On October 2nd, 2008, the Kansas Speedway commented that it would add a road course to their infield if they are awarded the contract to manage a state-owned hotel and casino facility in Wyandotte County. Just two weeks ago, the speedway offered to seek a 2nd NASCAR Sprint Cup race if it receives the fifteen year casino management contract.
The speedway is a part of the Kansas Entertainment LLC collaboration that it is bidding against three other gaming organizations to construct and manage a casino facility in Wyandotte County. Jeff Boerger, speedway president said that this just improves the economic development that they can introduce to Kansas and expands their motor sports portfolio by allowing other examples of racing. He added that they can entertain a whole new demographic with car clubs.
Boerger commented that the 2 ¼ mile road course would be made for the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series and competition by different sports car clubs. It would cost between $8 million and $10 million to construct. Boerger said that the speedway also hopes to attract a national convention if it receives the casino contract. He declined to name the convention, saying that talks are still ongoing but hope to announce the proposal as soon as possible.
The Kansas Entertainment partnership has proposed a $705 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino that would be on the speedway ground. It is constructing against Golden Heartland Incorporated, Legends Sun and Pinnacle Entertainment Incorporated, all of which would construct casinos near the speedway.
11/11/2008 07:19 PM
Davis Coulter