The Kansas Speedway is located in Kansas City, Kansas. It’s been going strong since 1945 and actually holds the record for the most NASCAR victories for any track. If you’re ever in Kansas City, Kansas, be sure to pay the Speedway a visit. You’ll have a great time checking out the track and the various restaurants and bars located there. If you’re ever in the area, you must make a point to see the Speedway. It’s a great American institution.
The NASCAR Track
The NASCAR track is an oval shaped racetrack that measures 400 yards long. It seems like a regular old football field. The track is flanked by the stands which are made of wood and steel. The seating in the grandstands is on the same level as the drivers’ podiums. At the end of each lap, the drivers come around and wave to the crowd. It’s a great tradition that has been going on for nearly 80 years now. The average speed of a Sprint Cup race there is around 190 miles per hour. That’s a fast pace!
The stands at the Kansas Speedway are no ordinary stands though. They’re called the SkyDome because of their distinctive look. They’re similar to the seating at O’Mara’s stadium. What makes these stands special is the fact that the entire enclosure is a single continuous grandstand that wraps around the entire track. There’s also an upper deck area that extends a little beyond the backstretch and features more standing room only seating. If you ever get a chance to go to a NASCAR race at the Speedway, go for it. You won’t be disappointed. Just make sure you get your tickets in advance. That way you can be sure to get a good spot. The first couple of rows are most likely sold out. But it is still a good idea to get tickets from the back because they are rarely used and give you a better chance at getting a good view.
The History Of The Kansas Speedway
The history of the Kansas Speedway is pretty remarkable. It began in a small town called Leavenworth, Kansas in 1945. The original plan was to build a baseball park according to Kenosha Klompers, a prominent Chicago developer. However, World War II delayed construction. It wasn’t until December of that year that the grand opening took place. On that day, more than 12,000 people showed up to see the first event held at the newly-opened ballpark. The total cost of the project was about $500,000. But the community of Leavenworth, Kansas celebrated anyway since the project was a huge boost to the local economy.
In the 50 years since its founding, the Kansas Speedway has gone through a lot of changes. Today’s track is very different from what it was originally conceived to be. Take a walk down memory lane with us as we look back at how the track evolved over the years.
The First Years
The first years of the Kansas Speedway were very modest. It originally started out with just a dirt track and some hay bails. Over the years, the track was paved and the stands were built. The track currently features 28 turns which led to it being officially declared a sports complex in 1979. During that time, it was also home to the National Guard and the Kansas Jayhawks. It wasn’t until 1951 that the first 500-mile race took place. That same year, the first NASCAR race was also held there. It wasn’t until the late 1950s that the track began to gain popularity and started hosting some pretty prestigious events. That is when the construction of the SkyDome, the multi-tiered structures at the end of the track, began. In the 60 years since, the track has continued to grow and evolve.
Designing A Complex Track
One of the things that have made the Kansas Speedway so special is the wide range of events that they’ve hosted over the years. Because of this, the track has evolved to fit the needs of a variety of different kinds of races. One of the things that made the old dirt track so unique was that it was an all-oval track. This meant that it didn’t matter what part of the track you were on, you were always in view of another vehicle. This openness made it possible for anyone to have a good view of the entire race. Because of the design of the track, this meant more than just a good view from the stands. You were literally part of the action as well. This is one of the things that made the old dirt track so special. But these days, the track is more like a square than an oval. There are a few banking lanes on either side to make the corners more visible. This has also made it easier for electronic boards to display the races live to viewers, something that was previously only available through newspaper coverage or in certain cars’ onboard cam systems.
The First Brick By Brick Structure
The first brick by brick structure at the Kansas Speedway was the first tier of the SkyDome. This area, which is now called the Legends’ Plaza, was originally completed in 1969. The next tier, which holds the Press Center and the Governor’s Box, were both completed one year later in 1970. The final tier consisted of the upper deck (also known as the Diamond Heights) and covered seating that wraps around the entire track. This is where the average person sits these days. We’re not sure why the upper deck is called diamond heights. It’s just another way of saying the “money area” at the track. There’s also an area where the drivers park before autograph sessions and other such events. Perhaps this is where the name comes from. It certainly fits since the upper deck is where the wealthy and famous come to watch the races. There are also areas where photographers and reporters can set up their cameras to get pictures of the drivers and others where fans can get their autographs. The upper deck gets its own Starbucks and offers fantastic views of the entire track. It does feel like you’re in a big diamond when you’re there. So, whenever possible, make sure you visit this area of the track. The feeling of being a part of history is something that doesn’t happen often enough these days. If you’re ever in Kansas City, Kansas, be sure to stop by the Kansas Speedway to see what all of the hype is about. You’ll have a great time. Just make sure you get your tickets in advance. They go on sale in August and you can usually find them at the track before the event. At least you’ll have a good seat. Otherwise, you’ll either have to find a way to get one of those folding chairs or sit on the grass like everybody else. You might even have to use a blanket to keep warm. It happens all the time there.