Kansas Speedway to be repaved

Kansas Speedway, which opened in 2001, will repave its surface and add variable banking in the turns between the running of its two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2012, track officials announced today.

Kansas currently hosts Cup events in June and October. It is possible that its spring Cup race in 2012 could be moved to April or May to allow more time for the project to be completed.

In announcing the project, which will also include the construction of a road course, track officials wouldn’t comment on the 2012 race dates.

The track, a 1.5-mile trioval, is currently banked 15 degrees in the turns. The variable banking will begin at 15 degrees on the bottom portion of the track and increase to a maximum of 20 degrees at its peak.

In addition to the turns, the frontstretch, backstretch and pit road will all be reconstructed.

“These are significant projects for Kansas Speedway and our fans," said Kansas Speedway President Patrick Warren. “Given the harsh weather conditions in the Midwest, a repave of our existing racing surface was a must.

“Repaving a track is a huge undertaking so we decided it was the right time to make the other changes to our facility, which we believe will enhance our fans experience at Kansas Speedway."