New racetrack for Kentucky

[Larry Hill]

There is a new racetrack coming to western KY. It is located in Paducah and is about 25 minutes from where we live. It is called Beacon Raceway and is owned by top fuel driver Keith Murt and Dr. Blane Grow. We went to a meeting this afternoon where somewhere around 300 people showed up to get information on the new track. It is on the same site as the old track that was there long ago. ( I know it was there 35 years ago, because while I was still in the hospital after the birth of our son, Chris, Larry ran our VW bus there and won a little money.)

There seems to be lots of interest in the 1/8th mile track. It will start out running Super Pro, Pro, Footbrake and Trophy with other classes added possibly as interest is shone. Right now they are not affiliated with any sanctioning but will be talking with them later.

[Rob Petrie E395]

Was the meeting at the track? If so how did it look? I hear they have spent alot of money on it with new surface, tower, walls ect. Sounds like a nice place from what I have heard.

[Philip Saran]

Nice to hear about the addition of a drag strip, even 1/8th mile verse
what is happening in California and Arizona with the closing of tracks.

[Larry Hill]

Rob everywhere you looked the track had been improved. New 175' concrete pad, rest of track resurfaced, updated guard rails, new lighting system, enlarging paved parking, new timing system, new score boards, PA system, and a few more things I forgot. Oh yeah and a beer garden! I hope that the tract uses real VHT, so if there is any short comings of the new track operation the important issue of traction is not one of them!

[Chris Hill]

What day of the week are they racing?

[jmcarter]

Originally from Paducah, know the 3/8 dirt track has a pretty big program running Saturdays so would this be a Friday night/Sunday type deal since the track is at the same complex? Racing there Friday nights would be good I would think.

[8secchevelle]

The dirt track now runs on Friday night, the plan for the drag strip is Thursday TNT and gambler race then Saturday would be bracket night and special event night , I have spoke to Keith about a stock / super stock/ nostalga super stock combo but the problem now would lack of scales but Larry has said he could bring his so that might not be a big deal , Keith is all for it , the way I understand right now is Jason from vp will be coming down to help with lane prep , I hope this is not an issue , I don't know much about the vp track treatment

[Ed Fernandez]

Are there any homes near the track?

[8secchevelle]

About 5 homes are close to the track, everything on the spectator side is a wildlife area , every home at the far end was wiped out in the flood of 2011 , hopefully there will be no issues , the close residents may not like it when Keith makes a run in his fuel car or maybe they will love it !!!!!

[Jeff Lee]

Originally Posted by 8secchevelle

About 5 homes are close to the track, everything on the spectator side is a wildlife area , every home at the far end was wiped out in the flood of 2011 , hopefully there will be no issues , the close residents may not like it when Keith makes a run in his fuel car or maybe they will love it !!!!!

I'd suggest recommending to the track owners lifetime free entry to the neighbors!