SPARTA, Ky. – Kentucky Speedway’s free Ford Fan Day returns Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., to offer guests entertaining chances to get a behind-the-scenes look at the 107,000-capacity NASCAR venue.
The day will feature a plethora of attractions such as the chance to meet two-time Daytona 500 champion Sterling Marlin from 1 p.m.-2:45 p.m., tour the track from Victory Lane to the spotter’s stand, enjoy children’s activities and inflatables, pace car rides, 2015 Ford F-150 test drives along with country-blues musical entertainment from the NantzLane Band.
Marlin, a Tennessee native, competed on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) circuit for 33 seasons during which he captured 10 victories through 748 starts. He collected the 1994 and 1995 Daytona 500 titles racing the Morgan-McClure No. 4 machine and charted a sixth-place NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) finish in his only Kentucky Speedway start June 18, 2005.
Ford Fan Day guests also will be able to see the speedway flagstand, owner’s suite, press box and campgrounds in addition to having photos taken with the No. 22 Team Penske show car along with the speedway’s official Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts NSCS trophy.
Kentucky Speedway general manager Mark Simendinger will chat with guests during his “Ask the GM” session beginning at 1:45 p.m., in Bluegrass Hall on the speedway infield. Visitors will also be able to talk racing with motorsports experts during “Racing Roundtable”sessions at 1 p.m., and 2:15 p.m., in Bluegrass Hall.
The Kentucky Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities Ford Fan Day Online Auction is offering a one-of-kind experience with Marlin. The winning bidder will take five laps around the 1.5-mile tri-oval in the track’s Official Pace vehicle. Bidding opens Monday, April 13 through Wednesday, April 22. Visit the SCC Kentucky Chapter website for auction details.
All-new 2015 Ford F-150 test drives will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., on the infield. Guests will be able to experience new F-150 features such as a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body as well as a high-strength steel frame carrying less weight yet greater strength than previous editions. Test drivers also will notice the F-150’s impressive power-to-weight ratio that provides greater performance throughout the model year’s four-engine lineup.
TeamZOOM Canine Entertainment will join the fun by presenting spectacular dog variety shows at 12:30 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. Upbeat routines set to music provide super-charged family fun as spirited performers entertain with death-defying leaps, display incredible speeds and fire off unique tricks. Performers display unimaginable athleticism by flying through the air to catch a Frisbee and race through an agility course.
Additional Ford Fan Day attractions will include the popular Kids Zone that will feature face painting, Hot Wheels racing, a pit stop tire challenge, inflatables, bean bag toss game and popcorn. Guests also will be able to see Gravelrama late model car demonstrations as well as Univ. of Cincinnati FSAE car and Kentucky Speedway Fire and Safety vehicle displays.
NantzLane Band, country-blues artists from Dry Ridge, Ky., will provide a musical backdrop for the day. The quintet formed in 2012 has performed at high-profile regional venues such as Covington, Ky.’s Madison Theater, Bobby Mackey’s Music World in Wilder, Ky., in addition to Nashville, Tenn.’s Silver Dollar Saloon.
Visit our Ford Fan Day page for the schedule.
Ford Fan Day will help set the stage for the first of two Kentucky Speedway event weekends.
The five-race speedway season opens with a NASCAR tripleheader weekend featuring the NSCS Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts Saturday, July 11, a 300-mile NXS race Friday, July 10 and the Camping World Truck Series UNOH 225 Thursday, July 9.
Racing will continue in September when the NXS returns Sept. 26 for the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 and ARCA Racing Series (ARS) drivers tangle in a 150-mile affair Friday, Sept. 25.
Tickets, campsites and infield Fan Zone passes that provide a chance to enjoy a stage-side view of the Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts Kroger race-day concert with country music artist Jerrod Niemann, infield access and more can be purchased through the tickets and camping pages of this website, by calling (859) 578-2300 or visiting the speedway ticket office at 1 Speedway Drive, Sparta, Ky., 41086 off of Interstate 71 Exit 57 and Ky. Hwy. 35 N.
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