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Kentucky Speedway

Kentucky Speedway

The Kentucky Speedway is a closed, 1.5-mile tri-oval track located in Sparta, Kentucky. It previously hosted events for NASCAR and IndyCar racing.





Table Of Contents
  1. History
  2. Gallery

The Kentucky Speedway is a closed, 1.5-mile tri-oval track located in Sparta, Kentucky. It previously hosted events for NASCAR and IndyCar racing.

History

Proposal

In April 1997, Jerry Carroll, owner of the Turfway Park horse-racing facility, faced declining attendance and betting revenue. Concerned about the facility’s future, Carroll began exploring new, profitable ventures. After attending a race at the newly built Texas Motor Speedway, 1 he initiated a study to assess the feasibility of building a NASCAR-style superspeedway in northern Kentucky. 2

On January 8, 1998, Carroll announced plans to construct a 1,000-acre, 60,000-seat, 1.5-mile track in Gallatin County at an estimated cost of $132 million. 3 Supported by four business partners, the project aimed for a fall 1999 opening and hoped to host its first events by 2000. The speedway was designed with the potential to expand to 180,000 seats. 4 5

The project was launched during a surge in stock car racing’s popularity, with many new track proposals vying for a NASCAR Cup Series race weekend. 6 Carroll anticipated that NASCAR might grant the new track a Cup Series date by 2003. 7 To initiate the process, he planned to transfer a NASCAR Truck Series event from Louisville Motor Speedway, a facility he had recently acquired. 8

Carroll also intended to host events for the Indy Racing League (IRL), Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART), and NASCAR’s second-tier Busch Series. 8 However, the IRL had stated that it was not considering races at the new facility.

Construction

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Kentucky Speedway took place on July 18, 1998, at Turfway Park, with construction beginning on August 1. 9 By then, the project budget had increased to $152 million. 10 Within the first month, track officials began selling permanent personal seat licenses, 11 with approximately 1,500 sold by November. 12 Demand for luxury suites surged, leading planners to expand from the originally planned 23 suites to “at least 50.” 13 On the advice of track advisor and Kentucky native Darrell Waltrip, the track’s banking was adjusted to 14° in the turns and 12° on the straightaways. 14

In February 1999, Carroll sold his stake in Turfway Park to concentrate fully on the speedway’s construction. 15 Soon after, Cintas, the Ford Motor Company, and Budweiser signed on as corporate sponsors. 16 17 18

In June 1999, the track announced its first scheduled event, an Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) race planned for June 2000. 19 By September, an IRL 300-mile race was scheduled for August 2000, 20 and in October, ARCA driver Bill Baird completed the first test laps on the track, remarking that the surface was “as smooth as a baby’s bottom.” 21 On November 4, a NASCAR Truck Series race was confirmed for June 2000, 22 followed by a NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series event set to take place the day before to inaugurate the track. 23

By early 2000, Kentucky Speedway officials reported that 70% of the track was complete. 24 In May, after a Truck Series test session, the track surface was repaved in response to driver feedback. 25

For its inaugural race weekend, the facility boasted a grandstand capacity of 65,989, around 23,000 parking spots, 104 infield garage spaces, and two Outback Steakhouse restaurants, 26 27 receiving praise from both NASCAR officials and drivers. 28

Opening

The Kentucky Speedway opened on June 16, 2000, with Billy Bigley winning the inaugural event before a crowd of 36,210. 29 30 Heavy rain delayed the following day’s Truck Series race, but a near sell-out crowd attended on June 17 and 18 to see Greg Biffle take the win. 31 However, the rain forced the closure of several dirt parking lots, 32 resulting in a 14-mile traffic jam on Interstate 71. 33 In response, track officials added approximately 50,000 tons of gravel to the parking areas and created an emergency lot with space for 10,000 cars. 34

In August, openings in the NASCAR Busch Series schedule allowed the Kentucky Speedway to secure an annual Busch Series race, 35 beginning in 2001. 36 Kevin Harvick won the track’s first Busch Series race on June 16, 2001. 37 Speedway officials applied for a Cup Series race for the 2002 season, but NASCAR rejected the request, stating that adding the track did not align with its expansion goals. 38 Despite plans to secure a Cup Series race by 2003, no races were awarded in either 2003 or 2004. 39 40

Controversies

By June 2005, frustrated by the Kentucky Speedway’s failure to secure a NASCAR Cup Series race, Jerry Carroll began pursuing more aggressive tactics, including the threat of an antitrust lawsuit. 41 On July 13, the track filed suit against NASCAR and the International Speedway Corporation (ISC), seeking over $400 million in damages and a Cup Series race. 42

By 2006, the Speedway experienced significant attendance declines, with the Busch Series race as the sole exception. 43

In April 2007, the Speedway amended its lawsuit, shifting its demands. Instead of requesting a Cup Series race, it now called for the France family—owners of both NASCAR and ISC—to divest from one of the two companies. 44 Speedway officials also alleged that NASCAR and ISC had pressured other track owners to sell exclusively to them. 45 NASCAR ultimately sought to have the case dismissed, citing a lack of evidence, and the lawsuit was dismissed on January 7, 2008. 46

An appeal was promptly filed but was dismissed in December 2009. 47 The case briefly re-opened when an investor sued Carroll, arguing that the appeal could not be withdrawn without at least 75% of the track’s ownership consenting. 48 The investor and Carroll reached a settlement on April 30, 2010, ending the six-year legal battle. 49

Sale and Expansion

On May 22, 2008, Speedway Motorsports (SMI), led by Bruton Smith, purchased the Kentucky Speedway for $78.3 million—$15 million in cash, with SMI assuming the remaining amount as debt. 51 The deal closed on December 31. 50 Smith proposed extensive upgrades, including 50,000 additional seats, more restrooms, expanded parking, and a renovated garage area, contingent on securing a Cup Series date. 52 53

In February 2009, SMI requested a tax break to help offset renovation costs, 54 which was approved by the Kentucky General Assembly in June. 55 The first phase of the planned $75 million renovations began in April, focusing on new access roads and expanded camping areas. 56 57

In June, Smith submitted an official bid for a 2011 Cup Series race date, which was confirmed in August. 58 59 He announced plans to invest up to $100 million for upgrades, adding 50,000 seats, more restrooms and elevators, and rezoning 200 additional acres for camping. 60 61 By November, new spectator towers were built, each adding 19,000 seats, bringing the grandstand capacity to 106,000. 64 By race weekend, approximately $70 million in renovations were complete, including relocating pit road 200 feet closer to the frontstretch and adding 3,000 camping spots. 62 63

The Kentucky Speedway’s first NASCAR Cup Series race took place on July 9, 2011, with Kyle Busch claiming victory. 65 However, the event was plagued by severe traffic congestion, leaving up to 20,000 fans unable to enter. 66 67 68 In response, SMI announced an $11 million investment to acquire 219 acres for additional parking, linked to the Speedway by a pedestrian underpass. 69 70 Additionally, the exit ramps from Interstate 71 and KY Route 35 were expanded. 71

Events

  • The Kentucky Speedway hosted the third-tier NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2000 to 2021. 72 75
  • The second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series was held at the Speedway from 2001 to 2021. 73 75
  • From 2011 to 2020, the track hosted the Quaker State 400, an annual 400-mile NASCAR Cup Series event. 74
  • The IndyCar Series held the Kentucky Indy 300, a 300-mile race, at the Speedway from 2000 to 2011. 76 77

Decline and Closure

By 2014, attendance at the Kentucky Speedway was once again in decline. 78 In 2017, 20,000 seats were removed, reducing the venue’s capacity to 86,000. 79 This was followed by further reductions to 69,000 seats in 2019 80 and 66,000 by 2020. 84

On September 29, 2020, NASCAR announced it would not return to the Kentucky Speedway for the 2021 season, 81 citing insufficient revenue generation at the track. 82 In response, the owners stated that the facility would be repurposed as a multi-use rental complex, hosting special events, commercial television productions, music festivals, and other activities. 83

In May 2021, amid a global semiconductor shortage, the track was used by Ford Motor Company to store thousands of pickup trucks awaiting computer chips. 85 Later that year, the facility entered additional agreements with Amazon. 86 By 2022, the only event held at the track was an EDM music festival. 87 88

Gallery

Kentucky Speedway
Kentucky Speedway
Kentucky Speedway
Kentucky Speedway
Kentucky Speedway
Kentucky Speedway
Kentucky Speedway
Kentucky Speedway

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Sources

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  2. Skinner, Richard. “Thoroughbred racing decline sparks study of auto track.” Cincinnati Post, 15 May 1997, pp. 1C-2C.
  3. Terhune, Jim. “Turfway’s Carroll apparently buying LMS.” Courier Journal, 8 Jan. 1998, pp. D1-D6.
  4. Flynn, Terry. “Speedway could fuel economy.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Jan. 1998, pp. A1-A10.
  5. Terhune, Jim. “Gallatin to get superspeedway.” Courier-Journal, 9 Jan. 1997, pp. A1-A11.
  6. Groeschen, Tom. “NASCAR bid gains steam.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Jan. 1998, pp. B1-B8.
  7. Groeschen, Tom. “1 ½-mile raceway on tap.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Feb. 1998, p. B3.
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  10. Groeschen, Tom. “Shovels send hearts racing.” Anniston Star, 18 Jul. 1998, pp. D1-D2.
  11. Groeschen, Tom. “Engines are revving at new speedway.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Aug. 1998, p. D3.
  12. Groeschen, Tom. “Speedway progress on track.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Nov. 1998, p. C11.
  13. Queenan, Bob. “Luxury suites selling.” Cincinnati Post, 10 Dec. 1998, p. 1B.
  14. Queenan, Bob. “Speedway gives new tilt to its turns.” Cincinnati Post, 26 Nov. 1985, pp. 1C-6C.
  15. Haukebo, Kirsten. “Entrepreneur leaves Turfway for speedway.” Courier-Journal, 28 Feb. 1999, pp. E1-E2.
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  20. Queenan, Bob. “Kentucky Speedway lands prestigious IRL 300-miler.” Cincinnati Post, 21 Sept. 1999, pp. 1B-5B.
  21. Queenan, Bob. “Speedway passes another test.” Cincinnati Post, 8 Oct. 1999, p. 5C.
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  27. Korener, Dave. “‘It’s a race track built in Never-Never Land’.” Courier-Journal, 16 Jun. 2000, pp. 2-3.
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  30. “Bigley awarded win on disqualification.” Cincinnati Post, 17 Jun. 2000. p. 7B.
  31. Groeschen, Tom. “NASCAR official says 1st race went well.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Jun. 2000, pp. D1-D6.
  32. Goetz, Kristina. “Raceway’s name is mud.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Jun. 2000, pp. A1-A4.
  33. “Debut of race track mired in parking woes.” Cincinnati Post, 19 Jun. 2000, pp. 1A-4A.
  34. Flynn, Terry. “Better parking sets raceway back on track.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Jul. 2000, pp. A1-A8.
  35. Groeschen, Tom. “Could Busch be headed to Kentucky Speedway?” Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Aug. 2000, pp. D1-D2.
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  42. Peale, Cliff; Rutledge, Mike. “Ky. Speedway sues NASCAR.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Jul. 2005, pp. A1-A16.
  43. Story, Mark. “Losing almost 27,000 fans not a good sign.” Herald-Leader, 14 Aug. 2006, pp. D1-D8.
  44. Kelly, Kevin. “Ky. Speedway revises lawsuit against NASCAR, ISC.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Apr. 2007, pp. C1-C5.
  45. Crawford, Eric. “Speedway seeks new groove in Nextel Cup quest.” Courier-Journal, 13 May 2007, p. C1.
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  52. Kelly, Kevin. “Smith shares ideas during visit.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Jun. 2008, pp. C1-C6.
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  57. Kelly, Kevin. “Ky. Speedway improvements well under way.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Apr. 2009, p. C3.
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  62. Kelly, Kevin. “Beshear pleased with progress at Ky. Speedway.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Mar. 2011, p. D10.
  63. Bombatch, John. “Kentucky Speedway bulking up for July Sprint Cup race.” Dayton Daily News, 24 Apr. 2011, p. B8.
  64. Kelly, Kevin. “Renovation work is on fast track.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Nov. 2010, p. C5.
  65. Kelly, Kevin. “Kyle Beats The Traffic.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Jul. 2011, pp. C1-C6.
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  69. Blackford, Linda B.. “$11 million earmarked to ease jams.” Herald-Leader, 31 Aug. 2011, pp. A1-A2.
  70. Kelly, Kevin. “Speedway parking fix accelerated.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Aug. 2011, pp. A1-A5.
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  73. Carlton, Jeff. “Busch cars to run at Kentucky Speedway.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2000, p. A1.
  74. Kelly, Kevin. “Kyle Beats The Traffic.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Jul. 2011, pp. C1-C6.
  75. Sullivan, Tim. “Stuck in idle: Kentucky Speedway falls short of once high hopes 4 years after last NASCAR race.” Kentucky Lantern, 14 Jun. 2024.
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  77. Kelly, Kevin. “Ky. Speedway off IndyCar schedule.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Dec. 2011, p. D5.
  78. Kelly, Mark. “Speedway’s Cup race in danger?” Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Jul. 2014, p. C9.
  79. Story, Mark. “Kentucky Speedway reduces seating capacity by 20,000.” Herald-Leader, 11 May 2017, pp. 1B-3B.
  80. Caldwell, Dave. “Want To Go Hang Out At A NASCAR Race?” Forbes, 12 Jul. 2019.
  81. “NASCAR makes sweeping changes to 2021 Cup Series schedule.” New York Times, 29 Sept. 2020.
  82. Hoffman, Jason. “Opinion: Here’s why Kentucky Speedway lost its NASCAR weekend but deserved a better finish.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2020.
  83. Hoffman, Jason. “Kentucky Speedway losing its NASCAR races in 2021, will be ‘multi-use rental complex’.” Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sept. 2020.
  84. Story, Mark. “Kentucky Speedway loses NASCAR race for 2021.” Herald-Leader, 1 Oct. 2020, p. 3B.
  85. Matarese, John. “Thousands of new Ford pickups parked at Kentucky Speedway, can’t be sold.” WCPO-TV, 4 May 2021.
  86. Cheatham, Craig. “When will racing return to Kentucky Speedway? It’s anyone’s guess.” WCPO-TV, 24 Jun. 2021.
  87. Vanderhoff, Mark. “Racing is gone at Kentucky Speedway, but could new airport help Gallatin County?” WLKY-TV, 8 Jul. 2022.
  88. Interstellar Festival at Kentucky Speedway, 4 Aug. 2022.

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