For fans of NASCAR, the following announcement might come as a shock: The Sprint Cup Series – NASCAR’s premier series – is heading to a city you might not have heard of before. Yes, the 2018 season will be racing at Kansas Speedway in America’s heartland.
It’s a track that prides itself on its fast pace and flat-out intensity. For decades, the bricks have been a breeding ground for some of the greatest names in stock car racing – including Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and David Pearson. This year, it’s hosting a NASCAR Cup Series race for the first time since 1985.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re taking a closer look at one of motorsport’s most iconic venues. We’ll explore everything from the history of the track to the nuts and bolts of how a NASCAR race is organized. So, let’s get started.
The Track’s Fabulous Past
Although it’s been around since the 1950s, Kansas Speedway officially celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. The track started as a half-mile clay oval in the middle of a livestock and cornfield. Its original opening day featured an exhibition race between AAA affiliated teams. The very first NASCAR race came exactly 50 years later, on September 26, 2017.
The event was covered by the Associated Press, ESPN and NASCAR‘s own broadcast network, FOX. A live audience of roughly 25,000 people packed the stands, with thousands more watching the activity on TV. It was a historical moment for the track, one it’s CEO Doug Yates was quick to point out.
“This is a really cool moment in the sport’s history,” said Yates. “The crowd was really into it, the drivers were giving it their all and the television cameras picked up the intensity of the whole race. When you’re a part of something that special, it just feels good. Everyone worked hard to make it happen and it was a perfect day.”
The following day, the speedway held a special ceremony to commemorate the occasion. Among the attendees were several NASCAR legends, including Richard Petty, who drove in the first-ever NASCAR race back in 1968. He also happened to be the track’s president at the time. The day was capped off by the announcement of the 2018 NASCAR season, with the first race at Kansas Speedway scheduled for March 8th.
The Track’s Fabulous Present
Even if you’ve never been to Kansas Speedway, you likely know about it. The National Rifle Association’s yearly convention is usually held there, as is the National Western Stock Show. Every year, the track awards scholarships to students in the area, with the amount determined by the value of the stock shown in the stock show. The venue is also a popular stop on the motorsport bucket list for anyone who’s ever wanted to attend a NASCAR race.
This year, the track is welcoming back its original championship belt and trophies as part of an overall expansion and renovation effort. The grandstands and paddock area are being completely overhauled. The bathrooms are being updated, too, with luxury products and fixtures being used.
Aside from all of that, the track continues to operate as usual. With a seating capacity of roughly 75,000, it’s the largest single-venue track in NASCAR. Now, more than ever, it’s a place enthusiasts can frequent.
The Track’s Fabulous Future
Yes, it’s true that the track is already historic. But that doesn’t mean it’s finished evolving. With the right moves, the track could become one of the sport’s premier destinations. Here’s how.
First, the track could renovate and expand its hotel, creating a more luxurious experience for patrons. This also benefits the local economy, since more people means more shoppers and more restaurants and bars to serve them.
Next, the track could partner with international racing series to hold an event there. Not only would it give fans around the world the chance to attend a NASCAR race, it would also provide exposure for the brand.
Last, the track could set up shop in other parts of the Midwest, expanding it beyond its current borders. It wouldn’t be the first time a major venue made such a move – see: Busch Garden, formerly known as the Pontiac Silverdome.
The sky is the limit for Kansas Speedway, which has proven time and time again that it can continually evolve and grow, maintaining its appeal to fans and sponsors while also expanding its reach to new markets.