By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune managing editor
Tonight’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Alsco 300 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta has been postponed due to inclement weather.
It has been rescheduled until noon tomorrow (Saturday).
Strong thunderstorms swept through the region just as drivers were about to conclude qualifying for the NASCAR Monster Cup Series Quaker State 400.
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer issued the following statement regarding the postponement:
“NASCAR and Kentucky Speedway have decided to postpone tonight’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race until tomorrow. Fan safety is our number one priority. Due to extreme weather forecasted deep into this evening, we did not see any opportunity to get the race completed tonight.”
Kyle Busch will start on the pole in the No.18, NOS Energy Drink Rowdy Toyota in the Alsco 300, and will be joined on the front row by Erik Jones in the No. 20 Reser’s American Classic Toyota.
The XFINITY race will be followed by the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400, presented by Advance Auto Parts, at 7:45 p.m.
The postponement means several NASCAR Monster Energy Series drivers that chose to run in the XFINITY race will be pulling double duty.
That list includes Busch, who also captured the pole for the Quaker State 400, Jones, Kevin Harvick and Ryan Blaney.
Gates open at 10 a.m. driver introductions for the Alsco 300 are at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Green Flag at 12:10 p.m.
Tickets for both the Quaker State 400 and Alsco 300 will be honored tomorrow. In the event of a conflict, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 ticketholders will have priority for seating assignments.
Alsco 300 tickets will be honored until 3 p.m.
Contact Mark Hansel at mark.hansel@nkytrib.com