Kansas Speedway - More Than Just a Typical Racetrack
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Kansas Speedway is one of the newest racing ovals in the United States, used mainly for races of the NASCAR Series top divisions.
Opened in 2001
The International Speedway Corporation wanted to build a racing venue in the Midwest, and in 1997, an area near Kansas City was selected as the most suitable place. The ground was broken in 1999 and the construction began in 2000. The works have been finished in early 2001. In April, the first test was made and first races were held in the summer at the venue that was named Kansas Speedway.
Aerial view of Kansas Speedway and its surrounding
Tri-oval track and Road course
This is a tri-oval speedway with a length of 2.414 km (1.5 miles). Originally, the banking in the turns was 15 degrees, but after the reconstruction in 2012 the banking on the turns was changed to 17-20 degrees, on the front stretch 9-11, and on the back stretch the baking is 5 degrees. The stands capacity is 63.000 seats, while the parking accommodates more than 35.000 vehicles and is always free.
Video : A crash in the 2016 ARCA Series race at Kansas Speedway
The lap record holder at the oval track is Scott Dixon who drove a lap in 24.761s during the IRL IndyCar Series race in 2003. Kansas Speedway also has an asphalt 3.81 km long and a road course with 6 turns. During the 2013 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race, Scott Pruett set the record lap time – 1:09.745.
Map: Kansas Speedway track layout
NASCAR Cup Series races are the main events
The main events at Kansas Speedway are two NASCAR Cup races: Go Bowling race and Hollywood Casino race. Other regular happenings at the venue include the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, Kansas Lottery 300 and NASCAR World Truck Camping Series race Toyota Tundra 150, as well as the ARCA Series race.
The series like IndyCar, United SportsCar Championship, Indy Lights, and some other minor events also held races at Kansas Speedway over the years.
NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway
Huge impact on the nearby area
The opening of Kansas Speedway had a big impact on the entire Kansas City area. Many commercial developments were built around the speedway and it was estimated that Kansas Speedway, which provides jobs to 5000 people, brings to the state around $250 million each year.
That number became even bigger after the construction of the Hollywood Hotel and Casino in 2012. The success of casino was imminent. It brings around 450.000 tourists each year and has a very important role in the local economy. Hollywood Casino is also a sponsor of one of the Sprint Cup races at Kansas Speedway.
Hollywood Casino overlooks Turn 2 at Kansas Speedway
Kansas Speedway is suitable for night races
Constant improving and developing is a priority for the owners of Kansas Speedway, so in 2011, the installment of the lights was finished and the track became available for the night racing. The NASCAR Sprint Cup race held in the spring was on during the night, while the fall race remained a day event.
In 2012, parts of the infield were paved as a part of the road course development, while the oval track was completely repaved and the NASCAR drivers were completely thrilled with it. The length of SAFER barriers around the track is 1.28 miles which is the longest length of any of the NASCAR tracks.
Kansas Speedway by night
Getting there and accommodation
The Kansas Speedway is strategically located at the intersection of both I-435 and I-70 highways, around 25 km west of Kansas City’s downtown. During the race days, traffic jams are common. The nearest airport is Kansas City International and you’ll need around 30 minutes of driving to the south to get to the speedway.
The visitors can easily find accommodation near the Kansas Speedway or in the city. There, you can find lots of different hotels, motels, and apartments at more or less affordable prices.
Kansas Speedway guests may camp in three areas around the property – Blue Ox Reserved Infield, the Blue Ox Motor Home Terrace and in the Blue Ox Richmond Campground. Kansas Speedway does not allow overnight camping in parking lots. The tent camping is also not allowed anywhere on the property.
Camping in the Kansas Speedway’s infield
Address: 400 Speedway Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66111, United States
Phone: +1 866 460 7223
Official website: kansasspeedway.com
