It took 11 years, but it's about to happen. While NASCAR has had Craftsman Truck and Nationwide series races at Kentucky Speedway, the big Kahuna has not graced the track.
Now, after years of negotiations, economic incentives and, the occasional lawsuit, Sprint Cup racing comes to Sparta, Ky., and Governor Steve Beshear couldn't be happier.
"All eyes will be on Kentucky," Beshear said at a pre-raceday cookout at the governor's residence in Frankfort.
In the grandstands will be approximately 120,000 people, which, in and of itself, is an economic boon to the state. Since this is the first time the Cup series has raced at Kentucky, there are no numbers yet to indicate just how much the financial impact will be to the state, Beshear said.
"This is everyman's sport," said Kentucky Secretary of Tourism, Arts and Heritage Marcheta Sparrow said. Until now, going to the races has meant going to the horse track. There was a time when people went there regularly, and that declined to a trip once a week to bet a few dollars on the horses. "But they don't even do that anymore."
So, having the premiere series of NASCAR come to Kentucky on a yearly basis, will make a difference.
The stands which used to seat 60-70,000 will now have 120,000 at capacity, Beshear said. He also sees it another selling point for his state in terms of both production value and quality of life.
He's betting the economic incentives to Speedway Motorsports Inc., added to the $80 million investment of SMI will pay of in both the short and long term.
The proximity of Kentucky Speedway to fans in Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana is attractive, said First Lady Jane Beshear.
With West Virginia a 2 or 3 hour drive, she hopes fans will flock to the Bluegrass State.
So, within good driving distance, fans can add Kentucky to their favorite tracks and have the ingredients for a good day trip.
Gentlemen, start your engines! Green flag drops at 7:45 p.m. At least according to the raceday schedule distributed by track officials.
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