Speedway Motorsports (TRK) 10-Q 27 Jul 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 27, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SPEEDWAY MOTORSPORTS INC
Entity Central Index Key	934,648
Trading Symbol	trk
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		41,001,116
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Cu

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 87,653	$ 79,342
Accounts receivable, net	46,505	29,444
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	285	7,384
Inventories, net	8,009	8,212
Prepaid expenses	4,075	3,527
Total Current Assets	146,527	127,909
Note Receivable	1,060	1,143
Other Assets	23,468	23,142
Property and Equipment, Net (Note 2)	983,465	1,000,230
Other Intangible Assets, Net	298,383	298,383
Goodwill	46,225	47,342
Total	1,499,128	1,498,149
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	7,662	7,657
Accounts payable	17,420	13,497
Deferred race event and other income, net	51,918	44,782
Accrued income taxes	10,482
Accrued interest	4,287	4,311
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	22,437	24,424
Total Current Liabilities	114,206	94,671
Long-term Debt	228,844	254,398
Deferred Income	3,357	3,742
Deferred Income Taxes, Net	324,764	329,398
Other Liabilities	18,581	18,157
Total Liabilities	689,752	700,366
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders ’ Equity:
Preferred Stock, $.10 par value, shares authorized – 3,000,000, no shares issued
Common Stock, $.01 par value, shares authorized – 200,000,000, issued and outstanding – 41,018,000 in 2017 and 41,098,000 in 2016	460	459
Additional Paid-in Capital	260,544	258,880
Retained Earnings	657,281	644,308
Treasury Stock at cost, shares – 4,987,000 in 2017 and 4,830,000 in 2016	(108,909)	(105,864)
Total Stockholders ’ Equity	809,376	797,783
Total	$ 1,499,128	$ 1,498,149

Consolidated Balance Sheets (C3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	41,018,000	41,098,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	41,018,000	41,098,000
Treasury Stock at cost, shares (in shares)	4,987,000	4,830,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	41,045	41,184	41,066	41,206
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 0.60	$ 0.62	$ 0.62
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	41,056	41,195	41,082	41,220
Revenues:
Admissions	$ 29,141	$ 29,634	$ 43,891	$ 45,073
Event related revenue	50,080	49,339	69,039	71,069
NASCAR broadcasting revenue	92,415	89,167	131,226	126,614
Other operating revenue	7,617	7,548	15,422	16,108
Total Revenues	179,253	175,688	259,578	258,864
Expenses and Other:
Direct expense of events	33,231	34,730	45,688	47,790
NASCAR event management fees	54,150	52,478	77,210	74,776
Other direct operating expense	5,031	4,955	10,171	10,544
General and administrative	26,944	27,312	49,530	51,386
Depreciation and amortization	13,469	13,570	30,974	26,941
Interest expense, net	3,163	3,291	6,168	6,630
Impairment of goodwill (Note 4)	1,117		1,117
Other (income) expense, net	(376)	(13)	202	55
Total Expenses and Other	136,729	136,323	221,060	218,122
Income Before Income Taxes	42,524	39,365	38,518	40,742
Provision for Income Taxes	(15,218)	(14,618)	(13,147)	(15,134)
Net Income	$ 27,306	$ 24,747	$ 25,371	$ 25,608
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 0.60	$ 0.62	$ 0.62

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	41,098
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 459	$ 258,880	$ 644,308	$ (105,864)	$ 797,783
Net income			25,371		25,371
Share-based compensation (in shares)	76
Share-based compensation	$ 1	1,664			1,665
Quarterly cash dividends of $0.15 per share of common stock			(12,398)		(12,398)
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	(156)
Repurchases of common stock				(3,045)	(3,045)
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2017	41,018
Balance at Jun. 30, 2017	$ 460	$ 260,544	$ 657,281	$ (108,909)	$ 809,376

Consolidated Statement of Stoc6

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017$ / shares
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cash dividends, per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 25,371	$ 25,608
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Impairment of goodwill	1,117
Deferred loan cost amortization	769	745
Loss (gain) on disposals of property and equipment and insurance recovery	114	(337)
Depreciation and amortization	30,974	26,941
Amortization of deferred income	(523)	(546)
Deferred income tax provision	(4,539)	12,219
Share-based compensation	1,665	1,708
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(17,341)	(8,581)
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes	16,546	1,667
Inventories	203	(1,844)
Prepaid expenses	(26)	282
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable	2,473	4,161
Deferred race event and other income	7,152	16,240
Accrued interest	(24)	3
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(1,731)	(975)
Deferred income	122	85
Other assets and liabilities	(182)	(180)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	62,140	77,196
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt	(26,157)	(32,177)
Dividend payments on common stock	(12,398)	(12,428)
Repurchases of common stock	(3,045)	(2,887)
Net Cash Used By Financing Activities	(41,600)	(47,492)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(15,066)	(28,157)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment and insurance recovery	2,474	467
Repayment of note receivable	363	79
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(12,229)	(27,611)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	8,311	2,093
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	79,342	82,010
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	87,653	84,103
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	6,515	9,296
Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Information:
Increase in accounts payable for capital expenditures	$ 1,447	$ 4,335

Note 1 - Description of Busines

Note 1 - Description of Business	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	1. 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 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 no 1 2 2016 10 2016 In early 2017, Racing Events – In 2017, 24 13 11 eight three four two six one three 2016, 24 13 11 eight three four two six one three

Note 2 - Significant Accounting

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in our 2016 not may 2 2016 Quarterly Reporting and Certain Schedule Changes – We recognize revenues and operating expenses for all events in the calendar quarter in which conducted. Changes in race schedules at our 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 our motorsports business. The more significant racing schedule changes for the three six June 30, 2017 2016 • Poor weather resulted in postponing and next-day rescheduling one one second 2017 • Poor weather resulted in delaying the completion of one second 2017 • TMS held one second 2017; second uarter 2016 third 2016 Poor weather resulted in postponing and rescheduling an IndyCar race at TMS from the second 2016 third 2016. April 2017 June 2017. June 2017, not 2017 not As of December 31, 2016, $524,000 2016 second 2017. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Before December 31, 2016, third not $204,000 six June 30, 2016. no Income Taxes – We provide for income taxes at the end of each interim period based on management’s best estimate of the annual estimated effective income tax rate. Cumulative adjustments to our annual estimated effective income tax rate are recorded in the interim period in which a change in the annual estimated effective income tax rate is determined. Cash paid for income taxes excludes any previous overpayments the Company may no 2 8 2016 Our effective income tax rate for the three June 30, 2017 2016 35.8% 37.1%, six June 30, 2017 2016 34.1% 37.1%, The tax rates for the three six June 30, 2017 $481,000 $1,791,000 six June 30, 2017 $515,000. $725,000 $650,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – Income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits approximate $12,006,000 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $11,746,000 1 2016 $11,794,000 , $212,000 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016. June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $260,000 twelve three six June 30, 2017 2016. June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $159,000 $140,000 2006 2008, 2012 2016, 2013 2016 2012 2016 Income Tax Benefits – Applicable accounting guidance may June 30, 2017, $12.0 not no not Taxes Collected from Customers – We report 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 June 30, 2017 2016 $2,318,000 $2,451,000, six June 30, 2017 2016 $2,729,000 $2,817,000. 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 $5,419,000 $5,655,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $7,023,000 $7,582,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. no June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016. TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts – We recognized royalty revenue of $530,000 $424,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $978,000 $1,051,000 six June 30, 2017 2016 2 2016 The agreements stipulate that TMS distribute 25% 2017, 2017 not 2016, June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, no Fair Value of Financial Instruments – We follow 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 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 receivable 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 bears interest approximating market rates or where non-interest bearing is discounted based on estimated current cost of borrowings; therefore, carrying values approximate market value. There have been no June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ( 2017 2016 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 87,653 $ 87,653 $ 79,342 $ 79,342 Notes receivable 2 NR 1,060 1,060 1,143 1,143 Cash surrender values 2 NR 9,360 9,360 8,919 8,919 Liabilities (principal) Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 40,000 40,000 66,000 66,000 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 205,000 200,000 202,500 Other long-term debt 2 NR 1,049 1,049 1,206 1,206 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 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. Property and Equipment – From time to time, we may first 2017, 7,000 17,000 12,000 first 2017. $4,597,000, $1,700,000, first 2017. 10 Recently Issued Accounting Standards – The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014 09 606 340 40 No. 2016 08 606 No. 2014 09, No. 2016 10 606 No. 2014 09 No. 2015 14 No. 2014 09 one December 15, 2017, December 15, 2016, may continues preliminary evaluation of the potential impact that adoption may first 2018 . The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015 11 330 not December 15, 2016, January 1, 2017 no The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016 02 842 ’s initial direct costs. Lease liabilities will equal the present value of lease payments. Assets will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. Operating leases may December 15, 2018, may The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016 15 23 eight after December 15, 2017, no The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017 04 – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350 2 no December 15, 2019, January 1, 2017. second 2017 4

Note 3 - Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Inventories, net consist of the following components (in thousands): June 30, December 31, 2017 2016 Finished race cars, parts and accessories $ 5,021 $ 5,263 Souvenirs and apparel 2,252 2,131 Micro-lubricant ® 736 818 Total $ 8,009 $ 8,212

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Int

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Annual Impairment Assessment – The Company evaluates goodwill and other intangible assets for possible impairment annually in the second may 2 5 2016 Management's latest annual assessment in the second 201 7 one one 2018, Management also considered that the estimated market value for comparable NASCAR race event sanction and renewal agreements (we had agreements with NASCAR to annually conduct thirteen eleven eight 3" not not 2020 not Our 2017 ’s reporting unit. As of June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $199.6 $98.8 2015 2008, 2017 Our 2017 $1,117,000 , before income tax benefits of $419,000, second 2017 $0. 2017 10 There have since been no no June 30, 2017. 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 our 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 Information six June 30, 2017 2016 $149.7 $148.6 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $99.9 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016. Changes in the carrying value of other intangible assets and goodwill are as follows (in thousands): Other Intangible Assets Goodwill 201 7 2016 2017 201 6 Balance, beginning of year $ 298,383 $ 298,394 $ 47,342 $ 47,342 Increase from acquisitions – – – – Decrease from impairment charges – – (1,117 ) – Balance, end of period $ 298,383 $ 298,394 $ 46,225 $ 47,342

Note 5 - Long-term Debt

Note 5 - Long-term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	5. Bank Credit Facility – five $100,000,000 $50,000,000 $10,000,000 five $150,000,000 five $50,000,000 March 2016 second 2016 December 2019; ( $100,000,000 $200,000,000, $250,000,000 $50,000,000, $75,000,000 $75,000,000 5% $7,500,000 2017 Interest is based, at the Company ’s option, upon the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.25% 2.00% 0.5% 1%, 0.25% 1.00%. 0.25% 0.40% We repaid Term Loan borrowings of $23 ,000,000 $26 ,000,000 three six June 30, 2017, $30,000,000 $32,000,000 three six June 30, 2016. here were no June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $40,000,000 $66,000,000 $605,000 June 30, 2017, $99,395,000, $49,395,000 2023 – We completed a private placement of 5.125% 2023 $200.0 January 2015 ( 2023 2023 second 2015. 2023 2019 6 2016 2023 February 2023 February 1 August 1. Other Notes Payable – At June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, 3% $1,049,000 $1,206,000 eight $194,000 January 2016. Deferred Financing Costs – Deferred financing costs associated with our revolving Credit Facility are reported in other noncurrent assets, and those associated with the 2023 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $4,543,000 $5,151,000. Other General Terms and Conditions 2023 June 30, 2017. 6 2016 Subsidiary Guarantees – 2023 2023 no no Interest Expense, Net – Three Mont hs Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 201 7 201 6 201 7 201 6 Gross interest costs $ 3,336 $ 3,543 $ 6,644 $ 7,107 Less: capitalized interest costs (98 ) (196 ) (153 ) (378 ) Interest expense 3,238 3,347 6,491 6,729 Interest income (75 ) (56 ) (323 ) (99 ) Interest expense, net $ 3,163 $ 3,291 $ 6,168 $ 6,630 Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings 2.3 % 1.9 % 2.2 % 1.9 %

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Eq

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders Equity and Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	6. The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted income 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 June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 2017 2016 N et income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions $ 27,306 $ 24,747 $ 25,371 $ 25,608 Weighted average common shares outstanding 41,045 41,184 41,066 41,206 Dilution effect of assumed conversions: Common stock equivalents —stock awards 11 11 16 14 Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions 41,056 41,195 41,082 41,220 Basic earnings per share $ 0.67 $ 0.60 $ 0.62 $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.67 $ 0.60 $ 0.62 $ 0.62 Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share 12 157 11 145 Stock Repurchase Program – Our Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program authorizing SMI to repurchase up to an aggregate of 5,000,000 5 may may During the three six June 30, 2017, 6 3,000 125,000 $1,137,000 $2,438 ,000. June 30, 2017, 317,000 six June 30, 2017, 31,000 $607,000 65,000 June 30, 2017, 304,000 Declaration of Cash Dividends – 2017, Declaration date February 1 5, 2017 April 19, 201 7 July 19, 201 7 Record date March 1, 201 7 May 1 5, 2017 August 15, 201 7 Paid or payable to shareholders March 1 7, 2017 June 5, 2017 September 5, 201 7 Aggregate quarterly cash dividend $ 6,241 $ 6,157 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, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	7. The Company and Sonic Financial Corporation (Sonic Financial), a Company affiliate through common ownership by our Executive Chairman and our Chief Executive Officer, share various expenses in the ordinary course of business under a shared services agreement. The Company incurred expenses of $202,000 $232,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $406,000 $449,000 six June 30, 2017 2016 under the shared services agreement. Amounts due from or payable to Sonic Financial at June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 not The Company and certain SMI subsidiaries lease office and warehouse facilities from companies affiliated through common ownership by our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer under annually renewable lease agreements. Rent expense amounted to $181,000 $179,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $362,000 $361,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. Amounts owed to these affiliated companies at June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 not 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 our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are controlling stockholders, for an aggregate of $17,000 $66,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $144,000 $105,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. no three six June 30, 2017 2016. $189,000 $173,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $476,000 $455,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. At June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $128,000 $84,000 Oil-Chem sold zMAX micro-lubricant ® product to certain SAI dealerships in the ordinary course of business. Total purchases from Oil-Chem by SAI dealerships were $494,000 $498,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $1,058,000 $1,084,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. At June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $236,000 $194,000 The foregoing related party balances as of June 30, 20 17 December 31, 2016 three six June 30, 2017 2016 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts receivable $ 364 $ 278 Three Months Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 2017 2016 Merchand ise and vehicle purchases $ 17 $ 66 $ 144 $ 105 Shared services expense 202 232 406 449 Merchandise sales 683 671 1,534 1,539 Rent expense 181 179 362 361

Note 8 - Legal Proceedings and

Note 8 - Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	8. 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

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Pla

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	9. See Note 11 2016 ’s stock compensation plans. 2013 April 19, 2017 – In February 2017, 2013 April 19, 2017 2017 not 2013 may The Compensation Committee of the Company ’s Board of Directors approved grants of 35,000 35,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. three 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: 2017 2016 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, beginning of period 68 129 67 132 Granted 35 35 35 35 Vested (32 ) (32 ) (32 ) (32 ) Forfeited (5 ) (5 ) (2 ) (6 ) Outstanding, end of period 66 127 68 129 In each of the six June 30, 2017 2016, 31,000 $597,000 $588,000, 64,000 The Company also repurchased approximately 500 six June 30, 2017 2016 $9,000 1,500 2008 April 17, 2012 – The Company awarded 3,893 four April 2017. 15,976 April 2016 April 2017, 12,816 April 2015 April 2016. Share-Based Payments – There were no 2017 2016 no no No six June 30, 2017 2016. Share-based compensation cost for the three June 30, 2017 2016 $856,000 $841,000, 306,000 $312,000, six June 30, 2017 2016 $1,665,000 $1,708,000, $568,000 $634,000, no June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016. June 30, 2017, $4,008,000 1.0 June 30, 2017, no

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Our operations are predominately comprised of promoting, marketing and sponsoring motorsports racing events, merchandising and other related activities conducted at our various major speedway facilities located in the United States. Our business activities, including those of our subsidiaries, are further described in Notes 1 2 2016 Segment information as presented below comports with information our chief operating decision maker and management use and focus on when assessing segment performance and allocating resources. Segment operating income or loss excludes interest, income 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 our segment information (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 174,144 $ 5,109 $ 179,253 $ 170,694 $ 4,994 $ 175,688 Depreciation and amortization 13,434 35 13,469 13,529 41 13,570 Impairment of goodwill (Note 4) 1,117 – 1,117 – – – Segment operating income 43,953 1,358 45,311 41,396 1,247 42,643 Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 249,242 $ 10,336 $ 259,578 $ 247,970 $ 10,894 $ 258,864 Depreciation and amortization 30,901 73 30,974 26,857 84 26,941 Impairment of goodwill (Note 4) 1,117 – 1,117 – – – Segment operating income 42,428 2,460 44,888 44,777 2,650 47,427 Capital expenditures 15,045 21 15,066 28,107 50 28,157 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Other intangibles $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 Goodwill 46,225 – 46,225 47,342 – 47,342 Total assets 1,475,083 $ 24,045 1,499,128 1,474,127 $ 24,022 1,498,149 The following table reconciles segment operating income above to consolidated income before income taxes for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total se gment operating income $ 45,311 $ 42,643 $ 44,888 $ 47,427 Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (3,163 ) (3,291 ) (6,168 ) (6,630 ) Other income (expense), net 376 13 (202 ) (55 ) Consolidated income before income taxes $ 42,524 $ 39,365 $ 38,518 $ 40,742

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Quarterly Reporting [Policy Text Block]	Quarterly Reporting and Certain Schedule Changes – We recognize revenues and operating expenses for all events in the calendar quarter in which conducted. Changes in race schedules at our 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 our motorsports business. The more significant racing schedule changes for the three six June 30, 2017 2016 • Poor weather resulted in postponing and next-day rescheduling one one second 2017 • Poor weather resulted in delaying the completion of one second 2017 • TMS held one second 2017; second uarter 2016 third 2016 Poor weather resulted in postponing and rescheduling an IndyCar race at TMS from the second 2016 third 2016. April 2017 June 2017. June 2017, not 2017 not As of December 31, 2016, $524,000 2016 second 2017.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Before December 31, 2016, third not $204,000 six June 30, 2016. no
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes – We provide for income taxes at the end of each interim period based on management’s best estimate of the annual estimated effective income tax rate. Cumulative adjustments to our annual estimated effective income tax rate are recorded in the interim period in which a change in the annual estimated effective income tax rate is determined. Cash paid for income taxes excludes any previous overpayments the Company may no 2 8 2016 Our effective income tax rate for the three June 30, 2017 2016 35.8% 37.1%, six June 30, 2017 2016 34.1% 37.1%, The tax rates for the three six June 30, 2017 $481,000 $1,791,000 six June 30, 2017 $515,000. $725,000 $650,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – Income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits approximate $12,006,000 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $11,746,000 1 2016 $11,794,000 , $212,000 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016. June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $260,000 twelve three six June 30, 2017 2016. June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, $159,000 $140,000 2006 2008, 2012 2016, 2013 2016 2012 2016 Income Tax Benefits – Applicable accounting guidance may June 30, 2017, $12.0 not no not
Taxes Collected from Customers [Policy Text Block]	Taxes Collected from Customers – We report 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 June 30, 2017 2016 $2,318,000 $2,451,000, six June 30, 2017 2016 $2,729,000 $2,817,000.
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 $5,419,000 $5,655,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $7,023,000 $7,582,000 six June 30, 2017 2016. no June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016.
TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts – We recognized royalty revenue of $530,000 $424,000 three June 30, 2017 2016, $978,000 $1,051,000 six June 30, 2017 2016 2 2016 The agreements stipulate that TMS distribute 25% 2017, 2017 not 2016, June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016, no
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – We follow 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 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 receivable 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 bears interest approximating market rates or where non-interest bearing is discounted based on estimated current cost of borrowings; therefore, carrying values approximate market value. There have been no June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 ( 2017 2016 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 87,653 $ 87,653 $ 79,342 $ 79,342 Notes receivable 2 NR 1,060 1,060 1,143 1,143 Cash surrender values 2 NR 9,360 9,360 8,919 8,919 Liabilities (principal) Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 40,000 40,000 66,000 66,000 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 205,000 200,000 202,500 Other long-term debt 2 NR 1,049 1,049 1,206 1,206 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 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.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment – From time to time, we may first 2017, 7,000 17,000 12,000 first 2017. $4,597,000, $1,700,000, first 2017. 10
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards – The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014 09 606 340 40 No. 2016 08 606 No. 2014 09, No. 2016 10 606 No. 2014 09 No. 2015 14 No. 2014 09 one December 15, 2017, December 15, 2016, may continues preliminary evaluation of the potential impact that adoption may first 2018 . The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015 11 330 not December 15, 2016, January 1, 2017 no The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016 02 842 ’s initial direct costs. Lease liabilities will equal the present value of lease payments. Assets will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs. Operating leases may December 15, 2018, may The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016 15 23 eight after December 15, 2017, no The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017 04 – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350 2 no December 15, 2019, January 1, 2017. second 2017 4

Note 2 - Significant Accounti19

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 87,653 $ 87,653 $ 79,342 $ 79,342 Notes receivable 2 NR 1,060 1,060 1,143 1,143 Cash surrender values 2 NR 9,360 9,360 8,919 8,919 Liabilities (principal) Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 40,000 40,000 66,000 66,000 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 205,000 200,000 202,500 Other long-term debt 2 NR 1,049 1,049 1,206 1,206

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	June 30, December 31, 2017 2016 Finished race cars, parts and accessories $ 5,021 $ 5,263 Souvenirs and apparel 2,252 2,131 Micro-lubricant ® 736 818 Total $ 8,009 $ 8,212

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I21

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Other Intangible Assets Goodwill 201 7 2016 2017 201 6 Balance, beginning of year $ 298,383 $ 298,394 $ 47,342 $ 47,342 Increase from acquisitions – – – – Decrease from impairment charges – – (1,117 ) – Balance, end of period $ 298,383 $ 298,394 $ 46,225 $ 47,342

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Three Mont hs Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 201 7 201 6 201 7 201 6 Gross interest costs $ 3,336 $ 3,543 $ 6,644 $ 7,107 Less: capitalized interest costs (98 ) (196 ) (153 ) (378 ) Interest expense 3,238 3,347 6,491 6,729 Interest income (75 ) (56 ) (323 ) (99 ) Interest expense, net $ 3,163 $ 3,291 $ 6,168 $ 6,630 Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings 2.3 % 1.9 % 2.2 % 1.9 %

Note 6 - Per Share and Other 23

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 2017 2016 N et income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions $ 27,306 $ 24,747 $ 25,371 $ 25,608 Weighted average common shares outstanding 41,045 41,184 41,066 41,206 Dilution effect of assumed conversions: Common stock equivalents —stock awards 11 11 16 14 Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions 41,056 41,195 41,082 41,220 Basic earnings per share $ 0.67 $ 0.60 $ 0.62 $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.67 $ 0.60 $ 0.62 $ 0.62 Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share 12 157 11 145
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	Declaration date February 1 5, 2017 April 19, 201 7 July 19, 201 7 Record date March 1, 201 7 May 1 5, 2017 August 15, 201 7 Paid or payable to shareholders March 1 7, 2017 June 5, 2017 September 5, 201 7 Aggregate quarterly cash dividend $ 6,241 $ 6,157 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, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 2017 2016 Merchand ise and vehicle purchases $ 17 $ 66 $ 144 $ 105 Shared services expense 202 232 406 449 Merchandise sales 683 671 1,534 1,539 Rent expense 181 179 362 361
Related Party Balances [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts receivable $ 364 $ 278

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P25

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, beginning of period 68 129 67 132 Granted 35 35 35 35 Vested (32 ) (32 ) (32 ) (32 ) Forfeited (5 ) (5 ) (2 ) (6 ) Outstanding, end of period 66 127 68 129

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 174,144 $ 5,109 $ 179,253 $ 170,694 $ 4,994 $ 175,688 Depreciation and amortization 13,434 35 13,469 13,529 41 13,570 Impairment of goodwill (Note 4) 1,117 – 1,117 – – – Segment operating income 43,953 1,358 45,311 41,396 1,247 42,643 Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 249,242 $ 10,336 $ 259,578 $ 247,970 $ 10,894 $ 258,864 Depreciation and amortization 30,901 73 30,974 26,857 84 26,941 Impairment of goodwill (Note 4) 1,117 – 1,117 – – – Segment operating income 42,428 2,460 44,888 44,777 2,650 47,427 Capital expenditures 15,045 21 15,066 28,107 50 28,157
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30: Six Months Ended June 30: 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total se gment operating income $ 45,311 $ 42,643 $ 44,888 $ 47,427 Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (3,163 ) (3,291 ) (6,168 ) (6,630 ) Other income (expense), net 376 13 (202 ) (55 ) Consolidated income before income taxes $ 42,524 $ 39,365 $ 38,518 $ 40,742
Other Intangibles and Good will [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Other intangibles $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 Goodwill 46,225 – 46,225 47,342 – 47,342 Total assets 1,475,083 $ 24,045 1,499,128 1,474,127 $ 24,022 1,498,149

Note 1 - Description of Busin27

Note 1 - Description of Business (Details Textual)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
NASCAR [Member]
Number of Racing Events	24	24
NASCAR [Member] | Monster Energy Cup [Member]
Number of Racing Events	13	13
NASCAR [Member] | Xfinity Series Events [Member]
Number of Racing Events	11	11
NASCAR [Member] | Camping World Trucks Series Events [Member]
Number of Racing Events	8	8
NASCAR [Member] | K and N Pro Series Events [Member]
Number of Racing Events	3	3
NASCAR [Member] | Whelen Modified Tour [Member]
Number of Racing Events	4	4
Indy Car Series [Member]
Number of Racing Events	2	2
National Hot Rod Association [Member]
Number of Racing Events	6	6
Automobile Racing Club of America [Member]
Number of Racing Events	1	1
World of Outlaws [Member]
Number of Racing Events	3	3

Note 2 - Significant Accounti28

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	$ 260,000			$ 260,000		$ 260,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	159,000			159,000		140,000
Deferred Advertising Costs	$ 0			0		0
Accelerated Depreciation and Removal Costs, Before Tax		$ 4,597,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Accelerated Depreciation and Removal Costs		$ (1,700,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable				2,473,000	$ 4,161,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities				$ 62,140,000	$ 77,196,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	35.80%		37.10%	34.10%	37.10%
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Tax Liabilities for Anticipated Change in State Income Tax Rates	$ (481,000)			$ (1,791,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	515,000			515,000
Income Taxes Paid				725,000	$ 650,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	12,006,000			12,006,000		12,006,000
Excise and Sales Taxes	2,318,000		$ 2,451,000	2,729,000	2,817,000
Advertising Expense	5,419,000		5,655,000	7,023,000	7,582,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	11,794,000			11,794,000		11,794,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	212,000			212,000		212,000
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	11,746,000			11,746,000		11,746,000
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable					204,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities					204,000
Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member]
Royalty Revenue	530,000		$ 424,000	978,000	$ 1,051,000
Royalty Revenue, Distribution, Percentage		25.00%
Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member] | Royalty Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue	$ 0			$ 0		0
Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member] | Indy Car Series [Member]
Deferred Revenue						$ 524,000
Charlotte Motor Speedway LLC [Member]
Number of Seats Removed		7,000
Kentucky Speedway [Member]
Number of Seats Removed		17,000
New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Inc. [Member]
Number of Seats Removed		12,000

Note 2 - Significant Accounti29

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 87,653	$ 79,342	$ 84,103	$ 82,010
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	87,653	79,342
Notes receivable	1,060	1,143
Cash surrender values	9,360	8,919
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan	40,000	66,000
5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023	200,000	200,000
Other long-term debt	1,049	1,206
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	87,653	79,342
Notes receivable	1,060	1,143
Cash surrender values	9,360	8,919
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan	40,000	66,000
5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023	205,000	202,500
Other long-term debt	$ 1,049	$ 1,206

Note 2 - Significant Accounti30

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (Details) (Parentheticals)	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.125%	5.125%

Note 3 - Inventories - Inventor

Note 3 - Inventories - Inventories Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventories, net	$ 8,009	$ 8,212
Finished Vehicles Parts and Accessories [Member]
Inventories, net	5,021	5,263
Souvenirs and Apparel [Member]
Inventories, net	2,252	2,131
Micro Lubricant and Other [Member]
Inventories, net	$ 736	$ 818

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I32

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Intangible Assets, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 99,900,000		$ 99,900,000		$ 99,900,000
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	298,383,000	$ 298,394,000	298,383,000	$ 298,394,000	298,383,000	$ 298,394,000
Goodwill	46,225,000	47,342,000	46,225,000	47,342,000	47,342,000	$ 47,342,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	1,117,000		1,117,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	149,700,000		149,700,000		148,600,000
Unrecognized [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			0
SMI Properties [Member]
Goodwill	0		0
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Tax Benefit	419,000
Goodwill	46,225,000		46,225,000		47,342,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	1,117,000		1,117,000
Nonamortizable Race Event Sanctioning and Renewal Agreements [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	298,383,000		298,383,000		298,383,000
NHMS and TMS [Member] | Nonamortizable Race Event Sanctioning and Renewal Agreements [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 199,600,000		$ 199,600,000		$ 98,800,000

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I33

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Gross Carrying Value of Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Balance, beginning of year			$ 47,342	$ 47,342
Increase from acquisitions
Decrease from impairment charges	$ (1,117)		(1,117)
Balance, end of period	46,225	47,342	46,225	47,342
Balance, beginning of year			298,383	298,394
Increase from acquisitions
Decrease from impairment charges
Balance, end of period	$ 298,383	$ 298,394	$ 298,383	$ 298,394

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 4,543,000		$ 4,543,000		$ 4,543,000		$ 5,151,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.125%		5.125%		5.125%		5.125%
Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
Eurodollar [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.25%
Eurodollar [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			2.00%
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Prime Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.25%
Prime Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 605,000		$ 605,000		$ 605,000		$ 605,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility Accordion Feature			100,000,000
Term Loan, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	200,000,000		200,000,000		200,000,000
Debt Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	250,000,000		250,000,000		250,000,000
Debt Instrument Covenant, Maximum Dividends Payments and Repurchases of Securities	50,000,000		50,000,000		50,000,000
Debt Instrument Covenant Annual Capital Expenditures	75,000,000		75,000,000		75,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.25%
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.40%
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument Quarterly Principal Repayment Percentage			5.00%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal			$ 7,500,000
Repayments of Debt	23,000,000	$ 30,000,000	26,000,000	$ 32,000,000
Long-term Debt	40,000,000		40,000,000		40,000,000		$ 66,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Subject to Maintaining Certain Financial Covenants [Member]
Debt Instrument Covenant, Maximum Dividends Payments and Repurchases of Securities	75,000,000		$ 75,000,000		75,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity						$ 99,395,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000		$ 100,000,000		100,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	50,000,000		50,000,000		50,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Swing Line Loans [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	10,000,000		10,000,000		10,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	150,000,000		$ 150,000,000		150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 50,000,000		$ 50,000,000		$ 50,000,000
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity						$ 49,395,000
The 2023 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								5.125%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 200,000,000
Interest Bearing Debt Associated With BMS Purchase [Member]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	3.00%		3.00%		3.00%		3.00%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount	$ 1,049,000		$ 1,049,000		$ 1,049,000		$ 1,206,000
Debt Instrument, Number of Periodic Payments					8
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment					$ 194,000

Note 5 - Long-term Debt - Inter

Note 5 - Long-term Debt - Interest Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Gross interest costs	$ 3,336	$ 3,543	$ 6,644	$ 7,107
Less: capitalized interest costs	(98)	(196)	(153)	(378)
Interest expense	3,238	3,347	6,491	6,729
Interest income	(75)	(56)	(323)	(99)
Interest expense, net	$ 3,163	$ 3,291	$ 6,168	$ 6,630
Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings	2.30%	1.90%	2.20%	1.90%

Note 6 - Per Share and Other 36

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 3,045,000
Treasury Stock, Shares Held for Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	304,000	304,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		32,000	32,000
Management [Member]
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 607,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		31,000
Management [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		65,000
Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$ 1,137,000	$ 2,438,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	317,000	317,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	5,000,000	5,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	63,000	125,000

Note 6 - Per Share and Other 37

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information - Basic and Diluted Earnings or Loss Per Share From Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Net income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions	$ 27,306	$ 24,747	$ 25,371	$ 25,608
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	41,045	41,184	41,066	41,206
Common stock equivalents—stock awards (in shares)	11	11	16	14
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	41,056	41,195	41,082	41,220
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 0.60	$ 0.62	$ 0.62
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 0.60	$ 0.62	$ 0.62
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share (in shares)	12	157	11	145

Note 6 - Per Share and Other 38

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information - Declaration of Cash Dividends (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / shares
Aggregate quarterly cash dividend	$ 12,398
Dividend Declared on February 15, 2017 [Member]
Declaration date	Feb. 15, 2017
Record date	Mar. 1, 2017
Paid or payable to shareholders	Mar. 17, 2017
Aggregate quarterly cash dividend	$ 6,241
Cash dividends, per share of common stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.15
Dividend Declared on April 19, 2017 [Member]
Declaration date	Apr. 19, 2017
Record date	May 15, 2017
Paid or payable to shareholders	Jun. 5, 2017
Aggregate quarterly cash dividend	$ 6,157
Cash dividends, per share of common stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.15
Dividend Declared on July 19, 2017 [Member]
Declaration date	Jul. 19, 2017
Record date	Aug. 15, 2017
Paid or payable to shareholders	Sep. 5, 2017
Aggregate quarterly cash dividend	$ 6,200
Cash dividends, per share of common stock (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.15

Note 7 - Related Party Transa39

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) xbrli-pure in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 202,000		$ 232,000	$ 406,000	$ 449,000
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	17,000		66,000	144,000	105,000
Revenue from Related Parties	683,000		671,000	1,534,000	1,539,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense		$ 181,000	179,000	362,000	361,000
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	$ 17,000		$ 66,000	$ 144,000	$ 105,000
Number of Vehicles Sold	0		0	0	0
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member] | SMI Properties [Member]
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 189,000		$ 173,000	$ 476,000	$ 455,000
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member] | Oil Chem [Member]
Revenue from Related Parties	494,000		$ 498,000	1,058,000	$ 1,084,000
Sonic Financial [Member]
Due from Affiliates	128,000	128,000		128,000		$ 84,000
Sonic Financial [Member] | Oil Chem [Member]
Due from Related Parties	$ 236,000	$ 236,000		$ 236,000		$ 194,000

Note 7 - Related Party Transa40

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions - Foregoing Related Party Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts receivable	$ 364	$ 278

Note 7 - Related Party Transa41

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions - Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Merchandise and vehicle purchases	$ 17,000	$ 66,000	$ 144,000	$ 105,000
Shared services expense	202,000	232,000	406,000	449,000
Merchandise sales	683,000	671,000	1,534,000	1,539,000
Rent expense	$ 181,000	$ 179,000	$ 362,000	$ 361,000

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P42

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount						$ 0	$ 0
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options				$ 0		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross						0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period						0	0
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense				856,000	$ 841,000	$ 1,665,000	$ 1,708,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense				306,000	$ 312,000	$ 568,000	$ 634,000
The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Non Executive Management Employees [Member]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares						500	500
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value						$ 9,000	$ 9,000
Restricted Stock, Shares Issued Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings						1,500	1,500
Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] | Management [Member]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares						31,000	31,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value						$ 597,000	$ 588,000
Restricted Stock, Shares Issued Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings						64,000	64,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period						35,000	35,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Chief Executive Officer and President [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period							3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Chief Executive Officer and President [Member] | Three Year Vesting Period [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period						35,000	35,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period						3 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period						35,000	35,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period						35,000	35,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Non Employee Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	3,893	15,976	12,816
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options				$ 4,008,000		$ 4,008,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition						1 year

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P43

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Restricted Stock [Member]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	68	67
Granted (in shares)	35	35
Vested (in shares)	(32)	(32)
Forfeited (in shares)	(5)	(2)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	66	68
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	129	132
Granted (in shares)	35	35
Vested (in shares)	(32)	(32)
Forfeited (in shares)	(5)	(6)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	127	129

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures -

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures - Segment Information on Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Revenues	$ 179,253,000	$ 175,688,000	$ 259,578,000	$ 258,864,000
Depreciation and amortization	13,469,000	13,570,000	30,974,000	26,941,000
Impairment of goodwill (Note 4)	1,117,000		1,117,000
Total segment operating income	45,311,000	42,643,000	44,888,000	47,427,000
Capital expenditures			15,066,000	28,157,000
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Revenues	174,144,000	170,694,000	249,242,000	247,970,000
Depreciation and amortization	13,434,000	13,529,000	30,901,000	26,857,000
Impairment of goodwill (Note 4)	1,117,000		1,117,000
Total segment operating income	43,953,000	41,396,000	42,428,000	44,777,000
Capital expenditures			15,045,000	28,107,000
Other Segments [Member]
Revenues	5,109,000	4,994,000	10,336,000	10,894,000
Depreciation and amortization	35,000	41,000	73,000	84,000
Impairment of goodwill (Note 4)
Total segment operating income	$ 1,358,000	$ 1,247,000	2,460,000	2,650,000
Capital expenditures			$ 21,000	$ 50,000

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures45

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures - Summary of Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other intangibles	$ 298,383	$ 298,383
Goodwill	46,225	47,342	$ 47,342	$ 47,342
Total assets	1,499,128	1,498,149
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Other intangibles	298,383	298,383
Goodwill	46,225	47,342
Total assets	1,475,083	1,474,127
Other Segments [Member]
Other intangibles
Goodwill
Total assets	$ 24,045	$ 24,022

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures46

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income or Loss to Consolidated Amounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Total segment operating income	$ 45,311	$ 42,643	$ 44,888	$ 47,427
us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedAbstract
Interest expense, net	(3,163)	(3,291)	(6,168)	(6,630)
Other income (expense), net	376	13	(202)	(55)
Income Before Income Taxes	$ 42,524	$ 39,365	$ 38,518	$ 40,742