Evernham buys North Carolina dirt track

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham has bought a small North Carolina dirt track to preserve what he said is a disappearing venue for nourishing up-and-coming drivers.

Evernham announced Tuesday that he acquired the East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley from Ralph and Joanne Nantz, who opened the 3/8-mile dirt track in 1990. The sale price was not disclosed.

Evernham said rising property values and land development have closed many dirt tracks, which budding drivers need as a safe, low-cost place to race.

Evernham, 51, won three NASCAR titles as a crew chief with Jeff Gordon. He sold most of his interest in the Gillett-Evernham Motorsports racing team last year and said he plans to retire from the sport's top level.