Kentucky Speedway
Encyclopedia
Kentucky Speedway is a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) tri-oval speedway in Sparta, Kentucky
, which has hosted ARCA
, NASCAR
and Indy Racing League racing annually since it opened in 2000. The track is currently owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and Jerry Carroll, who, along with four other investors, owned Kentucky Speedway until 2008. The speedway has a grandstand capacity of 107,000.
Construction of the speedway began in 1998 and was completed in mid 2000. In 2005, Kentucky Speedway filed a lawsuit against NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation
(ISC). The lawsuit ended in 2009 after Judge William O. Bertelsman dismissed it with NASCAR and ISC winning the suit. The speedway has hosted the Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series, IndyCar Series
, and the Firestone Indy Lights Series since the track opened, but the track didn't receive a Sprint Cup Series event until 2011.
. Five months later, groundbreaking ceremonies were held on July 18, 1998. While construction continued, it was announced that the speedway would open with a ARCA
race in 2000. Afterward, it was announced that the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series
would promote a race following the ARCA race. Testing at the track began with Bill Baird
, who participated in ARCA. In November 1999, it was announced that is would also hold a NASCAR
Craftsman Truck Series (now Camping World Truck Series) race in 2000. The speedway continued to announce races for the 2000 racing season, one of which was a second ARCA race.
Several months later, the speedway decided to resurface the track because of bumps in the surface from winter. On June 16, 2000, the speedway opened with a Slim Jim All Pro Series event. One day later, the speedway held its first major series, the Craftsman Truck Series, which was won by Greg Biffle
. In August of the same year, Buddy Lazier
won the inaugural IndyCar Series race. On August 29, 2000, NASCAR announced that Kentucky Speedway would also sanction a Busch Series (now Nationwide Series) race in 2001. One year after the speedway opened, it held its first Busch Series event, with Kevin Harvick
emerging as the winner.
sufferd a concussion and fractures to his thoracic spine and feet, becoming the first major injury to occur at the speedway. Three years later, Carroll is trying to receive a Nextel Cup Series (now Sprint Cup Series) event at the track. While trying to do so, Kentucky Speedway filed an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR and the International Speedway Corporation
(ISC). The reason for the lawsuit was that both companies violated federal antitrust laws because of restricting the awarding of Nextel Cup Series events. The lawsuit continued for three years before concluding in January, 2008 with Judge William O. Bertelsman dismissing the trial with ISC and NASCAR winning the lawsuit. Following the dismissal, Judge Bertelsman commented, "After careful consideration and a thorough review of the record, and granting Kentucky Speedway the benefit of the doubt on all reasonable inferences therefrom, the court concludes that Speedway has failed to make out its case."
During May 2008, the speedway announced that Speedway Motorsports Inc. bought the speedway from Jerry Carroll. Bruton Smith
invested $50 million in the speedway, and planned to move a Sprint Cup Series event to the track by 2009. However, the speedway did not receive a Sprint Cup Series event in the 2009 season. Also in 2009, the lawsuit against NASCAR and ISC was dropped by Carroll, but other former owners of the speedway sued Carroll, therefore extending the lawsuit even further.
The speedway continued having Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series, IndyCar, and Firestone Indy Light Series events through 2010 and further. In 2010, both former owners of the speedway reached a settlement, ending the lawsuit. In August 2010, it was announced that the speedway would hold its inaugural Sprint Cup Series event, the Quaker State 400
, during the 2011 season. Before the first Sprint Cup Series event, Kentucky Speedway expanded the capacity of the track from 66,000 to 107,000. The speedway also reconfigured pit road, and added 200 acres of camping. On July 1, 2011, nine days before the inaugural Sprint Cup Series event, it was announced that the speedway sold all grandstand tickets.
That race, however, was plagued by numerous logistical problems. A massive traffic jam on Interstate 71
resulted in as many as 20,000 people being unable to get to the race. The traffic situation was so severe that at least one driver nearly missed the pre-race drivers' meeting. Many fans still en route by the halfway point of the race were asked to turn back in order to make it easier on those leaving the race. Due to inadequate parking, several fans were turned away, even though they had tickets. Those who made it to the race were only reported having to wait half an hour or more to use the restroom due to a shortage of port-a-johns. Others reported shortages at the concession stands. Speedway officials apologized for the snafu and allowed those who didn't get in to redeem their tickets at Speedway Motorsports' other tracks for the rest of the season, or the 2012 Quaker State 400. They also bought more land for parking and worked with the state government to improve traffic around the speedway in time for the 2012 race.
Sparta, Kentucky
Sparta is a city in Gallatin and Owen Counties in the U.S. state of Kentucky. The population was 230 at the 2000 census.Sparta is home to Kentucky Speedway.-Geography:Sparta is located at ....
, which has hosted ARCA
Automobile Racing Club of America
Automobile Racing Club of America is an auto racing sanctioning body in the United States, founded in 1953 by John Marcum. The current president of ARCA is Ron Drager. The ARCA RE/MAX Series races stock cars similar to those seen in past years in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and indeed most cars...
, NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
and Indy Racing League racing annually since it opened in 2000. The track is currently owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and Jerry Carroll, who, along with four other investors, owned Kentucky Speedway until 2008. The speedway has a grandstand capacity of 107,000.
Construction of the speedway began in 1998 and was completed in mid 2000. In 2005, Kentucky Speedway filed a lawsuit against NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation is a corporation whose primary business is the ownership and management of NASCAR race tracks. ISC was founded by NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr. in 1953 for the construction of Daytona International Speedway and in 1999 they merged with Penske Motorsports to...
(ISC). The lawsuit ended in 2009 after Judge William O. Bertelsman dismissed it with NASCAR and ISC winning the suit. The speedway has hosted the Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series, IndyCar Series
IndyCar Series
The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and...
, and the Firestone Indy Lights Series since the track opened, but the track didn't receive a Sprint Cup Series event until 2011.
Early history and construction
On January 8, 1998, Jerry Carroll announced that he and four other investors were going to build a $153 million racing facility in Sparta, KentuckySparta, Kentucky
Sparta is a city in Gallatin and Owen Counties in the U.S. state of Kentucky. The population was 230 at the 2000 census.Sparta is home to Kentucky Speedway.-Geography:Sparta is located at ....
. Five months later, groundbreaking ceremonies were held on July 18, 1998. While construction continued, it was announced that the speedway would open with a ARCA
Automobile Racing Club of America
Automobile Racing Club of America is an auto racing sanctioning body in the United States, founded in 1953 by John Marcum. The current president of ARCA is Ron Drager. The ARCA RE/MAX Series races stock cars similar to those seen in past years in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and indeed most cars...
race in 2000. Afterward, it was announced that the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series
IndyCar Series
The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and...
would promote a race following the ARCA race. Testing at the track began with Bill Baird
Bill Baird
William F. "Bill" Baird is the founder of the Pro Choice League. Baird established the nation's first abortion referral center in 1964, and later the first birth control and abortion center on a college campus. He was sent to jail for teaching birth control and distributing abortion literature in...
, who participated in ARCA. In November 1999, it was announced that is would also hold a NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Craftsman Truck Series (now Camping World Truck Series) race in 2000. The speedway continued to announce races for the 2000 racing season, one of which was a second ARCA race.
Several months later, the speedway decided to resurface the track because of bumps in the surface from winter. On June 16, 2000, the speedway opened with a Slim Jim All Pro Series event. One day later, the speedway held its first major series, the Craftsman Truck Series, which was won by Greg Biffle
Greg Biffle
Gregory Jack "Greg" Biffle is a NASCAR driver who drives the #16 3M Ford Fusion for Roush Fenway Racing in the Sprint Cup Series. After racing in the NASCAR Winter Heat Series in the mid-90s, he was recommended to Jack Roush by former announcer Benny Parsons...
. In August of the same year, Buddy Lazier
Buddy Lazier
Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times...
won the inaugural IndyCar Series race. On August 29, 2000, NASCAR announced that Kentucky Speedway would also sanction a Busch Series (now Nationwide Series) race in 2001. One year after the speedway opened, it held its first Busch Series event, with Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick
Kevin Michael Harvick is an American stock car auto racing race car driver and car owner currently competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing, driving the No. 29 Budweiser/Jimmy John's/Rheem/Okuma/Realtree Outdoors/Bad Boy Buggies Chevrolet Impala...
emerging as the winner.
2002–2011
During the 2002 IndyCar race at the track, Jason PriestleyJason Priestley
Jason Bradford Priestley is a Canadian-American actor and director. He is best known as the virtuous Brandon Walsh on the television series Beverly Hills, 90210, a role which catapulted him to recognition in the early 1990s....
sufferd a concussion and fractures to his thoracic spine and feet, becoming the first major injury to occur at the speedway. Three years later, Carroll is trying to receive a Nextel Cup Series (now Sprint Cup Series) event at the track. While trying to do so, Kentucky Speedway filed an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR and the International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation is a corporation whose primary business is the ownership and management of NASCAR race tracks. ISC was founded by NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr. in 1953 for the construction of Daytona International Speedway and in 1999 they merged with Penske Motorsports to...
(ISC). The reason for the lawsuit was that both companies violated federal antitrust laws because of restricting the awarding of Nextel Cup Series events. The lawsuit continued for three years before concluding in January, 2008 with Judge William O. Bertelsman dismissing the trial with ISC and NASCAR winning the lawsuit. Following the dismissal, Judge Bertelsman commented, "After careful consideration and a thorough review of the record, and granting Kentucky Speedway the benefit of the doubt on all reasonable inferences therefrom, the court concludes that Speedway has failed to make out its case."
During May 2008, the speedway announced that Speedway Motorsports Inc. bought the speedway from Jerry Carroll. Bruton Smith
Bruton Smith
Ollen Bruton Smith is a promoter and owner/CEO of NASCAR track owner Speedway Motorsports, Inc. He was ranked #207 on the Forbes 400 list with an estimated worth of $1.5 billion in 2005, and fell to #278 in 2006. He is divorced with four children...
invested $50 million in the speedway, and planned to move a Sprint Cup Series event to the track by 2009. However, the speedway did not receive a Sprint Cup Series event in the 2009 season. Also in 2009, the lawsuit against NASCAR and ISC was dropped by Carroll, but other former owners of the speedway sued Carroll, therefore extending the lawsuit even further.
The speedway continued having Camping World Truck Series, Nationwide Series, IndyCar, and Firestone Indy Light Series events through 2010 and further. In 2010, both former owners of the speedway reached a settlement, ending the lawsuit. In August 2010, it was announced that the speedway would hold its inaugural Sprint Cup Series event, the Quaker State 400
Quaker State 400
The Quaker State 400 is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky, United States over 400.5 miles . The inaugural event was held in 2011.-History:...
, during the 2011 season. Before the first Sprint Cup Series event, Kentucky Speedway expanded the capacity of the track from 66,000 to 107,000. The speedway also reconfigured pit road, and added 200 acres of camping. On July 1, 2011, nine days before the inaugural Sprint Cup Series event, it was announced that the speedway sold all grandstand tickets.
That race, however, was plagued by numerous logistical problems. A massive traffic jam on Interstate 71
Interstate 71
Interstate 71 is an Interstate Highway in the Great Lakes/Midwestern and Southeastern region of the United States. Its southern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 64 and Interstate 65 in Louisville, Kentucky. Its northern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 90 in Cleveland,...
resulted in as many as 20,000 people being unable to get to the race. The traffic situation was so severe that at least one driver nearly missed the pre-race drivers' meeting. Many fans still en route by the halfway point of the race were asked to turn back in order to make it easier on those leaving the race. Due to inadequate parking, several fans were turned away, even though they had tickets. Those who made it to the race were only reported having to wait half an hour or more to use the restroom due to a shortage of port-a-johns. Others reported shortages at the concession stands. Speedway officials apologized for the snafu and allowed those who didn't get in to redeem their tickets at Speedway Motorsports' other tracks for the rest of the season, or the 2012 Quaker State 400. They also bought more land for parking and worked with the state government to improve traffic around the speedway in time for the 2012 race.
Current Racing events
Sourced by.- Sprint Cup Series:
- Quaker State 400Quaker State 400The Quaker State 400 is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky, United States over 400.5 miles . The inaugural event was held in 2011.-History:...
- Quaker State 400
- Nationwide Series:
- Feed the Children 300
- Second Race
- Camping World Truck Series:
- UNOH 225UNOH 225The UNOH 225 is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race held at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky. Kentucky received a second date beginning in 2011 as part of NASCAR's latest round of schedule realignment; since 2000 the track had always held a Truck Series event...
Built Ford Tough 225Built Ford Tough 225The Kentucky 225 is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race held at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky. The race, originally held in June or July moved to September in 2010. One year later, the race was moved to October...
- UNOH 225
Track records
| Record | Year | Date | Driver | Car Make | Time | Speed/Average Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NASCAR Sprint Cup Series | ||||||
| Qualifying | 2012 2012 in NASCAR The following NASCAR national series are scheduled to be held in 2012:*2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series – The top racing series in NASCAR*2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series – The second-highest racing series in NASCAR... |
|||||
| Race (400 miles) | 2011 2011 in NASCAR The following NASCAR national series are scheduled to be held in 2011:*2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series – The top racing series in NASCAR*2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series – The second-highest racing series in NASCAR... |
July 9 |  Kyle BuschKyle Busch Kyle Thomas Busch, is an American NASCAR driver and team owner. He currently drives the No. 18 Mars/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Sprint Cup Series, the No. 18 Z-Line Designs/NOS Energy Drink Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs in the Nationwide Series, and the No... |
Toyota | 2:56:30 | 137.319 miles per hour (61.4 m/s) |
| NASCAR Nationwide Series | ||||||
| Qualifying | 2005 2005 in NASCAR The 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series began on Saturday, February 12. The ten race Chase for the Nextel Cup started with the Sylvania 300 on Sunday, September 18, and ended on Sunday, November 20, with the Ford 400.... |
June 18 | Carl Edwards Carl Edwards Carl Michael Edwards, II is a NASCAR driver. He currently drives the #99 Fastenal/Aflac Ford Fusion in the Sprint Cup Series and the #60 Ford in the Nationwide Series for Roush Fenway Racing... |
Ford | 29.787 | 181.287 miles per hour (81 m/s) |
| Race (300 miles) | 2003 2003 in NASCAR The 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup began on Saturday February 8 and ended on Sunday November 16. Matt Kenseth with Roush Racing driving a Ford was crowned the Winston Cup champion, despite winning only one race all year. Chevrolet took home the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship after capturing 19 wins... |
June 14 | Bobby Hamilton, Jr. Bobby Hamilton, Jr. Charles Robert Hamilton, Jr. is a NASCAR driver and owner, and current track promoter. He is currently a free agent... |
Ford Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK... |
2:12:14 | 136.123 miles per hour (60.9 m/s) |
| NASCAR Camping World Truck Series | ||||||
| Qualifying | 2011 2011 in NASCAR The following NASCAR national series are scheduled to be held in 2011:*2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series – The top racing series in NASCAR*2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series – The second-highest racing series in NASCAR... |
October 1 | Austin Dillon Austin Dillon Austin Dillon is an American stock car racing driver. He is the son of former driver and RCR general manager Mike Dillon and grandson of Richard Childress.... |
Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918... |
30.022 | 179.868 miles per hour (80.4 m/s) |
| Race (200 miles) | 2003 2003 in NASCAR The 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup began on Saturday February 8 and ended on Sunday November 16. Matt Kenseth with Roush Racing driving a Ford was crowned the Winston Cup champion, despite winning only one race all year. Chevrolet took home the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship after capturing 19 wins... |
July 13 | Mike Bliss Mike Bliss Michael Bliss is a NASCAR driver who has run in all three major series. He currently drives the #19 Chevrolet Impala for TriStar Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He began racing at age 10... |
Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918... |
1:34:04 | 143.515 miles per hour (64.2 m/s) |
| IZOD IndyCar Series | ||||||
| Qualifying | 2002 | August 11 | Sarah Fisher Sarah Fisher Sarah Marie Fisher is a retired American professional racecar driver who competed in the IZOD IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500... |
221.39 miles per hour (99 m/s) | ||
| Race (300 miles) | 2009 | August 1 | Ryan Briscoe Ryan Briscoe Ryan Briscoe is an Australian auto racing driver who has raced open wheel and sports cars in Europe and America.In addition to his native English, Briscoe speaks Italian and French... |
1:28:24 | 200.893 miles per hour (89.8 m/s) | |
| |
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External links
- Kentucky Speedway Official Site
- Kentucky Speedway Page on NASCAR.com
- Jayski's Kentucky Speedway Page – Current and Past Kentucky Speedway News
- Super High Resolution image from Windows Live Local