In March 2016, Rob Barfuss, Financial Planner at Keystone Financial Planning Inc., visited the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to meet with Marcus Smith, President of Speedway Motorsports Inc. This visit was part of Rob’s ongoing commitment to understanding the businesses his clients invest in through the VPI Pools.
Speedway Motorsports Inc. is a leading operator of motorsport venues across the United States, with eight major tracks including Las Vegas, Atlanta, Bristol, Charlotte, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Sonoma, and Texas. With a combined seating capacity of over 830,000, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering unforgettable race weekend experiences to NASCAR fans. Founded by Bruton Smith over five decades ago, the company is now led by his son Marcus, who continues to prioritize long-term investments in fan experience. “My father’s vision was to make investments in our facilities based on the experience race fans will want in the future,” Marcus shared. “Our focus is to create a better spectator experience and cultivate lifetime fans at our tracks.”
One of the key strengths of Speedway Motorsports is its revenue stability. Over 40% of its income is generated through long-term network television contracts, which were secured through 2024. These agreements have allowed the company to make strategic decisions even during challenging periods, such as the 2009 recession when ticket sales declined. Notably, Speedway chose not to cut staff during that time, preserving the race day experience and demonstrating a strong commitment to its employees.
Rob’s visit was more than just a tour—it was a hands-on opportunity to meet the people behind the business and assess the quality of management firsthand. “Site visits are important because I have the opportunity to kick the tires and meet with the people responsible for managing the companies my clients own,” Rob said.
His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Gregg Filmon, President of VPI, remarked, “Rob goes the extra mile, spending the time necessary to truly understand the companies we own. Very few advisors make that kind of commitment. The fact that he paid for his own travel and accommodations speaks volumes about his dedication to serving his clients.” Steve Norton, Director of Research and Sales at VPI, added, “Speedway is a well-run business with a track record of delivering the race weekend experience fans expect. The shares dropped after the financial crisis, which created a great entry point for our unitholders.”
This visit to Speedway Motorsports is a great example of Rob’s hands-on approach to financial planning—one that prioritizes deep understanding, long-term thinking, and client-first values.
