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Outstanding, beginning of period	64	59
Granted	100	35
Vested	(29)	(27)
Forfeited	(3)	(3)
Outstanding, end of period	132	64

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures45

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Details) - Segment Information on Continuing Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 179,321	$ 175,877	$ 264,595	$ 260,419
Depreciation and amortization	13,375	15,359	26,710	28,911
Impairment of other intangible assets and goodwill (Note 4)	98,868		98,868
Segment operating (loss) income	(49,231)	46,802	(41,710)	54,110
Capital expenditures			13,097	14,219
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	176,047	171,037	255,547	251,141
Depreciation and amortization	13,336	15,312	26,626	28,814
Impairment of other intangible assets and goodwill (Note 4)	98,868		98,868
Segment operating (loss) income	(48,573)	45,912	(42,928)	52,927
Capital expenditures			13,066	14,187
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,274	4,840	9,048	9,278
Depreciation and amortization	39	47	84	97
Segment operating (loss) income	$ (658)	$ 890	1,218	1,183
Capital expenditures			$ 31	$ 32

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures46

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Details) - Summary of Intangible Assets and Goodwill - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other intangibles	$ 298,411	$ 394,941
Goodwill	47,342	49,680
Total assets	1,595,381	1,718,267
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Other intangibles	298,411	394,941
Goodwill	47,342	49,680
Total assets	1,570,512	1,694,103
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 24,869	$ 24,164

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures47

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Details) - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income or Loss to Consolidated Amounts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income or Loss to Consolidated Amounts [Abstract]
Total segment operating (loss) income	$ (49,231)	$ 46,802	$ (41,710)	$ 54,110
Adjusted for:
Interest expense, net	(3,593)	(5,326)	(9,850)	(10,927)
Loss on early debt redemption and refinancing (Note 5)			(8,372)
Other income (expense), net	(57)	1,097	333	2,358
Consolidated (loss) income before income taxes	$ (52,881)	$ 42,573	$ (59,599)	$ 45,541