News Article

Elvis Trophy Adds to Allure of Memphis for NASCAR Teams

June 28, 2008

MEMPHIS – Hollywood has Oscar. Broadway has Tony. The NHRA has Wally. And Memphis Motorsports Park has Elvis – the one-of-a-kind trophy awarded to the winner of the NASCAR races in Memphis.

In a display of the unique partnership between Elvis Presley Enterprises and Memphis Motorsports Park, officials from both organizations joined Memphis and NASCAR champions Bobby Hamilton and Bobby Hamilton, Jr., at the gates of Graceland on July 20, 2005, to unveil a one-of-a-kind trophy to be awarded to the winners of the NASCAR races in Memphis.

But not indefinitely. Adding to the trophy’s allure and intrinsic appeal to the racers is the fact that there will only be twelve produced over the five-year agreement (2005-2009) – one each for the winning drivers of the summer Craftsman Truck Series and fall Nationwide Series races, and one each for Graceland and Memphis Motorsports Park.

Among the biggest Elvis fans in the NASCAR garage were the Hamiltons. Bobby Sr. was in Memphis with his son, Bobby Jr., to unveil the trophy in 2005.

“This trophy is a signature piece that stands alone in NASCAR’s victory lanes,” said Jason Rittenberry, Memphis Motorsports Park vice president and general manager.

Wayne Auton, director of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, agrees. "There are two trophies every driver wants on his mantle: the Elvis trophy in Memphis and the Gibson guitar in Nashville. That’s part of the reason the series is so popular in Tennessee. The Elvis trophy is definitely one of the biggest prizes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series."

The trophy design – 27 inches tall and 60 pounds of cast bronze - is based on the statue of Elvis that stands on Beale Street, the only statue ever officially commissioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

"Elvis was a sports enthusiast, cars were one of his passions, and he loved Memphis. This award in his image embodies all three,” said Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. “Elvis is the face of our city, and you can see that in this unique trophy. Fans from around the world love Elvis, and now NASCAR drivers will have a chance to win the ultimate Elvis collectible.”

The drivers of the NASCAR Nationwide Series return to Memphis Motorsports Park for their chance at the Elvis trophy on Oct. 25. For tickets, click here or call us toll-free at 866-40-SPEED.