Kentucky replaces IndyCar race with Nationwide event
The new event, announced Friday, will give the speedway five NASCAR-sanctioned races over two weekends next season.
Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger said the speedway has been unable to reach an agreement with IndyCar about bringing the IndyCar Series back next season.
IndyCar chief executive officer Randy Bernard isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet.
He was planning to meet with Bruton Smith, who is chairman of the company that owns Kentucky Speedway, on Sunday in Las Vegas. "We don't give up," Bernard said. "We think it is a great facility and great racing. We'd like to be back there if possible."
Simendinger left the door open for a return by the IndyCar Series, but said a deal would have to come together quickly for it to happen in 2012.
"I think the reality of it is as time goes on it gets harder and harder for both of us to put something together," he said. "They've got to get on with their plans to do their schedule. We've got to get on with our plans to do ours. It makes it more challenging as time goes on. But if they come up with a good concept, we are certainly a venue that would love to put on another IndyCar race.
"It's always been a good show in the past and I don't see any reason why we wouldn't continue to do it here." Cincinnati.com