Kentucky Speedway
Kentucky Speedway
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
132 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
41
Average
10
Poor
4
Terrible
2
wayneco52
Waymart, PA128 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
This is a review of the track campgrounds only.
Kentucky Motor Speedway offers many campgrounds during race week. You can arrive Tuesday before the race and stay until 6PM Sunday, the day after the race. If you want electric, plan on spending $500+ for your stay. We spent $200 and brought our generator. Here is what I learned that might help someone who plans on camping at the track: (Prices were from 2016)
Hawk's Landing is where we stayed (one of the $200 campgrounds). It is family friendly, and not a party campground. You mostly only hear generators. There are porta-potties around to use. If you want to spend a lot of money, you can rent your own porta-potty. This campground has a front and a back section. In the front (closer to the track), your site is on grass. In the back (closer to the highway) your site is on gravel. The other $200 campgrounds are Ponderosa and Bourbon Street. Ponderosa is really large. There is a shower semi there and for $5 or $6 you can get a shower. From what I understand, there is quite a bit of partying at the back part of this campground. Bourbon Street is closest to the track. It is in a valley though, so if it rains, you will likely be in muck.
Another campground is Millionaire's Row, which has electric. I think it is $500 for the race week. There is also infield camping at this track. The Kentucky Speedway website has information about each type of campground. Plus, if you call the track directly, they are super nice and are willing to answer your questions. (859) 578-2300.
How to get around: You can drive your vehicle around, but not a good idea on Sprint Cup race day! There are shuttle buses that run quite frequently. You can also walk. We walked from the track to our site at Hawk's Landing front part after the race rather than wait for a shuttle bus (many were running). It wasn't a bad walk. You can also ride bicycles, but know that the track and surrounding area is quite hilly. On Sprint Cup race day, they closed a main road around the racetrack - not sure why, but it sure was a pain getting to the credentials trailer with our truck!
How to get water: I heard that you can fill your RV tank at the Ponderosa campground. We stopped at a Flying J before we got to the track and filled ours. If you want to pay a lot of money, a company will come to your site to fill your RV. This might be necessary if you are staying from Tuesday through Sunday, depending on the size of your holding tank and how much water you use.
How to shower: If you want to pay for a shower, go to the shower trailer at Ponderosa. I think it was $5 or $6 If you want a nicer shower, drive your vehicle to the racetrack shower building (by Millionaire's Row campground). You can get a free shower in a real showerhouse there. The shower bus drives around the campground to take people to the showerhouse as well. Or do what we did and shower in your RV; since we only stayed for 2 nights, we didn't fill our gray water tank.
How to get electric: Bring a generator! Or fork out more money for a campground that offers electricity.
How to dump your waste: There is a dump station at Ponderosa, or on your way out; there was quite a line on Sunday when we left. We were heading to another campground that had full hook-ups after the race, so we just dumped ours there. You can also dump at a Flying J or some other travel plazas on your way home. If you want to pay a lot of money, you can pay a company who comes to get your waste right at your site.
How to get rid of your trash: There are dumpsters in the campgrounds. Some people just left their garbage bagged on their site when they left.
How to get supplies: Bring them with you. Drive to Walmart, about 12-15 minutes away. There is supposedly a store at the Ponderosa campground, but we didn't go there.
Having a campfire: You can have a campfire if it is above ground. Some people bring those portable fire pits. We rigged up our own out of an old metal garbage can. A portable grill could double as a fire ring.
We really had a lot of fun camping right at the track. I would definitely do it again. I would stay in the front part of Hawk's Landing, along the section that butts Ponderosa campground. It was easy to get to the track, and we didn't have to deal with any traffic!
Kentucky Motor Speedway offers many campgrounds during race week. You can arrive Tuesday before the race and stay until 6PM Sunday, the day after the race. If you want electric, plan on spending $500+ for your stay. We spent $200 and brought our generator. Here is what I learned that might help someone who plans on camping at the track: (Prices were from 2016)
Hawk's Landing is where we stayed (one of the $200 campgrounds). It is family friendly, and not a party campground. You mostly only hear generators. There are porta-potties around to use. If you want to spend a lot of money, you can rent your own porta-potty. This campground has a front and a back section. In the front (closer to the track), your site is on grass. In the back (closer to the highway) your site is on gravel. The other $200 campgrounds are Ponderosa and Bourbon Street. Ponderosa is really large. There is a shower semi there and for $5 or $6 you can get a shower. From what I understand, there is quite a bit of partying at the back part of this campground. Bourbon Street is closest to the track. It is in a valley though, so if it rains, you will likely be in muck.
Another campground is Millionaire's Row, which has electric. I think it is $500 for the race week. There is also infield camping at this track. The Kentucky Speedway website has information about each type of campground. Plus, if you call the track directly, they are super nice and are willing to answer your questions. (859) 578-2300.
How to get around: You can drive your vehicle around, but not a good idea on Sprint Cup race day! There are shuttle buses that run quite frequently. You can also walk. We walked from the track to our site at Hawk's Landing front part after the race rather than wait for a shuttle bus (many were running). It wasn't a bad walk. You can also ride bicycles, but know that the track and surrounding area is quite hilly. On Sprint Cup race day, they closed a main road around the racetrack - not sure why, but it sure was a pain getting to the credentials trailer with our truck!
How to get water: I heard that you can fill your RV tank at the Ponderosa campground. We stopped at a Flying J before we got to the track and filled ours. If you want to pay a lot of money, a company will come to your site to fill your RV. This might be necessary if you are staying from Tuesday through Sunday, depending on the size of your holding tank and how much water you use.
How to shower: If you want to pay for a shower, go to the shower trailer at Ponderosa. I think it was $5 or $6 If you want a nicer shower, drive your vehicle to the racetrack shower building (by Millionaire's Row campground). You can get a free shower in a real showerhouse there. The shower bus drives around the campground to take people to the showerhouse as well. Or do what we did and shower in your RV; since we only stayed for 2 nights, we didn't fill our gray water tank.
How to get electric: Bring a generator! Or fork out more money for a campground that offers electricity.
How to dump your waste: There is a dump station at Ponderosa, or on your way out; there was quite a line on Sunday when we left. We were heading to another campground that had full hook-ups after the race, so we just dumped ours there. You can also dump at a Flying J or some other travel plazas on your way home. If you want to pay a lot of money, you can pay a company who comes to get your waste right at your site.
How to get rid of your trash: There are dumpsters in the campgrounds. Some people just left their garbage bagged on their site when they left.
How to get supplies: Bring them with you. Drive to Walmart, about 12-15 minutes away. There is supposedly a store at the Ponderosa campground, but we didn't go there.
Having a campfire: You can have a campfire if it is above ground. Some people bring those portable fire pits. We rigged up our own out of an old metal garbage can. A portable grill could double as a fire ring.
We really had a lot of fun camping right at the track. I would definitely do it again. I would stay in the front part of Hawk's Landing, along the section that butts Ponderosa campground. It was easy to get to the track, and we didn't have to deal with any traffic!
Written July 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim B
17 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
I took my partner to his first NASCAR race and it was fantastic! Great seats, easy parking, quick entry and exit and they even stopped a golf cart to take us to the main gate. All of the track workers were very informative and friendly and the place was clean as a whistle!
Written September 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jlgilbertky
66 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
This was our first NASCAR experience and we had great time. We had a 13, 11 and 9 year old with us and we honestly did not know what to expect.
It was blazing hot and we thought the kids wouldn’t last long, but we were wrong. The soaked up all the sights and sounds of the event.
We ended up in the Fan Zone, down on pit road, and we even were able to sign our names on the finish line. The kids were able to get in the Grand Marshall car and act like they were driving. We watched the drivers get introduced and enjoyed a concert from High Valley. All in all it was a great event.
We had heard nightmares about the parking, but we had absolutely no problems getting in our out.
We had a number of great pics with the entire family.
It was blazing hot and we thought the kids wouldn’t last long, but we were wrong. The soaked up all the sights and sounds of the event.
We ended up in the Fan Zone, down on pit road, and we even were able to sign our names on the finish line. The kids were able to get in the Grand Marshall car and act like they were driving. We watched the drivers get introduced and enjoyed a concert from High Valley. All in all it was a great event.
We had heard nightmares about the parking, but we had absolutely no problems getting in our out.
We had a number of great pics with the entire family.
Written July 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan S
1 contribution
Jun 2020
I received a Ride A Long package as a Christmas 2019 gift. My ride was June 20, 2020 at Kentucky Speedway on a 98 degree day and in the middle of the COVID crisis. There was a shaded area but no fans were provided so the air was hot and stagnant. There were public water jugs that all were touching, along with plastic cups that all were touching. No sanitation witnessed. Masks were being carried but not worn by spectators and workers. Helmets and cars were not wiped down or sanitized. There was a great deal of miscommunication among the workers in which I was directed to wrong waiting lines, given wrong identification wristlets, and almost shorted 4 laps paid for in advance. I paid for 6 laps and they attempted to stop my ride at 2. Again, there was complete lack of communication among the staff. We had to remind them again of our package and had to keep showing them our paperwork, which I highly recommend taking! I am glad I had an Indy car experience but I would recommend doing the experience with another organization / provider. I did not leave impressed by this corporation.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna K
Iowa16 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
I went here last summer on a trip with a big group of people. We had probably 20-25 people total. We went here on a Friday and it ended up down pouring. The staff here was so kind, and allowed our bus driver to pick us up right at the gate under the stands. We got a good deal with our tickets, we got a free hot dog, drink, and a bag of chips. We also got a lot of free things such as towels, and cozies. They also had a nice section for kids and teens, with activities like games and face painting. Unfortunately, we didn't get to stay there for very long but it was very cool. Kentucky had a wide range of trailers with souvenirs to chose from. I have been to other NASCAR races when there isn't much of a selection, but here was great.
Written December 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelingdude
Lexington, KY189 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
We've been to several races at Kentucky Speedway, but this was the worse one for secondhand smoke. Either people don't care or realize that it can cause or make worse a wide range of damaging health effects in children and adults, including lung cancer, respiratory infections and asthma. Honestly, it was so bad that I would seriously consider purchasing a Half Mask Respirator prior to visit this facility again.
Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, trash bag, earplugs, and earmuffs. My wife wears earplugs that are a 36 decibels reduction and a set of shooting earmuffs. I would not just go with ear plugs, especially if you are going to be seating of trackside. Do your ears a favor and get a set of earmuffs and wear earplugs.
By the way, the trash bag is to place any item that you're not wearing because people tend to knock over their beer when the stand up to cheer their favorite driver(s). In the end, your newly purchased NASCAR apparel can quickly become soaked in beer, soda, etc.
Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, trash bag, earplugs, and earmuffs. My wife wears earplugs that are a 36 decibels reduction and a set of shooting earmuffs. I would not just go with ear plugs, especially if you are going to be seating of trackside. Do your ears a favor and get a set of earmuffs and wear earplugs.
By the way, the trash bag is to place any item that you're not wearing because people tend to knock over their beer when the stand up to cheer their favorite driver(s). In the end, your newly purchased NASCAR apparel can quickly become soaked in beer, soda, etc.
Written January 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
launcher69
Clearwater, FL210 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
This was our first time going to Kentucky Motor Speedway. We attended the Quaker State 400 on 6/28/2014. Our first fear was traffic, since we've heard all the stories, but I must admit they have figured it out. We really had no problems coming up from the south, and only had a slight delay once we got on property while attendants were parking everyone. We also had little problem getting out. Now, it did rain that day quite a bit, and much of the area we parked was grassy and became very wet and muddy, so that wasn't so good, but that's the weather I guess. We got great weather for the race, as it was a beautiful warm night with a nice breeze. Our seats were in the Quaker State tower, very good seats to see the entire track, and I thought the view was excellent. They also have elevators to the higher levels, which was great! The one thing that was really strange though was the overall lack of food. There were very few selections in most locations, and they ran out about halfway through the race. We did get hungry and were looking for places to eat, but pretty much every place we visited was either out of food, or had only pretzels or something small like that remaining. At least three different locations were completely out of food. (But not beer, there was more than enough of that.) The section we were in it was a common complaint that no one got to eat, so that was not good. I've never seen that at any other NASCAR track I've been to. The next complaint isn't the fault of the track, just NASCAR. These mid-size tracks just offer boring races. We were in Michigan two weeks ago and that was boring too. The green flag drops, the first lap is great, and then they string out single file forever or until there is a yellow. If you can find two cars together fighting for position, you are lucky. (Which is what I am sure they show us all on TV.) It seems like if it isn't a short track, road course, or super speedway, you just aren't going to get much excitement. Overall, the experience at Kentucky Motor Speedway was just average for me. There are better races at better tracks I think. If they could get some food in that place and get some exciting racing, we might go back some day.
Written June 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tami N
Nicholasville, KY413 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We attended all three events Thursday, Friday and Saturday . The bathrooms and common areas were very clean and the staffing and vendors were also very nice. It was super hot that weekend and finding a cool place was difficult. The traffic can be vwry frustrating but I did feel it was better this year than in years past.
Written July 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrii Z
1 contribution
Jul 2018 • Family
This is related to only one thing I experience there: gate security. They did not allow me to enter with my simple DSLR camera, because they feared "I could do a good photo with it, and sell it somewhere". Listened to no reason, and one of them was also rude.
So I had to go back to my car in yesterday's heat to leave the camera there on my own risk, and to go home without decent photo of the event I paid to watch.
So I had to go back to my car in yesterday's heat to leave the camera there on my own risk, and to go home without decent photo of the event I paid to watch.
Written July 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet L
Fort Wayne, IN17 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
First time visiting this race track and glad we got the chance. We arrived about 7 for a 7:30 NASCAR Nationwide series race. Traffic was managed well both on the way in and out of the race track. We sat in the Quaker State tower section and the seats were very comfortable with lots of leg room. The entire race track was visible. Concession prices on beer were a bit steep...$7 for a 12 oz Miller Lite; but a pretzel w/cheese was only $4. Bathrooms are easily accessible and were clean. Make sure to take along earplugs if you are not comfortable with loud noises. When all the race cars come around at the same time, it is LOUD. Also when they prepare the track for the race, a jet engine is used to "blow dry" the track and it too is very loud. A lot of people did not use ear plugs but I could not have watched it without.
Written September 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pegbundy1
Fort Atkinson, WI11 contributions
We're coming in tomorrow for the first time. We'll be camping at Hawk's Landing, section B, row B, site 2. Will we be camping on grass?
rmask4u
Dayton, OH
We are buying tickets for all three races in July, wondering what type of seating are in the Kentucky/Indiana Towers? Is it Stadium seating with backs? If not, would anyone recommend seat cushions or the portable stadium seats with a folding back?
Annemarie D
The Cincinnati Region132 contributions
i don't know the answer to your question (LOL why do people answer with "I dont know?") BUT the customer service reps are awesome. Call KY Speedway and ask Daniel or Jacob... they will be able to answer your questions thoroughly and help you select great seats. Why try to guess from a map and user answers when the experts are just a phone call away?
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Claim your listingKentucky Speedway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kentucky Speedway
- Kentucky Speedway is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Kentucky Speedway:
- (7.72 mi) Riverside Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (8.14 mi) Belterra Casino Resort
- (3.00 mi) Ramada by Wyndham Sparta/At Speedway
- (5.89 mi) Edge of Speedway Campground
- (9.57 mi) Follow the River RV Resort
- Restaurants near Kentucky Speedway:
- (7.59 mi) Jewell's on Main
- (4.08 mi) Hog Wild Pig Crazy Bar-BQ
- (8.19 mi) 19 Steak & Seafood
- (3.70 mi) Finish Line Marathon Station
- (3.73 mi) Sparta Quik Stop
- Attractions near Kentucky Speedway:
- (4.71 mi) Neeley Family Distillery
- (3.65 mi) Rusty Wallace Racing Experience
- (2.72 mi) Richard Petty Driving Experience
- (8.12 mi) Casino at Belterra Casino Resort
- (9.91 mi) The Ridge Winery Tasting Room
Kentucky Speedway Information
Excellent Reviews | 75 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 41 |
Kentucky Speedway Photos | 109 |