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NorthernLight IRL: Tickets moving fast for Indy Racing debut in Kentucky

24 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

FLORENCE, Ky.-- The new Kentucky Speedway, set to open June 16, has received overwhelming response since it began selling single-event tickets March 6.

The Belterra Resort Indy 300, the inaugural Indy Racing Northern Light Series event at the 1.5-mile tri-oval, is scheduled for Aug. 27. NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR All-Pro and ARCA series races also will take place this summer during the debut season at the track, 35 miles south of Cincinnati.

"Our phone system blew out twice," said Kentucky Speedway Executive Vice President/General Manager Mark Cassis about the demand for tickets. "We knew we would be busy, but never for this. Over 3,000 seats were sold (on the first day), and we are telling people to be patient and keep dialing the toll-free number."

The Kentucky Speedway ticketing system is state of the art. It was recommended to the speedway and used by other tracks around the country. Yet race fans have overloaded even the very latest technology.

"We started taking calls for individual-event tickets at 9 a.m., and the phone never stopping ringing," Cassis said. "Our representatives never put the phones down all day."

Orders continue to flow into the tracks ticket office, said Mike Travis, director of ticket operations.

"Tickets are selling at a steady pace," Travis said. "Its been a great early response."

Fans can purchase tickets for The Belterra Resort Indy 300 and other Kentucky Speedway events by calling (888) 652-RACE or visiting the tracks ticket office at the Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell, Ky.

The $152-million Kentucky Speedway, under development and co-owned by Jerry Carroll, remains on schedule for a June 16-17 grand opening featuring NASCAR All-Pro and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events. The new facility will have a paved, 1.5-mile tri-oval track with 14-degree banking in the turns and lighting for nighttime events.

Phase I of construction will have 65,989 grandstand seats, 50 luxury suites, and a 210-seat, private, glass-enclosed Kentucky Club. Phase II, which will include a dirt track and drag-strip racing facilities, can expand the 1.5-mile venue to 120,000 seats with 120 luxury suites on the 1,000 acre location.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.