Kentucky Speedway in Sparta has announced it is undertaking a comprehensive renovation of its racing surface which is highlighted by increased banking in Turns 1 and 2 and further includes drainage improvements, additional SAFER barrier, and repaving of the entire 1.5-mile tri-oval.
Work has begun and will be completed in time for this year’s NASCAR tripleheader weekend in July.
“Modifying Turns 1 and 2 will present an exciting challenge to the drivers while addressing issues of the track surface, SAFER barrier and drainage will improve safety, which is always our paramount concern,” said General Manager of Kentucky Speedway, Mark Simendinger.
The project will be coordinated by Vice President of Operations and Development for Speedway Motorsports Inc., Steve Swift.
“We have assembled an excellent team, all of whom are familiar with the demands of speedway construction” Swift said. “I am excited about the finished product as we wanted to present a unique challenge to the drivers. This design, with Turns 1 and 2 completely different than 3 and 4 accomplishes that goal. The big winner will be the race fan.”
The 2016 season at Kentucky Speedway begins in July with the return of a NASCAR tripleheader weekend anchored by the July 9 Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts. The Camping World Truck Series starts the weekend with a 225-mile event Thursday, July 7 and the XFINITY Series 300-mile event is Friday, July 8.
The XFINITY Series makes its second appearance at the track on Saturday, September 24 along with the ARCA Racing Series Crosley 150 on Friday, September 23 to conclude the fall weekend of racing.
Fans may purchase season tickets and camping, July weekend packages or individual race tickets now by calling (859) 578-2300 or visiting the Kentucky Speedway ticket office at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41086 just off Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 North. Ticket office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Responses to frequently asked questions about the renovation:
1. What is the scope of the project?
The project includes the following:
a. Improvement of subsurface drainage system
b. Addition of 3,200 feet of SAFER barrier (in addition to the 2,500 feet installed in 2015)
c. Widening of pit exit drive lane and the apron in Turns 1 and 2 from 14 feet to 30 feet
d. Narrowing of track in Turns 1 and 2 to 56 feet from 74 feet
e. Increased banking in Turns 1 and 2 from 14 degrees to 17 degrees
f. Repave of entire 1 ½ mile tri-oval
2. What is the timeline of work?
SAFER barrier is being removed immediately. The drainage work will be performed first followed by excavation in Turns 1 and 2. The repaving will occur as soon as practical as we emerge from the winter. The entire project will be completed in time for the July NASCAR tripleheader weekend.
3. Who will perform the work?
In all aspects of the project we have assembled a team with significant experience and success in working on speedways.
a. Surveying/track design/layout – Line and Grade
b. Grading/excavating/underdrain/soil stabilizing – Baker’s Construction Services
c. Paving – Final negotiation with qualified companies – Ohio Valley Asphalt will provide mix
d. SAFER barrier – Southern Bleacher and Seal Pro
4. What type of asphalt mix and curing will you use and why?
a. We will be using the standard racing asphalt mix that has been used with minor tweaking for the wear surface.
b. We will also be incorporating a curing process to aid in “aging of the track” to help make the race track a somewhat seasoned track for the July races.
5. Why are you repaving the track after such an outstanding race season?
Safety is our number one priority. The track is worn out and we are concerned that we may have a failure if we do not act. This comprehensive project addresses several issues: track surface, weepers, SAFER barrier and pit exit. We are excited about the finished product. It will be safer for the participants and should produce even more exciting racing for the fans.
6. Describe the changes to Turns 1 and 2 and why you are doing this.
Our current pit exit lane is very narrow and makes merging into traffic difficult. Widening this lane results in a narrower track (although still wide at 56 feet) and steeper banking for those turns. This makes Turns 1 and 2 completely different than turns 3 and 4 while still providing enough room for the exciting side by side racing we saw in 2015. It will be a fascinating challenge to see how the drivers attack these variables.
Kentucky Speedway