Speedway Motorsports (TRK) 10-Q 7 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 05, 2018
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 Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		40,832,440
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Cu

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 80,501	$ 81,924
Accounts receivable, net	43,852	28,459
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	7	2,135
Inventories, net	8,689	7,283
Prepaid expenses	2,727	3,533
Total Current Assets	135,776	123,334
Notes Receivable	661	799
Other Assets	23,982	23,724
Property and Equipment, Net (Note 2)	947,866	958,215
Other Intangible Assets, Net	298,383	298,383
Goodwill	46,225	46,225
Total	1,452,893	1,450,680
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,167	7,662
Accounts payable	23,315	12,017
Deferred race event and other income, net	24,228	40,779
Accrued income taxes	1,731	383
Accrued interest	1,727	4,307
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	24,533	23,585
Total Current Liabilities	78,701	88,733
Long-term Debt	197,697	219,452
Deferred Income (Note 2)	2,501	3,054
Deferred Income Taxes, Net	202,330	201,760
Other Liabilities	19,017	18,458
Total Liabilities	500,246	531,457
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 – 40,856,000 in 2018 and 40,992,000 in 2017	462	461
Additional Paid-in Capital	265,477	262,885
Retained Earnings	802,602	767,859
Treasury Stock at cost, shares – 5,350,000 in 2018 and 5,137,000 in 2017	(115,894)	(111,982)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	952,647	919,223
Total	$ 1,452,893	$ 1,450,680

Consolidated Balance Sheets (_2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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)	40,856,000	40,992,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	40,856,000	40,992,000
Treasury Stock at cost, shares (in shares)	5,350,000	5,137,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 160,085	$ 130,723	$ 400,297	$ 377,178
Expenses and Other:
General and administrative	26,277	25,793	77,925	75,323
Depreciation and amortization	13,252	13,834	39,480	44,808
Interest expense, net	2,771	3,054	8,681	9,222
Other expense (income), net	60	(157)	(2,186)	45
Total Expenses and Other	127,923	116,072	330,996	324,009
Income Before Income Taxes	32,162	14,651	69,301	53,169
Provision for Income Taxes	(8,089)	(5,440)	(16,059)	(18,587)
Net Income	$ 24,073	$ 9,211	$ 53,242	$ 34,582
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.22	$ 1.30	$ 0.84
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	40,882	41,004	40,936	41,046
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.22	$ 1.30	$ 0.84
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	40,895	41,022	40,951	41,062
Impairment of goodwill (Note 4)				$ 1,117
Admissions [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 30,536	$ 27,641	66,811	71,532
Event Related [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	45,099	34,452	112,082	103,491
NASCAR Broadcasting Revenue [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	78,374	61,962	201,246	180,065
Other Operating Revneues [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	6,076	6,668	20,158	22,090
Direct Expense of Events [Member]
Expenses and Other:
Cost of goods and services sold	35,597	32,732	80,864	78,420
NASCAR Event Management Fees [Member]
Expenses and Other:
Cost of goods and services sold	45,731	36,453	112,559	100,540
Other Direct Operating Expense [Member]
Expenses and Other:
Cost of goods and services sold	$ 4,235	$ 4,363	$ 13,673	$ 14,534

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	41,098,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 459	$ 258,880	$ 644,308	$ (105,864)	$ 797,783
Net income			34,582		34,582
Share-based compensation (in shares)	76,000
Share-based compensation	$ 1	2,532			2,533
Quarterly cash dividends of $0.15 per share of common stock			(18,551)		(18,551)
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	(220,000)
Repurchases of common stock				(4,348)	(4,348)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	31,000
Exercise of stock options		482			482
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017	40,985,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 460	261,894	660,339	(110,212)	812,481
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	40,992,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 461	262,885	767,859	(111,982)	919,223
Net income			53,242		53,242
Share-based compensation (in shares)	77,000
Share-based compensation	$ 1	2,592			2,593
Quarterly cash dividends of $0.15 per share of common stock			(18,499)		(18,499)
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	(213,000)
Repurchases of common stock				(3,912)	$ (3,912)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)					0
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018	40,856,000
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 462	$ 265,477	$ 802,602	$ (115,894)	$ 952,647

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Jul. 25, 2018	Apr. 23, 2018	Feb. 12, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash dividends, per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 53,242	$ 34,582
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Impairment of goodwill		1,117
Deferred loan cost amortization	1,132	1,155
Gain on disposals of property and equipment and other assets	(2,260)	(308)
Depreciation and amortization	39,480	44,808
Amortization of deferred income	(615)	(700)
Deferred income tax provision	989	(6,265)
Share-based compensation	2,593	2,533
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(15,387)	(4,902)
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes	3,476	11,572
Inventories	(1,406)	683
Prepaid expenses	806	1,162
Accounts payable	7,395	3,762
Deferred race event and other income	(16,567)	(10,606)
Accrued interest	(2,580)	(2,577)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,641	2,510
Deferred income	78	189
Other assets and liabilities	(420)	(155)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	71,597	78,560
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt	(27,162)	(31,157)
Exercise of common stock options		482
Dividend payments on common stock	(18,499)	(18,551)
Repurchases of common stock	(3,912)	(4,348)
Net Cash Used By Financing Activities	(49,573)	(53,574)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(25,025)	(21,960)
Proceeds from sales, net of payments for disposals, of property and equipment and other assets	1,422	3,027
Repayment of note receivable	132	405
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(23,471)	(18,528)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(1,447)	6,458
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	82,200	79,568
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	80,753	86,026
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	11,615	12,220
Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Information:
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable for capital expenditures	$ 4,153	$ (526)

Note 1 - Description of Busines

Note 1 - Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	1. Basis of Presentation no no 1 2 2017 10 2017 Racing Events 2018, 24 13 11 eight five three two six one three 2017, 24 13 11 eight three four two six one three 2018 one one September 2018.

Note 2 - Significant Accounting

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 2017 not may 2 2017 NASCAR Broadcasting Revenues and NASCAR Event Management (formerly purse and sanction) Fees 10% 90% 25% 10% not $6,885,000 $20,008,000 three nine September 30, 2017 ( $8,709,000 $22,361,000 three nine September 30, 2018). no Quarterly Reporting three nine September 30, 2018 2017 • Poor weather or excessive heat surrounded Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race weekends at AMS and LVMS in the first 2018, second 2018, third 2018 • One NASCAR Monster Energy Cup and one one third 2018 third 2017 • CMS held one one third 2018 fourth 2017 • CMS held one third 2017 fourth 2018 • Poor weather also surrounded certain smaller non-NASCAR events at CMS and TMS in the second 2018 • LVMS held one first 2018 third 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows No. 2016 15 January 1, 2018 ( Income Taxes may no 2 8 2017 Our effective income tax rate for the three September 30, 2018 2017 25.2% 37.1%, nine September 30, 2018 2017 23.2% 35.0%, 2018 second 2018 $1,110,000 nine September 30, 2017 $1,791,000 nine September 30, 2017 $515,000. $11,625,000 $12,855,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes $11,711,000 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $11,534,000 $177,000 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, 823,000 twelve three nine September 30, 2018 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $660,000 $241,000 2015 2017 2013 2017 December 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Enactment – December 22, 2017, January 1, 2018, 35% 21%, 100% 2022, one As of December 31, 2017, no three nine September 30, 2018, $56,000 fourth 2018 may may Income Tax Benefits may September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $11.7 not no not Advertising Expenses $4,449,000 $3,831,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $10,879,000 $10,854,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. no September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017. TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts $334,000 $508,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $1,077,000 $1,486,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017 no 25% 2017, 2018 not 2017, 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, no Fair Value of Financial Instruments no The following table presents estimated fair values and categorization levels of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 ( 2018 2017 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 80,501 $ 80,501 $ 81,924 $ 81,924 Note receivable 2 NR 661 661 799 799 Cash surrender values 2 NR 10,369 10,369 9,822 9,822 Liabilities Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 3,000 3,000 30,000 30,000 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 2 NR 200,000 198,000 200,000 205,000 Other long-term debt 2 NR 887 887 1,049 1,049 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 first 2017, $4,597,000, $1,700,000, first 2017. 10 Recently Issued Accounting Standards No. 2016 15 23 eight December 15, 2017, January 1, 2018 The FASB issued ASU No. 2016 02 842 No. 2018 10 842, may No. 2018 11 842 December 15, 2018, may The FASB issued ASU No. 2018–01 842 842" not not not not not No. 2016 02 may Revenue from Contracts with Customers January 1, 2018, No. 2014 09 606 606 five not no not no 606 not not 606, Disaggregated Revenues 10 no Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Admissions $ 30,536 $ 27,641 $ 66,811 $ 71,532 NASCAR broadcasting 78,374 61,962 201,246 180,065 Sponsorships and other event related 42,092 31,965 105,038 96,786 Souvenir and other merchandise 5,368 4,958 14,671 14,673 Other 3,715 4,197 12,531 14,122 Total Revenue $ 160,085 $ 130,723 $ 400,297 $ 377,178 The following describes the composition of our disaggregated revenues and associated performance obligations: Admissions NASCAR Broadcasting five 2020. Sponsorships and Other Event Related not one We derive other event related revenue from various marketing agreements for on-site advertising, hospitality and other promotion related activities. We derive revenue based commissioned payments from a long-term contracted third Souvenir and Other Merchandise third third not Other Accounting Recognition for Event Related Revenues and Associated Net Deferred Event Income If circumstances prevent a race from being held during the racing season: (i) generally advance revenue is refundable, (ii) all deferred direct event expenses would be immediately recognized except for race event management fees which would be refundable from NASCAR or other sanctioning bodies, and (iii) sales and admission taxes would be refundable from taxing authorities. Management believes this accounting policy results in appropriate matching of revenues and expenses associated with our racing events and helps ensure comparability and consistency between our financial statements. Advance revenues, and associated direct expenses, if any, for track rentals, driving schools and similar activities are deferred and recognized when the activities take place. Accounting Recognition for Non-Event Souvenir Merchandise and Other Revenues not Accounting Recognition for Noncurrent Net Deferred Income not not Performance Obligations not not not no We have contracted future revenues representing unsatisfied performance obligations, and the estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to these performance obligations. These contracts contain initial terms typically ranging from one five ten 606 not twelve 2024. 2019 $150,150,000 September 30, 2018. Contract Balances Changes in contract assets and liabilities during the nine September 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $5,686,000 $7,511,000, $32,415,000 $51,344,000. nine September 30, 2018, $42,413,000. $29,914,000 $2,501,000 September 30, 2018, twelve Taxes Collected from Customers $1,579,000 $1,386,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $3,967,000 $4,115,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017.

Note 3 - Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Inventories, net consist of the following components (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Finished race cars, parts and accessories $ 6,174 $ 4,507 Souvenirs and apparel 1,982 2,014 Micro-lubricant ® 533 762 Total $ 8,689 $ 7,283

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Int

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Annual Impairment Assessment – second may 2 5 2017 Management's latest annual assessment in the second 2018 one one September 2018, thirteen eleven eight 2020 not Management's assessment found the estimated fair value of each reporting unit and each indefinite-lived race date intangible asset substantially exceeded its associated carrying value except for three 2015 two September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $298.4 three There have been no no September 30, 2018. 2017 2017 $1,117,000, $419,000, second 2017 $0. 2017 10 Other Information no nine September 30, 2018. $100.0 $149.7 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017. no

Note 5 - Long-term Debt

Note 5 - Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 2015 December 2019; ( $100,000,000 $200,000,000, $250,000,000 $50,000,000, $75,000,000 $75,000,000 5% 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 $4,000,000 $27,000,000 three nine September 30, 2018, $5,000,000 $31,000,000 three nine September 30, 2017, no September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $3,000,000 $30,000,000 $6 62 ,000 $698,000 September 30, 2018, $99,3 38 ,000, $49,3 38 ,000 $50,000,000 2023 5.125% 2023 $200.0 January 2015 ( 2023 2023 second 2015. 2023 2019 6 2017 2023 February 2023 February 1 August 1. Other Notes Payable September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, 3% $887,000 $1,049,000 eight $194,000 January 2016. Deferred Financing Costs 2023 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $3,023,000 $3,935,000. Other General Terms and Conditions 2023 September 30, 2018. 6 2017 Subsidiary Guarantees – 2023 2023 no no Interest Expense, Net – Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Gross interest costs $ 3,021 $ 3,217 $ 9,383 $ 9,861 Less: capitalized interest costs (100 ) (65 ) (348 ) (218 ) Interest expense 2,921 3,152 9,035 9,643 Interest income (150 ) (98 ) (354 ) (421 ) Interest expense, net $ 2,771 $ 3,054 $ 8,681 $ 9,222 Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings 3.3 % 2.5 % 3.0 % 2.3 %

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Eq

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders Equity and Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	6. The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted earnings 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 September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions $ 24,073 $ 9,211 $ 53,242 $ 34,582 Weighted average common shares outstanding 40,882 41,004 40,936 41,046 Dilution effect of assumed conversions: Common stock equivalents—stock awards 13 18 15 16 Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions 40,895 41,022 40,951 41,062 Basic earnings per share $ 0.59 $ 0.22 $ 1.30 $ 0.84 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.59 $ 0.22 $ 1.30 $ 0.84 Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share 12 9 12 10 Stock Repurchase Program 6,000,000 5,000,000 February 12, 2018) may may During the three nine September 30, 2018, 63,000 185,000 $1,114,000 $3,371,000. September 30, 2018, 1,006,000 nine September 30, 2018, 28,000 $540,000 62,000 September 30, 2018, 356,000 Declaration of Cash Dividends – 2018, Declaration date February 12, 2018 April 23, 2018 July 25, 2018 October 22, 2018 Record date March 1, 2018 May 15, 2018 August 15, 2018 November 12, 2018 Paid or payable to shareholders March 15, 2018 June 5, 2018 September 5, 2018 December 3, 2018 Aggregate quarterly cash dividend $ 6,224 $ 6,142 $ 6,133 Approximately $6,150 Dividend per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.15

Note 7 - Related Party Transact

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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, and by a member of our Board of Directors, share various expenses in the ordinary course of business under a shared services agreement. The Company incurred expenses of $301,000 $280,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $1,036,000 $686,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017 No September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017. 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, and by a member of our Board of Directors, under annually renewable lease agreements. Rent expense amounted to $182,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $544,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 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 is a controlling stockholder, for an aggregate of $8,000 $28,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $189,000 $172,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. no three nine September 30, 2018 2017. $210,000 $203,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $662,000 $679,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $159,000 $70,000 Oil-Chem sold zMAX micro-lubricant ® $432,000 $449,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $1,262,000 $1,507,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $191,000 $148,000 The foregoing related party balances as of September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, three nine September 30, 2018 2017, September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 350 $ 218 Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Merchandise and vehicle purchases $ 8 $ 28 $ 189 $ 172 Shared services expense 301 280 1,036 686 Merchandise sales 642 652 1,924 2,186 Rent expense 182 182 544 544

Note 8 - Legal Proceedings and

Note 8 - Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	9. See Note 11 2017 2013 April 19, 2017 35,000 35,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. three The following is a summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted, vested and forfeited under the 2013 Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, beginning of period 66 127 68 129 Granted 35 35 35 35 Vested (31 ) (31 ) (32 ) (32 ) Forfeited (5 ) (5 ) (5 ) (5 ) Outstanding, end of period 65 126 66 127 During the nine September 30, 2018 2017, 28,000 31,000 $540,000 $597,000 62,000 64,000 2008 April 17, 2012 2008 2008 February 2018 ( 2018 2008 16b 3 15,572 April 2017 April 2018, 15,976 April 2016 April 2017. No 2018 March 2018, 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 16b 3 2018 2008 not 2008 2018 no may Under the 2018 250,000 first $75,000 twenty first first 2008 4,226 four April 2018, 4,459 October 2018, Share-Based Payments no 2018 2017 no no No nine September 30, 2018 2017. No nine September 30, 2018. 30,500 2004 nine September 30, 2017 $15.83. Share-based compensation cost for the three September 30, 2018 2017 $881,000 $868,000, $222,000 $322,000, nine September 30, 2018 2017 $2,593,000 $2,533,000, $6 0 2,000 $887,000, no September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017. September 30, 2018, $2,920,000 0.8 September 30, 2018, no

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 Note 1 10 1 2 2017 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 September 30: 2018 2017 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 156,203 $ 3,882 $ 160,085 $ 126,156 $ 4,567 $ 130,723 Depreciation and amortization 13,217 35 13,252 13,799 35 13,834 Segment operating income 34,496 497 34,993 16,609 939 17,548 Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 387,807 $ 12,490 $ 400,297 $ 362,275 $ 14,903 $ 377,178 Depreciation and amortization (Note 2) 39,374 106 39,480 44,700 108 44,808 Impairment of goodwill (Note 4) – – – 1,117 – 1,117 Segment operating income 73,921 1,875 75,796 59,037 3,399 62,436 Capital expenditures 24,628 397 25,025 21,931 29 21,960 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Other intangibles $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 Goodwill 46,225 – 46,225 46,225 – 46,225 Total assets 1,427,661 $ 25,232 1,452,893 1,427,557 $ 23,123 1,450,680 The following table reconciles segment operating income above to consolidated income before income taxes for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total segment operating income $ 34,993 $ 17,548 $ 75,796 $ 62,436 Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (2,771 ) (3,054 ) (8,681 ) (9,222 ) Other (expense) income, net (60 ) 157 2,186 (45 ) Consolidated income before income taxes $ 32,162 $ 14,651 $ 69,301 $ 53,169

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue and Expense Recognition [Policy Text Block]	NASCAR Broadcasting Revenues and NASCAR Event Management (formerly purse and sanction) Fees 10% 90% 25% 10% not $6,885,000 $20,008,000 three nine September 30, 2017 ( $8,709,000 $22,361,000 three nine September 30, 2018). no
Quarterly Reporting [Policy Text Block]	Quarterly Reporting three nine September 30, 2018 2017 • Poor weather or excessive heat surrounded Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race weekends at AMS and LVMS in the first 2018, second 2018, third 2018 • One NASCAR Monster Energy Cup and one one third 2018 third 2017 • CMS held one one third 2018 fourth 2017 • CMS held one third 2017 fourth 2018 • Poor weather also surrounded certain smaller non-NASCAR events at CMS and TMS in the second 2018 • LVMS held one first 2018 third 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Policy Text Block]	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows No. 2016 15 January 1, 2018 (
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes may no 2 8 2017 Our effective income tax rate for the three September 30, 2018 2017 25.2% 37.1%, nine September 30, 2018 2017 23.2% 35.0%, 2018 second 2018 $1,110,000 nine September 30, 2017 $1,791,000 nine September 30, 2017 $515,000. $11,625,000 $12,855,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes $11,711,000 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $11,534,000 $177,000 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, 823,000 twelve three nine September 30, 2018 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $660,000 $241,000 2015 2017 2013 2017 December 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Enactment – December 22, 2017, January 1, 2018, 35% 21%, 100% 2022, one As of December 31, 2017, no three nine September 30, 2018, $56,000 fourth 2018 may may Income Tax Benefits may September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $11.7 not no not
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Expenses $4,449,000 $3,831,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $10,879,000 $10,854,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017. no September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017.
TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts $334,000 $508,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $1,077,000 $1,486,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017 no 25% 2017, 2018 not 2017, 2017. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, no
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments no The following table presents estimated fair values and categorization levels of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 ( 2018 2017 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 80,501 $ 80,501 $ 81,924 $ 81,924 Note receivable 2 NR 661 661 799 799 Cash surrender values 2 NR 10,369 10,369 9,822 9,822 Liabilities Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 3,000 3,000 30,000 30,000 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 2 NR 200,000 198,000 200,000 205,000 Other long-term debt 2 NR 887 887 1,049 1,049 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 first 2017, $4,597,000, $1,700,000, first 2017. 10
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards No. 2016 15 23 eight December 15, 2017, January 1, 2018 The FASB issued ASU No. 2016 02 842 No. 2018 10 842, may No. 2018 11 842 December 15, 2018, may The FASB issued ASU No. 2018–01 842 842" not not not not not No. 2016 02 may
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue from Contracts with Customers January 1, 2018, No. 2014 09 606 606 five not no not no 606 not not 606, Disaggregated Revenues 10 no Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Admissions $ 30,536 $ 27,641 $ 66,811 $ 71,532 NASCAR broadcasting 78,374 61,962 201,246 180,065 Sponsorships and other event related 42,092 31,965 105,038 96,786 Souvenir and other merchandise 5,368 4,958 14,671 14,673 Other 3,715 4,197 12,531 14,122 Total Revenue $ 160,085 $ 130,723 $ 400,297 $ 377,178 The following describes the composition of our disaggregated revenues and associated performance obligations: Admissions NASCAR Broadcasting five 2020. Sponsorships and Other Event Related not one We derive other event related revenue from various marketing agreements for on-site advertising, hospitality and other promotion related activities. We derive revenue based commissioned payments from a long-term contracted third Souvenir and Other Merchandise third third not Other Accounting Recognition for Event Related Revenues and Associated Net Deferred Event Income If circumstances prevent a race from being held during the racing season: (i) generally advance revenue is refundable, (ii) all deferred direct event expenses would be immediately recognized except for race event management fees which would be refundable from NASCAR or other sanctioning bodies, and (iii) sales and admission taxes would be refundable from taxing authorities. Management believes this accounting policy results in appropriate matching of revenues and expenses associated with our racing events and helps ensure comparability and consistency between our financial statements. Advance revenues, and associated direct expenses, if any, for track rentals, driving schools and similar activities are deferred and recognized when the activities take place. Accounting Recognition for Non-Event Souvenir Merchandise and Other Revenues not Accounting Recognition for Noncurrent Net Deferred Income not not Performance Obligations not not not no We have contracted future revenues representing unsatisfied performance obligations, and the estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to these performance obligations. These contracts contain initial terms typically ranging from one five ten 606 not twelve 2024. 2019 $150,150,000 September 30, 2018. Contract Balances Changes in contract assets and liabilities during the nine September 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017, $5,686,000 $7,511,000, $32,415,000 $51,344,000. nine September 30, 2018, $42,413,000. $29,914,000 $2,501,000 September 30, 2018, twelve Taxes Collected from Customers $1,579,000 $1,386,000 three September 30, 2018 2017, $3,967,000 $4,115,000 nine September 30, 2018 2017.

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_2

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes Tables
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 80,501 $ 80,501 $ 81,924 $ 81,924 Note receivable 2 NR 661 661 799 799 Cash surrender values 2 NR 10,369 10,369 9,822 9,822 Liabilities Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan 2 NR 3,000 3,000 30,000 30,000 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 2 NR 200,000 198,000 200,000 205,000 Other long-term debt 2 NR 887 887 1,049 1,049
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Admissions $ 30,536 $ 27,641 $ 66,811 $ 71,532 NASCAR broadcasting 78,374 61,962 201,246 180,065 Sponsorships and other event related 42,092 31,965 105,038 96,786 Souvenir and other merchandise 5,368 4,958 14,671 14,673 Other 3,715 4,197 12,531 14,122 Total Revenue $ 160,085 $ 130,723 $ 400,297 $ 377,178

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Finished race cars, parts and accessories $ 6,174 $ 4,507 Souvenirs and apparel 1,982 2,014 Micro-lubricant ® 533 762 Total $ 8,689 $ 7,283

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes Tables
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Gross interest costs $ 3,021 $ 3,217 $ 9,383 $ 9,861 Less: capitalized interest costs (100 ) (65 ) (348 ) (218 ) Interest expense 2,921 3,152 9,035 9,643 Interest income (150 ) (98 ) (354 ) (421 ) Interest expense, net $ 2,771 $ 3,054 $ 8,681 $ 9,222 Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings 3.3 % 2.5 % 3.0 % 2.3 %

Note 6 - Per Share and Other _2

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions $ 24,073 $ 9,211 $ 53,242 $ 34,582 Weighted average common shares outstanding 40,882 41,004 40,936 41,046 Dilution effect of assumed conversions: Common stock equivalents—stock awards 13 18 15 16 Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions 40,895 41,022 40,951 41,062 Basic earnings per share $ 0.59 $ 0.22 $ 1.30 $ 0.84 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.59 $ 0.22 $ 1.30 $ 0.84 Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share 12 9 12 10
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	Declaration date February 12, 2018 April 23, 2018 July 25, 2018 October 22, 2018 Record date March 1, 2018 May 15, 2018 August 15, 2018 November 12, 2018 Paid or payable to shareholders March 15, 2018 June 5, 2018 September 5, 2018 December 3, 2018 Aggregate quarterly cash dividend $ 6,224 $ 6,142 $ 6,133 Approximately $6,150 Dividend per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.15 $ 0.15

Note 7 - Related Party Transa_2

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Balances [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 350 $ 218 Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Merchandise and vehicle purchases $ 8 $ 28 $ 189 $ 172 Shared services expense 301 280 1,036 686 Merchandise sales 642 652 1,924 2,186 Rent expense 182 182 544 544

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P_2

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes Tables
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, beginning of period 66 127 68 129 Granted 35 35 35 35 Vested (31 ) (31 ) (32 ) (32 ) Forfeited (5 ) (5 ) (5 ) (5 ) Outstanding, end of period 65 126 66 127

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 156,203 $ 3,882 $ 160,085 $ 126,156 $ 4,567 $ 130,723 Depreciation and amortization 13,217 35 13,252 13,799 35 13,834 Segment operating income 34,496 497 34,993 16,609 939 17,548 Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 387,807 $ 12,490 $ 400,297 $ 362,275 $ 14,903 $ 377,178 Depreciation and amortization (Note 2) 39,374 106 39,480 44,700 108 44,808 Impairment of goodwill (Note 4) – – – 1,117 – 1,117 Segment operating income 73,921 1,875 75,796 59,037 3,399 62,436 Capital expenditures 24,628 397 25,025 21,931 29 21,960
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended September 30: Nine Months Ended September 30: 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total segment operating income $ 34,993 $ 17,548 $ 75,796 $ 62,436 Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (2,771 ) (3,054 ) (8,681 ) (9,222 ) Other (expense) income, net (60 ) 157 2,186 (45 ) Consolidated income before income taxes $ 32,162 $ 14,651 $ 69,301 $ 53,169
Other Intangibles and Good will [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Other intangibles $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 Goodwill 46,225 – 46,225 46,225 – 46,225 Total assets 1,427,661 $ 25,232 1,452,893 1,427,557 $ 23,123 1,450,680

Note 1 - Description of Busin_2

Note 1 - Description of Business (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
NASCAR [Member]
Number of Racing Events	24	24
NASCAR [Member] | Monster Energy Cup [Member]
Number of Racing Events	13	13
NASCAR [Member] | Monster Energy Cup [Member] | Postponed and Rescheduled Due to Weather [Member]
Number of Racing Events	1
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	5	3
NASCAR [Member] | Whelen Modified Tour [Member]
Number of Racing Events	3	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 Accounti_3

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures 1 (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Percentage of Gross Broadcast Rights Revenue Retained				25.00%
Revenue Recognized, Percentage of Gross Broadcasting Rights Revenue				90.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 160,085,000	$ 130,723,000		$ 400,297,000	$ 377,178,000
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total	25.20%	37.10%		23.20%	35.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) from Change in State Income Tax Rates			(1,110,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Tax Liabilities for Anticipated Change in State Income Tax Rates				$ (1,791,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	$ 515,000		515,000	515,000
Income Taxes Paid				11,625,000	$ 12,855,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	11,711,000		11,711,000	11,711,000		$ 11,711,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	823,000		823,000	823,000		823,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total	660,000		660,000	$ 660,000		$ 241,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent				21.00%		35.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability	(56,000)			$ (56,000)
Advertising Expense	4,449,000	$ 3,831,000		10,879,000	10,854,000
Deferred Advertising Costs	0		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)
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Total	5,686,000		5,686,000	5,686,000		7,511,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Total	32,415,000		32,415,000	32,415,000		51,344,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized				42,413,000
Deferred Revenue, Current	29,914,000		29,914,000	29,914,000
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	2,501,000		2,501,000	2,501,000
Excise and Sales Taxes	1,579,000	1,386,000		$ 3,967,000	4,115,000
Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member]
Royalty Revenue, Distribution, Percentage				25.00%
Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member] | Royalty Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue	0		0	$ 0		0
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Open Tax Year				2015 2016 2017
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Open Tax Year				2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	11,534,000		11,534,000	$ 11,534,000		11,534,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	177,000		$ 177,000	177,000		$ 177,000
NASCAR Broadcasting and Event Management Revenue [Member] | Change in Reporting NASCAR Broadcasting Revenues and NASCAR Event Management Fees [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	8,709,000			22,361,000
Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Total	8,709,000			22,361,000
NASCAR Broadcasting and Event Management Revenue [Member] | Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		6,885,000			20,008,000
Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Total		6,885,000			20,008,000
Royalty Revenue [Member] | Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 334,000	$ 508,000		$ 1,077,000	$ 1,486,000
Sanction Fees [Member]
Percentage of Gross Broadcast Rights Revenue Retained				10.00%

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_4

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures 2 (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 150,150,000

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_5

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 80,501	$ 81,924
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	80,501	81,924
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Note receivable	661	799
Cash surrender values	10,369	9,822
Liabilities (principal)
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan	3,000	30,000
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan, fair value	3,000	30,000
5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023	200,000	200,000
Other long-term debt	887	1,049
Other long-term debt, fair value	887	1,049
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents, fair value	80,501	81,924
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Note receivable	661	799
Cash surrender values	10,369	9,822
Liabilities (principal)
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan	3,000	30,000
Floating rate revolving Credit Facility, including Term Loan, fair value	3,000	30,000
5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023	198,000	205,000
Other long-term debt	887	1,049
Other long-term debt, fair value	$ 887	$ 1,049

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_6

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (Details) (Parentheticals)	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Senior Notes Payable, Interest	5.125%	5.125%

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_7

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures - Revenue Composition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues	$ 160,085	$ 130,723	$ 400,297	$ 377,178
Admissions [Member]
Revenues	30,536	27,641	66,811	71,532
NASCAR Broadcasting Revenue [Member]
Revenues	78,374	61,962	201,246	180,065
Sponsorships and Other Event Related Revenue [Member]
Revenues	42,092	31,965	105,038	96,786
Souvenir and Other Merchandise Revenue [Member]
Revenues	5,368	4,958	14,671	14,673
Other [Member]
Revenues	$ 3,715	$ 4,197	$ 12,531	$ 14,122

Note 3 - Inventories - Inventor

Note 3 - Inventories - Inventories Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventories, net	$ 8,689	$ 7,283
Finished Vehicles Parts and Accessories [Member]
Inventories, net	6,174	4,507
Souvenirs and Apparel [Member]
Inventories, net	1,982	2,014
Micro Lubricant and Other [Member]
Inventories, net	$ 533	$ 762

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_2

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 1,117,000		$ 1,117,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Tax Benefit	419,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance		46,225,000		$ 46,225,000
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease), Total		0
Other Intangible Assets, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		100,000,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		149,700,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		0		0
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease), Total		0
SMI Properties [Member]
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 0
Unrecognized [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		0
Nonamortizable Race Event Sanctioning and Renewal Agreements [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Ending Balance		298,400,000		$ 298,400,000
NHMS and TMS [Member] | Nonamortizable Race Event Sanctioning and Renewal Agreements [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Ending Balance		$ 3,000,000
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

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.125%		5.125%		5.125%
Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total		$ 3,023,000		$ 3,023,000		$ 3,935,000
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		662,000		$ 662,000		698,000
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
Debt Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		250,000,000		250,000,000
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] | 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%
Repayments of Debt		4,000,000	$ 5,000,000	$ 27,000,000	$ 31,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total		0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Long-term Debt, Total		3,000,000		3,000,000		$ 30,000,000
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
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, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		100,000,000		$ 100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		99,338,000		99,338,000
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
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
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term				5 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		150,000,000		$ 150,000,000
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
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		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		$ 49,338,000		$ 49,338,000
The 2023 Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount							$ 200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage							5.125%
Interest Bearing Debt Associated With BMS Purchase [Member]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate		3.00%		3.00%		3.00%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount		$ 887,000		$ 887,000		$ 1,049,000
Debt Instrument, Number of Periodic Payments	8
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Total	$ 194,000

Note 5 - Long-term Debt - Inter

Note 5 - Long-term Debt - Interest Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Gross interest costs	$ 3,021	$ 3,217	$ 9,383	$ 9,861
Less: capitalized interest costs	(100)	(65)	(348)	(218)
Interest expense	2,921	3,152	9,035	9,643
Interest income	(150)	(98)	(354)	(421)
Interest expense, net	$ 2,771	$ 3,054	$ 8,681	$ 9,222
Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings	3.30%	2.50%	3.00%	2.30%

Note 6 - Per Share and Other _3

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Feb. 12, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 3,912,000	$ 4,348,000
Treasury Stock, Shares Held for Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	356,000	356,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		31,000	32,000
Management [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		28,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 540,000
Management [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		62,000
Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased				6,000,000	5,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	63,000	185,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$ 1,114,000	$ 3,371,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	1,006,000	1,006,000

Note 6 - Per Share and Other _4

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net income applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions	$ 24,073	$ 9,211	$ 53,242	$ 34,582
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	40,882	41,004	40,936	41,046
Common stock equivalents—stock awards (in shares)	13	18	15	16
Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions (in shares)	40,895	41,022	40,951	41,062
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.22	$ 1.30	$ 0.84
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.22	$ 1.30	$ 0.84
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share (in shares)	12	9	12	10

Note 6 - Per Share and Other _5

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information - Declaration of Cash Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 22, 2018	Jul. 25, 2018	Jun. 05, 2018	Apr. 23, 2018	Mar. 15, 2018	Feb. 12, 2018	Oct. 22, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Declaration date		Jul. 25, 2018		Apr. 23, 2018		Feb. 12, 2018
Record date		Aug. 15, 2018		May 15, 2018		Mar. 1, 2018
Paid or payable to shareholders		Sep. 5, 2018		Jun. 5, 2018		Mar. 15, 2018
Aggregate quarterly cash dividend		$ 6,133	$ 6,142		$ 6,224
Cash dividends, per share of common stock (in dollars per share)		$ 0.15		$ 0.15		$ 0.15		$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Subsequent Event [Member]
Declaration date	Oct. 22, 2018
Record date	Nov. 12, 2018
Paid or payable to shareholders	Dec. 3, 2018
Aggregate quarterly cash dividend	$ 6,150						$ 6,150
Cash dividends, per share of common stock (in dollars per share)							$ 0.15

Note 7 - Related Party Transa_3

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) xbrli-pure in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 301,000	$ 280,000	$ 1,036,000	$ 686,000
Revenue from Related Parties	642,000	652,000	1,924,000	2,186,000
Sonic Financial [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	301,000	280,000	1,036,000	686,000
Due from Affiliates	0		0		$ 0
Sonic Financial [Member] | Oil Chem [Member]
Due from Related Parties, Total	191,000		191,000		148,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total	182,000	182,000	544,000	544,000
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member]
Due from Affiliates	159,000		159,000		$ 70,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total	$ 8,000	$ 28,000	$ 189,000	$ 172,000
Number of Vehicles Sold	0	0	0	0
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member] | SMI Properties [Member]
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 210,000	$ 203,000	$ 662,000	$ 679,000
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member] | Oil Chem [Member]
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 432,000	$ 449,000	$ 1,262,000	$ 1,507,000

Note 7 - Related Party Transa_4

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions - Foregoing Related Party Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts receivable	$ 350		$ 350		$ 218
Merchandise and vehicle purchases	8	$ 28	189	$ 172
Shared services expense	301	280	1,036	686
Merchandise sales	642	652	1,924	2,186
Rent expense	$ 182	$ 182	$ 544	$ 544

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P_3

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details Textual)	Mar. 11, 2018USD ($)shares	Apr. 19, 2017shares	Oct. 31, 2018shares	Apr. 30, 2018shares	Apr. 30, 2017shares	Apr. 30, 2016shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
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
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total | $							$ 881,000	$ 868,000	$ 2,593,000	$ 2,533,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense | $							222,000	$ 322,000	602,000	$ 887,000
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
2018 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	250,000
The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period										30,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares										$ 15.83
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
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period									31,000	32,000
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
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period									35,000	35,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period									31,000	32,000
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
Restricted Stock [Member] | The 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					15,572	15,976
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period				15,572	15,976
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant							0		0
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2018 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Value of Shares Used as Numerator to Determine Annual Grant Amount | $	$ 75,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Number of Days Preceding Grant Date Used to Determine Average Closing Price Used as Denominator to Determine Grant Award Amount	20
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2018 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Four Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period				4,226
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2018 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Non-employee Director Appointed to the Board of Directors [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			4,459
Performance Shares [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Non Executive Management Employees [Member]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares									28,000	31,000
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation | $									$ 540,000	$ 597,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period									62,000	64,000
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan and 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options | $							$ 2,920,000		$ 2,920,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition									292 days

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P_4

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restricted Stock [Member]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	66	68
Granted (in shares)	35	35
Vested (in shares)	(31)	(32)
Forfeited (in shares)	(5)	(5)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	65	66
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	127	129
Granted (in shares)	35	35
Vested (in shares)	(31)	(32)
Forfeited (in shares)	(5)	(5)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	126	127

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures -

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures - Segment Information on Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 160,085,000	$ 130,723,000		$ 400,297,000	$ 377,178,000
Depreciation and amortization	13,252,000	13,834,000		39,480,000	44,808,000
Segment operating income	34,993,000	17,548,000		75,796,000	62,436,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			$ 1,117,000		1,117,000
Capital expenditures				25,025,000	21,960,000
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	156,203,000	126,156,000		387,807,000	362,275,000
Depreciation and amortization	13,217,000	13,799,000		39,374,000	44,700,000
Segment operating income	34,496,000	16,609,000		73,921,000	59,037,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss					1,117,000
Capital expenditures				24,628,000	21,931,000
Other Segments [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	3,882,000	4,567,000		12,490,000	14,903,000
Depreciation and amortization	35,000	35,000		106,000	108,000
Segment operating income	$ 497,000	$ 939,000		1,875,000	3,399,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Capital expenditures				$ 397,000	$ 29,000

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures_2

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures - Summary of Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other intangibles	$ 298,383	$ 298,383
Goodwill, Ending Balance	46,225	46,225
Total assets	1,452,893	1,450,680
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Other intangibles	298,383	298,383
Goodwill, Ending Balance	46,225	46,225
Total assets	1,427,661	1,427,557
Other Segments [Member]
Other intangibles
Goodwill, Ending Balance
Total assets	$ 25,232	$ 23,123

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures_3

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures - Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income or Loss to Consolidated Amounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Total segment operating income	$ 34,993	$ 17,548	$ 75,796	$ 62,436
us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedAbstract
Interest expense, net	(2,771)	(3,054)	(8,681)	(9,222)
Other (expense) income, net	(60)	157	2,186	(45)
Consolidated income before income taxes	$ 32,162	$ 14,651	$ 69,301	$ 53,169