Sunday, August 01, 1999
35,000 brave heat for peek at Ky. Speedway
BY KRISTINA GOETZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FLORENCE — Despite the sweltering heat, an estimated 35,000 auto racing fans jammed Turfway Park on Saturday to listen to country music and get a sneak peek at the Kentucky Speedway.
The speedway isn't scheduled to open until next June.
“In my wildest dreams and imaginations I never thought this many people would come out here,” said three-time Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip, who signed autographs.
People were waiting to get in the gates at 9 a.m. to listen to big-name country music stars; inspect NASCAR, CART and IRL show cars, trucks and simulators; and line up to get autographs from three of racing's top drivers.
Some even loaded buses for free tours of the construc tion site that's 35 miles south of Cincinnati in Sparta, Ky., on Interstate 71.
“It proved it today, that people are interested in the Kentucky Speedway, in country music, and they're interested in learning more about the cars,” said Mark Cassis, vice president of business development for the speedway.
“We'll be ready next June.”
The $152 million Kentucky Speedway will have a 1.5-mile, tri-oval track. Phase I will have 65,000 grandstand seats, 50 luxury suites and a 210-seat restaurant on the start/finish line. Phase II can expand the venue to 150,000 seats with 120 suites.
Because of the heat, organizers increased the number of paramedics on duty Saturday. Florence Fire Chief Richard Albers said about 75 people were treated for heat exhaustion. About a dozen were taken to the hospital.
Three others were taken to the hospital when scaffolding adorned with banners fell. All were treated and released.
There were no serious injuries, Chief Albers said.
The heat didn't stop droves of fans who stood in the infield in front of a huge stage and danced as they listened to acts like Sawyer Brown, Brad Paisley, SHeDAISY and Aaron Tippin.
Others waited to meet Indy 500 champion Danny Sullivan, Indy racing legend Bobby Unser and Mr. Waltrip. Some bought new Kentucky Speedway apparel like jackets, T-
shirts and hats.
Dan Stefanou, 32, of Covedale summed up his reaction simply.
“The Kentucky Speedway is the best thing to happen to Kentucky since the Wildcat,” he said.
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