Kentucky Speedway-NASCAR resolution likely won’t come in time to secure 2010 Sprint Cup date

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Monday, April 13, 2009
Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith owns seven tracks that the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competes at. (David Griffin / NASCAR Scene)

Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith owns seven tracks that the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competes at.

David Griffin
NASCAR Scene

The likelihood that Kentucky Speedway will be awarded a 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup race has become even more remote because an antitrust lawsuit by the track founders against NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. now likely won’t be resolved until July at the earliest.

The case, which is in U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, is not included in the hearing calendar finalized Monday for a two-week session beginning April 20. Although the court could still add the case to the schedule, that would be rare in a case such as this one. The next two-week hearing session begins June 8 – the Monday prior to the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the track.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France has said that NASCAR will not consider a realignment request for a Sprint Cup date from current owner Speedway Motorsports Inc. until the case is resolved. NASCAR typically begins the sanctioning process in April or May, and France has said that the track is running out of time to begin the realignment process.

The appeal hearing would center on whether there is enough evidence for a trial, and a decision on whether to affirm or repeal a judge’s January 2008 ruling in favor of NASCAR and ISC likely would come anywhere from three weeks to six months after the hearing. If the Kentucky Speedway founders win the appeal, the case would then be scheduled for trial.

The founders of Kentucky Speedway, who sold the track to SMI in December, allege that sanctioning body NASCAR and track operator ISC illegally conspire to keep tracks such as Kentucky from obtaining Cup dates. NASCAR, a private company owned by the France family, and the publicly traded ISC, whose majority of voting stock is owned by the France family, deny those claims. SMI is listed as a co-conspirator in the case.

Comments

16 responses to "Kentucky Speedway-NASCAR resolution likely won’t come in time to secure 2010 Sprint Cup date". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    Rob Nickerson said:
    Apr 13, 2009 at 2:00 PM

    Typical Nascar Bull#$%^&%$# Politics. Just give Kentucky a race already, I in fact beleive there shouldn't be any 2 races a year at the same track. There a plenty of good tracks all over the US that are being neglected: Road America, Mid-Ohio, Nashville, Milewalkee, Gateway, Mesa Merin, Mansfield, Texas World Speedway, North Wilksboro (needs a bit of work), Nazareth, Iowa, Rockingham, Toledo, Pikes Peak, Memphis, ORiley Raceway Park, etc...

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  2. 2
    Howard Englishman said:
    Apr 13, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    Rob, Out of all the tracks you just named there is only 1 capable of hosting a Cup date and that is Iowa. The others would take millions of dollars of improvements and infrastructure. Safer barriers,Seating,Road and Parking lot improvements to move 30,000 cars in and out before and after a race.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  3. 3
    Rob Nickerson said:
    Apr 13, 2009 at 3:21 PM

    You're probaby right. I just mean in general there are some tracks out there worthy of racing at which would add more diversity and give the drivers a new challange. It starts getting old going to the same old tracks twice a year every year. Expecially Pocono, sure its unique but it provides some of the boringest races ever...

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  4. 4
    Howard Englishman said:
    Apr 13, 2009 at 3:50 PM

    Yes, I agree with Pocono, I love the country up there and it is beautiful, but being just a month apart we need to go somewhere else. But that will never happen unless NASCAR wants to go up against the Mob.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  5. 5
    Werner Boehmert said:
    Apr 13, 2009 at 4:02 PM

    i'm all for the Iowa trak geting a race...from the racing that i've seen at this trak...it has a lot of potential and can draw from a good fan base...

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  6. 6
    bill thompson said:
    Apr 13, 2009 at 4:26 PM

    we'll pay for the lawsuits regardless which one wins. as usual the only losers will be the fans. used to love n wilks but it and others definetly nedd lots of work,take the wings off and all tracks can be exciting!!!!

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  7. 7
    Bernie said:
    Apr 13, 2009 at 8:31 PM

    OG, Howard, give me a break! The Mob? If the Mob was involved, they wouldn't be taking a hit on their 'investments'.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  8. 8
    Howard Englishman said:
    Apr 14, 2009 at 10:00 AM

    Well, I guess you don't know much about about the Mattioli family and the Poconos. They have been involved with Mob for over 30 years now. Casinos, Trucking, and Waste in Northern NJ. They are even building their own Casino on track property. Pocono is not hurting at all when it comes to fans either, last 2 races there last season each had over 100,000 fans each.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  9. 9
    Robert Elliott said:
    Apr 14, 2009 at 12:57 PM

    I've read posts here for months, most are a fun read, I've never posted however save for now. I've read opinion and debate, but # 8 is insulting.

    As members of the fourth-estate, Scene Daily (and its parent company) should know better to allow such unmitigated maligning of a family - particularly one that has maintained its independence, has not sold out despite countless and handsome offers, and that strives yearly to operate a track through very challenging times.

    With respect to moving a Pocono race; to where, an SMI/ISC track? That’s akin to George Bailey surrendering the savings and loan to Potter.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  10. 10
    Mike Butler said:
    Apr 14, 2009 at 2:47 PM

    IMO, I think that the reason NASCAR is standing pat on this is that SMI is involved in the lawsuit as well. The claim is that basically only SMI and ISC get races. They built Ky Speedway with the premise of getting a cup race. If NASCAR gives SMI a Cup race, it validates the lawsuit and could be used against both organizations. Again, this is just my opinion as to why they are being ridiculously stubborn about Cup races there. See you at the Truck Race...

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  11. 11
    Bernie said:
    Apr 14, 2009 at 6:55 PM

    Well, Howard, I must say I'm impressed. You have treated me with respect in your posts unlike some that I have seen with others. Although, I really wish you wouldn't open up the confidentialities of what goes on behind the scenes; with you or anybody or anything else. Bringing up the name of a 'family' is not one of the smartest things you have probably have done. I'm not a fan of name droppers. I think you may be over exhuberant in what you do. I probably would be too if I were in your profession. This post is of concern and opinion, not sarcasm.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  12. 12
    Howard Englishman said:
    Apr 14, 2009 at 11:16 PM

    j

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  13. 13
    Howard Englishman said:
    Apr 14, 2009 at 11:33 PM

    So Robert Elliott, What do you know about Doc and his son and daughter? Do you live on Long Pond Road? I don't think so. I own a piece of property adjoining the Speedway and I could say a lot about the Mattioli family. I have known them for years and what they get away with. By the way your post makes no sense at all.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  14. 14
    Robert Elliott said:
    Apr 15, 2009 at 9:21 AM

    #13. You’re a property owner next to the speedway? Right. More likely, a clueless bully in a doublewide poaching a neighbor’s Internet connection.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  15. 15
    Howard Englishman said:
    Apr 15, 2009 at 9:27 AM

    Really, I have owned it for years and have had Camping and RVs on it every race and every year that idiot family tries to find a way to stop it. They haven't been successful yet and never will. The people of Long Pond hate them and so does everyone in the zoning dept. You sound like the idiot son Joe yourself. Get a life fool!

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  16. 16
    Howard Englishman said:
    Apr 15, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    Really, I have owned it for years and have had Camping and RVs on it every race and every year that idiot family tries to find a way to stop it. They haven't been successful yet and never will. The people of Long Pond hate them and so does everyone in the zoning dept. You sound like the idiot son Joe yourself. Get a life fool!

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Feb 9, 2010 at 7:41 PM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

NASCAR Schedules

spd

Gatorade Duel 1

Daytona International Speedway
02:00 PM, 02/11/2010

Poll PositionView All

After qualifying and the Budweiser Shootout, who is the favorite to win the Daytona 500?

Promotions

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account