Kentucky Speedway

[Redneck]

Flew out of Cinncinati yesterday and went over the new speedway being built in Kentucky. Even at 30,000 feet I could tell the banking looked pretty steep. I have heard it will be even steeper than Bristol. It is a tri-oval and looked to be about 1/2 mile.

Anybody know the stats on this track?

[Joe Fan]

Redneck, the information you heard on the banking is incorrect. Check: www.kentuckyspeedway.com It states that the banking in the turns will only be 14 degrees which is like California Speedway. It couldn't be banked 36+ degrees and still hold IndyCar races as that is too much banking for those types of cars.

Like it or lump it, flat 1.5 mile tracks are the norm now because they are fan friendly (you can see both turns real well sitting in the grandstands on a 1.5 mile track) and the low banking allows for IndyCar and Champ cars to run on them (so the track owner can gouge you by making you buy tickets for these races too as part of a season ticket package). Our new track, Kansas Speedway will also be a 1.5 mile track but will have 15 degree banking in the turns.



[This message has been edited by Joe Fan (edited 11 March 2000).]

[Redneck]

That is what some locals had told me a few months ago when I was in the area. Guess they didn't know what they were talking about. I see they selling PSL seating. Talk about gouging! What a rip-off, having to pay money just to be able to buy a ticket.

[Joe Fan]

Redneck, I agree about the gouging with the PSLs but I see it as a means to raise money for the construction of the track. I had to shell out $1500 total for three PSLs for our track. But I felt it was worth it to get a damn track that is only 45 minutes from my house and get prime seats. I get my name officially put on my seat and retain the rights for 30 years.