This is probably the most popular question related to Kansas Speedway, and the answer is – quite possibly, yes!
Despite the fact that the track is still open for business, and has been since before Christmas, it is highly unlikely that you or I will ever see a NASCAR race there in the winter. That’s because the track usually closes down in the winter. It is not unusual for the infield to be covered with snow fencing, and it’s certainly not uncommon for the track itself to be closed off to motorized vehicles.
So, as you might have guessed, the answer is no, Kansas Speedway is not usually closed in the winter. But like most businesses, weather conditions and other factors determine whether the track will stay open or not.
When Does The Track Close?
Like most other racing series, NASCAR chooses to take an extended winter break in the winter. That means no racing for several months, as the teams and drivers simply take time off to train and rest. This breaks down something of a calender schedule for the teams, as they can now focus more on preparing for the upcoming season. While the track itself might be open for business, the offices and training centers are likely closed, as are the entertainment and hospitality venues. Furthermore, any track events that are held now are usually held in the spring or summer.
Some of the perks of the job, however, still remain. Drivers and their teams can travel to and from the track in relative comfort, and the employees working in the area can still get their work done. The track management ensures that the employees are still able to get to and from work safely, and that the fans are still able to come out and enjoy a day of racing during the winter.
Why Does The Track Close?
There are a variety of reasons why the track might close in the winter. But perhaps the biggest factor is the weather. Specifically, the temperature. Let’s take a quick look at some of the other factors.
When the track is closed down and covered with snow, it largely prevents any kind of physical activity on the part of the fans. After all, how can you watch a race if you can’t even go outside and sit in the stands?
Additionally, the track might close down due to safety concerns. While it’s always good to be extra careful when it comes to autosport, there is also a need to ensure that the fans continue to enjoy their experience. After all, a track that doesn’t draw anyone could be unsafe, and that would be a shame. So even if the temperatures are frightful, it’s still nice to have the track open so that people can have some entertainment.
But let’s discuss the temperatures for a minute. When it comes to auto racing and especially stock car racing, much of the track is either partially or fully submerged in water. This is because the cars are driven at extremely high speeds, and consequently generate a great deal of heat as a result. If the track is not submerged in water (or if it is and still closes down), then it’s usually because the track is built on an earthen dike, and the dike breaks down during particularly fierce racing periods. This necessitates the closing down of the track.
In extreme cases, the track might even be closed for the winter due to flooding. This is because the high speeds at which the cars are driven can cause them to behave in a nonseparable way, resulting in an uncontrollable slippery floor in the case of a wet track. Naturally, this can be very dangerous, even for professional drivers. The solution is as straightforward as it is obvious – the track must be closed down until the dike can be repaired or replaced. It’s simply bad luck if a car accident occurs due to water intoxication, but it’s even worse if it’s someone’s life that’s at stake. Naturally, when this happens, the track will be closed and the repairs will have to be made immediately. In extreme cases, this might even mean the demolition of a portion of the dike.
No Room For Growth
In most cases, Kansas Speedway is a race track that is stuck in mid-life. Unlike some other tracks, which extend their operation into their third decade, Kansas Speedway will be lucky to break even in their second. The sport simply does not survive well at racetracks that are more than 30 years old. This is largely due to a variety of factors, but mostly because a lot of the original investment in these sorts of venues is soon lost, as the fans simply do not flock there anymore. For this reason, it is usually best for a racing track to either stay in a fixed location or move to a new one at least once every five years. This ensures that they do not become obsolete, and it ensures that the fans have somewhere new to go every year.
Not Worth The Effort
If you’re looking for a place to have a good time, there are numerous nightclubs and bars in Kanas City that are open year-round. You’re much more likely to find someone willing to go out on the town with you in the winter than in the summer. This is because there are fewer people around in the summer, and those who are there simply want to be alone.
For this exact same reason, you’re much more likely to find a movie theater open in the winter than in the summer. While they might have some mid-week matinees or evening showings, it’s unlikely you’ll find anyone there to go to the movies with you in the summer. So if you want to see a movie, there are a variety of options available to you in any other city during the winter. There’s just no need to go to Kansas.
To be perfectly honest, there is not a whole lot that is appealing about the winter. It’s dark and dreary outside, the temperatures are usually harsh, and it’s not uncommon for a majority of the population to be covered in snow and/or ice. Naturally, this makes it extremely difficult to get around, whether you’re trying to get to work or simply want to go for a walk. For those reasons, we can safely say that Kansas Speedway is usually closed in the winter.
But just because it’s not a fun time of year to be in Kansas City does not mean that there aren’t a variety of positive perks to the area. The above information will hopefully provide you with enough data to make an informed decision about whether or not to visit the state during the winter. It’s always best to be proactive about these sorts of things instead of relying on coincidence, or relying on what some might consider “foolish wishes”.