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NASCAR Visits Kentucky With Inaugural Sprint Cup Race

Sparta, Kentucky – So what is there to do in the quiet Northern Kentucky town of Sparta late of an evening the weekend after we celebrate the birthday of our great nation? In the words of Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear “Gentleman, START YOUR ENGINES!” This town has been no stranger to the world of motorsports, having hosted a wide range of events since it opened in 2000. However, this was the first time the Cup series has made its way to the Bluegrass State.

    Kyle Busch climbs out of the No. 18 M&M’s in victory lane after winning the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway. [Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR]


Pre-race excitement could be felt as soon as you enter the state Thursday. All along the I-75/I-71 corridor, signs welcomed fans for what promised to be a stupendous induction into the NASCAR history books. In a pre-qualifying press-conference with Darrell Waltrip and Michael Waltrip, DW stated, “You can feel the energy and excitement starting at souvenir row. This is a BIG BIG deal and the new venue gives the sport a much needed lift. Special thanks to Bruton (Smith) for saying he was going to bring the Cup race here and then making it come to fruition.” Michael went on to convey his excitement at getting the chance to qualify in a car that had a special paint scheme in honor of his brothers induction into the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, a mid-qualifying rainstorm bumped Waltrip’s 30.158 time that would have secured his start. NASCAR’s new rule led to a starting field based on practice times, giving the Pole position to Kyle “Rowdy” Busch.

When walking around the grounds, it is easy to understand why racing reaches so many people. It is accessible to anyone and everyone. You don’t have to understand how x’s and o’s or who went to what college or prep school and how that affects trade agreements. You don’t have to count 20-luv or par this or that. It is simple. You pick a driver or a team based on whatever it is that interests you and you can relate to what they do, drive. Of course there is pit strategy and skill involved. I’ve yet to find a ballet more in sync then these talented drivers! What other sport allows you to purchase all-access passes? When the track is cold (up to an hour before scheduled practice or events) you can walk around pits and garage area asking questions of the crew and grabbing that sought after autograph as your driver moves from holler to garage to track.

I was greatly honored to be allowed all access to Joe Nemecheck’s Nationwide #87 NEMCO Motorsports Toyota pit box during Friday night’s race. It was truly an honor to stand beside the men that work so hard year round, from the time the National Anthem was sang until the checkered flag was claimed by Brad Keselowski. The speed and finesse it takes to complete a pit stop changing four tires and adding fuel is beyond explanation. And like any sport, these guys practice and stretch out before the “game”. Like a well oiled machine, the team communicated adjustments and strategy to give the driver any possible edge on the track.

The over-all experience is a big thumbs up at Kentucky Speedway. Obviously parking is a thorn that needs to be extracted sooner than later. However the fan majority seemed satisfied and expectant for many years of racing in the wonderful Commonwealth of Kentucky. The other improvement that is expected to be made as soon as the Kentucky Indy 300 concludes in October, is the garage area restructuring. Many crews were frustrated with the distance from the garage to the pits, especially in the heat and humidity that comes with July in northern Kentucky.

I look forward to bringing you racing news from a different perspective! Is there something you have always wanted to know about in the world of racing? Email your questions to me at sunshine2724@gmail.com; follow me on twitter @ twitter.com/sunshine2724 and on Facebook!
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