CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — At a time when there has been a lot of bad news concerning short tracks, there was good news concerning one track this week.
San Antonio businesswoman Shelma Walton has purchased Corpus Christi Speedway, a quarter-mile asphalt oval located just west of the South Texas town.
Walton also owns and operates J & S Racing Promotions, a newly formed company that provides racing promotional and sponsorship services.  It is headquartered in San Antonio.
The former owners of Corpus Christi Speedway, Donnie and Carol Yocum, hosted their farewell race July 28. 
Although the Yocums are sentimental about selling the speedway, they feel good about their decision. 
“We’re very confident in our decision to sell the track to Shelma Walton,” commented the Yocums.  “With the experienced staff Shelma will bring to the track, the only way to go is up. Owning a race track can be very demanding, and the love of racing means everything to an owner. We can see that Shelma loves racing, and we feel her determination will make the track a success.”
Walton plans to hold all of the remaining 2007 races as originally scheduled.
“We’ve heard about Corpus Christi Speedway’s popularity, especially with the drivers, and we know it’s rich in racing history,” said Walton.  “It’s my goal to keep racing alive in south Texas, and I feel that the purchase of Corpus Christi Speedway is definitely a step in the right direction.
“I can tell that the Yocums are emotional about the future of the track, and I plan to do all I can to continue their positive momentum.  They’ve created a family oriented atmosphere at the track, and I think that’s also very important to the future of racing in Texas.”
Corpus Christi Speedway opened its gates in 1945, and the Yocums have owned the speedway for the past 16 years.  It was the home track of former NASCAR champions Bobby and Terry Labonte.