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For the past news on the old Kentucky Speedway/ISC lawsuit, see my Kentucky Speedway vs. ISC Lawsuit Page
NASCAR explains decision to cancel Kentucky qualifying: NASCAR's decision to cancel Sprint Cup qualifying Friday at Kentucky Speedway to give teams more practice time raised questions among some fans and led to #21-Ryan Blaney, #95-Michael McDowell and #30-Travis Kvapil failing to make the field. Monday, Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, explained on "The Morning Drive" the sanctioning body's decision to cancel qualifying for both Cup and the Xfinity Series last week.
Although extra practice time had been scheduled, rain and water seeping up to the track limited Cup teams to 49 minutes of practice before the decision was made to cancel qualifying and give teams an additional 90 minutes of practice. "Under all the circumstances we were faced with (at Kentucky) ... the desire from the majority of the garage to get some more time on the track prior to the race became our priority at that point," O'Donnell told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "And then the challenges we had drying the track. We didn't know if we'd even get to a point where we could get cars on the track, so we elected to go early and have everybody focus on setting up for the race. One of the challenges for the teams is it's a three-hour transition going to qualifying trim vs. going back. It also helped the teams that were there to really prepare everything for the race vs. qualifying. Certainly, we can be challenged for that, but it was something that that race and the circumstances dictated for us, and, ultimately, the decision we made wanting to put the best possible race on Saturday night."(NBC Sports)(7-13-2015)
Kentucky Speedway has made no decision on when to repave: It's still too soon for Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger to answer one of the biggest questions moving forward about the 1.5-mile oval in Sparta, Ky. When's the time to finally re-pave? "We've got a track that certainly produced great races," Simendinger said Sunday, after Kyle Busch won the previous night's Quaker State 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. "Normally you'd say, 'Don't touch those.' But we also have a track that took us almost four hours to dry, so that's not good." Paired with a new NASCAR rules package that drew rave reviews from drivers, Kentucky Speedway's 15-year-old surface produced its best Cup Series product yet on Saturday night. Competitors were able to pass both on the yellow line and near the wall, with Busch and eventual runner-up Joey Logano changing the lead more than once inside the final 20 laps. While all three races during the triple-header weekend went off without a hitch, qualifying for each -- plus extra Cup Series testing time for the low-downforce rules package -- was washed out. Rain didn't necessarily prevent a dry track, but rather "weepers" -- ground water spewing up through cracks in the track surface. "It was a very, very unusual situation as far as us being in the middle of July and having such saturated ground," Simendinger said. "We don't want to overreact -- let everything settle in and get feedback from our drivers and maintenance guys." Either way, Simendinger said, a potential re-pave wouldn't happen before the NASCAR Xfinity Series' return to Sparta, Ky., this September. Then track officials have until the following summer to make a decision about the surface for next summer's Quaker State 400 weekend.(Louisville Courier-Journal)(7-13-2015)
Kyle Busch wins at Kentucky: #18-Kyle Busch won the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway for his 2nd win of the season, 2nd win at Kentucky, and 31st career win. He led 163 of the 267 laps.
#22-Logano finished 2nd followed by #11-Hamlin, #19-Edwards, #20-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #24-Gordon, #4-Harvick, #48-Johnson, and #41-Busch.
#42-Larson, who started from the pole, had to pit for a tire rub with 50 laps to go, then made contact with the wall and finished 35th.
Harvick increases the drivers points lead to 68 points. #48-Johnson and #22-Logano are tied for 2nd.
Busch is now just 87 points out of 30th (to get in the Chase) and needs around a 17th place average finish to crack the top 30 in the 8 races before the Chase.
There were 13 lead changes among 8 drivers. There were 11 cautions for 49 yellow flag laps. The 11 cautions are a record at Kentucky Speedway.
The average speed was 129.402mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Penalty Report (pdf) and Lap Summary Report (pdf).
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)(7-11-2015)
Kentucky honors Jeff Gordon...with bourbon: Kentucky Speedway, Speedway Motorsports Inc., Kentucky Distillers Association and four prominent Kentucky distillers presented a special "thank you" to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Gordon, who is competing in his final full-time season. Four Roses, Jim Beam, Michter's and Wild Turkey each gave the four-time Sprint Cup Series champion 24 bottles with each bottle featuring a special one-of-a-kind autographed label. Kentucky is internationally known for its bourbon whiskey producing 95 percent of the world's supply. KDA gave Gordon a trunk full of glassware, barware and other gifts to enjoy his new collection and to remember his time in Kentucky, the one, true and authentic home for bourbon. The Master Distillers from each distiller were in attendance. If Gordon wins at Kentucky, he will be the first driver to win at every track on the current Sprint Cup Series schedule. He has finished in the top ten in each of the first four Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts races.(Kentucky Speedway)(7-11-2015)
Teams to test new rules package at Kentucky Wednesday: UPDATES: NASCAR will take a reduced downforce package to Kentucky Speedway this week, and it appears many in the industry have high hopes. They have high hopes for the potential of the package. They're just not sure that they'll see the results at Kentucky. Finding the right rules to encourage side-by-side racing and lead changes -- in other words, reducing the dreaded "aero push" -- has resulted in NASCAR taking the unconventional step of experimenting with a different aerodynamic package this week at the 1.5-mile Kentucky oval. Drivers are unsure what to expect this weekend. They'll start to find out Wednesday as the testing at Kentucky begins. Three days after the test, NASCAR will have its first real test -- a race that counts just as any of the others on the calendar. The teams will have four hours of practice Wednesday afternoon and evening. Teams can use either their primary or backup cars for the race weekend -- which begins Friday -- during the test and they can have data acquisition systems on the car. They will be allowed to change engines prior to practice Friday morning. Teams have been told to have all the regular 2014 rules package components with them for the race weekend in case NASCAR opts to revert to the package used previously. But after all the hype about the reduced downforce package, the test would have to go horribly wrong Wednesday. Teams will use a 3.5-inch spoiler instead of a 6-inch spoiler. The splitter will have 1.75 inches less overhang. The radiator pan has been reduced from 38 inches to 25 inches. The entire package could reduce downforce by 25 percent in the cars, which currently produce approximately 3,200 pounds of downforce.(ESPN.com) The test sessions are scheduled for 3:00-5:00pm/et and 6:00-8:00pm/et. Any reported speeds will be posted. Fans can watch for free by entering the track at gate 15.(7-8-2015)
UPDATE: Rain at Kentucky Speedway forced the cancellation of Wednesday's test sessions. NASCAR will now have a single session on Thursday from 11:00am - 1:00pm/et.(7-8-2015)
UPDATE 2: More rain at the track Thursday morning caused NASCAR to cancel Sprint Cup testing. Team will still run the new rules package this weekend for the Quaker State 400.(7-9-2015)
Sprint Cup teams to run new rules package at Kentucky in July: Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, announced on Tuesday that NASCAR has delivered to the Sprint Cup Series teams a rules package that will be raced at Kentucky Speedway on July 11th. So following what's been really well-documented and unprecedented communications and collaboration with NASCAR's OEM partners, the race teams, drivers and Goodyear, NASCAR made the decision to move forward with the package. Some of the changes include:
Reduced spoiler height: The spoiler height will be 3� inches (down from 6 inches), and the cars will have a 25-inch wider splitter extension panel (radiator pan, was 38 inches), and the splitter will have a 1� inches less overhang than the current splitter.
Tires: the tires for the event will have more grip than in 2014, but they are not specifically built for the package.
Practice: Teams will be afforded extended practice time (4 hours) on the racetrack, and that will occur opening up Wednesday, July 8, for them to tune their race cars.
Some Q&A's about the package from the NASCAR Teleconference with O'Donnell:
Q. And then what will you look for at Kentucky to determine whether this is a success or whether it's something you might want to see again in future races?
O'DONNELL: "I think ultimately that's up to the fans, but certainly we'll look for -- we've been very, very vigilant in talking about tighter racing. I think we've achieved that in terms of 1st to 43rd. You see that those teams are closer than ever, but we certainly want to see more lead changes on the racetrack. We'll evaluate not only that but a number of different factors coming out of Kentucky and see what we can learn and potentially what we can implement down the road."
Q. A couple of quick things: I didn't hear you address whether or not the package will be used beyond Kentucky, or is that going to be the only race where it's in place this season? And also, how much of a risk is putting that package on the track without extensive testing?
O'DONNELL: "Yeah, on your first question, this is a Kentucky package only, but any options are on the table coming out of Kentucky. But for now, that's been the dialogue with the industry. And as for your second question, I'd go back to we've had an extensive testing plan with the industry over the last 18 months. The teams have some data on this package, so we feel confident, and we wouldn't implement this if we didn't feel confident as an industry to implement it at Kentucky. And then you also look at some of the things, even in a test, there's only so much you can learn, and then you validate it ultimately at a race, and we feel like that's the direction we're headed."
Q. And can you also talk about testing -- the concept in our sport of testing during a race, they'll have Wednesday, but it's like some people have said, the off-season should be longer so that maybe this testing could be done then, but obviously you need all the cars on the track in order to test this fully.
O'DONNELL: "Yeah, let me be clear. This is not a test; this is a race. This is the Kentucky package, and we have tested this over the last 18 months. There's been a number of tests done. There's been a number of simulations done. The OEMs are involved. I want to be very clear that this is the Kentucky race package and not at all a test for us."
Q. And again, do you plan to add any sort of tire tests or anything for future looks at this package?
O'DONNELL: "Still looking at that."
Q. Worst case scenario, if Kentucky is an abnormal race, if there are an abnormal number of cautions, if it's rain delayed, rain interrupted, if it doesn't go full distance, if drivers don't really ever get a chance to run a significant number of green flag laps, is there any chance y'all will just throw out that result and say, okay, we can't use this as a template, we'll try again somewhere else, or are you all in based on Kentucky, period?
O'DONNELL: "No, that's a good question. Let me back up on a couple things. So we're opening up on Wednesday. Number one, you want to look at any feedback you get from the industry, safety, anything, we want to make sure that the package meets anything that we've seen in simulation, so we've built in time for that. We've built in time if it does rain and we lost Wednesday, we've got a plan in place with the industry of getting practice time in. And then from there if you get to the race, I would say this is still a specific Kentucky race package, so I wouldn't say we're building our entire rules package by any means on one race, and it goes back to what I've said earlier, and this has been on me in terms of describing the 2015 rules package in its totality, and if you go to Las Vegas and the race maybe wasn't as good as we all had hoped, is that an indictment on the entire year's package, and it shouldn't be, because it's specific to that race, and that's more where we want to go in terms of having that rules package, more specific to the race, to put on the best race possible as we head into each track that weekend. "
(in part from a NASCAR Teleconference Transcript)(6-16-2015)
AeroShell Aerobatic team to performance at Kentucky: The AeroShell Aerobatic Team is set to carve the skies over Kentucky Speedway with an array of daring stunts during a special prerace performance and flyover on NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts race day July 11. The longest-flying civilian aerobatic team in North America delights audiences by reeling off tricks in four iconic red-white-and-black North American AT-6 Texans amid billowing smoke. Three decades of renowned airmanship propelled the team to the International Council of Air Shows Foundation (ICAS) Hall of Fame in 2014. The team also earned the air show community's two most prestigious performance awards - the Art Scholl Showmanship Award and the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship. Flyers will treat Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts guests with an exhibition that will roll into Jerrod Niemann's prerace concert performance and stage the prerace flyover. A busy prerace ceremony slate also is scheduled to spotlight a rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the 113th U.S. Army Band from Fort Knox, Ky., a "God Bless America" performance by Leo Welsh of the Columbus Blue Jackets National Hockey League (NHL) Club, fire truck parade laps for National Fallen Firefighters Foundation members along with celebrity guest and driver introductions.(Kentucky Speedway) (6-9-2015)
LiftMaster becomes Pole Day Sponsor at Kentucky: Kentucky Speedway has partnered with LiftMaster to become the Pole Day sponsor for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series Friday, July 10. Headquartered in Elmhurst, Illinois, LiftMaster is the number one brand of professionally installed residential garage door openers, as well as a major manufacturer of commercial door operators, residential and commercial gate operators, telephone entry systems and related access control products. The fifth NSCS event in the facility's history will take the green flag at 7:30pm, Saturday, July 11. The 400-mile race will provide the finale to a tripleheader NASCAR weekend that opens with the July 9 Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225 followed by a 300-mile NXS Series event July 10.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-28-2015)
Kentucky Speedway announces Ford F-150 as official pace vehicle: Kentucky Speedway announces the 2015 Ford F-150 truck will lead the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series field to green Saturday, July 11 at 7:30pm, for the fifth running of the Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts. The truck will also pace the July 10 NASCAR XFINITY Series and July 9 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series fields becoming the "Official Pace Vehicle of Kentucky Speedway" of the 2015 season. Ford has been providing cars and trucks to the Speedway since 1998. During speedway events, Super Duty trucks tow free fan trams and are utilized by the speedway's operations department as well as the Fire and Safety team.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-25-2015)
Kentucky Speedway's Ford Fan Day returns April 25: Kentucky Speedway's Ford Fan Day returns Saturday, April 25 from 11:00am-4:00pm. The free event gives visitors a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the venue while enjoying family oriented activities, food, pace car rides, musical entertainment, and meeting two-time Daytona 500 Champion Sterling Marlin from 1:00-2:45pm. Guests will be able to tour the spotters stand, flag stand, garages, owner's suite, press box, campgrounds. As well as see Gravelrama, FSAE Cars from the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Motorsports and Fire and Safety vehicles. Visitors are able to have their photo taken in Victory Lane with the Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts trophy and the #22 Penske show car. Fans can learn more about the speedway from our General Manager Mark Simendinger during the "Ask the GM" question-and-answer session at 1:45pm. in Bluegrass Hall in the infield. Fans will also be able to talk to motorsports experts during the "Racing Roundtable" chats at 1:00pm, and 2:15pm. The popular Kids Zone will be filled with activities such as face painting, Hot Wheels racing, a pit stop tire challenge, inflatables, popcorn, and bean bag toss into tires. The complete Ford Fan Day schedule is available at http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/fans/ford_fan_day.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-22-2015)
Testing at Kentucky: Eight NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers and teams are scheduled to participate in the April 15 open test at Kentucky Speedway ahead of the track's Quaker State 400 in July. The open test will be preceded by a closed Goodyear tire test on April 13 and 14 with one team each from the following organizations: Chip Ganassi Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Roush Fenway Racing. On April 15, #16-Greg Biffle, #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #20-Matt Kenseth, #22-Joey Logano, #1-Jamie McMurray, #10-Danica Patrick, #31-Ryan Newman and #9-Sam Hornish Jr. are scheduled to participate in the open test with April 16 serving as a rain date before the Sprint Cup Series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway next weekend.(NASCAR.com)(4-10-2015)
Jerrod Niemann in concert at Kentucky Speedway: Country music star Jerrod Niemann will entertain race fans with a special performance on Kentucky Speedway's infield Kroger Concert Stage prior to the July 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts. The singer/songwriter's fourth album, High Noon, made its debut last year and provides listeners with a blend of country, pop and rock mixed with a bit of electronic beats. His smash single from his latest album, "Drink to That All Night," earned Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold-certified and rose to No. 6 on the Billboard Country Music Charts. It was followed-up by the second single "Donkey." Niemann who's influenced by Lefty Frizzell, George Strait, Randy Travis, and Keith Whitley, will share his unique mix of music on the Kroger prerace stage at the NSCS Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts race where tickets are as low as $59. Fans can enjoy stage-side and trackside views of the show by adding a daily Kroger Fan Zone pass to ticket orders. Passes also provide pit road access at designated times, the opportunity to view NASCAR inspections from the Fan Zone along with enjoying activities and concessions in an area near pit road and surrounding Victory Lane.(Kentucky Speedway) (3-13-2015)
Kentucky Speedway adding SAFER barriers to walls: Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger says track officials have long considered adding more Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barriers to the Sparta, Ky., track's walls. "And then with what happened to Kyle Busch, it ratcheted up the urgency," Simendinger said Monday. Simendinger said Monday that by this July's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend, his track plans to add the so-called soft to its back stretch. "Sometimes you have to see what can possibly happen before you realize that you've got a problem that needs to be corrected," Simendinger said. "Obviously it's an expensive thing to do. It takes time. But it's something we're committed to. I've always said safety is our No. 1 thing, so that's what we're going to do assuming we can get the work done between now and our races," set for July 9-11. Already, SAFER barriers cover Kentucky's entry to corners through exits -- spots consultants deemed most likely to result in contact with race cars. Along the backstretch, the new walls could catch spinning cars off Turn 2. Ultimately, Simendinger says that "as an industry" NASCAR-sanctioned tracks will eventually cover every inch of exposed concrete wall. But it comes at a hefty cost -- approximately $500 per square foot. "It's something we work hand-in-hand with NACAR and their consultants on," he said. "...But there's not that many people that make SAFER barriers, so we've got to make sure we can get it, get it installed and do it properly."(Courier Journal)(2-24-2015)
VisitMyrtleBeach.com renews sponsorship of Kentucky Xfinity race: One of the fastest-growing family and vacation destinations in the nation, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina will continue to be the title sponsor of the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race. The 2015 event will take the green flag at Kentucky Speedway Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8:00 p.m. and be televised on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). The VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 at Kentucky Speedway will conclude a two-race weekend that begins Friday, Sept. 25 with the ARCA Racing Series (ARS) Kentucky 150. Tickets, campsites and Fan Zone passes for all Kentucky Speedway events can be purchased through www.kentuckyspeedway.com, by calling (859) 578-2300 or visiting the Kentucky Speedway ticket office at 1 Speedway Drive in Sparta, Ky., just off Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 N.(Kentucky Speedway)(12-10-2014)
Kentucky Speedway Accepting Fan Council Applications: Kentucky Speedway is accepting applications for 10 openings on its 2015 Fan Council from passionate race enthusiasts willing to share ideas that fuel our future success. Council members are asked to commit to a two-year council term and are called upon to provide valuable perspective Kentucky Speedway will use to enhance the entertainment experience for guests. Members also have opportunities to serve as ambassadors during special events. An application can be download on the Kentucky Speedway website. Applications sent by U.S. Mail must be postmarked by Nov. 1. New members will be contacted when selected.(Kentucky Speedway)(10-19-2014)
Man dies from Kentucky Speedway crash: A 30-year-old Indiana man died over the weekend from injuries sustained in a crash at Kentucky Speedway. Stephen Cox, of Decatur, Indiana, died Sunday at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, according to the Hamilton County Coroner. The crash in which he sustained his injuries occurred Sept. 14 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. "We had an accident on the track," said Tim Bray, director of communications for Kentucky Speedway. "Emergency medical, they attended to him, they transported him to UC. That's all I can tell you at the moment." Bray said the crash occurred during an event called the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience.(Kentucky Enquirer)(9-23-2014)
Speedway Children's Charities Hosting Fundraising Events at Kentucky: The Kentucky Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) will be busy during Kentucky Speedway's upcoming September race weekend. The non-profit organization is planning three fundraisers for when the ARCA Racing Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series visit Kentucky on September 19 and 20, respectively. Leading up to the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300, SCC will host Laps for Charity, a Putt-Putt Challenge, and Miss Motor Speedway's "Princess '4' a Day" and "Toy '4' a Boy." Laps for Charity kicks off the charity's fundraising events on Thursday, September 18 at 5:30pm. Fans have the opportunity to drive five laps around Kentucky Speedway in their personal, street-legal vehicles for a $40 donation to SCC. They will also be able to celebrate the occasion with a photo in Victory Lane. At the SCC Putt-Putt Challenge on Friday and Saturday, fans will have three attempts to sink their putt to win four grandstand tickets and four fan zone passes to Kentucky Speedway's Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts on July 11, 2015. In addition, all participants will receive an SCC water bottle. The Putt-Putt Challenge will be located near Gate 15 in the Display Area at Kentucky Speedway. Finally, SCC is teaming up with Miss Motor Speedway to bring "Princess '4' a Day" and "Toy '4' a Boy" back to Kentucky Speedway, also on Friday and Saturday. For a small donation, children will have the opportunity to receive the royal treatment from a Miss Motor Speedway Titleholder. Girls will receive a princess makeover, crown, and jewelry. Boys will receive a toy car or truck.(SCC)(9-17-2014)
Kentucky announces pre-race officials: Kentucky Speedway announced that the most famous words in racing will be delivered by Advance Auto Parts President George Sherman who will serve as grand marshal for the June Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts race. Canadian Tire Associate Vice President, Automotive Merchandising Paula Sayers will start the race when she waves the green flag and serves as the honorary starter. Sherman, a former officer in the United States Air Force, joined the Advance Auto Parts team in April of 2013 and is responsible for store operations, merchandising, marketing, supply chain and information technology functions. Sayers, a car enthusiast, has been with Canadian Tire for 16-years where she dedicates her time to the automotive business.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-25-2014)
NASA Langley Rockets to Kentucky Speedway for NASCAR Races: NASA will take visitors into space, then bring them down to Earth in an exhibit that combines NASA technology and education during this week's NASCAR races at the Kentucky Speedway. Technicians and others from NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, will be at the Sparta, Kentucky speedway, June 26 -28, with five tents of models, displays and artifacts that will highlight NASA's contributions to aerospace research and everyday life, including technology being used in racecars. "Rockets to Racecars" not only looks at how many of the same principles that apply to flight apply to automobile racing, such as aerodynamics, drag and propulsion, but also how NASA technology has improved racecar safety and driver health. Also on display - something that drivers depend on - tires. A wheel exhibit will show tires used here on Earth and some designed for outer space. A NASCAR tire, two space shuttle tires, lunar rover tire, and lunar Spring Tire will sit side-by-side giving everyone the chance to compare wheels of yesterday, today and tomorrow.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-25-2014)
Kentucky Speedway could get repaved soon: Look to add Kentucky Speedway to the repave list in the near future. Track president Mark Simendinger says that the racing surface, while providing outstanding action thanks to its advanced age, is on its last legs. The track is doing everything they can to keep it together and hold off on the repaving project as long as possible, but a date to pour new asphalt appears inevitable. Sources say Goodyear's tire test recently was, in part designed to see if a compound can be built to withstand the current surface well enough to "ward off" such a process within the next year or two. (The speedway was bit by several tire failures in 2013).(Frontstretch)(5-27-2014)
Kentucky names June Nationwide race sponsor: The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety announced its return to Kentucky Speedway as the title sponsor for the June 27 NASCAR Nationwide Series 300-mile event. The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign 300 presented by Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over will be part of a NASCAR tripleheader weekend June 26-28. Kentucky HERO is part of The HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers, a national campaign established by the family of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott of New Jersey. Elliott, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, was killed in a head-on collision by a drunken driver in July 2000 as he was traveling home from Annapolis, Md. A key component of Kentucky Speedway's involvement with Kentucky's HERO program is to raise awareness about the importance of having a designated driver.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-16-2014)
Thomas Rhett to perform at Kentucky Speedway's Quaker State 400: Country music singer/songwriter Thomas Rhett will rev up Kentucky Speedway's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts race day when he takes the Kroger Prerace Concert Stage June 28. The 23-year-old Georgia native's "Get Me Some of That" single is 16th on the current Billboard Magazine Hot Country Songs Chart and he's also made an impact with the hits "Something to Do with My Hands," "Beer with Jesus" and the title single from his first release, It Goes Like This. Rhett's energetic performance is included with Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts race tickets priced as low as $59. Fans can enjoy stage-side and infield views of the show while enhancing their race day experience with a daily Fan Zone pass that is sold separately. Passes additionally provide pit road access at designated times, the opportunity to view NASCAR inspection as well as enjoy unique activities and concessions in an area near pit road and surrounding Victory Lane.(Kentucky Speedway)(3-31-2014)
Kentucky state police say Speedway hasn't paid for security UPDATE: The Kentucky State Police has been pressing the Kentucky Speedway for months to pay nearly $300,000 for security provided by troopers during four major races in 2012 and 2013. Records obtained by The Courier-Journal through the Kentucky Open Records Act show that since at least last July, the agency has sent emails and letters requesting reimbursement for security provided during big race days at the track in June and September of each year. A Dec. 27 letter to the Speedway put the overdue tab at $299,125.86 and requested payment in full by Jan. 15. "I never heard back from that," State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer said in an interview this week. "And I have called the speedway twice in the last 10 days and can't get anybody to return my call." Mark Simendinger, general manager of the speedway, did not return numerous phone messages left Wednesday with his assistant and on his voice mail seeking comment. A phone message and email sent to corporate offices of Speedway Motorsports in Charlotte, N.C., also were not returned Wednesday. Invoices show the State Police assigned more than 100 troopers to the speedway security contract during the June race days, and about 50 to the smaller September races. Most worked 13 or 14 hours for each race. [Kentucky Governor] Beshear's spokeswoman Kerri Richardson said late Wednesday that he "has not discussed this issue with the Kentucky Speedway, but has asked his staff to look into it."(Louisville Couriel-Journal)(2-27-2014)
UPDATE: The Kentucky Speedway on Friday paid a long overdue bill of nearly $300,000 to Kentucky State Police for providing security on the track's grounds during four major race weeks in 2012 and 2013. Speedway Motorsports, which owns the track in Gallatin County, sent a check for $299,125.86 by express mail from its corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, said State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer. The payment was received one day after The Courier-Journal reported that the state police had been pressing the track since last August for the payment. "We're glad the issue is resolved. We're glad to have the money and will certainly put it to good use," Brewer said Saturday.(Louisville Courier-Journal)(3-3-2014)
No repave planned for Kentucky Speedway: There would have been talk this summer, as there is every year, about repaving Kentucky Speedway when the Sprint Cup Series circuit descends upon the Sparta, Ky., track for its biggest race weekend. Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger isn't ready to give in just yet. There are no plans for a Kentucky Speedway repave unless track officials absolutely have to, and Mother Nature does that sometimes to asphalt. But in the meantime, Simendinger's maintenance staff will continue maintaining the track's original surface installed before it opened in 2000. "If you're a real motorsports fan, you know you're allowed to interchange the word "character" for bumpy," Simendinger said Tuesday. "In that regard, we have a lot of character. And that's a good thing." Drivers regularly discuss the difficulty in passing at Kentucky, though they've embraced the challenge of setting up a balanced car there. Simendinger said he hasn't fielded a single complaint from one of them about the track's, um, character. "In fact, I saw Kevin Harvick came to throw out the first pitch at one of the Reds games," Simendinger said. "He just walked up to me and didn't even say hello. He just said, 'Don't repave that race track.' The Quaker State 400, as the Cup Series race will be known through 2018, is set for June 28 during a weekend that includes Camping World Truck and Nationwide series events. The track then hosts the ARCA Racing and Nationwide series on Sept. 19-20. As with other Sprint Cup Series tracks, Kentucky Speedway will be equipped with NASCAR's "Air Titan" track drying system this season. The device sucks water off surfaces and into a truck, which NASCAR's R&D Center estimates could decrease drying times by 80%.(Courier-Journal)(2-5-2014)
VisitMyrtleBeach.com to sponsor September's Nationwide race at Kentucky: One of the fastest-growing family and vacation destinations in the nation, Myrtle Beach, S.C., will be the title sponsor of the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 race that will take the green flag at Kentucky Speedway Sat., Sept. 20. Affectionately known as "The Grand Strand," Myrtle Beach welcomes an average of 15 million annual visitors, many of whom travel from Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. Myrtle Beach visitors experience true southern hospitality while enjoying 60 miles of beautiful, sandy beaches, more than 100 championship golf courses, countless family attractions, live entertainment and Carolina Coastal cuisine specializing in fresh seafood. The VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 at Kentucky Speedway will conclude a two-race weekend that begins Friday, Sept. 19 with the ARCA Racing Series (ARS) Zloop 150.(Kentucky Speedway)(2-4-2014)
Kentucky New Ticket Prices, Ticketmaster Services for 2014:- Guests purchasing tickets for Kentucky Speedway's five 2014 race events will enjoy lower prices and a simpler price structure in addition to a new suite of Ticketmaster account management and purchase tools. Price structures for five-race Season Ticket packages, three-race June Weekend packages and single-race grandstand tickets for the venue's Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts as well as both NNS races are simpler and prices are lower in most sections. NCWTS UNOH 225 and ARS Zloop 150 ticket prices also are reduced. New speedway ticket partner, Ticketmaster, will offer online customers a personal account management tool, enhanced seating maps and views of the speedway from specific grandstand sections. Customers wishing to keep their single-race, Season Ticket Package and June Weekend Package seat as well as campsite locations can renew on or before Dec. 1. All non-renewed locations will be released for public sale Dec. 2. All season ticket and season camping customers will receive an invitation to the Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts race-day infield party, automatic membership in a new season ticket holder and camper recognition program, a 50 percent discount on Fan Zone pass purchases, the option to pay for plans in three interest-free installments as well as discounts off the purchase of additional race tickets. Fans can call (859) 578-2300 or visit the Kentucky Speedway ticket office to purchase and renew 2014 tickets and campsites.(Kentucky Speedway)(11-20-2013)
Quaker State Returns as Title Sponsor of Sprint Cup Series Event at Kentucky: Kentucky Speedway's annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race will remain the Quaker State 400 through 2018 under the terms of a new event sponsorship agreement. The 2014 Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts will take to Kentucky Speedway's challenging 1.5-mile tri-oval track the night of Saturday, June 28 to provide the finale for the venue's tripleheader NASCAR weekend that opens Thursday, June 26.
"The Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts has continued to deliver incredible experiences to our customers and race fans as well as tremendous visibility for our brand over the first three years of the relationship with Kentucky Speedway," said Rusty Barron, Vice President of Marketing, Quaker State. "The event has featured on-track excitement as well as at-track success for Quaker State through a vast array of assets the entitlement brings. We are proud to be part of this great race for years to come."
Quaker State has grown the promotion of the 3-year-old NSCS 400-mile event to include branding on the speedway's retaining walls and start/finish line in the brand's signature green and gold colors.
"Kentucky Speedway has witnessed many historical moments, but few more important than this. Teaming long term with one of the best brands in sports positions us to continue to grow our speedway and the Quaker State 400. We treasure our association with Quaker State and are thrilled it has chosen to work and innovate with us," Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger said.
When Quaker State announced in early 2011 it would become the title sponsor of the event, anticipation built among the NASCAR community as Kentucky Speedway was ushered in as the first new venue on the NSCS circuit in 10 years. The Quaker State 400 has lived up to its billing. NASCAR's most talented drivers and champions have conquered the unique 1.5-mile tri-oval to claim the first three Quaker State 400 titles: Kyle Busch (2011), Brad Keselowski ('12) and Matt Kenseth ('13).
Kentucky Speedway ticket packages that include the 2014 Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts are on sale at (859) 578-2300 and the speedway's ticket office at 1 Speedway Drive in Sparta, Ky., just off Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 North.(Kentucky Speedway)(10-12-2013)
Kenseth wins Kentucky: #20-Matt Kenseth won the Quaker State 400 rain delayed Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway for his 4th win of 2013, 1st ever win at Kentucky and 28th career win. On the last pit stop during caution, the #20 team only took fuel, came out with the lead and won the race. #48-Johnson led the most laps with 182 of 267 laps
#1-McMurray finished 2nd followed by #15-Bowyer, #22-Logano, #18-Busch, #78-Busch, #56-Truex Jr, #24-Gordon, #48-Johnson and #29-Harvick.
The race was pushed back from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon due to rain.
On lap 47, #78-Busch tried to pass #2-Keselowski on the apron, when he came back on the track, he drifted hard into the #2, who spun and came back up into the track and got hit by #16-Biffle, #93-Kvapil and #7-Blaney. Others involved #27-Menard and #33-Cassill.
Pole sitter, #88-Earnhardt Jr. led 11 laps, but around lap 37, he hit the remains of a blown tire from #11-Hamlin which did some damage to the nose & grill on the car. The team made numerous repairs and he finished 12th.
On lap 148, #11-Hamlin had a tire go down and smacked the wall, really hurts his Chase chances. Hamlin was taken to the infield care center at the track to get checked out. Hamlin said he is ok, banged his knee, bell rung, didn't feel good when he wnet to the care center, felt much better afterwards. Back feels fine.
On lap 247 on the resatrt #48-Johnson was 2nd, came off turn 1 and came down on #22-Lagaon, they didn't touch, but the #48 spun and caused a caution, falling to the rear. Johnson rallied to finish 9th.
There were 11 lead changes among 6 drivers and 10 cautions for 42 yellow flag laps and a short red flag to clean up the track after a wreck.
The average speed was 131.948mph. NASCAR no longer announces the track attendance.
See race results, awards, money won, laps led, cautions and more on the Unofficial Kentucky Race Results page (pdf) and check out the Kentucky Penalty Report (pdf).
For Official Results & Points, see the Official Kentucky Race and Points Report.(6-30/7-1-2013)
"Troops to the Track" Program comes to Kentucky: The Armed Forces Foundation and NASCAR continue the 2013 Troops to the Track program on Sunday, June 29th, by bringing service members of the 19th Engineer Battalion based out of Fort Knox, KY. The 19th Engineer Battalion, on order, deploys engineer forces in order to provide mission command and general engineer support to decisive action in support of Expeditionary, Army, Joint, or Combined Military Operations world-wide. The 19th Engineer Battalion is composed of the 15th Engineer Company, 76th Engineer Company, 502nd Engineer Company, Forward Support Company, and Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Recent operations include disaster relief and aid in support of Super Storm Sandy as well as construction projects in support of the U.S. Border Patrol in Nogales, AZ. Troops to the Track will be expanded to include service member's families during NASCAR: An American Salute, which begins at the Coca-Cola 600 and runs through the Coke Zero 400 on July 4th weekend. NASCAR: An American Salute is a six-week industry-wide effort to honor and celebrate the service of current Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families.(AFF)(6-29-2013)
Kentucky Gov. Beshear proclaims NASCAR Week in the Commonwealth: Three of Kentucky's most influential leaders, Papa John's Founder John Schnatter, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari, are pledging their support to Kentucky Speedway's June 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts and encouraging fans to do the same by coming together to celebrate a "slice of Kentucky." Gov. Steve Beshear has proclaimed the week of June 24 as "NASCAR Week in the Commonwealth."
"Kentucky Speedway is a great asset for our state that provides unparalleled entertainment and excitement to thousands of racing fans," said Gov. Beshear. "We're proud NASCAR is returning to the Bluegrass State, and we are looking forward to an exhilarating weekend of racing." This is the third NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway. In its first two years, the event at the Sparta venue has attracted fans from each of the 50 U.S. states and Canada, making a significant impact on travel and tourism in the region.
Papa John's customers are able to purchase two "Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts" tower grandstand tickets in select sections along with infield Fan Zone passes for the event through a special pizza box topper or on-line at http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/papajohns. "We are excited to partner with Kentucky Speedway to offer race fans a great opportunity to be part of this exciting event at a great price," said Schnatter. "Papa John's has had a strong partnership with NASCAR over the past several years and we look forward to being part of this thrilling event."
In addition, Calipari will participate in the big night by serving as Honorary Pace Car Driver. "It's a privilege to represent the great Commonwealth of Kentucky as Honorary Pace Car Driver," said Calipari. "The Quaker State 400 is one of Kentucky's premier events and I'm confident Kentucky Speedway and NASCAR will put on a thrilling event for NASCAR fans throughout Kentucky and beyond." Calipari just completed his fourth year as head coach of the Wildcats. He reached the mountaintop in his third campaign in Lexington by guiding Kentucky to its eighth NCAA Men's Basketball national championship and 15th Final Four. It marked his first national championship and his fourth Final Four as a head coach. He is one of only two coaches to lead three different programs to a Final Four (University of Massachusetts-1996; Memphis-2008; Kentucky-2011, 2012).
"Papa John's is one of the very best sports marketers in the country. We appreciate them getting behind our Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts as we continue to grow one of our region's signature events," Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger said. "We welcome Coach Calipari back to Kentucky Speedway and look forward to him leading one of the quickest fast breaks in history of the commonwealth."
The Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts includes a race-day concert with platinum-selling country music artist Billy Currington presented by Kroger and anchors a NASCAR tripleheader weekend at the speedway. Racing begins Thursday, June 27 with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) UNOH 225 and continues Friday, June 28 with the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Feed The Children 300.
Tickets, weekend and season ticket packages, daily infield Fan Zone passes - that provide a trackside view of Currington's concert, a similar view of driver introductions, pit road access and more - along with campsites are on sale now at kentuckyspeedway.com , (859) 578-2300 and the speedway offices.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-26-2013)
Kentucky basketball coach to drive pace car: University of Kentucky Men's Basketball Head Coach John Calipari will be the honorary Ford Fusion pace car driver for Kentucky Speedway's Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts and will help lead a 43-car field to the green flag just after 7:30 p.m. Calipari guided the 2011-12 Wildcats to the program's eighth NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship and 15th Final Four appearance. His team, led by Associated Press Player of the Year Anthony Davis and All-American Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, earned 38 victories and posted an unblemished 16-0 Southeastern Conference record. The coach earned his first national championship after making his second straight and fourth Final Four appearance.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-20-2013)
Speedway Motorsports installs new cables: Kentucky Speedway has installed new vertical cables along the catch fence as an added safety measure in spectator areas, owner Bruton Smith said Wednesday. Smith said the technology was developed by Speedway Motorsports Inc. personnel and a patent is pending. The 5/8-inch steel cables were placed between support posts and anchored into the retaining wall with epoxy. They're connected to the existing horizontal steel cables with a steel clamp. The system is designed to keep the horizontal cables from spreading if a tire or car were to sail into the catch fence. Smith said he's made NASCAR aware of the new feature. "I'm going to predict they'll start using it, but I don't know. I think they will," he said. "This is the latest and greatest as far as a safety feature that we've ever done. We went between each post and we've tied those cables together. There's no wheel going to go through there at any time. A car can't get through there. So it's a major safety factor. I'd like to see all the speedways use it."(Cincinnati Enquirer)(6-7-2013)
Kentucky Speedway's First Top Cop Challenge to be Part of Police Memorial Week: Cincinnati Chief of Police James Craig is inviting officers from eight regional law enforcement agencies to compete for a ride in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts pace car by testing their stock car racing skills in Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) cars during the first Top Cop Challenge at Kentucky Speedway May 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Officers representing the City of Cincinnati, Butler Co., Ohio, Hamilton Co., Ohio, City of Florence, Ky., City of Lexington, Ky., Gallatin Co., Ky., Oldham Co. Ky., and the Kentucky State Police will open the Top Cop Challenge with a two-officer team competition that will ultimately determine three officers who will have the chance to become Top Cop.
Each team member will race six timed laps around the speedway's 1.5-mile tri-oval. The team which generates the fastest average during its session will be the Top Cop Challenge Team Champion. The winning team will be awarded tickets to the Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts and the Friday, June 28 NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Feed The Children 300. Tickets will be distributed among needy families in the team's community. The highest-ranking officers from the quickest three teams will advance to a final round in which they will drive 10-lap segments. The officer with the fastest cumulative time will be crowned Top Cop. In addition to the pace car ride, the Top Cop will be recognized during Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts prerace ceremonies Saturday, June 29, and receive a one-year supplies of both Coca-Cola and Quaker State Motor Oil to be donated to the cause of their choice. The Top Cop Challenge is just one event that will remember fallen officers throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana during Police Memorial Week May 13-19. Fallen officers will be honored with a Police Memorial Parade that will begin May 17 at 11 a.m. at Fountain Square on Fifth Street and travers to the Cincinnati Police Memorial at the corner of Central Parkway and Ezzard Charles Drive.(Kentucky Speedway)(5-16-2013)
Kentucky announces fan initiatvies: Kentucky Speedway is introducing fan-first initiatives that reward long-time season ticket customers, welcome first-time visitors and focus on family entertainment. Season ticket customers that have supported the speedway for 10 years or longer will receive reserved parking for each June and September race day, 20 $1.00 discount coupons that can be used for race-day food and non-alcoholic drink purchases as well as a coupon good for a 20 percent discount off a merchandise purchase from the Kentucky Speedway Gift Shop. Customers also will receive 10-year recognition premiums such as a full-size Kentucky Speedway flag, lanyard and window decal. Five- to nine-year season ticket customers also will be rewarded with reserved parking for each race day along with unique premiums such as a five-year hat, lanyard and window decal. First-time fans will be able to attend educational presentations on Quaker State 400 race day and visit a dedicated page on the speedway's Web site. First-time fans also will receive special communications in the months preceding the Quaker State 400 tripleheader weekend.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-13-2013)
Kentucky Speedway Opens its Gates for Fun-Filled Ford Fan Day April 27: Kentucky Speedway's free Ford Fan Day will give visitors a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the 107,000-seat venue while enjoying live music, activities, giveaways, food and INEX U.S. Legends International racing on Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fans will be able to tour the media center, garages, owner's suite, press box and campgrounds, have their photo taken in Victory Lane, see Fire and Safety Team demonstrations on pit road and walk the speedway's 1.5-mile tri-oval track. Guests also will be able to learn more about the speedway from General Manager Mark Simendinger during "Ask the GM" question-and-answer sessions at noon and 2 p.m. Visitors will be able to talk racing with local media during insightful Racing Roundtable chats at 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
The Raceway Ministries Kids Zone will be filled with activities such as face painting, Hot Wheels car racing, a pit stop tire challenge, inflatables and petting zoo with 20 animals from Honey Hill Farms.
INEX U.S Legends International racing will take to the paved quarter-mile track at 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. Fans can meet Legends drivers during an autograph session at 1:30 p.m., and experience the tight turns of the quarter-mile track first-hand by taking 10-lap ride-alongs in a Legends car for $50 or Bandolero car for $40. Registrations will be taken at the Legends trailer on event day.
Rising artist Andy Velo will entertain guests with his sound that mixes classical country with country rock at 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. The Georgia musician scored his first radio hit in 2010 with "Hank It Up," which reached the Top 60 on the Music Row chart. Velo has shared stages with country music giants Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith and Chris Young.
Regional attraction JetSet GetSet will bring its upbeat country music creations to the main stage at 11 a.m. The popular Indiana trio is a speedway favorite and has performed at events as far away as Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia and Tennessee.
Ford Fan Day will set the stage for the first of two Kentucky Speedway event weekends. The season opens with a NASCAR tripleheader featuring the June 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400, June 28 Nationwide Series Feed The Children 300 and June 27 Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225. Racing continues in September when the NASCAR Nationwide Series returns Sept. 21 for a 300-mile tilt. ARCA Racing Series (ARS) action opens the weekend with a 150-mile event on Sept. 20. The race will be the series'first at the venue since 2009 and its 20th all-time appearance on the 1.5-mile Kentucky tri-oval.
The complete Ford Fan Day schedule is available at kentuckyspeedway.com.
Tickets, campsites and infield Fan Zone passes that provide great access such as a stage-side view of the Quaker State 400 prerace concert with country music sensation Billy Currington, pit road access and more are available now at kentuckyspeedway.com, (859) 578-2300 or the Kentucky Speedway offices at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41086. The ticket office is open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.(Kentucky Speedway)(3-21-2013)
Kentucky single race tickets on sale: Reserved single tickets and daily Fan Zone passes for five Kentucky Speedway races including the June 27-29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 tripleheader weekend go on sale Jan. 30 at 9:00 a.m. The "Quaker State 400" serves as the finale of the first of two race weekends. Opening weekend also includes the June 28 NASCAR Nationwide Series Feed The Children 300 and June 27 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225. Racing continues with a return NNS 300-mile engagement on Sept. 21 and the 20th all-time ARCA Racing Series Kentucky Speedway event on Sept. 20. Adult ticket prices will not increase for the 14th Kentucky Speedway season and seats will be reserved for all events. NSCS Quaker State 400 tickets range between $70 and $110. NNS race tickets are priced from $45 to $75 while NCWTS and ARS tickets will be $30 and $40.(Kentucky Speedway)(1-30-2013)
Unique Quaker State 400 Holiday Ticket Package at Kentucky Speedway: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky is offering NASCAR fans $100 in holiday savings on a first-of-its-kind Kentucky Speedway package that includes two tickets to the venue's June 29 Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race in addition to a distillery tour, bourbon tasting and collectible shot glass. Those who purchase one of 2,000 available packages for $110 while supplies last or before Jan. 31, 2013 will witness the Quaker State 400 from popular sections of speedway Grandstand 1 or 6 and receive two distillery tour/tasting tickets valid until Dec. 31, 2013 along with the premium shot glass bearing the Buffalo Trace logo. Unique packages are on sale now and can be purchased at http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com , by phone at (859) 578-2300 or by visiting the Kentucky Speedway corporate offices at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41086 just off Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Kentucky Highway 35 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays.(Kentucky Speedway)(12-13-2012)
UNOH extends Kentucky NCWTS partnership through 2015: The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) will be the title sponsor for Kentucky Speedway's UNOH 225 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event though 2015 under the terms of an extended corporate partnership. The third UNOH 225 in Kentucky Speedway history will open a tripleheader NASCAR weekend on Thursday, June 27, 2013. The NASCAR Nationwide Series Feed The Children 300 will follow on Friday, June 28 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 will provide the weekend finale on Saturday, June 29. Located in Lima, Ohio, UNOH grants master's, baccalaureate, and associate degrees through its Colleges of Applied Technologies, Business, Occupational Professions, Health Professions, and Graduate Programs along with online degree options. The College of Applied Technologies prepares students for careers in the motorsports and automotive industries through specialized automotive, high performance motorsports, diesel, agricultural, and alternate fuels programs. The UNOH College of Applied Technologies has built a storied motorsports history through its involvement in the ARCA Racing Series, three NASCAR national touring series, and events such as the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour UNOH Perfect Storm 150 contested at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Kentucky Speedway will support the event entitlement with a wide array of promotional activities. The 2013 UNOH 225 will be the 16th NCWTS event in Kentucky Speedway history. (Kentucky Speedway PR)(10-12-2012)
Craven to give the green for trucks at Kentucky: Craven, the former driver of the #32 Tide NASCAR Sprint Cup Series machine, will send the 36-truck NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Kentucky 201 field racing on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Gallatin Co., Ky., Judge Executive Ken McFarland will be the race grand marshal and deliver the command to start engines after Broshear, of Oxford, Ohio, performs "The Star Spangled Banner." Craven became the 15th driver to earn a victory in each of NASCAR's three national touring series when he claimed a 105-mile NCWTS race title at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 22, 2005. He also is the first driver to earn Rookie of the Year honors in each national NASCAR touring series. The 46-year-old from Newburgh, Maine took one of two closest race finishes in NSCS history by edging Kurt Busch by 0.002 of a second at the Darlington Raceway finish line on March 16, 2003. Jimmie Johnson matched Craven's margin of victory on April 17, 2011 by inching below the Talladega Superspeedway checkered flag ahead of Clint Bowyer.(Kentucky Speedway)(9-18-2012)
Kentucky Speedway seeks fan council applicants: Kentucky Speedway is seeking 15 race enthusiasts to found a Fan Council. Selected members will work directly with the speedway management team to brainstorm, discuss, debate and focus on ideas that will enhance the speedway guest experience. Discussions will be conducted throughout the year by either conference call, e-mail, survey or meetings at the 107,000-capacity speedway. Each council member must be at least 18 years of age and will be asked to commit to a one-year term. Applications are available for download at http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/fancouncil/. Applications being returned by mail must be postmarked by Sept. 14, 2012. Council member selections will be made by Sept. 21, 2012.(Kentucky Speedway)(8-18-2012)
Kentucky Speedway ready to comfort, entertain fans: Kentucky Speedway will comfort race fans attending its June 28-30 NASCAR events by stationing multiple cool zones throughout the facility in addition to stocking extra ice and water with dry, above-average temperatures forecast for the remainder of the week. Speedway campgrounds opened Tuesday at noon and the first race team haulers are scheduled to arrive on the Kentucky Speedway infield Wednesday at 11 a.m. Parking lots open at 7 a.m., each race day and fans will be able to enjoy driver appearances along with a wide variety of music, interactive activities, food and shopping in the concourse-level display area as well as the infield Fan Zone throughout the weekend. The Quaker State 400 race day line-up includes country music superstar Chris Young in concert at 5:15 p.m., on the frontstretch stage and high-energy Bud Light artists LoCash Cowboys in concert at 3 p.m., on the Budweiser stage. Multi-talented stage performer and country music artist Laura Bell Bundy, originally of Lexington, Ky., will sing "The Star Spangled Banner."(Kentucky Speedway)(6-27-2012)
Laura Bell Bundy to Perform Kentucky National Anthem: Versatile star of stage, screen and country music radio Laura Bell Bundy will honor America when she sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the green flag waves for Kentucky Speedway's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 on Saturday, June 30. The accomplished singer/songwriter and multi-talented stage performer from Lexington, Ky., is preparing to release her second country music collection. Her debut Achin' and Shakin' album demonstrates traditional and modern country influences with popular singles from the upbeat "Giddy On Up" to the romantic "Drop On By."(Kentucky Speedway)(6-27-2012)
Kentucky State Police to lead Speedway traffic: Kentucky State Police (KSP) outlined its parking and traffic management plan for Kentucky Speedway's June 28-30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" weekend. The plan will make full use of infrastructure projects completed by the State of Kentucky, Kentucky Speedway and Speedway Motorsports, Inc., that widened the Interstate 71 exit ramp to Kentucky Highway 35 to three lanes, expanded Ky. Hwy. 35 to seven lanes, yielded parking for an estimated 20,000 additional vehicles and constructed a pedestrian tunnel which connects 170 acres of new Ford Parking to the original speedway property. Captain Dean Hayes, Trooper Brad Arterburn, Trooper Michael Webb presented the plan which calls for KSP to control all parking operations, station a trooper in each parking lot and direct 300 attendants employed by a new parking service contracted by Kentucky Speedway.
KSP will additionally manage "Quaker State 400" traffic by establishing a contraflow lane on northbound I-71 which will allow non-event traffic traveling southbound to safely bypass the speedway and decrease the potential for delays. State police will additionally divert as much commercial traffic as possible from I-71 to Interstate 64 and Interstate 75 with highway signage.
Speedway guests traveling southbound on I-71 will be directed to Exit 57 where police will utilize cones, signs and six lanes of Ky. Hwy. 35 to funnel traffic into new Ford Parking areas created on 170 acres of land just east of the speedway as well as lots accessible from Kentucky Speedway Entrance 3. Traffic traveling northbound on I-71 will access new and original Kentucky Speedway parking lots via I-71 Exit 55, state Route 1039 and the venue's Speedway Blvd. All traffic entering the venue from access roads will be parked simultaneously. KSP and Kentucky Speedway will utilize a media mix of local outlets, roadside message boards, Facebook and Twitter to provide fans traffic updates every 30 minutes or as necessary on "Quaker State 400" race day. Following the "Quaker State 400," exterior traffic will be held 30 minutes to allow pedestrians to safely return to their vehicles. Infield traffic will be held 90 minutes to reduce congestion.
KSP encourages "Quaker State 400" guests to leave early to avoid delays; be conscious that delays are possible as is the case with any major public or sporting event; exercise patience; avoid aggressive driving habits; maintain awareness of thousands of pedestrians near the speedway; and use extra caution when returning home. Tickets, campsites and daily infield Fan Zone passes for all events can be purchased by logging on to kentuckyspeedway.com/tickets, calling 859-578-2300.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-22-2012)
Kentucky Speedway offers 'Celebrate 88' ticket/tshirt deal for 88 hours: Quaker State is celebrating Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) victory since 2008 by offering Kentucky Speedway fans an $88 Kentucky Tower Grandstand ticket for the June 30 "Quaker State 400" along with a free Dale Jr., T-shirt for only 88 hours beginning Wednesday, June 20 at 9:00 am. Fans who take advantage of the special offer will save $22 per ticket and will be seated in the "Celebrate 88" section of the Kentucky Tower. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchases by calling (859) 578-2300, logging on to kentuckyspeedway.com or visiting the Kentucky Speedway corporate offices Tickets remain for all events.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-20-2012)
Kentucky Gov. and Buton Smtih tour improved Kentucky Speedway infrastructure: On Monday, June 11, 2012, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Speedway Motorsports, Inc., (SMI) Chairman and CEO Bruton Smith toured expanded infrastructure that will streamline traffic flows for three NASCAR events that make up Kentucky Speedway's June 28-30 "Quaker State 400" weekend as well as future events at the 107,000-seat venue. The State of Kentucky completed projects which expanded Kentucky Highway 35 to seven lanes, widened the I-71 ramp to Ky. Hwy. 35 to three lanes and constructed a pedestrian tunnel that will connect the massive new Ford Parking lot east of Ky. Hwy. 35 to Kentucky Speedway. In addition to acquiring and engineering 170 new acres for the Ford Parking lot, Kentucky Speedway converted 50 new acres of previously unusable land to parking and added gravel aisles to 100 acres of previously all-grass parking. In total, the projects yielded parking for an additional 20,000 vehicles compared to 2011.
"I commend Bruton Smith and (Kentucky Speedway General Manager) Mark Simendinger and all the other people at Kentucky Speedway for the obvious improvements that have been made to this facility. Equally important has been their resolve to make the Quaker State 400 the showcase event it deserves to be," said Gov. Beshear. "Their investment and their resolve made it easy for us to also invest in roadway improvements to increase traffic capacity in the vicinity of Kentucky Speedway. We obviously have a great number of passionate NASCAR fans in this region. Kentucky Speedway is ideally situated to draw from those fans in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee and even farther, and we look forward to this race being a signature event for many years to come."
The speedway further contracted Veteran's Security and Patrol, Co., as its new parking management service and partnered with nationally-recognized engineering firm Stantec to create a simulation model which helped shape a new speedway traffic management plan by predicting numerous scenarios managers may encounter on event days. Kentucky Speedway complemented the infrastructure expansions by constructing a new overpass to its infield tunnel road which will allow a bolstered fleet of free guest trams to efficiently travel designated routes to gates and points of interest on race days. "It is important to recognize the leadership Gov. Beshear and Bruton Smith displayed through the past year to make these improvements possible. They continue their shared commitment to making Kentucky Speedway the best motorsports venue in the country," Simendinger said.
Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Speedway will partner to provide race fans frequent race day traffic updates through a mix of Facebook (Kentucky State Police / Kentucky Speedway) and Twitter (@kystatepolice / @KySpeedway) messages, information radio station 1620 AM which can be heard within a five-mile radius of the speedway as well as Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana media outlets.
Tickets, campsites and daily infield Fan Zone passes for all events can be purchased by logging on to kentuckyspeedway.com/tickets, calling 859-578-2300 or visiting the Kentucky Speedway corporate offices at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41086 just off of Interstate 71 Exit 57 and the newly-expanded, seven-lane Kentucky Highway 35.(KYS)(6-13-2012)
Ford sponsoring Kentucky parking areas Ford will team with Ford Dealers in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana to support Kentucky Speedway's race day traffic management for five 2012 NASCAR events including the Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" by sponsoring 170 new acres of free parking east of the 107,000-capacity venue. Fans arriving at the speedway in Ford vehicles will be directed to park in forward sections of the expansive Ford Parking area. Lots that make up the area will bear the names of Ford models including the Louisville, Ky., built Escape, which will serve as the speedway's Official Pace Vehicle; Fusion, which races on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit; and F150, which competes on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series tour. A parking lot also is expected to display the name of the brand's iconic Mustang model, which is featured on the NASCAR Nationwide Series circuit. Ford Parking will combine with repurposed land on the original Kentucky Speedway property to accommodate an estimated 20,000 additional vehicles.(Kentucky Speedway)(5-31-2012)
2013 Ford Escape named the Official Pace Vehicle of Kentucky Speedway: #17-Matt Kenseth presented the 2013 Ford Escape as the official pace vehicle of Kentucky Speedway's June 28-30 "Quaker State 400" tripleheader race weekend during a visit to the Ford Motor Co., Louisville Assembly Plant. Kenseth enjoyed a plant tour before unveiling two Kentucky Speedway themed Escapes. Tickets, campsites and daily infield Fan Zone passes can be purchased through the "Tickets" pages of kentuckyspeedway.com, by calling (859) 578-2300.(Kentucky Speedway)(5-17-2012)
Marlee Scott to Perform National Anthems at Watkins Glen: Marlee Scott will perform the American and Canadian National Anthems live on ESPN prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at The Glen race on Sunday, August 12. Scott, a Big Ride Entertainment artist and Toronto, ON native currently residing in Nashville, will also perform at Friday Night's FREE Red Cat Summer Stage Concert on the infield of Watkins Glen International. Scott has previously performed at the ACC Football Championship, the Breeders' Cup and at a number of Major League Baseball games including the Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. Tickets for the 2012 race season at Watkins Glen International are on sale now! Fans may purchase tickets and camping by contacting the WGI ticket office at 866.461.RACE(7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com.(WGI)(5-17-2012)
Kentucky Speedway boss confident traffic, parking woes solved: Mark Simendinger, general manager of Kentucky Speedway, might be looking forward to the June 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Quaker State 400 more than anyone else in the state. Even at a feel-good event, Tuesday's unveiling of the new 2013 Ford Escape pace vehicles built at Louisville's Ford Assembly Plant, even with Daytona 500 champ Matt Kenseth on hand to hype the event, the talk eventually turned to traffic. "I cannot wait," Simendinger said. "I used to play sports a lot. I played a lot of baseball, and there were certain pitchers that I couldn't hit, and I wasn't too thrilled about going up and facing those guys. But when I knew I was going to be able to hit somebody, I couldn't wait to get up. And that's the way I feel right now because we are ready to go." Last year's traffic debacle at the speedway's inaugural Sprint Cup event is well-documented. In fact, the traffic and parking nightmare quickly came to be synonymous with the venue, which in turn has been its own nightmare for track officials as they seek to get back on the lead lap with customers.
Over the past 10 months the state widened the I-71 ramp at Ky. 35 and widened the state road to seven lanes. The track bought 173 acres across the street for parking, converted 50 more acres on site to parking and constructed a 42-foot pedestrian tunnel to connect the new parking area to the speedway.
Speedway officials also hired a new parking service to run race-day traffic and increased the number of trams and interior roadways at the track, while also constructing an overpass to its infield tunnel to separate tram and infield traffic. "We've spent a lot of money and time and preparation," Simendinger said. "We've done all this computer simulation modeling, so I know it works, but all you can do is open up the doors and let everyone see for themselves. And we can't wait to do that. ... I'm excited. Things are starting to build up and the focus is building to the racing, as it should be." As the 2012 race draws closer, Simendinger and everyone at Kentucky Speedway hopes the attention turns to that kind of traffic detail instead of the kind that made headlines last year. But they know that until they get the race crowd in and out, the shadow still will be there. Some tickets remain for the race. For the first time, fans will be allowed to bring their own coolers into the grandstand (14 by 14 inches, no alcoholic beverages).(Courier-Journal)
AND Kentucky Speedway and the state have spent millions to expand parking and improve infrastructure and access after heavy traffic and parking problems kept thousands from attending the inaugural Sprint Cup Series race last summer. Last week, a team of top NASCAR officials visited the speedway to survey the improvements. "From our standpoint, I thought it was a very good meeting," Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger said Tuesday. "I appreciated them coming in and taking the time to see all the hard work that we put in."(Cincinnati Enquirer)(5-16-2012)
Kentucky Ford Fan Day on April 28: Kentucky Speedway's Ford Fan Day will offer guests a multitude of activities, a behind-the-scenes view of all areas of the 107,000-capacity facility, U.S. Legends International quarter-mile track racing, chances to win prizes as well as previews of road and parking improvements on Saturday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests will be able to tour the garages, media center, grandstands, press box, owner's suite, spotters' stand, campgrounds and a new tunnel that connects the original speedway property to expansive new parking fields. In addition to Legends racing, highlighted activities include the chance to take a Victory Lane photo with the speedway's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" trophy, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy and the Sprint Show Car courtesy of Walmart, a chat with speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger, a Racing Roundtable discussion with local media along with a Fire and Safety Team demonstration. Raceway Ministries will organize children's activities such as face painting and youngsters also will have the chance to make announcements on the speedway's public address system.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-3-2012)
Stantec helping the Kentucky Speedway prepare for crowds: A nationally-recognized transportation planning team from Stantec in Kentucky is helping the Kentucky Speedway prepare for crowds at the June 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" at the 107,000-capacity venue. The 2011 "Quaker State 400," the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at the speedway, drew national attention when an overwhelming race-day crowd resulted in a gridlocked roadway system and parking shortages. In response, Kentucky Speedway acted aggressively to address and resolve the problems identified last year. Kentucky Speedway has partnered with Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to implement multi-million dollar infrastructure and program improvements.
More info on the Stantec's microscopic traffic simulation at kentuckyspeedway.com. Tickets, campsites and daily infield Fan Zone passes for the Quaker State 400 tripleheader weekend can be purchased at kentuckyspeedway.com, by calling 859-578-2300 or visiting the Kentucky Speedway corporate offices.(Kentucky Speedway)(3-27-2012)
Kentucky Speedway to start installing tunnel: On Tuesday, February 14th, construction crews will begin installing sections of a 42-foot-wide tunnel beneath Kentucky Highway 35 that will connect new Kentucky Speedway parking fields to the facility's original property. A crane will install the tunnel in 25 sections that are 42-feet wide and approximately 11 feet high. The tunnel and parking fields are elements of ongoing projects that will ultimately expand parking while improving automotive and pedestrian traffic flows during Kentucky Speedway events. Additional elements include widening the I-71 ramp at Exit 57 and widening Ky. 35. The first of two 2012 Kentucky Speedway event weekends will feature the June 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400," the June 29 NASCAR Nationwide Series "Feed The Children 300" and June 28 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series "UNOH 225." The second weekend will spotlight the Sept. 21 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series "Kentucky 201" and Sept. 22 NASCAR Nationwide Series "Kentucky 300." Tickets, campsites and daily infield Fan Zone passes for all events are available at kentuckyspeedway.com and by phone at 888-652-7223. Campsites and daily infield Fan Zone passes can be purchased by calling 859-578-2300.(Kentucky Speedway)(2-14-2012)
Company disputes number of Kentucky parking attendants: The company hired to direct parking at Kentucky Speedway's inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race last summer disputes track owner Bruton Smith's recent assertion that hundreds of attendants failed to show up for work on race day. The head of Brantley Security Services' event management division claims the company had more attendants on the speedway grounds July 9 than it was obligated to provide. Smith and Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger gave a presentation during last week's NASCAR media tour in North Carolina detailing steps being taken to expand parking and improve infrastructure around the Sparta, Ky., track before this year's Quaker State 400. "The company that Mark had dealt with as far as the number of parkers, we contracted for 300. Eighty-four showed up," Smith said during his opening remarks Jan. 25. A Nashville lawyer whose firm represents Brantley Security challenged those figures in a letter sent to The Enquirer. Jeremy Curran, president of Brantley Security's event management division, supported attorney David L. Johnson's claim that Brantley contracted with the speedway to provide 96 attendants for the Quaker State 400 and, in fact, had 112 show up on race day. A copy of a signed contract between Brantley Services and Kentucky Speedway does not specify the number of attendants Brantley was requested to provide on July 9. Curran provided a spreadsheet detailing Brantley's parking plan for the day that shows 10 supervisors, 30 directors and 56 parkers. Curran claims Kentucky Speedway asked for more parking attendants for the 2009 Nationwide Series race than it did for the inaugural Sprint Cup Series race in July.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(2-5-2012)
Kentucky tickets on sale Feb. 8; Fans can now carry in coolers: Kentucky Speedway will place single race tickets for its five NASCAR races including the June 30 Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" on sale Feb. 8 at 9:00 a.m., and allow customers to carry coolers in to all events for the first time in speedway history. Single race ticket prices for five NASCAR events scheduled June 28-30 and Sept. 21-22 will not increase. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" tickets range from $75 to $110 and NASCAR Nationwide Series race tickets range from $45 to $75 based on seat location. All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race tickets are $30 or $40 for reserved seats. Customers can purchase tickets at www.kentuckyspeedway.com, 888-652-7223 and through speedway offices at 1 Speedway Drive in Sparta, Ky., 41086, just off Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. State Highway 35. Coolers will be limited in size to 14 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches. Customers will be able to carry in snacks, unopened soft drinks and water to enjoy during events. Kentucky law prohibits alcoholic beverages of any kind to be carried through the speedway gates.(Kentucky Speedway)(2-2-2012)
Kentucky Speedway Infrastructure Improvements Outlined: Kentucky Speedway officials presented national reporters an overview of infrastructure projects in progress at the 107,000-capacity Sparta, Ky., facility during the annual NASCAR preseason media tour today. Outlined projects will be complete before Kentucky Speedway opens its five-race 2012 schedule with a NASCAR tripleheader weekend featuring the Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400," Nationwide Series "Feed The Children 300," and Camping World Truck Series "UNOH 225" June 28-30. The speedway will play host to a second 300-mile NASCAR Nationwide Series event on Sept. 22 and a 225-mile NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Sept. 21.
This season, Kentucky Speedway will feature:
Expanded Parking: Kentucky Speedway purchased two large land parcels adjacent to the north side of Kentucky Highway 35 which will be converted to expansive new parking fields. Kentucky Speedway also repurposed portions of its original acreage for additional parking.
Easier Facility Access: The state of Kentucky has committed to widening the Interstate 71 exit ramp at Ky. 35, widening Ky. 35 to seven lanes at points where it services the speedway and constructing a pedestrian tunnel which will safely connect new parking fields to the Kentucky Speedway grounds.
A New Traffic Plan: Kentucky Speedway will execute a new pedestrian and automotive traffic plan.
Infrastructure Improvements: Kentucky Speedway will construct and overpass to its infield tunnel road that will separate tram traffic and infield traffic. The speedway also will expand restrooms.
Improved Campsites: Expanded campgrounds will feature enhanced campsites, many with access to electric service.
"We want the chance to prove ourselves. You'll see when you come back, all the improvements," Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) Chairman and CEO Bruton Smith said. Five-race season ticket plans, a three-race June Weekend Ticket Package that includes a 1:24 scale Dale Earnhardt, Jr., die-cast collectible along with season and weekend campsites are available now at 859-578-2300, by going to Kentuckyspeedway.com, the Kentucky Speedway corporate offices at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41806 off of Interstate 71 Exit 57 and state Highway 35.(Kentucky Speedway)(1-26-2012)
Kentucky new parking field, road expansion projects advance: Kentucky Speedway's parking expansion project is beginning to take shape behind diligent construction crew efforts in unusually-mild Midwest winter temperatures. SMI acquired a 143-acre parcel of land adjacent to Kentucky Speedway and state Highway 35 in August 2011. The tract will be converted new parking fields that will be connected to speedway grounds by a new pedestrian tunnel. The tunnel is part of a Commonwealth of Kentucky project that will expand state Highway 35 to improve automotive and the Interstate 71 exit ramp at state Highway 35 to help improve automotive traffic flows during Kentucky Speedway events. Parking and road expansion projects are scheduled to be completed in spring.(Kentucky Speedway)(1-16-2012)
Kentucky Speedway introduces three race ticket package: Kentucky Speedway will introduce its first discounted three-race ticket package for its season-opening NASCAR tripleheader weekend that includes the June 30 Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400," June 29 Nationwide Series "Feed The Children 300," and June 28 Camping World Truck Series "UNOH 225" on Jan. 11. The weekend package is priced from $129 to $209 based on ticket quantity and seat location. As an added incentive, customers who purchase the package and all speedway season ticket holders will receive a 1:24 scale Dale Earnhardt, Jr., NASCAR Sprint Cup Series #88 collectible die cast car valued at $70. Cars will be limited to one per account. The weekend ticket package, campsites and daily infield Fan Zone passes will go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 9:00 a.m. Five-race season ticket plans and season campsites also remain available. Each can be purchased through www.kentuckyspeedway.com, by calling 859-578-2300 or by visiting the Kentucky Speedway offices at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41086.(Kentucky Speedway)(1-11-2012)
Contract awarded to upgrade roads near Kentucky Speedway: An Ohio company submitted the low bid of $3.7 million to get a state contract to improve roads near the Kentucky Speedway, the site of a massive traffic tie-up in July. The state Transportation Cabinet said Monday that the bid by Sunesis Construction Co. of West Chester, Ohio, was $220,183 below the cabinet's estimate for the project. Four other companies also submitted bids, the cabinet said in a news release. The project will widen sections of Interstate 71 and Ky. 35 in Gallatin County so traffic can flow more quickly and safely into the Speedway's parking areas, which also are being enlarged by owner Speedway Motorsports Inc. In addition, a pedestrian tunnel will be built. The state agreed to make the investment after Speedway Motorsports took steps to prevent a recurrence of the traffic jam that plagued the track's inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in July. Traffic backed up onto I-71 and other roads for miles, largely because of insufficient parking space and traffic management at the track, the state has said. The new project includes improving the I-71 southbound ramp to allow a third lane of right-turn exit traffic onto Ky. 35, which runs past the Speedway. The ramp currently has two right-turn lanes. In addition, six-tenths of a mile of Ky. 35 will be widened to five lanes with two, full-width shoulders. The pedestrian tunnel, to be installed beneath Ky. 35, will enable race patrons to walk safely from new parking lots to the Speedway complex.(Herald Leader.)(12-6-2011)
Kentucky season ticket holder Richard Petty tireside chat Jan 31st: Customers who purchase or renew season tickets for Kentucky Speedway's five NASCAR event 2012 campaign on or before Wednesday, January 18, 2012 will be automatically entered to receive one of 250 invitations for two to an exclusive "Tireside Chat" with Hall of Fame NASCAR legend Richard Petty at Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in Vevay, Ind., on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The seven-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) team owner known as "The King", will relay his career experiences and answer Kentucky Speedway season ticket customer questions during the "Tireside Chat."
Season tickets for the 107,000-capacity facility's 13th season start at $179 and include significant benefits such as an opportunity to purchase as many as 12 additional tickets to the June 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" before they go on sale to the general public.
Season Tickets and season campsites can be purchased by logging on to kentuckyspeedway.com/tickets, calling 859-578-2300 or visiting the speedway corporate offices.(Kentucky Speedway)(12-4-2011)
Kentucky season ticket holders can win "Tireside Chat" with the King: Customers who purchase or renew season tickets for Kentucky Speedway's five NASCAR event 2012 season on or before Wednesday, January 18, 2012 will be automatically entered to receive one of 250 invitations for two to an exclusive "Tireside Chat" with Hall of Fame NASCAR legend Richard Petty at Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in Vevay, Ind., in early February. The seven-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) team owner known as "The King" after racing a record 200 victories in his iconic #43 STP machine from 1960 to 1984, will relay his career experiences and answer Kentucky Speedway season ticket customer questions during the "Tireside Chat." Season tickets for the 107,000-capacity facility's 13th season start at $179 and include significant benefits such as an opportunity to purchase as many as 12 additional tickets to the June 30 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" before they go on sale to the general public.(Kentucky Speedway)(11-26-2011)
Kentucky adds second Nationwide race in 2012: Kentucky Speedway announced its 2012 schedule will feature five NASCAR-sanctioned events highlighted by the return of the Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 in June and the addition of a second 300-mile Nationwide Series race in September. The Quaker State 400 is slotted one week earlier on the Sprint Cup Series schedule on Saturday, June 30. The second series event in track history will serve as the finale to a tripleheader weekend that also includes the NNS Feed The Children 300 on Friday, June 29 and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225 on Thursday, June 28. The newly-awarded, Saturday, Sept. 22 NNS race will close out the speedway's fall weekend that opens with a 225-mile NCWTS event on Friday, Sept. 21.(Kentucky Speedway)(10-15-2011)
Kentucky Speedway gets 2012 Sprint Cup race date: NASCAR's Sprint Cup racing series will return to the Kentucky Speedway. Track officials revealed Tuesday that on June 30, 2012 the track will host its next major race. Before a State Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday, Mark Simendinger, the track's general manager said NASCAR is satisfied scenes like what happened earlier this summer won't happen again. However, the senators had plenty of tough questions of their own. Among the thousands of people who got tied up in traffic on the way to the Kentucky Speedway's inaugural Sprint Cup race was State Senator Bob Leeper (I-Paducah). "I was one of those people," Leeper said. "I have my tickets here." Simendinger once again took full responsibility for the traffic mess. "We do not want to have this issue again," Simendinger said. "I can't stress that to you guys enough." Simendinger said the track and state transportation officials think they can avoid similar parking and traffic problems in the future with planned improvements - more parking, more lanes and better traffic flow. "I want enough parking, enough lanes, I want them moving fast enough so that, and we didn't build this track and we're not spending all this money to just be ok," said Simendinger. It's not just the Speedway spending money. Improvements also come at an almost $4 million price tag to the state and that brought the most criticism from senators. Kentucky Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock told senators that the cabinet's main concern is keeping I-71 moving and the state was going to have to spend the money to do that on NASCAR weekends. Simendinger said the state improvements were part of the plan the Speedway pitched to NASCAR before NASCAR agreed Kentucky could have another Sprint Cup race next year.(Wave News)(9-7-2011)
Kentucky Speedway buying land for more parking UPDATE: The rows of tobacco and corn growing on land across from Kentucky Speedway will be replaced next year by rows of cars. This week the speedway bought a large tract near Ky. 35 in Gallatin County from Jo Wischer. The 84-year-old Florence resident wouldn't talk Thursday about how much the speedway paid - which according to a deed filed with the Gallatin County Clerk's office was $1.5 million - for the "couple hundred acres," but said she knows how it intends to use the property. "The speedway will be taking care of parking with it," Wischer said. A fleet of earth-moving equipment was staged next to the weather-beaten tobacco barn on the 219-acre property formerly owned by Wischer. The tract includes 144 acres north of Interstate 71. Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger declined comment Thursday except to say that details would be forthcoming next week.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(8-27-2011)
UPDATE: Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) announced the acquisition of a 143-acre parcel of land that will be used to greatly expand Kentucky Speedway parking and the hiring of professional parking and engineering services to best manage automotive and pedestrian traffic flows during venue event days. Because of the actions taken by the Speedway, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) pledged to improve surrounding highways to allow faster access to expanded parking areas. "We learned meaningful lessons during our inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend and we committed that the traffic congestion that occurred on race day would not happen again. It was important for us to act quickly and I am thrilled to report this solution, which was formed in only seven short weeks. I compliment and thank SMI Chairman and CEO Bruton Smith, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and KYTC Sec. Mike Hancock for working collaboratively on this plan," Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger said. The expansive parcel located east of the 107,000 capacity facility and state Highway 35 is expected to increase available event parking by 35 percent. The speedway will further improve its parking operation by reinforcing all areas with gravel and painting guidelines to help maximize available space. Veteran's Security and Patrol Co., which has extensive experience managing parking during events at prominent motorsports venues such as Daytona International Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Watkins Glen International, will begin servicing the speedway in October. Kentucky Speedway will additionally retain the services of a traffic engineering company that will employ sophisticated modeling techniques to assimilate the new improvements with existing infrastructure to create the best possible traffic management plan. SMI will invest an estimated $7.5 million in its service and parking improvements. The company has already begun engineering the newly-acquired land.
"Kentucky Speedway is a premier destination for the country's best racing, and it's clear that tens of thousands of people want to be right here to experience those events. The NASCAR race weekend this July was a huge success, but it did experience traffic problems, caused largely by inadequate parking," said Gov. Beshear. "To assure visitors have an even better experience next year, we've worked hand in hand with SMI to plan improvements that will benefit fans on race day and Gallatin County residents year-round." The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) complemented the SMI commitments by approving several enhancements to existing infrastructure that will assist in moving traffic more quickly during future race events.
Enhancements will:
� Improve the Interstate 71 Exit 57 southbound ramp shoulder to allow three lanes of traffic to exit to KY 35 and directly access staggered speedway entrances during event days;
� Improve nearly one mile of KY 35 from the I-71 interchange. Approximately 0.6 of a mile of KY 35 will be widened to five lanes with two full width shoulders to better service two primary speedway access roads and improve daily traffic flow to Warsaw;
� Construct a tunnel beneath state KY 35 to safely and efficiently route pedestrian traffic to shuttles which transport fans to speedway gates.
The Cabinet will support the $3.6 million project with its contingency fund, and plans to present the project for bid by the end of 2011 to ensure work will be complete before the summer of 2012.(Kentucky Speedway)(8-30-2011)
NASCAR working on Kentucky traffic issues: UPDATE: NASCAR president Mike Helton says the traffic gridlock at the inaugural Sprint Cup Series at Kentucky is a "very serious issue" that must be corrected. Speaking Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Helton says NASCAR is working with Kentucky Speedway officials to find out why fans were stuck in traffic for hours as they tried to get into Saturday night's race at the track in Sparta, Ky. Helton says NASCAR "won't rest" until it figures out what went wrong and how to correct the problems. Many fans say once they got to the gate, they were turned away by police because the track had run out of parking spaces.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(7-15-2011)
UPDATE: Burton Smith, the head of the company which owns Kentucky Speedway, and NASAR president Mike Helton talked about the traffic problems which boiled over at the track last weekend during separate meetings with the media Friday. Both said the problems will be fixed, but the tones of the two executives were markedly different in tone. Smith was defiant and combatitive with in his press conference. Smith did apologize but said no cash refunds will be made to disgruntled fans by the track would participate in a ticket exchange. "We had a traffic problem," Smith, founder of Speedway Motorsports Inc., said, "we didn't have a seat problem. Other than that, I think everything was fantastic." Smith said the problem rested not solely with Kentucky Speedway. He said Interstate 71, the main highway to the track, was to blame. He also the the company he hired to park cars did "a lousy job".(Racin' Today)(7-15-2011)
Kentucky Speedway Apologizes to Fans, Ticket Exchange: Kentucky Speedway, which is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., today issued the following statement regarding the fan experience at Saturday's "Quaker State 400."
"To those fans that were not able to attend the Quaker State 400, we offer our sincerest apologies," said Mark Simendinger, general manager, Kentucky Speedway. "We'd also like to apologize to all of our fans who endured challenging conditions during our event weekend. As we said earlier, we're committed to working with NASCAR, state and local officials and traffic experts to address Saturday's traffic issues to ensure that we never have this type of experience again."
"I would like to apologize on behalf of Speedway Motorsports to the fans who had tickets, yet due to logistical issues, were not able to attend the inaugural Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway," said Marcus Smith, president and chief operating officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. "For those fans with tickets who were unable to attend Saturday night's event, we will honor their ticket at any remaining 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at a Speedway Motorsports facility or the 2012 Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway.
"Our company has always been about enhancing the fan experience with first-class amenities and putting fans first. I feel terrible for the fans that had a bad experience at Kentucky Speedway and we are asking that they give us a chance to make it up to them. We are very thankful for the overwhelming fan support we had for this inaugural event. We learned some valuable lessons this past weekend and will do everything in our power to make sure we don't have these issues again."
The ticket exchange is good for the following events at Speedway Motorsports facilities while supplies last at each respective venue:
July 17 - New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Aug. 27 - Bristol Motor Speedway
Sept. 4 - Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sept. 25 - New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Oct. 15 - Charlotte Motor Speedway
Nov. 6 - Texas Motor Speedway
2012 - Kentucky Speedway
In addition to the ticket exchange, Kentucky Speedway will issue these fans an equal quantity of tickets to either its Oct. 1 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 225-mile race or Oct. 2 IZOD IndyCar Series 300-mile event. For information on ticket exchange and redemption, fans should only contact the Kentucky Speedway ticket office at 859-578-2300 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com.(Kentucky Speedway)(7-11-2011)
Statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France: "While NASCAR was thrilled by the incredible response to our inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Kentucky, we also are extremely disappointed by the traffic problems and inconveniences endured by fans who wanted to be part of our races at Kentucky Speedway. NASCAR will be in close communications with Kentucky Speedway and Speedway Motorsports Inc. to see that they work to resolve the issues. This situation cannot happen again."(NASCAR) see many articles links posts July 10th & 11th on my Article Links page.(7-11-2011)
Statement from Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger regarding traffic for the Quaker State 400: "We've had an overwhelming response to our inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400." We know we had challenges related to traffic. We're already planning improvements and looking forward to a much better situation for next year's event.(7-10-2011)
UPDATE Statement from Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger regarding Saturday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" traffic: "Kentucky Speedway regrets the traffic conditions surrounding the 'Quaker State 400.' We're committed to working with NASCAR, state and local officials and traffic experts to assure that this never happens again. The details of these improvements will be announced over time as they are formulated. We also recognize the traffic problems resulted in some fans not being able to attend the 'Quaker State 400.' We are gathering information on this and will announce a policy for these affected fans within seven days. Our 'Quaker State 400' ticket holders are invited to share their experiences with us through firstname.lastname@example.com. We thank all our fans for giving the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series such a great welcome to our venue."(KYS)(7-11-2011)
Kentucky Gov. to work with speedway to address traffic: Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear said Sunday he will work with officials at Kentucky Speedway to address the traffic flow and parking problems that plagued Saturday's Quaker State 400. A bottleneck traffic jam at Interstate 71's Exit 57 onto Ky. 35, the road that runs by the track, left thousands stuck in traffic for six hours in many cases and ultimately too late to see the race. Many ticket holders also said they were turned away when they eventually arrived after the race began because there was no more parking left at the track. "There is no question that the entire week at the Kentucky Speedway was a big success, but it's also clear that there are issues, such as traffic flow, which must be addressed before next year's event," Beshear said in a statement. "We will work with track officials to determine what can be done to address these problems, so that next year's NASCAR event will be even bigger and better." Beshear said it was too early to tell whether the state would get involved in a major expansion or renovation of the interstate near the track. That is the hope, though, of Bruton Smith, the chairman of the track's ownership group, who said during the race that the state would need to step up in fixing the interstate.(full article at the Lexington Herald-Leader)(7-11-2011)
Kentucky Notes-n-Nuggets:
" Kyle Busch's victory in the inaugural Cup race at Kentucky Speedway was his 22nd series victory in his 240th start.
" Kyle Busch tied Kevin Harvick with his third victory of the season and assumed the Cup points lead by four points over Carl Edwards.
" Kyle Busch won from the pole, the first driver to do that in a Cup race in 2011.
" Five of Kyle Busch's 22 career victories (23 percent) have come from the pole.
" It was the fourth win of the season for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2011, tying Roush Fenway Racing for the most.
" David Reutimann (second) scored his best finish of 2011 and only his second top-10 in 18 races.
" Jimmie Johnson (third) finished in the top 10 for the 11th time this season.
" Ryan Newman (fourth) earned his best finish of 2011.
" Carl Edwards (fifth) picked up his 13th top-10 finish in 18 races, the most of any driver.
" Matt Kenseth (sixth) has finished 14th or better in each of the past eight races.
" Jamie McMurray (36th) blew his engine and has not finished in the top 10 in the past eight races.
(Racing Recall/nascar.com)
Kentucky Odds and Ends
" Of the 20 lead changes in Saturday night's race, eight of them (40 percent) happened under caution.
" Kyle Busch is tied with Terry Labonte with 22 career Cup wins, putting Kyle in a tie for 27th on the all-time wins list.
" David Reutimann's 2nd-place finish was his best of the year (previous best was 9th at Coca-Cola 600).
" Kasey Kahne finished 13th on Saturday. He has one top-10 finish in his last eight races.
" Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 30th _ marking the fourth consecutive race he's finished worse than 15th.
" Since finishing 2nd at Dover in May, Mark Martin has one top-10 finish in his last seven starts.
" David Ragan's eighth-place finish came after his win at Daytona last weekend. It marked the second time this season he's had back-to-back top-10 finishes.(Virginian Pilot)(7-10-2011)
Kyle Busch wins at Kentucky: #18-Kyle Busch won the inaugrual Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway for his 3rd win of 2011, 22nd career win and taking the points lead. #00-Reutimann finished second followed by #48-Johnson, #39-Newman, #99-Edwards, #17-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #6-Ragan, #22-Busch and #24-Gordon.
The points leader going in to the race, #29-Harvick finished 16th and lost the points lead to #18-Busch, who goes to the points lead by 4 points over Edwards.
There were 20 lead changes among 12 drivers; 6 cautions for 32 yellow flag laps. The attendance is listed as 107,000 for the first race.
Scheduled Race Re-Air: SPEED, Wednesday, July 13 at 12:00pm/et
See race results, awards, laps led and more on Jayski's Kentucky Race Results/Awards page.
See drivers championship points standings on Jayski's Drivers Points Standings page.(7-9-2011)
Sprint Cup Series Haulers to Visit Cincinnati, Lexington and Louisville: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers will visit Cincinnati, Ohio, Lexington, Ky., and Louisville, Ky., on Wednesday, July 6 before they make their way to Kentucky Speedway's historic tripleheader weekend that features the historic July 9 "Quaker State 400" along with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series "UNOH 225" on July 7 and the NASCAR Nationwide Series "Feed The Children 300" on July 8. For a complete scheduled, go to kentuckyspeedway.com.(7-6-2011)
Traffic Plans Set for Kentucky Speedway's "Quaker State 400" Weekend: Kentucky Speedway, Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet have collaborated on a comprehensive traffic and parking plan to accommodate more than 100,000 race fans who will converge at the Speedway July 7-9 for a NASCAR tripleheader weekend that will feature the inaugural "Quaker State 400." Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger said a plan was carefully crafted to ensure maximum ease and efficiency for race fans traveling to and from the Speedway, just off Interstate 71 at Sparta, in Gallatin County. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet suspended highway construction activity on I-71, beginning Thursday, June 30, to allow northbound and southbound lanes to operate at full capacity. Construction is scheduled to resume on Monday, July 10. Kentucky Speedway is able to accommodate approximately 33,000 vehicles in its 10 parking lots. Fans can access free KOI Auto Parts shuttle buses and speedway trams at eight locations on a new access road that encircles the Speedway. Complete information regarding traffic and parking and tips for fans can be found in the maps section of the official Kentucky Speedway Fan Guide at www.kentuckyspeedway.com.(Kentucky Speedway)(7-6-2011)
KOI Auto Parts Expands Kentucky Speedway Shuttle Service: KOI Auto Parts has expanded Kentucky Speedway's free event fan shuttle service through a unique corporate partnership. Fans visiting the speedway's blockbuster NASCAR tripleheader weekend spotlighting the inaugural Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" on July 9, Nationwide Series "Feed The Children 300" on July 8 and Camping World Truck Series "UNOH 225" July 7 will be riding around the facility in style in a fleet of 17 busses donning the KOI Auto Parts logo. KOI busses will primarily serve the Bourbon Street, Hawk's Landing and Ponderosa campgrounds on a continuous route that will service the speedway entrances, souvenir row, display areas and shower house.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, KOI has been serving more than 10,000 customers such as professional repair garages, collision centers, General Motors and Ford automotive dealerships and do-it-yourself specialists with world-class customer service for more than 60 years through 75 regional retail locations from a 750,000 square-foot warehouse that's home to an expansive inventory of 350,000 unique parts. Learn more by visiting www.koiautoparts.com.(Kentucky Speedway)(7-6-2011)
Slugger factory makes NASCAR bats: NASCAR drivers coming to Kentucky next week will be hit with a Louisville tradition. Friday morning, more than 300 special-edition NASCAR Louisville Slugger bats were rolled out of the Slugger factory. They feature the logo for the inaugural Sprint Cup race at the Kentucky Speedway, which takes place July 9. The bats have the names of the drivers they'll be given to engraved on the side. "The Sprint Cup series is really like the big league of auto racing," said Anne Jewell, executive director of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. "What better gift for the folks associated with this race than the official bat of the major leagues, and it's such an important event coming to Kentucky as well." Along with drivers, official team members and executives will be given the special bats. They will not be sold to the public.(Fox 41)(7-3-2011)
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet halting contruction for race: When more than 100,000 race fans make their way to and from the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta next month for the track's inaugural Sprint Cup race, they won't have to deal with the construction zones that have plagued Northern Kentucky roads this spring. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is halting most of the half-dozen construction projects underway on area interstates from June 30 to July 12. "All I can to say to that is thank God in high heaven," said Mark Simendinger, Speedway general manager. Lane closures on I-71/75 on the cut-in-the-hill weekends and on I-71 from the split to the Speedway on weekdays have created hours-long back ups that have frustrated travelers and locals alike.
Crews have also been working on several stretches of Interstate 275 and I-75 in Boone and Grant counties. The roadwork is part of Revive the Drive-NKY, a $91 million series of road projects that will repair and replace decades-old pavement on Interstates 71, 75, 275 and 471.
For the two-week window, which includes the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the ubiquitous orange barrels will be moved out of the way, said Nancy Wood, spokeswoman for the Cabinet's District 6 Office. The only construction will be July 5, 6 and 7 on northbound I-75 from the Grant/Boone County line to near the Turfway exit in Florence. That work will only take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Simendinger said the track has been working with the Transportation Cabinet for more than six months in preparation for the first Sprint Cup race on July 9 at the Gallatin County track. Any traffic going to the Speedway from I-75 north will have to take the Richwood Road exit, go under the interstate and get back on I-75 south to go to I-71 south. The ramp will be closed from July 5 to July 15. While the ramp is closed, the state will make pavement repairs on the ramp, Wood said. Though all travel lanes will be open, it will still be a bumpy ride getting to and from the Speedway on the 18 miles of I-71 from the I-71/75 split to Sparta. Workers are repairing more than 300 base failures - pot holes and ruts - which means overfilling the holes to higher level than the roadway.(Kentucky Enquirer)(7-2-2011)
Inaugural Kentucky Speedway Sprint Cup race sold out: Kentucky Speedway announces it has sold out the 107,000 grandstand tickets available for the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400." Fans who wish to witness NASCAR history July 9 can still take advantage of the speedway's Pit Road Club that offers an infield view of the race action from behind pit road wall or $60 standing room only tickets that will provide access to the Turn 1 and Turn 4 concourses. Both can be purchased at kentuckyspeedway.com or by phone at 888-652-7223 and 859-578-2300. "Selling out the inaugural 'Quaker State 400' with more than a week before the event is a great testament to this market and our fans. Our packed stands will combine with overflowing corporate display, hospitality and camping to create an electric atmosphere as we make Kentucky sports history," Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger said. The speedway's sold out exterior and infield campgrounds will open on Tuesday, July 5 at noon. Fans still seeking race week campsites can visit kentuckyspeedway.com and click "Camping" in the top navigation bar for a listing of campgrounds offering good options within walking distance of the speedway and in the surrounding area. Race week festivities begin Wednesday, July 6, when NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team haulers visit Cincinnati, Ohio, Lexington, Ky., and Louisville, Ky.
Roush Fenway Racing (RFR) haulers will visit Fourth Street Live! in downtown Louisville from 11:30 a.m., to 1:00 p.m.; Cincinnati fans can meet Mayor Mark Mallory while viewing Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing team haulers at the corner of Fifth St., and Race St., near the Millennium Hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and Lexington, Ky., will play host to 35 to 40 haulers at Hamburg Place at 2350 Grey Lag Way from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., before they depart on a 12-mile parade that will traverse the city by way of Sir Barton Way, Winchester Rd., Midland Ave., E. Main St., and Newtown Pike.
Kentucky Speedway's first NASCAR tripleheader weekend opens Thursday, July 7 with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series "UNOH 225" and additionally features the NASCAR Nationwide Series "Feed The Children 300" on Friday, July 8. Tickets for both events can be reserved through the Kentucky Speedway Web site and ticket office phone numbers.(Kentucky Speedway)(7-1-2011)
Kentucky Speedway unveils fan inspired trophy: Kentucky Speedway recently unveiled its inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" trophy design inspired by fan William Stohr of Sparta, Ky., through a fan contest. The 33-inch high, 22-inch wide, 30-pound trophy will blend Kentucky's racing traditions by featuring a chrome-plated Thoroughbred bust with a flowing checkered-flag mane. The bust will be mounted on a tulip poplar wood pedestal to represent the official state tree and mounted to a stainless-steel base complete with a split-rail fence that depicts the Commonwealth's signature rolling hills."Thinking about Kentucky and the speedway, I wanted to combine stock car racing with a Thoroughbred horse," the 33-year-old Stohr said. His design was chosen from 120 entries submitted by the enthusiastic Kentucky Speedway fan base since November 2010 and brought to life by designer, Murray, Ky., native and Univ. of Kentucky alumnus Rusty Wright, 44, through an association with Maryland-based Aquarius Sports Management. The trophy will be manufactured through Fast Forward Marketing of Spring, Texas. Stohr will receive "Quaker State 400" tickets and will be present in Victory Lane July 9 when his creation is awarded to the speedway's first Sprint Cup Series race champion. "It's pretty overwhelming to think that something that I created will be on a driver's shelf," Stohr added.
The "Quaker State 400" will conclude the speedway's historic opening weekend that opens July 7 with a 225-mile NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) event and continues July 8 with the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) "Feed The Children 300." Tickets, campsites along with Fan Zone pit road and infield passes for all 2011 Kentucky Speedway events can be reserved online at kentuckyspeedway.com, by calling 888-652-7223 or by visiting the speedway corporate offices at 1 Speedway Drive in Sparta, Ky., just off Interstate 71, Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 N.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-24-2011)
Clay Walker to entertain fans at Kentucky Speedway: Tried-and-true country music artist Clay Walker will entertain more than 106,000 NASCAR fans with his rock-solid repertoire of hits before the race for Kentucky Speedway's inaugural Sprint Cup Series "Quaker State 400" title July 9. The 41-year-old Walker demonstrated his sound's staying power when the title single from his 11th career collection "She Won't Be Lonely Long" reached No. 5 on Billboard Magazine's Country Album Chart and its title single rocketed to No. 4 on the publication's Country Music Singles Chart in 2010. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996, he started the Band Against MS (BAMS) non-profit foundation to fund research and education about the condition. Learn more by visiting claywalker.com. The "Quaker State 400" will anchor a tripleheader NASCAR weekend at the speedway which opens with a 225-mile Camping World Truck Series battle July 7 followed by the Nationwide Series "Feed The Children 300" on July 8. Tickets, campsites, Fan Zone Pit Road passes along with Fan Zone Prerace concert and driver introduction passes for Kentucky Speedway's first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend can be reserved online at kentuckyspeedway.com, by phone at 888-652-7223 or by visiting the venue's Sparta, Ky., corporate offices at 1 Speedway Drive just off Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 N.(Kentucky Speedway)(6-19-2001)
Construction work at Kentucky Speedway affects testing: Construction work at Kentucky Speedway has prompted a two-day IndyCar test to be canceled and pushed back a NASCAR tire test to be pushed back. The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights had an open test planned for May 9-10 at the track. Teams were notified about the cancellation Wednesday and told IndyCar is looking into scheduling a one-day test at a similar oval. Goodyear invited seven NASCAR Sprint Cup teams to a May 17 test at Kentucky Speedway to confirm the tire setup for the inaugural Quaker State 400 on July 9. That tire test now will take place June 1. The date change could affect the driver lineup. As of last week it included #16-Greg Biffle (Roush Fenway Racing, Ford), #29-Kevin Harvick (Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet), #2-Brad Keselowski (Penske Racing, Dodge), #38-Travis Kvapil (Front Row Motorsports, Ford), #20-Joey Logano (Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota), #5-Mark Martin (Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet) and #00-David Reutimann (Michael Waltrip Racing, Toyota).
The culprit isn't the racing surface but construction going on around it. The rescheduling comes after crews recently removed the inside retaining wall from the exit of pit road, through Turns 1 and 2, and down much of the backstretch. "We're doing some grading there and also putting in a new wall with the SAFER barrier," Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith said. "This is just to make it better and safer. That's what it's all about." Workers framed the pit stalls earlier this week and poured concrete Thursday. While The pit stalls will be concrete, but pit road itself will be asphalt. The changes are part of a massive effort to get the track ready for its Sprint Cup debut, and to handle the more than 100,000 fans expected to attend the July 9 race. "I think we've made some great strides," Smith said. "We've improved parking tremendously and the road system a great deal. Adding 12 more elevators and the extra camping and concessions and souvenirs, all the things we're doing there to accommodate the crowd, that's what we're about."(Cincinnati Enquirer)(4-22-2011)
Kentucky Speedway, Coca-Cola announce five-year partnership: Hot sunshine and the hottest-ever Kentucky Speedway action will have race fans working up a thirst during the 2011 season as they cheer on their favorite NASCAR and open-wheel drivers. Thanks to a new five-year partnership with Coca-Cola North America, the Official Soft Drink of NASCAR, Coca-Cola, has become the exclusive non-alcoholic beverage provider to Kentucky Speedway and will refresh its fans' hard-working thirst each time they visit the 106,000-capacity Speedway Motorsports, Inc.,(SMI) facility in Sparta, Ky. Coca-Cola and Kentucky Speedway will team to create a series of entertainment and promotional programs designed to enhance the fan experience while generating exposure for the venue's six-event, two-weekend 2011 season. Kentucky Speedway and Coca-Cola will introduce their new partnership to fans by delivering a buy-one, get-one-free ticket offer redeemable for either the July NCWTS or NNS races to those who purchase specially-marked 20-can multipacks of Coca-Cola. Multipacks will be on store shelves in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio as well as in Lexington and Louisville, Ky., beginning June 1, 2011.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-14-2011)
Kentucky race to be Feed The Children 300: Kentucky Speedway's inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend will evolve into an awareness platform for Feed The Children when the non-profit relief organization serves as title sponsor of the NASCAR Nationwide Series "Feed The Children 300" on Friday, July 8. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., Feed The Children delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities worldwide to children and families who lack such essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disaster. From distribution centers in Elkhart, Ind., Houston, Texas, Nashville, Tenn., North Brunswick, N.J., Oklahoma City, and Ontario, Calif., Feed The Children is able to provide help and hope to all 50 states. Feed The Children food boxes hold approximately 25 pounds of canned and shelf-stable foods. Essential care boxes contain soap, shampoo, deodorant, tissue, shaving cream and similar personal items. Recipients are identified through local community partner agencies. The organization will help better the lives of families in Kentucky Speedway's home Gallatin Co., and the surrounding region by delivering an estimated 200,000 pounds of food and supplies in events connected to the "Feed The Children 300." Feed The Children also will partner with Speedway Children's Charities to deliver food and essentials to those in need in areas surrounding Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway. In all, Feed The Children's distributions in partnership with Speedway Children's Charities will reach 10,000 families with enough food and supplies to stretch around the Kentucky Speedway 1.5-mile track four times.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-9-2011)
UNOH to sponsor Kentucky Truck race: The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) will bring its motorsports industry expertise to Kentucky Speedway October 1 when the entrepreneurial, not-for-profit institution serves as the title sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) "UNOH 225." Located in Lima, Ohio, UNOH grants master's, baccalaureate, and associate degrees through its Colleges of Technologies, Business, and Distance Learning. The College of Technologies prepares students for careers in the motorsports and automotive industry through specialized Automotive, High Performance Motorsports, Diesel, and Alternate Fuels programs. The UNOH College of Technologies has built a storied racing history through its involvement in the ARCA Racing Series, NASCAR National Series, and events such as the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour UNOH Perfect Storm 150 contested at the Bristol Motor Speedway, in addition to the UNOH Southern Slam 150 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. UNOH will receive multiple promotional considerations under the undisclosed terms of the entitlement agreement. Tickets and camping for all 2011 events can be reserved online at kentuckyspeedway.com, by phone at 888-652-7223 or by visiting the speedway corporate offices at 1 Speedway Drive in Sparta, Ky., 41086.(Kentucky Speedway)(3-21-2010)
Quaker State to Sponsor Inaugural Kentucky Cup race: Quaker State announced it will be the title sponsor of the first ever Sprint Cup Series event at Kentucky Speedway. The Quaker State 400 will be held at the first new track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule since 2001. Quaker State will drop the green flag at the newly-expanded, 117,000-capacity Speedway Motorsports, Inc. facility at 7:30 p.m., July 9. The 400-mile event will conclude a tripleheader NASCAR weekend that opens with a 225-mile Camping World Truck Series battle on July 7 and spotlights a 300-mile NASCAR Nationwide Series event on July 8. Twenty-nine-year Sprint Cup Series veteran and 40-time race winner Mark Martin will pilot the Hendrick Motorsports #5 Quaker State Chevy during the historic weekend.(Kentucky Speedway)(3-6-2011)
Kentucky infield fan zone passes on sale: Kentucky Speedway is celebrating the opening of the 2011 race season by placing infield Fan Zone passes on sale for its July 7-9 NASCAR race weekend that will feature the historic Sprint Cup Series debut at the 105,000-capacity facility along with Camping World Truck and Nationwide Series action.
A Fan Zone Pass will provide fans access to an infield area surrounding Victory Lane and will include an enhanced view of Pit Road until one hour prior to the start of each weekend event. Individual Fan Zone passes are required for each race day and pass holders must possess a race ticket to be admitted to the speedway on race days. Fan Zone passes are priced at $50 for the 225-mile July 7 Camping World Truck Series race day, $75 for the 300-mile July 8 Nationwide Series race day and $100 for the July 9 Sprint Cup Series race day.
The speedway is additionally offering a new Prerace Fan Zone Pass priced at $150 only for its July 9 Sprint Cup Series race day. The Prerace Fan Zone pass will deliver all the amenities of a Fan Zone pass with additional access to an area surrounding a prerace stage where fans will enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of Sprint Cup Series driver introductions and a performance by a prerace concert artist that will be announced in the coming weeks. Prerace Fan Zone pass holders must possess a race ticket to be admitted to the speedway on race day. Children enjoying Fan Zone and Prerace Fan Zone access must possess a race ticket and be accompanied by a paying adult. July Fan Zone passes and race tickets for all 2011 Kentucky Speedway events can be reserved online at www.kentuckyspeedway.com, by phone at 888-652-7223.(Kentucky Speedway)(3-6-2011)
Kentucky Speedway to make sponsor announcement: Kentucky Speedway officials will make a sponsorship announcement prior to Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. "I think you'll find it to be a pretty significant sponsorship announcement," Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger said. While he did not elaborate, officials with the track and the company that owns it have been working to land a title sponsor for the inaugural Sprint Cup Series race in July. The 400-mile race is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on July 9.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(3-4-2011)
Kentucky Speedway Individual tickets on sale: Individual tickets for Kentucky Speedway's inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400-mile event and the track's five additional 2011 races have been placed on sale. Reserved Sprint Cup Series tickets are available on six price levels ranging from $70 to $110 depending on seat location. More info about tickets at kentuckyspeedway.com or call at (888) 652-7223.(Kentucky Speedway)(1-12-2011)
Kentucky Speedway gets state incentives for NASCAR race: The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority has approved incentives for Kentucky Speedway, which is scheduled to hold a NASCAR Sprint Cup race July 9. The approval means the speedway will be eligible for as much as $20.5 million in performance-based rebates during a 10-year period, based on an investment of $82 million, according to a news release Monday. The incentive allows the applicant to recover as much as 25% of development costs through the recovery of sales tax generated at the racetrack. "This NASCAR event at the Kentucky Speedway is estimated to have an annual $150 million economic impact on Kentucky," Gov. Steve Beshear said in the release. Kentucky Speedway, located in Sparta, Ky., was among the first projects approved under the amended Kentucky Tourism Development Act that provides tax incentives to new or expanding businesses.(Louisville Business First)(12-21-2010)
Kentucky Speedway still looking for race sponsor: The inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway remains nameless but track officials are in serious negotiations with prospective title sponsors of the 400-mile event. "It is a large property. It takes some detail and some work to get it done," Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger said. "But, yeah, surely there's a lot of interest. Anybody that's involved in sports sponsorship in this region has expressed some level of interest for the most part; all the major sports sponsors anyway." Working in the speedway's favor is the significance attached to the inaugural race and the markets within its reach. Track officials and court records have stated there are 6.9 million people within a 100-mile radius of the track and 51 million within 300 miles. Average pricing for Cup race entitlements is difficult to determine because financial terms typically are not disclosed. In May 2009, the Associated Press reported the value can exceed $100 million.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(12-8-2010)
Upgrades planned for Kentucky Speedway: Yes, it's official. Kentucky Speedway will host its first Cup race on Saturday night, July 9, 2011. But Bruton Smith's just getting started. Before he could get the huge banner outside the front gate unrolled he was lobbying the governor to build an airport large enough to land 747s on these sprawling hills. "All you camera guys, are you looking at me?" Smith said as he began his rundown of planned improvements. "Look at me!" Smith then promised to spend between $90 million and $100 million expanding seating capacity from 66,000 to 116,000, building new restrooms, adding 200 more acres of campground space and putting in more elevators. When you see what he has accomplished already and what he promises, you almost believe one day he'll convince NASCAR to move the season finale from Homestead-Miami Speedway to Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(ESPN.com)(8-11-2010)
Kentucky Speedway to host Cup race: Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Chairman and CEO Bruton Smith announced that Kentucky Speedway will play host to its inaugural 400-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, July 9, 2011. The Sparta, Ky., venue will become the 23rd motorsports facility on the 36-race Sprint Cup Series schedule and the first facility to be added to the national tour since Chicagoland Speedway made its debut July 15, 2001 and Kansas Speedway staged its first series race on Sept. 29, 2001.(Kentucky PR)(8-10-2010)
Looks like Kentucky will get a Cup race: Kentucky Speedway will get a NASCAR Sprint Cup race in 2011, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The 1.5-mile tri-oval halfway between Louisville and Cincinnati will host NASCAR's top series in early July. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been announced. A news conference is scheduled at the track Aug. 10. Kentucky already hosts NASCAR Nationwide and Truck Series events, as well as an IndyCar race. Plans are already in place to expand seating from 65,000 to around 100,000. SMI will likely have to move a race from one of its other tracks to Kentucky. Smith has consistently played coy about his intentions, but during a Cup visit to New Hampshire in June, he didn't exactly endorse the prospect of continuing to have two Cup races a year in New England. While the second race traditionally kicks off the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, the June race could easily be bumped off the schedule. NASCAR is expected to announce its 2011 schedule by Labor Day.(Associated Press)(8-2-2010)
Kentucky Speedway to make announcement: Kentucky Speedway's owner hinted Friday that a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race would be held next year at the Gallatin County track. A "big press conference" is planned Aug. 10 at Kentucky Speedway, said Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc. He would not go so far as to say the event would include news of a 2011 Cup race, but that it "deals with all of that."
"Don't try to get me to hold that press conference now, OK?" Smith said. "But we'll have a lot of things to announce when we're there (about) a lot of the changes that we're making." Smith expects 500 people at the news conference, including Gov. Steve Beshear and three-time NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip. A spokeswoman for Beshear said the governor's schedule for that week was not yet available. Jerry Carroll, the track's former chairman, and a consultant for SMI, will be there. "If Bruton Smith is coming all the way up here, and the governor is coming all the way up here, they're not going to tell people bad news. So figure it from there," Carroll said.
Earlier this month, NASCAR CEO Brian France said SMI and ISC had submitted requests to NASCAR to move races in 2011. ISC wants a second Cup date for its Kansas Speedway. On Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, France said the 2011 Cup schedule would include changes and that it was within a week or two of being completed. Kentucky Speedway would be the first new venue on the Cup schedule since Chicagoland Speedway and Kansas Speedway were introduced in 2001.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(7-31-2010)
Scheduled changes, 3 tracks loses? 3 gain dates?: SPEED's Bob Dillner reported on the July 11th SPEED Report that rumors have Auto Club Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway with second race dates going to Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway and Kentucky Speedway getting a Sprint Cup race. No word how this will shake up the Sprint Cup schedule, can be figured out a few different ways. Look for Atlanta Motor Speedway to keep it's Labor Day weekend date and doubtful Las Vegas would get a summer date with the heat there.(7-13-2010)
Some 2011 schedule speculation: It appears more likely than ever the 2011 Sprint Cup slate will have a much different look than it has in recent seasons. NASCAR acknowledged both SMI and ISC have requested realignment date changes for next year, and there are reports Kentucky and a second date for Las Vegas will be part of the SMI plan, at the expense of races in New Hampshire and Atlanta, and Kansas will gain a second NASCAR weekend when Auto Club Speedway gets stripped of its February date.(CBS Sports) to see what tracks have already confirmed their dates for next year, check out my 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 'tentative' Schedule page.(7-5-2010)
Latest on Bruton moving race dates: Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith said Friday he plans to meet with NASCAR officials soon to discuss the Sprint Cup schedule for SMI tracks in 2011. Smith did not say whether he plans to move one New Hampshire Motor Speedway date to Kentucky Motor Speedway. "Whatever we do, we'll announce sometime in the future," Smith said. "We'll be talking to NASCAR about all these things and we need to study it carefully. We want to do whatever is best for the sport. We're in this thing together. If opportunity knocks, we want to be there to open the door." Kentucky is the only SMI track that doesn't have a Cup race, something Smith wants to change. That could mean the June race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which SMI also owns, could move. NHMS also hosts the first Chase race in September. Smith will announce Sunday that the IndyCar Series will race at NHMS next season, which could replace the June Cup date at the 1-mile oval. There also was speculation that Smith might move one Atlanta Motor Speedway date to Kentucky. "No, I've never heard that," Smith said Friday. Smith said he will meet with NASCAR president Mike Helton this weekend and plans to meet with Lesa France Kennedy soon. Kennedy is the CEO of International Speedway Corp. and the sister of NASCAR chairman Brian France. Kennedy hopes to add a second Cup date next year at Kansas Speedway, an ISC facility. "I get along very well with Lesa," Smith said. "She and I have a good rapport. I will be talking to her next week, hopefully. We don't want to put off until next year what we can do this year."(ESPN)(6-25-2010)
2011: Kansas 2nd date? Kentucky may not go Cup? No word yet on NASCAR's 2011 tour schedule. But that new second Cup weekend proposed for Kansas City, with the opening of that new casino just outside the first turn, has some stock car racing promoters wondering - perhaps sweating out -- just where that Cup date will come from. With the NASCAR Cup tour already working 38 weeks a season, no one expects CEO Brian France to add a 39th week for Kansas. Rather that that new race will have to come at the expense of one of the France family's current International Speedway Corp. (ISC) tracks. ISC runs 19 Sprint Cup events at its 12 tracks: Daytona, California, Martinsville, Phoenix, Talladega, Richmond, Darlington, Michigan, Chicagoland, Watkins Glen, Kansas and Homestead-Miami. The ISC track losing a week for that second Kansas race? Michigan president Roger Curtis insists that it won't be his, that this track will continue to host two Cup events. Curtis, who took the reins here in 2006, has just cut the ribbon on a huge new array of pit road suites and infield-to-grandstand pedestrian tunnel, part of some $55 million in capital improvement projects, including a new scoreboard, new sound system, better infield drainage, and 23,000 more grandstand seats. (Here's Curtis talking about his 'infield project: http://bit.ly/c17XTV ) And Curtis says NASCAR officials want him next to start rebuilding the garage area itself, which really hasn't been greatly improved in years.
But Bruton Smith, who runs rival Speedway Motorsports (SMI), may be backing away from pushing for a Cup weekend in 2011 at his Kentucky Speedway, which hosted Saturday night's Nationwide 300 (to a less than 72,000-capacity crowd). Smith, to move a Cup date to Kentucky, would also likely have to cut a Cup weekend from one of his seven tracks [Atlanta, Bristol, Charlotte, Infineon, Las Vegas, New Hampshire and Texas] current tracks that host 12 races.(MikeMulhern.net)(6-14-2010)
No Cup race at Kentucky in 2011? Even though it appears that the Kentucky Speedway founders' antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR is coming to a close, track owner Speedway Motorsports Inc. reported that a 2011 Sprint Cup date at the track "may not be feasible" because of a variety of factors, including capital improvements necessary for the facility. SMI Chairman Bruton Smith has been adamant about moving a date to Kentucky as soon as possible. But a filing Wednesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission noted that 2011 might be too soon, although those filings must cover all possible scenarios and can, at times, be cautious in nature. Bill Brooks, SMI's chief financial officer, said Wednesday during a conference call with financial analysts that among the factors that would dictate when realignment would occur are "particularly costs of any capital expenditure to upgrade or expand our facility at Kentucky [and] the lead time to do it." Brooks did not say what capital improvements will be necessary, but Smith has talked about expanding the grandstand capacity. Kentucky has only 69,000 seats - 30,000 fewer than New Hampshire and 32,000 fewer than Atlanta - and likely would need to increase seating for a Sprint Cup event. According to the SEC filing, other factors being considered over whether to move a race to Kentucky are the popularity and profitability of various races, alternative uses of tracks and revenues for such tracks in the event a race is moved, any existing or potential government tax incentives, changing economic conditions at the individual tracks and in the economy as a whole.(Scene Daily)(5-6-2010)
Rockets to Race Car: From better brakes and safer tires to heat-resistant paint and cleaner emissions, NASA's contributions to the racing world will be featured in the traveling exhibit: "From Rockets to Race Cars" the NASCAR weekend of April 30-May 1 at the Richmond International Raceway. Over the years, NASA has provided technology that not only helps the racing world, but also improves conditions for all drivers while helping to protect the environment. On display will be a quarter-scale NASA Benefits Race Car as well as a Wheel Exhibit, that includes a NASCAR tire, Shuttle tire, Lunar Rover tire, Lunar Tweel (a non-pneumatic tire/wheel combination) and a Spring Tire allowing fans the opportunity to see, touch and compare the wheels of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Fans will get a shot at NASA Spin the Wheel where they can win prizes if they answer NASA-related questions correctly. A "Rockets to Race Car" photo opportunity will allow visitors to have a photo taken with their own camera in which they look like they are sitting in a NASA Race Car. To find out what else NASA and NASCAR have in common, check out the exhibit at select NASCAR races through June. NASA's "From Rockets to Race Cars" will be at the following races:
* Richmond International Raceway, April 30-May 1
* Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 29-30
* Kentucky Speedway, June 11-12.(NASA)(4-29-2010)
Bruton thinks Kentucky will get race in 2011: Bruton Smith says he's confident that all the legal issues around Kentucky Speedway will be finished in time so NASCAR can award a Cup date to that track for next year. Does he know where the date will come from? He says, yes. So where? He won't say. He does offer a suggestion on how to give Las Vegas a second date but it would require taking one race away from International Speedway Corp (the track company run by the France family) and would seem doubtful because it likely would impact ISC stockholders negatively. Bruton's idea is this: "You move Home-and-stead (Homestead), that last race, to Las Vegas. That would be good for the sport. Then you take one of the events from California to Home-and-stead. Now you've got a winner. It's great for the sport. It will work. Naturally, the big winner will be Speedway Motorsports (Bruton's company), but we do things that build NASCAR. As Billy France said to me in New York (years ago), "Help me build NASCAR,' and I laughed like hell. I said, "Bill, what do you think I've been doing for the past 25 years.' That's what we've got to be doing is build NASCAR. Sometimes, it looks like we lost our way, and I don't think we have.''(Virginia Pilot)(3-6-2010)
Panel denies Kentucky Speedway suit rehearing: The appeal involving Kentucky Speedway's founding owners suffered another defeat Thursday when a three-judge panel for the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for a rehearing. The same panel in December upheld a lower court's summary judgment ruling for NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. in the antitrust lawsuit. "The panel has further reviewed the petition for rehearing and concludes that the issues raised in the petition were fully considered upon the original submission and decision of the case," Thursday's order reads. The only remaining option for the former owners is to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(2-18-2010)
Bruton Smtih may sue former Kentucky Speedway owners: Speedway Motorsports, Inc., CEO Bruton Smith [and current owner of the track] told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody Friday that he may file a lawsuit of his own against the former owners of Kentucky Speedway. "I have business interests in 24 states around this country, and I employ probably 250 lawyers in those states," said Smith. "I can tell you that some of those lawyers might be busy right now investigating the possibility of filing a lawsuit or two of our own to try and get this straightened out. We fully intend on a having a Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway in 2011, and we will do what we have to do to make it happen. We will stop at nothing that's legal to fulfill the promises we've made (about bringing a Cup race to Kentucky)."(Sirius Speedway)(1-8-2010)
Kentucky Speedway season tix on sale Oct 5th: Race fans can lock in their place in Kentucky Speedway's big future with Speedway Motorsports, Inc., when four affordable 2010 season ticket plans are placed on sale Monday, Oct. 5. Plans start at $139 and feature fan-friendly benefits such as the right to renew the most sought after seat locations nearest the flagstand and finish line for future seasons, VIP parking, cold pit access vouchers, a discount on the purchase of additional race tickets and more. The speedway has made it easier than ever to become a season ticket member with the introduction of an optional payment plan which will allow members to extend payments to February 2010. Kentucky Speedway will bundle competitive NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights action into a two-weekend schedule filled with speedway firsts. Kentucky Speedway season ticket plans can be reserved or renewed by calling 859-578-2300 or visiting the season tickets page of www.kentuckyspeedway.com.(10-2-2009)
Kentucky not on 2010 schedule: The 2010 Sprint Cup Series schedule has not been officially released, but Speedway Motorsports Incorporated boss Bruton Smith knew the chances of getting the newly acquired Kentucky speedway a date next season were slim and none. Speaking Tuesday at the Zmax Dragway, where it was announced the state of the art drag strip would be getting a second NHRA race weekend in 2010, Smith said a Kentucky date next year was now out of the question because the former owner won't drop a lawsuit they brought against NASCAR and a court ruling will come too late. Smith said, "I think it's a dead issue. The lawsuit did not get resolved at the appellate division and we ran out of time. NASCAR now has the schedule, and if it happened tomorrow I don't see NASCAR changing the schedule to accommodate Kentucky." How disappointed is Smith? "I'd say I expected it, but, yes disappointed because it's a great speedway...it's a beautiful speedway and we're anxious to get it on." Smith assured Kentucky Speedway will be a part of the Sprint Cup schedule in the future. "Absolutely, yes, absolutely we'll be there in 2011."(PRN's Garage Pass)(8-26-2009)
Kentucky to get Cup race in 2011?: Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith was hoping to get Kentucky on the schedule, likely taking a date away from Atlanta, but the former owners of the speedway refuse to drop their lawsuit against NASCAR. Until that happens, NASCAR won't consider Kentucky for a date. But otherwise, expect next year's schedule will be like this year's schedule -- except for two exceptions. If you were paying attention to Sunday's press conference in which Michigan International Speedway officials announced a reduction in ticket prices, you may have noticed a change in date for the track's first 2010 race. The date was June 13, a week earlier than normal. And there's another shift: The Dover race will move from the weekend after Memorial Day weekend to early May. These changes come because there is an extra weekend in between the Mother's Day race date at Darlington and the Memorial Day race at Lowe's Motor Speedway, and one less weekend between then and the Fourth of July weekend. (ESPN Insider)(8-22-2009)
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