Speedway Motorsports (TRK) 10-Q 2 May 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SPEEDWAY MOTORSPORTS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000934648
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)		40,837,402
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Cu

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 68,619,000	$ 80,568,000
Accounts receivable, net	56,868,000	19,497,000
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	144,000	960,000
Inventories, net	9,735,000	8,018,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 2)	21,987,000	11,911,000
Total Current Assets	157,353,000	120,954,000
Note Receivable	566,000	613,000
Other Assets	25,947,000	23,634,000
Property and Equipment, Net (Note 2)	929,813,000	936,551,000
Other Intangible Assets	298,383,000	298,383,000
Goodwill	46,225,000	46,225,000
Total	1,458,287,000	1,426,360,000
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	172,000	167,000
Accounts payable	16,751,000	10,376,000
Deferred race event and other income	61,981,000	33,868,000
Accrued income taxes	3,532,000	689,000
Accrued interest	1,712,000	4,295,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	15,410,000	21,601,000
Total Current Liabilities	99,558,000	70,996,000
Long-term Debt	198,134,000	198,002,000
Deferred Income	3,095,000	2,357,000
Deferred Income Taxes, Net	200,682,000	201,486,000
Other Liabilities	20,400,000	18,764,000
Total Liabilities	521,869,000	491,605,000
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 – 40,829,000 in 2019 and 40,854,000 in 2018	464,000	463,000
Additional Paid-in Capital	267,154,000	266,366,000
Retained Earnings	787,607,000	785,251,000
Treasury Stock at cost, shares – 5,525,000 in 2019 and 5,436,000 in 2018	(118,807,000)	(117,325,000)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	936,418,000	934,755,000
Total	$ 1,458,287,000	$ 1,426,360,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets (_2

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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)	40,829,000	40,854,000
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	40,829,000	40,854,000
Treasury Stock at cost, shares (in shares)	5,525,000	5,436,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 107,888	$ 75,963
Expenses and Other:
General and administrative	25,277	24,393
Depreciation and amortization (Note 2)	13,524	13,090
Interest expense, net	2,768	2,957
Other (income) expense, net	(54)	51
Total Expenses and Other	96,295	79,248
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	11,593	(3,285)
Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	(3,039)	965
Net Income (Loss)	$ 8,554	$ (2,320)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ (0.06)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	40,846	40,982
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ (0.06)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (in shares)	40,847	40,982
Admissions [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 14,350	$ 10,863
Event Related [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	28,477	20,989
NASCAR Broadcasting Revenue [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	57,645	36,741
Other Operating Revneues [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	7,416	7,370
Direct Expense of Events [Member]
Expenses and Other:
Cost of goods and services sold	16,670	13,333
NASCAR Event Management Fees [Member]
Expenses and Other:
Cost of goods and services sold	32,865	20,552
Other Direct Operating Expense [Member]
Expenses and Other:
Cost of goods and services sold	$ 5,245	$ 4,872

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 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, 2017	40,992
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 461	$ 262,885	$ 769,426	$ (111,982)	$ 920,790
Net income (loss)			(2,320)		(2,320)
Share-based compensation (in shares)	60
Share-based compensation	$ 1	846			847
Quarterly cash dividends of common stock			(6,224)		(6,224)
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	(87)
Repurchases of common stock				(1,689)	(1,689)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018	40,965
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 462	263,731	760,882	(113,671)	911,404
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	40,854
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 463	266,366	785,251	(117,325)	934,755
Net income (loss)			8,554		8,554
Share-based compensation (in shares)	63
Share-based compensation	$ 1	788			789
Quarterly cash dividends of common stock			(6,198)		(6,198)
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	(88)
Repurchases of common stock				(1,482)	(1,482)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	40,829
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 464	$ 267,154	$ 787,607	$ (118,807)	$ 936,418

Consolidated Statement of Sto_2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Feb. 12, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash dividends, per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 8,554	$ (2,320)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Deferred loan cost amortization	393	377
(Gain) loss on disposals of property and equipment and other assets	(22)	12
Depreciation and amortization	13,524	13,090
Amortization of deferred income	(569)	(167)
Deferred income tax provision	(621)	622
Share-based compensation	789	847
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (Note 2)	(37,369)	(12,230)
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes	3,659	(1,557)
Inventories	(1,717)	(829)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(10,076)	(13,901)
Accounts payable	4,681	664
Deferred race event and other income (Note 2)	26,403	26,179
Accrued interest	(2,583)	(2,587)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(7,166)	(8,583)
Deferred income	3,017	34
Other assets and liabilities	(61)	(214)
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Operating Activities	836	(563)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt	(167)	(3,162)
Dividend payments on common stock	(6,198)	(6,224)
Repurchases of common stock	(1,482)	(1,689)
Net Cash Used By Financing Activities	(7,847)	(11,075)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Payments for capital expenditures	(5,117)	(11,291)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	50	9
Repayment of note receivable	45	43
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(5,022)	(11,239)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(12,033)	(22,877)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	80,903	82,200
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	68,870	59,323
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	5,516	5,635
Supplemental Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Information:
Increase in accounts payable for capital expenditures	$ 1,694	$ 2,643

Note 1 - Description of Busines

Note 1 - Description of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	1. Basis of Presentation no no 1 2 10 December 31, 2018 ( 2018 Recent Development April 23, 2019 $18.00 No no not April 24, 2019, no Racing Events 2019, 24 13 11 eight six two one six one three 2018, 24 13 11 eight five three two six one three Seasonality and Quarterly Reporting – The more significant races affected by poor weather and other racing schedule changes for the three March 31, 2019 2018 • TMS held one one first 2019 ere held in the second 2018, one first 2019 fourth 2018 • Poor weather surrounded Monster Energy NASCAR Cup weekends at AMS, LVMS and TMS in the first 2019, first 2018

Note 2 - Significant Accounting

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 2018 not may 2 2018 Customer Revenues 2 2018 No. 2014 09 606 January 1, 2018 ( not Under the adopted guidance, certain event related revenue under contract should be recognized quarterly as performance obligations are satisfied, whereas under prior guidance revenue was recognized when fixed and determinable. While preparing our 2018 $2,081,000 $1,567,000 $398,000 $116,000, January 1, 2018. 2018 $1,599,000 $1,079,000, $394,000 $0.01, three March 31, 2018. not Disaggregated Revenues 10 Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Admissions $ 14,350 $ 10,863 NASCAR broadcasting 57,645 36,741 Sponsorships and other event related 24,677 19,545 Souvenir and other merchandise 8,336 6,023 Other 2,880 2,791 Total Revenue $ 107,888 $ 75,963 Unsatisfied Performance Obligations one five ten ding 2020 $109,557,000 March 31, 2019. Deferred Event Expenses $19,066,000 $6,978,000 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. Contract Balances March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $19,066,000 $6,978,000, $65,076,000 $36,225,000. three March 31, 2019 2018, $12,902,000 $10,320,000. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $61,981,000 $33,868,000, $3,095,000 $2,357,000, twelve Taxes Collected from Customers $661,000 $294,000 three March 31, 2019 2018. SMI Weather Guarantee August 2018, eight may one not not not first 2019. Income Taxes may no 2 8 2018 The effective income tax rate for the three March 31, 2019 2018 26.2% 29.4% 2018 no three March 31, 2019 2018. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes $11,711,000 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $11,534,000 $177,000 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $201,000 twelve three March 31, 2019 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $973,000 $789,000 2015 2017 2014 2017 Income Tax Benefits may March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $11.7 not no not Advertising Expenses $2,210,000 $1,735,000 three March 31, 2019 2018. no March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts $390,000 $396,000 three March 31, 2019 2018 no 25% 2018, 2019 not 2018, 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, no Fair Value of Financial Instruments no The following table presents estimated fair values and categorization levels of our financial instruments as of March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 ( 2019 2018 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 68,619 $ 68,619 $ 80,568 $ 80,568 Note receivable 2 NR 566 566 613 613 Cash surrender values 2 NR 10,627 10,627 10,061 10,061 Liabilities 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 199,000 200,000 195,000 Other long-term debt 2 NR 720 720 887 887 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 may In the first 2019, $360,000, $94,000, first 2019. 10 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – three March 31, 2018 2018 The following is additional information on our consolidated statements of cash flows: The changes in cash flows from operating activities in the three March 31, 2019 2018 March 2019 April 2019 ( 30 April 2018). Recently Issued Accounting Standards No. 2016 02 842 No. 2018 10 842, No. 2018 20 842 third We adopted this new guidance as of January 1, 2019 no No not of-use assets and lease liabilities of $1,935,000 1, 2019. January 1, 2019 The FASB issued ASU No. 2018 01 842 842" not not not January 1, 2019 no Operating Leases – n initial terms of one not no not We elected the following practical expedients: • Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for as a single lease component. • No • Our initial direct costs are immaterial for all leases. We also used the following considerations in applying the new lease accounting guidance: • Because our operations consist largely of weekend, single day or other short-period seasonal events, most equipment and other personal property lease agreements typically have initial terms of one 30 not • Most of our various office and warehouse non-speedway facilities are leased from an affiliate, which are cancelable with minimal notice. • Actual use, right-to-use or ability to cancel with minimal notice was considered. Contracted renewal options did not • Such considerations under the new lease guidance significantly reduced the impact of adoption and quantitative disclosures. We determined the present value of lease payments over the respective lease terms using an estimated weighted average incremental borrowing rate of 4% 2.2 $343,000 three March 31, 2019. March 31, 2019 March 31, 2019 Operating lease right-of-use assets (reflected in non-current Other Assets) $ 1,933 Current operating lease liabilities (reflected in Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities) 975 Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (reflected in non-current Other Liabilities) 971 Total present value of lease liabilities 1,946 Imputed interest 85 Total gross lease payments $ 2,031 Lease revenue for operating leases, excluding TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease receipts that are not $2,464,000 three March 31, 2019. twelve March 31, 2019 Lease Payments Lease Revenues 2019 (remainder of the year) $ 833 $ 7,092 2020 758 6,861 2021 348 6,051 2022 48 2,953 2023 44 2,208 Thereafter — 5,656 Total $ 2,031 $ 30,821 Disclosures under Previous Lease Accounting Guidance January 1, 2019 December 31, 2018, $1,152,000 2019, $855,000 2020, $504,000 2021, $156,000 2022, $145,000 2023, $200,000 December 31, 2018, $5,142,000 2019, $2,561,000 2020, $1,778,000 2021, $1,250,000 2022, $888,000 2023, $37,000

Note 3 - Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Inventories, net consist of the following components (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2019 2018 Finished race cars, parts and accessories $ 5,475 $ 5,162 Souvenirs and apparel 3,444 2,319 Micro-lubricant ® 816 537 Total $ 9,735 $ 8,018

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Int

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Annual Impairment Assessment – second may 2 5 2018 Management's latest annual assessment in the second 2018 one one September 2018, 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 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $298.4 three There have been no no March 31, 2019. Other Information no three March 31, 2019. $100.0 $149.7 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. no

Note 5 - Long-term Debt

Note 5 - Long-term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	5. Bank Credit Facility December 29, 2014 ( five $100,000,000 $50,000,000 $10,000,000 five $150,000,000 five $50,000,000 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% At March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, no $587,000 three March 31, 2018, $3,000,000 March 31, 2019, $99,413,000, $49,413,000 2023 5.125% 2023 $200.0 January 2015 ( 2023 2023 second 2015. 2023 2019 6 2018 2023 February 2023 February 1 August 1. Other Notes Payable March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, 3% $720,000 $887,000 2016 eight $194,000. Deferred Financing Costs 2023 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $2,414,000 $2,718,000. Other General Terms and Conditions 2023 March 31, 2019. 6 2018 Subsidiary Guarantees – 2023 2023 no no Interest Expense, Net – Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Gross interest costs $ 2,962 $ 3,177 Less: capitalized interest costs (29 ) (129 ) Interest expense 2,933 3,048 Interest income (165 ) (91 ) Interest expense, net $ 2,768 $ 2,957 Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings — 2.9 %

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Eq

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders Equity and Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	6. The following schedule reconciles basic and diluted earnings or loss per share (where computations are anti-dilutive, reported basic and diluted per share amounts are the same) (in thousands except per share amounts): Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions $ 8,554 $ (2,320 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding 40,846 40,982 Dilution effect of assumed conversions: Common stock equivalents—stock awards 1 — Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions 40,847 40,982 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.21 $ (0.06 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.21 $ (0.06 ) Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share — 30 Stock Repurchase Program 6,000,000 5,000,000 February 12, 2018) the Board of Directors or its designees, in their sole discretion, may may 1 During the three March 31, 2019 2018, 61,000 59,000 $1,014,000 $1,148,000, March 31, 2019, 884,000 three March 31, 2019, 28,000 $468,000 62,000 March 31, 2019, 409,000 Declaration of Cash Dividends February 12, 2019, $0.15 $6,198,000, March 15, 2019 March 1, 2019. April 23, 2019, $0.15 $6.2 June 5, 2019 May 15, 2019.

Note 7 - Related Party Transact

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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. For the three March 31, 2019 2018, $407,000 $275,000 No March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. 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 $183,000 $182,000 three March 31, 2019 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 not Various SMI subsidiaries purchased new and used vehicles for operations and employee use from certain subsidiary dealerships of Sonic Automotive, Inc., an entity in which our Executive Chairman is a controlling stockholder, and our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors are affiliated through common ownership, for an aggregate of $165,000 $159,000 three March 31, 2019 2018. no three March 31, 2019 2018. $235,000 $221,000 three March 31, 2019 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $94,000 $142,000 Oil-Chem sold zMAX micro-lubricant ® $347,000 $438,000 three March 31, 2019 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $114,000 $217,000 The foregoing related party balances as of March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, three March 31, 2019 2018, 2019 2018 Accounts receivable $ 208 $ 359 Merchandise and vehicle purchases 165 159 Shared services expense 407 275 Merchandise sales 582 659 Rent expense 183 182

Note 8 - Legal Proceedings and

Note 8 - Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]	9. See Note 11 2018 2013 April 19, 2017 35,000 35,000 three March 31, 2019 2018. three The following is a summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted, vested and forfeited under the 2013 Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, beginning of period 65 126 66 127 Granted 35 35 35 35 Vested (31 ) (31 ) (31 ) (31 ) Forfeited (3 ) (3 ) (5 ) (5 ) Outstanding, end of period 66 127 65 126 During each of the three March 31, 2019 2018, 28,000 $468,000 $540,000, 62,000 2018 March 2018, 2018 2018 5,286 five April 2019 16,904 April 2018, April 2019, 4,459 October 2018, 2008 April 17, 2012 2008 February 2018 ( 2018 15,572 April 2017 April 2018. No Share-Based Payments no 2019 2018 no no No three March 31, 2019 2018. Share-based compensation cost for the three March 31, 2019 2018 $789,000 $847,000, $207,000 $249,000, no March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. March 31, 2019, $3,647,000 0.9 March 31, 2019, no

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 2018 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 March 31: 2019 2018 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 102,658 $ 5,230 $ 107,888 $ 71,393 $ 4,570 $ 75,963 Depreciation and amortization (Note 2) 13,469 55 13,524 13,053 37 13,090 Segment operating income (loss) 13,565 742 14,307 (961 ) 684 (277 ) Capital expenditures 5,086 31 5,117 11,111 180 11,291 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Other intangibles $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 Goodwill 46,225 – 46,225 46,225 – 46,225 Total assets 1,433,738 $ 24,549 1,458,287 1,402,474 $ 23,886 1,426,360 The following table reconciles segment operating income or loss above to consolidated income or loss before income taxes (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Total segment operating income (loss) $ 14,307 $ (277 ) Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (2,768 ) (2,957 ) Other expense, net 54 (51 ) Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes $ 11,593 $ (3,285 )

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]	Customer Revenues 2 2018 No. 2014 09 606 January 1, 2018 ( not Under the adopted guidance, certain event related revenue under contract should be recognized quarterly as performance obligations are satisfied, whereas under prior guidance revenue was recognized when fixed and determinable. While preparing our 2018 $2,081,000 $1,567,000 $398,000 $116,000, January 1, 2018. 2018 $1,599,000 $1,079,000, $394,000 $0.01, three March 31, 2018. not Disaggregated Revenues 10 Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Admissions $ 14,350 $ 10,863 NASCAR broadcasting 57,645 36,741 Sponsorships and other event related 24,677 19,545 Souvenir and other merchandise 8,336 6,023 Other 2,880 2,791 Total Revenue $ 107,888 $ 75,963 Unsatisfied Performance Obligations one five ten ding 2020 $109,557,000 March 31, 2019. Deferred Event Expenses $19,066,000 $6,978,000 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. Contract Balances March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $19,066,000 $6,978,000, $65,076,000 $36,225,000. three March 31, 2019 2018, $12,902,000 $10,320,000. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $61,981,000 $33,868,000, $3,095,000 $2,357,000, twelve Taxes Collected from Customers $661,000 $294,000 three March 31, 2019 2018.
Weather Guarantee [Policy Text Block]	SMI Weather Guarantee August 2018, eight may one not not not first 2019.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes may no 2 8 2018 The effective income tax rate for the three March 31, 2019 2018 26.2% 29.4% 2018 no three March 31, 2019 2018. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes $11,711,000 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $11,534,000 $177,000 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $201,000 twelve three March 31, 2019 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $973,000 $789,000 2015 2017 2014 2017 Income Tax Benefits may March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, $11.7 not no not
Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Expenses $2,210,000 $1,735,000 three March 31, 2019 2018. no March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018.
TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	TMS Mineral Rights Lease Receipts $390,000 $396,000 three March 31, 2019 2018 no 25% 2018, 2019 not 2018, 2018. March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018, 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 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 ( 2019 2018 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 68,619 $ 68,619 $ 80,568 $ 80,568 Note receivable 2 NR 566 566 613 613 Cash surrender values 2 NR 10,627 10,627 10,061 10,061 Liabilities 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 199,000 200,000 195,000 Other long-term debt 2 NR 720 720 887 887 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 may In the first 2019, $360,000, $94,000, first 2019. 10
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – three March 31, 2018 2018 The following is additional information on our consolidated statements of cash flows: The changes in cash flows from operating activities in the three March 31, 2019 2018 March 2019 April 2019 ( 30 April 2018).
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards No. 2016 02 842 No. 2018 10 842, No. 2018 20 842 third We adopted this new guidance as of January 1, 2019 no No not of-use assets and lease liabilities of $1,935,000 1, 2019. January 1, 2019 The FASB issued ASU No. 2018 01 842 842" not not not January 1, 2019 no
Operating Leases [Policy Text Block]	Operating Leases – n initial terms of one not no not We elected the following practical expedients: • Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for as a single lease component. • No • Our initial direct costs are immaterial for all leases. We also used the following considerations in applying the new lease accounting guidance: • Because our operations consist largely of weekend, single day or other short-period seasonal events, most equipment and other personal property lease agreements typically have initial terms of one 30 not • Most of our various office and warehouse non-speedway facilities are leased from an affiliate, which are cancelable with minimal notice. • Actual use, right-to-use or ability to cancel with minimal notice was considered. Contracted renewal options did not • Such considerations under the new lease guidance significantly reduced the impact of adoption and quantitative disclosures. We determined the present value of lease payments over the respective lease terms using an estimated weighted average incremental borrowing rate of 4% 2.2 $343,000 three March 31, 2019. March 31, 2019 March 31, 2019 Operating lease right-of-use assets (reflected in non-current Other Assets) $ 1,933 Current operating lease liabilities (reflected in Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities) 975 Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (reflected in non-current Other Liabilities) 971 Total present value of lease liabilities 1,946 Imputed interest 85 Total gross lease payments $ 2,031 Lease revenue for operating leases, excluding TMS oil and gas mineral rights lease receipts that are not $2,464,000 three March 31, 2019. twelve March 31, 2019 Lease Payments Lease Revenues 2019 (remainder of the year) $ 833 $ 7,092 2020 758 6,861 2021 348 6,051 2022 48 2,953 2023 44 2,208 Thereafter — 5,656 Total $ 2,031 $ 30,821 Disclosures under Previous Lease Accounting Guidance January 1, 2019 December 31, 2018, $1,152,000 2019, $855,000 2020, $504,000 2021, $156,000 2022, $145,000 2023, $200,000 December 31, 2018, $5,142,000 2019, $2,561,000 2020, $1,778,000 2021, $1,250,000 2022, $888,000 2023, $37,000

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_2

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Admissions $ 14,350 $ 10,863 NASCAR broadcasting 57,645 36,741 Sponsorships and other event related 24,677 19,545 Souvenir and other merchandise 8,336 6,023 Other 2,880 2,791 Total Revenue $ 107,888 $ 75,963
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 Level Class Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets Cash and cash equivalents 1 R $ 68,619 $ 68,619 $ 80,568 $ 80,568 Note receivable 2 NR 566 566 613 613 Cash surrender values 2 NR 10,627 10,627 10,061 10,061 Liabilities 5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023 2 NR 200,000 199,000 200,000 195,000 Other long-term debt 2 NR 720 720 887 887
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets and Associate Lease Liabilities [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2019 Operating lease right-of-use assets (reflected in non-current Other Assets) $ 1,933 Current operating lease liabilities (reflected in Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities) 975 Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (reflected in non-current Other Liabilities) 971 Total present value of lease liabilities 1,946 Imputed interest 85 Total gross lease payments $ 2,031
Future Maturities of Lease liabilties, Annual Lease Payments, and Contracted Future Lease Revenues [Table Text Block]	Lease Payments Lease Revenues 2019 (remainder of the year) $ 833 $ 7,092 2020 758 6,861 2021 348 6,051 2022 48 2,953 2023 44 2,208 Thereafter — 5,656 Total $ 2,031 $ 30,821

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	March 31, December 31, 2019 2018 Finished race cars, parts and accessories $ 5,475 $ 5,162 Souvenirs and apparel 3,444 2,319 Micro-lubricant ® 816 537 Total $ 9,735 $ 8,018

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Gross interest costs $ 2,962 $ 3,177 Less: capitalized interest costs (29 ) (129 ) Interest expense 2,933 3,048 Interest income (165 ) (91 ) Interest expense, net $ 2,768 $ 2,957 Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings — 2.9 %

Note 6 - Per Share and Other _2

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions $ 8,554 $ (2,320 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding 40,846 40,982 Dilution effect of assumed conversions: Common stock equivalents—stock awards 1 — Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions 40,847 40,982 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.21 $ (0.06 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.21 $ (0.06 ) Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share — 30

Note 7 - Related Party Transa_2

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Related Party Balances [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	2019 2018 Accounts receivable $ 208 $ 359 Merchandise and vehicle purchases 165 159 Shared services expense 407 275 Merchandise sales 582 659 Rent expense 183 182

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P_2

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, beginning of period 65 126 66 127 Granted 35 35 35 35 Vested (31 ) (31 ) (31 ) (31 ) Forfeited (3 ) (3 ) (5 ) (5 ) Outstanding, end of period 66 127 65 126

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Notes Tables
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Motorsports Event Related All Other Consolidated Revenues $ 102,658 $ 5,230 $ 107,888 $ 71,393 $ 4,570 $ 75,963 Depreciation and amortization (Note 2) 13,469 55 13,524 13,053 37 13,090 Segment operating income (loss) 13,565 742 14,307 (961 ) 684 (277 ) Capital expenditures 5,086 31 5,117 11,111 180 11,291
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31: 2019 2018 Total segment operating income (loss) $ 14,307 $ (277 ) Adjusted for: Interest expense, net (2,768 ) (2,957 ) Other expense, net 54 (51 ) Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes $ 11,593 $ (3,285 )
Other Intangibles and Good will [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Other intangibles $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 $ 298,383 – $ 298,383 Goodwill 46,225 – 46,225 46,225 – 46,225 Total assets 1,433,738 $ 24,549 1,458,287 1,402,474 $ 23,886 1,426,360

Note 1 - Description of Busin_2

Note 1 - Description of Business (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Apr. 24, 2019$ / shares
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	6	5
NASCAR [Member] | Whelen Modified Tour [Member]
Number of Racing Events	2	3
Indy Car Series [Member]
Number of Racing Events	1	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
Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Repurchase Share Price			$ 18

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_3

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures 1 (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total	$ 56,868,000			$ 19,497,000
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance	787,607,000			785,251,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	200,682,000			201,486,000
Accrued Income Taxes, Current	3,532,000			689,000
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	107,888,000	$ 75,963,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total	$ 8,554,000	$ (2,320,000)
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total	$ 0.21	$ (0.06)
Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Total	$ 19,066,000			6,978,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Total	65,076,000			36,225,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	12,902,000	$ 10,320,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	61,981,000			33,868,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent	3,095,000			2,357,000
Excise and Sales Taxes	$ 661,000	$ 294,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Total	26.20%	29.40%
Income Taxes Paid	$ 0	$ 0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	11,711,000			11,711,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	201,000			201,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total	973,000			789,000
Advertising Expense	2,210,000	$ 1,735,000
Accelerated Depreciation and Removal Costs, Before Tax	360,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Accelerated Depreciation and Removal Costs	(94,000)
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 1,933,000
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.00%
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	2 years 73 days
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 343,000
Operating Lease, Lease Income, Total	2,464,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months				1,152,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	758,000			855,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	348,000			504,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	48,000			156,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	44,000			145,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter				200,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current				5,142,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years	6,861,000			2,561,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years	6,051,000			1,778,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years	2,953,000			1,250,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years	2,208,000			888,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter	5,656,000			37,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Total	$ 1,946,000
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total	$ 0.21	$ (0.06)
Advertising [Member]
Deferred Costs, Total	$ 0			0
Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member]
Royalty Revenue, Distribution, Percentage	25.00%
Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member] | Royalty Arrangement [Member]
Deferred Revenue, Total				$ 0
Texas Motor Speedway Inc. [Member] | Royalty Revenue [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 390,000	$ 396,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	11,534,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Member]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance	$ 177,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total					$ 2,081,000
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance					1,567,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent					398,000
Accrued Income Taxes, Current					$ 116,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		1,599,000
Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Total		1,079,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total		$ 394,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total		$ 0.01
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total		$ 0.01
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset			$ 1,935,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Total			$ 1,935,000

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_4

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures 2 (Details Textual)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 109,557,000
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-04-01 | Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-04-01 | Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	5 years

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_5

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Composition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenues	$ 107,888	$ 75,963
Admissions [Member]
Revenues	14,350	10,863
NASCAR Broadcasting Revenue [Member]
Revenues	57,645	36,741
Sponsorships and Other Event Related Revenue [Member]
Revenues	24,677	19,545
Souvenir and Other Merchandise Revenue [Member]
Revenues	8,336	6,023
Other [Member]
Revenues	$ 2,880	$ 2,791

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_6

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 68,619	$ 80,568
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note receivable	566	613
Cash surrender values	10,627	10,061
5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023	200,000	200,000
Other long-term debt	720	887
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents	68,619	80,568
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note receivable	566	613
Cash surrender values	10,627	10,061
5.125% Senior Notes Payable due 2023	199,000	195,000
Other long-term debt	$ 720	$ 887

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_7

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Fair Values and Categorization Levels of Financial Instruments (Details) (Parentheticals)	Dec. 31, 2018
Senior notes payable, interest	5.125%

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_8

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures - Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets and Associate Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Operating lease right-of-use assets (reflected in non-current Other Assets)	$ 1,933
Current operating lease liabilities (reflected in Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities)	975
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities (reflected in non-current Other Liabilities)	971
Total present value of lease liabilities	1,946
Imputed interest	85
Total gross lease payments	$ 2,031

Note 2 - Significant Accounti_9

Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Other Disclosures - Future Maturities of Lease liabilties, Annual Lease Payments, and Contracted Future Lease Revenues (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
2019 (remainder of the year), lease payments	$ 833,000
2019 (remainder of the year), lease revenues	7,092,000
2020, lease payments	758,000	$ 855,000
2020, lease revenues	6,861,000	2,561,000
2021, lease payments	348,000	504,000
2021, lease revenues	6,051,000	1,778,000
2022, lease payments	48,000	156,000
2022, lease revenues	2,953,000	1,250,000
2023, lease payments	44,000	145,000
2023, lease revenues	2,208,000	888,000
Thereafter, lease payments		200,000
Thereafter, lease revenues	5,656,000	$ 37,000
Total, lease payments	2,031,000
Total, lease revenues	$ 30,821,000

Note 3 - Inventories - Inventor

Note 3 - Inventories - Inventories Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventories, net	$ 9,735	$ 8,018
Finished Vehicles Parts and Accessories [Member]
Inventories, net	5,475	5,162
Souvenirs and Apparel [Member]
Inventories, net	3,444	2,319
Micro Lubricant and Other [Member]
Inventories, net	$ 816	$ 537

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other I_2

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Intangible Assets, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	149,700	149,700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	0	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	$ 298,400

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			5.125%
Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total		$ 2,414,000	$ 2,718,000
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%
Fed Funds Effective Rate Overnight Index 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%
The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility Accordion Feature		$ 100,000,000
Term Loan, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		200,000,000
Debt Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		250,000,000
Debt Instrument Covenant, Maximum Dividends Payments and Repurchases of Securities		50,000,000
Debt Instrument Covenant Annual Capital Expenditures		$ 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		$ 3,000,000
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
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%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount		$ 720,000	$ 887,000
Debt Instrument, Number of Periodic Payments	8
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Total	$ 194,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term		5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 100,000,000
Long-term Debt, Total		0	0
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		587,000	$ 587,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		99,413,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		50,000,000
Swing Line Loans [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 10,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term		5 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 150,000,000
Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Term		5 years
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 50,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | The 2014 Amendment of Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		$ 49,413,000

Note 5 - Long-term Debt - Inter

Note 5 - Long-term Debt - Interest Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Gross interest costs	$ 2,962	$ 3,177
Less: capitalized interest costs	(29)	(129)
Interest expense	2,933	3,048
Interest income	(165)	(91)
Interest expense, net	$ 2,768	$ 2,957
Weighted-average interest rate on Credit Facility borrowings		2.90%

Note 6 - Per Share and Other _3

Note 6 - Per Share and Other Equity Information (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Apr. 23, 2019	Feb. 12, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Feb. 12, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$ 1,482,000	$ 1,689,000
Treasury Stock, Shares Held for Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation			409,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Dividends Payable, Current		$ 6,198,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.15
Dividends Payable, Current	$ 6,200,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			31,000	31,000
Management [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			28,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$ 468,000
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			61,000	59,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$ 1,014,000	$ 1,148,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased			884,000

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
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders and assumed conversions	$ 8,554	$ (2,320)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	40,846	40,982
Common stock equivalents—stock awards (in shares)	1
Weighted average common shares outstanding and assumed conversions (in shares)	40,847	40,982
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ (0.06)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ (0.06)
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents excluded in computing diluted earnings per share (in shares)		30

Note 7 - Related Party Transa_3

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) xbrli-pure in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 407,000	$ 275,000
Operating Lease, Cost	343,000
Revenue from Related Parties	582,000	659,000
Sonic Financial [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	407,000	275,000
Due from Affiliates	0		$ 0
Sonic Financial [Member] | Oil Chem [Member]
Due from Related Parties, Total	114,000		217,000
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Operating Lease, Cost	183,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total		182,000
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member]
Due from Affiliates	94,000		$ 142,000
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 235,000	$ 221,000
Number of Vehicles Sold	0	0
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member] | SMI Properties [Member]
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 165,000	$ 159,000
Sonic Automotive Inc. [Member] | Oil Chem [Member]
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 347,000	$ 438,000

Note 7 - Related Party Transa_4

Note 7 - Related Party Transactions - Foregoing Related Party Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounts receivable	$ 208	$ 359
Merchandise and vehicle purchases	165	159
Shared services expense	407	275
Merchandise sales	582	659
Rent expense	$ 183	$ 182

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P_3

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross				0	0
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense				$ 789,000	$ 847,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit				207,000	$ 249,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount Capitalized				$ 0		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period				0	0
2018 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period				0
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	31,000
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	31,000
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 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Non Executive Management Employees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				3 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2018 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Each of Five Non-employee Directors [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	5,286
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2018 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		4,459
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2018 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member] | Non Employee Directors [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	16,904
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
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant				0
Performance Shares [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Non Executive Management Employees [Member]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares				28,000	28,000
Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement				$ 468,000	$ 540,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period				62,000	62,000
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] | The 2013 Stock Incentive Plan and 2008 Formula Restricted Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount				$ 3,647,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition				328 days

Note 9 - Stock Compensation P_4

Note 9 - Stock Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Restricted Stock [Member]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	65	66
Granted (in shares)	35	35
Vested (in shares)	(31)	(31)
Forfeited (in shares)	(3)	(5)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	66	65
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	126	127
Granted (in shares)	35	35
Vested (in shares)	(31)	(31)
Forfeited (in shares)	(3)	(5)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	127	126

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures -

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures - Segment Information on Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 107,888	$ 75,963
Depreciation and amortization (Note 2)	13,524	13,090
Segment operating income (loss)	14,307	(277)
Capital expenditures	5,117	11,291
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	102,658	71,393
Depreciation and amortization (Note 2)	13,469	13,053
Segment operating income (loss)	13,565	(961)
Capital expenditures	5,086	11,111
Other Segments [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	5,230	4,570
Depreciation and amortization (Note 2)	55	37
Segment operating income (loss)	742	684
Capital expenditures	$ 31	$ 180

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures_2

Note 10 - Segment Disclosures - Summary of Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other intangibles	$ 298,383	$ 298,383
Goodwill	46,225	46,225
Total assets	1,458,287	1,426,360
Motorsports Event Segment [Member]
Other intangibles	298,383	298,383
Goodwill	46,225	46,225
Total assets	1,433,738	1,402,474
Other Segments [Member]
Other intangibles
Goodwill
Total assets	$ 24,549	$ 23,886

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
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Total segment operating income (loss)	$ 14,307	$ (277)
Interest expense, net	(2,768)	(2,957)
Other expense, net	54	(51)
Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes	$ 11,593	$ (3,285)