Travel Tips: Kentucky Speedway

Kentucky Speedway will play host to a triple-header of night races for the NASCAR Camping World Truck (UNOH 225), NASCAR Nationwide (Feed the Children 300) and Sprint Cup (Quaker State 400) Series’ this upcoming weekend.

Since many race fans will begin descending upon the track area beginning early this week, whether camping out or staying at area hotels, I wanted to give you some insight to a few local attractions and recreation along with upcoming events that may be of interest. Most of these are either located in the vicinity of or within the local communities surrounding the speedway.

In searching the areas located near Kentucky Speedway, I have narrowed it down to the county in which the racetrack is located as well as two of the surrounding counties that have several points of interests and upcoming events.

Carrollton Carroll County – “Where the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers meet” is where this county is located just off Interstate 71 strategically placed midway between Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH. It is approximately 14 miles from the speedway and home to General Butler State Resort, which consists of 791 acres of land surrounding a 30-acre lake – sounds relaxing.

· Local Attractions/Recreation: Includes but not limited to - Fishing, Horseback Riding, Miniature Golf, Miniature Train, Paddleboats and Walking/Biking Trails

· Upcoming Events: Race Fest 2012 on June 27, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. This event includes activities such as race car simulators, karaoke and live music along with a car and motorcycle show.

Gallatin County – “Little, but in the middle of it all” is the motto for this small local community. Gallatin County plays host to Kentucky Speedway, which is located in Sparta, KY – one of the cities that make up this incorporated tri-city county that include Glencoe and Warsaw.

· Local Attractions/Recreation: Sugar Bay Gold Course LLC and Craigs Creek Boating

· Upcoming Events: City of Warsaw Summer Riverfront Concert Series featuring The Makeshifts Rockabilly on June 28, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Free Admission.

Owen County – Known as “The Heart of the Golden Triangle” due to its location to major highways I-75, I-71 and I-64, this county offers a variety of attractions and recreation for visitors. Nestled in central Kentucky, it is only an hour drive from Lexington and Louisville as well as located minutes from the speedway.

· Local Attractions/Recreation: Elk Creek Hunt Club, Elk Creek Vineyards, Owen County Quilt Trail and Perry Park Golf Resort

· Upcoming Events: Owen County Fan Fair 2012

Although I can’t personally endorse any of the places mentioned, I am sure that there will be some adventures and good times to be had in these various local communities. You will note that I did not include places to eat because I realize that everyone has a different preference; however, you can click on the links and see what types of restaurants are in those specific areas.

On June 29, according to posted information on the Kentucky Speedway website, fans will have the opportunity to bid for a chance to participate in Parade Laps with some of the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers along with providing support to Speedway Children’s Charities. For further details, see link: http://www.kentuckyspeedway.com/newsline/news.aspx?newsID=1094.

Be sure to also view the Kentucky Speedway Fan Guide for information on such things as the fan zone, parking, track maps and tours – just to name a few. And remember coolers are welcome at the track this year! 

Enjoy and have a great race weekend!

Race Broadcast Information:

June 28 - NASCAR Camping World Trucks: UNOH 225, SPEED, 7:30 p.m. ET
June 29 - NASCAR Nationwide: Feed The Children 300, ESPN2, 7 p.m. ET
June 30 - NASCAR Sprint Cup: Quaker State 400, TNT, 6:30 p.m. ET


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Unique Hiram is an Associate Editor/Contributing Writer/Media Rep for Skirts and Scuffs. Additionally, she is also the author of "Fast Lane Poetry" which was published April 2011. Unique can be contacted via email or through Twitter.