Speedway Motorsports Inc., the owner of the Kentucky Speedway, is putting the finishing touches on a repaving project that, while keeping the 1.5-mile tri-oval shape, has increased the banking in Turns 1 and 2 from 14 degrees to 17 degrees. The project is also adding protective SAFER barrier across the entire outside wall of the track as well as the backstretch and the inside walls that NASCAR requires, plus addresses water drainage issues. The first testing is set to begin on June 13, said general manager Mark Simendinger at the Kentucky Speedway Sprint Cup Series Victory Tour press conference Tuesday at the Horseshoe Casino downtown. Sprint Cup driver #2-Brad Keselowski, who has had few issues anytime he comes to Kentucky, was the main focus of the event. ‘I think the track is really rough. It’s hard to get a hold of and that’s just a challenge we’ve embraced,’ said Keselowski. ‘It’s interesting that the decision was made to make the two ends much different during the repave. That will certainly develop into this track’s own character.’ Mayor John Cranley proclaimed Wednesday as Brad Keselowski Day in Cincinnati. Keselowski received a handful of gifts as part of the honor, including a signed Reds batting helmet from second baseman Brandon Phillips, and a chunk of the old race track with a plaque honoring his accomplishments there. Keselowski said it’s premature to have any thoughts on just how the new configuration and pavement will play out. #22-Joey Lagano, Keselowski’s teammate at Penske Racing, will handle the testing at Kentucky for all of the Penske cars. From that testing, the teams will take the data collected and simulate how they think their cars will react when race night comes.(Cincinnati Enquirer)(6-1-2016)
UPDATE: At least thirteen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams are scheduled to participate in an organizational test on June 13 and 14, 2016. Teams include: #1-McMurray (Chevy), #4-Kevin Harvick (Chevy), #5-Kasey Kahne (Chevy), #1-Biffle (Ford), #18-Busch (Toyota), #21-Blaney (Ford), #22-Logano (Ford), #27-Menard (Chevy), #34-Buescher (Ford), #43-Almirola (Ford), #46-Annett (Chevy), #47-Allmendinger (Chevy), #78-Truex Jr. (Toyota).
Kentucky Speedway Gate 15 will be open for fans to enjoy the on-track activities. This is a free event, and while concession stands will not be open, patrons will have access to restroom facilities. Fans can bring one 14’³x14’³x14’³ cooler into Kentucky Speedway. Testing is scheduled to begin at 9:00am and conclude at approximately 5:00pm. Fans that plan to attend are asked to Check-In at the Kentucky Speedway Administrative Office upon arrival.(Kentucky Speedway)
