Quaker State 400 @ Kentucky

[cloverleaf]

Kentucky Speedway History

In 1998, the track broke ground in Sparta, Kentucky, and opened as a 1.5 mile speedway. Since 2000, the track has hosted 11 Nascar Nationwide Series and 13 Nascar Truck Series races. The first Nascar Sprint Cup race was held in 2011 and won by Kyle Busch.

Speedway Data

Race #: 17 of 36 Saturday, 6/30
Tracksize: 1.5 miles
Race Length: 267 laps/400 miles
Banking/Turns: 14 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 8 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 4 degrees
Frontstretch: 1662 feet
Backstretch: 1600 feet

Schedule of Events

Thursday, June 28
11:00 am Haulers enter
1:00 pm Garage opens
6:00 pm Garage closes

Friday, June 29
9:30 am Garage opens
10:30 am Rookie and Spotter meeting
11:30 - 12:30 pm Practice
1:30 - 3:00pm Practice
5:10 pm Qualifying
8:00 Garage closes

Saturday, June 30
7:45 Race starts

Now, who wins this one. After three broke engines in three races...I'm going with last year's winner Kyle Busch.

k:

 

[Vegasrunner]

I think Hamlin win Saturday night

 

[MattyMatt]

I think Hamlin win Saturday night

Wouldn't mind seeing it. Think Johnson and Kyle Busch will be strong too, along with Matt Kenseth, who I wouldn't mind seeing have a very strong showing after getting the boot for next season.

 

[Vegasrunner]

Wouldn't mind seeing it. Think Johnson and Kyle Busch will be strong too, along with Matt Kenseth, who I wouldn't mind seeing have a very strong showing after getting the boot for next season.

I too wouldn't mind seeing Matt win. Think Stewart will be strong too

 

[cloverleaf]

Men, when is Jeff Gordon going to win another race.

Every week I think this will be Gordon's race to win but something seems to always happen.

Strange season for him. Even hear people saying he's washed up, not hungry enough anymore.

 

[Vegasrunner]

Thought last week he had a shot but seems either bad luck or bad pit calls cost them each week.

 

[MattyMatt]

I too think Gordon will be über strong this week and has a great shot at Victory Lane. This Kentucky track caught alot of bad vibes when first opened, but I really like it myself.

 

[Maxx40]

Wouldn't mind seeing it. Think Johnson and Kyle Busch will be strong too, along with Matt Kenseth, who I wouldn't mind seeing have a very strong showing after getting the boot for next season.

Don't think Kenesth got the boot but I do believe he decided to leave because he was took for granted and under appreciated

 

[MattyMatt]

Getting the boot may not be the best terminology to use, but his hefty price tag and underperformance to pay for it definitely had something to do with it. Granted, it wasn't the only reason, but it surely was a big factor in the decision.

 

[Maxx40]

Getting the boot may not be the best terminology to use, but his hefty price tag and underperformance to pay for it definitely had something to do with it. Granted, it wasn't the only reason, but it surely was a big factor in the decision.

It looks to me that this was Kenseth's decision. Roush did not want this. It sounds like contract negotiations may not have been going the way he wanted and there have been things in the past that made it look and sound like Kenseth didn't see eye to eye with what was going on at RFR so when someone else showed some interest he started listening.

Not sure about the underperforming thing after finishing 4th and 5th last 2 years and leading the points so far this year. This team looks to be at or near championship form.

 

[MattyMatt]

Regardless of the cause, it's the right move for all involved IMO. It's the only
Team MK knows in his 12 year Cup career. A whole new perspective on things is needed, and not being able to seal a deal with a full-season long sponsor with a driver like Kenseth doesn't look good no matter how you slice it. I like the guy and wish him well in his future racing endeavors.

 

[MattyMatt]

It does look to be all Kenseth's decision. "the dark
Side" huh. Toyota it is, or so Jack thinks. Smooth move IMO. No matter where he ends up, the new surroundings will do him some good, and I'm sure a more solid sponsor will be
On board.