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NASCAR Cup
Kentucky Speedway is getting a facelift
The Sparta, Kentucky facility will increase the (progressive) banking in Turns 1 and 2 from 14 to 17-degrees to alleviate chronic issues with draining as well as repave the entire 1.5-mile track.
Lee Spencer
Edited: Jan 5, 2016, 10:16 PM
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Along with the capital improvements will be the addition of SAFER barrier.
The project is expected to be completed well before NASCAR returns to the track in July for Sprint Cup, XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series races.
“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.
Qualifying was cancelled for both the Cup and Xfinity Series last summer after rain contributed to ongoing weepers on the track.
Steve Swift, Vice President of Operations and Development for Speedway Motorsports Inc., will oversee the project.
“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.”
NASCAR made its debut at Kentucky Speedway in 2000 with the truck series. Champion Kyle Busch won the first Sprint Cup race at the track in 2011 — and is the defending winner of the Quaker State 400.
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