NASCAR has announced the length of each segment for its new stage-based race format at all tracks, including Kentucky Speedway.
The races will consist of three stages with championship implications in each stage. Kentucky Speedway’s segments, like the other tracks, will vary based on the race length.
The breakdown will be as follows:
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts:
- Stage 1 – ends at lap 80 (120 miles)
- Stage 2 – ends at lap 160 (240 miles)
- Stage 3 – ends at lap 267 Checkered Flag (400 miles)
XFINITY Series Alsco 300 and Visit Myrtle Beach 300:
- Stage 1 – ends at lap 45 (67.5 miles)
- Stage 2 – ends at lap 90 (135 miles)
- Stage 3 – ends at lap 200 Checkered Flag (300 miles)
Camping World Truck Series Buckle Up in Your Truck 225:
- Stage 1 – ends at lap 35 (52.5 miles)
- Stage 2 – ends at lap 70 (105 miles)
- Stage 3 – ends at lap 150 Checkered Flag (225 miles)
A number of factors went into determining the lap count for Stage 1, Stage 2 and the Final Stage of each race, with a singular goal in mind – the best racing for NASCAR fans.
“Every track is unique for its characteristics in length, surface and overall racing conditions,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “We worked closely with race teams on expected fuel and tire runs over the entirety of an event when considering stage lengths. And in the end, stage lengths were decided based upon what would provide the best race for fans.”
Last week, NASCAR announced the stage lengths for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season-opening DAYTONA 500 (Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). For the Great American Race, the stages are scheduled to end on lap 60, lap 120 and lap 200.
In January, NASCAR revealed an enhanced competition format that will be implemented for each of its national series throughout the 2017 season. The new race format is designed to produce more exciting moments throughout the entire race, and season along with playoff point incentives in play for every race.
The 2017 season at Kentucky Speedway begins in July with the return of a NASCAR tripleheader weekend anchored by the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series July 8 Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts. The Camping World Truck Series starts the weekend with a 225-mile event Thursday, July 6 and the XFINITY Series Alsco 300 is Friday, July 7.
The XFINITY Series Visit Myrtle Beach 300 returns to the 1.5-mile tri-oval on Saturday, Sept. 23 along with the ARCA Racing Series Crosley 150 on Friday, Sept. 22 to conclude season’s 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 in Sparta.
Kentucky Speedway, NASCAR Integrated Marketing