Fledgling track: The Kentucky Speedway in Sparta is three years old, and this is the second year the track has hosted a NASCAR Busch race. Last June, the race drew 70,338 spectators. This year, 66,000 to 70,000 are expected. (If you're really uninitiated, NASCAR stands for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.)
       Fun fact: Kevin Harvick, who won the inaugural race last June, will be grand marshal of this year's race. Mr. Harvick now drives full time in Winston Cup.
       Busch races: Busch races are second-tier, below the Winston Cup circuit, so they are home to racing's up-and-coming drivers. However, at least two Winston Cup drivers (Stacy Compton and Joe Nemechek) will compete. The top Busch drivers include Jack Sprague, Scott Riggs and Jason Keller.
       The purse: The winner of the “The Kroger 300 Presented by Oreo” will get $82,000 of a purse totaling $1.2 million, making it one of the top-five paying tracks. Daytona is No. 1 with a $1.6 million purse.
       Race time: The race begins 8 p.m. Saturday at the track, Ky. 35 at I-71, 35 miles southwest of Cincinnati. Tickets cost $45, $55, $65 and $75 but could sell out before race day. For more information, call (888) 652-7223 or go to www.kentuckyspeedway.com.
       Live on cable: The race will be broadcast at 8 p.m. on FX.

Weekend schedule:

Friday
       — NASCAR Busch series pole night, 7 p.m.
       — NASCAR Hills Brothers All-Pro series Kentucky 150 (about 9 p.m.)

Saturday
       — NASCAR Busch series Kroger 300, 8 p.m.
       — NASCAR Goody's dash series, Kentucky 100 (following Busch race)

— The Cincinnati Enquirer

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