Driver through the history of the Kentucky Speedway
It is lush green and beautiful, challenging and exciting and above all it thrills the drivers more than any other tracks, of course we are talking about the Kentucky Speedway. Since, the year 2000, it has been able to mount the thrill and excitement in the hearts of the NASCAR and the Indy Car drivers on a regular basis.
In January 1998, Jerry Carroll the owner of Turf way Park horse racing track in Florence, Kentucky teamed up with some of the other investors to build the $153 million speedway in Sparta, Kentucky. Only in two years after the announcement the track was ready for its debut race, held in June 2000. One of the major events of that year was the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Race.
Starting in the same debut year, Kentucky Speedway has been hosting Indy Car Series racing. In the year 2003, this track has served to be the second-fastest Indy Car Series track.
The 1.5 mile spreading speedway is located in the north-central community of Sparta, Kentucky. Initially, it was designed not only to host a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race. It was to become the home for NASCAR Nationwide Series, the Camping World Truck Series, the IRL Indy Car Series and the Indy Lights races as well. However, even after much persuasion NASCAR officials did not accept the offer of moving a Sprint Cup Series race to Kentucky.
The restrictions implemented by the NASCAR authorities in 2000 regarding the testing of race cars made this track to be one of the top tracks for testing Sprint Cup cars throughout the 2008 season. The restrictions were carved in a way to forbid the teams from testing anywhere other than the NASCAR authorized testing sessions which were carried only at the specific tracks that counted among the Sprint Cup Circuit. However, till last year, testing was possible on the Kentucky tract despite the fact that it is not a Sprint Cup venue. Authorities not only allowed the private testing of cars but also allowed the enthusiastic spectators to view these testing sessions from outside of turn three. But at the end of 2008, due to specific reasons, testing was banned at any of the tracks that hosted races in any national series or regional NASCAR's touring circuits.
In the meanwhile, negotiations for the purchase of Kentucky Speedway started with Speedway Motorsports, Inc on May 22, 2008 but the deal did not finalize until October 2008. On January 1, 2009 the purchase got finalized between Jerry Carroll and Bruton Smith, the head of Speedway Motorsports Inc. However, no NASCAR race was scheduled at this speedway in the year 2009.
After the Kentucky speedway’s purchase the rumors were in the air that Speedway Motorsports, Inc would also purchase Pocono Raceway as they decide to move one of its Sprint Cup Series races to Kentucky. The Mattioli family - owners of both Pocono Raceway as well as South Boston Speedway - declined any interest in selling that superspeedway.
In all these years and events this track has gained the reputation of being the most competitive course in the series’ history, showing five race winners and seven pole sitters in seven events. Above all, it stands as one of the very few racetracks that host prime time racing that takes place under the evening sky.
Whosoever buys or sells the Kentucky Speedway, the lush green driveway has always been successful in offering great landscape to the race lovers who come here to witness the action of the cars being unfolded. This not so old track is capable of serving some good long speedy drives which the racers have always loved. The track is counted among the unique tracks of the world for several reasons.
Firstly, for being known as a handling track as well as a horsepower track and secondly, for the challenges it offers because of its lower and variable banking. The tricky track only allows those drivers to win here who can find the right setup however, it still remains unfriendly as the little unexpected bumps in the racetrack constantly keep changing. This adds to the adventure, as these variable surfaces offer a new driving experience every time. Also, the drivers have to struggle a little harder at the low-banked corners where it is hard to gain speed.
Besides all the hazards, it is not a completely unfriendly course as it offers some really good grip on its nice wide racetracks. It had been a thrilling and exciting track for the race fans for quite some time now and it is hoped that the fun will keep going on for a real long time.
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