Monday, July 10, 2000
Ky. Speedway's tune: Hard rock, no problem
By Kristina Goetz
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPARTA — Kentucky Speedway proved over the weekend it can draw thousands of people without a race car in sight.
With changes in the traffic plan, an additional 10,000 parking spaces and dry weather, organizers managed to draw 52,147 cheering, heavy metal music fans.
For the inaugural concert the speedway hosted an eight-hour Summer Sanitarium Tour with Korn, Kid Rock, Powerman 5000 and System of a Down. Headline act Metallica borrowed singers from other bands because its lead singer was ill.
“We proved we can park cars,” said Mark Cassis, co-owner of the speedway. “We proved we can stage big events. We're not putting on an event for 8,000. We're talking about 52,000.
“When we make news we make it big. That's part of it. That's the excitement.”
Heavy rains and mud caused track officials to close some parking lots for the speedway's inaugural racing event June 17 and some fans had to be turned away. Track officials then had to issue refunds. Since then, the track has added VIP parking, contingency lots and spent more than $700,000 on gravel.
Officials say the track opener proved solutions could be developed for potential problems and the concert showed fans they could be executed successfully.
“We didn't even use all of our parking and we parked everybody,” said Tim Bray, a Kentucky Speedway spokesman. “Yes, the lines were there but they were moving and the pace was good.”
Even with the packed infield, moshing and crowd-surfing, preliminary reports from the Kentucky State Police estimate fewer than 20 arrests. Police officials say most were for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. Official numbers will not be released until today.
About 300 people were treated for mostly heat-related illnesses. Two were injured after they fell, one on the concourse and another from a fence he climbed. Track officials say they are both in stable condition.
Mr. Cassis said Speedway officials were apprehensive about a concert of such magnitude but were so pleased they plan to host more.
Possibilities include country music concerts, festivals and auto shows.
“I give it a thumbs up,” Mr. Cassis said. “We'll definitely do it again.”
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