LOUISVILLE, Ky -- NASCAR's racing season begins in two weeks, at Kentucky Speedway the excitement builds toward the July 8th Quaker State 400. Track changes made to the Sparta track last year get a thumbs up from track officials, an ESPN analyst, and a NASCAR hopeful.
ESPN analyst Ricky Craven says the track is "One tough son of a gun" with the changes that were made. Speedway owner Mark Simendinger adds the track did its part by identifying the best drivers, the winners of the most races in last year's truck, XFINITY, and Sprint Cup races all went on to claim titles in their respective series.
Craven says Challenges facing NASCAR this year include the retirements of popular drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Carl Edwards means new young talent to step forward. Track officials believe the new title sponsor Monster Energy, will also bring a younger audience to NASCAR starting this year.