Quaker State 400. Photo courtesy of Beyond the Flag.
It is race day in Sparta, Kentucky – and not the type of race Kentucky is known for. The Kentucky Speedway will host the NASCAR Monster Energy Quaker State 400 under the lights tonight. Although the drivers will not be racing horses, there is a possibility these drivers will get down and “derby” tonight.
As each green flag drops, the levels of competitiveness intensify, with drivers banking on a win to earn a spot in the playoffs. Kentucky is an interesting place for any of these drivers to prove themselves, since the cup series has only raced here since 2011.
When referencing the short track history of Kentucky Speedway, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, and Martin Truex Jr. steal the show.
Brad Keselowski Quaker State 400 win 2016. Photo courtesy of The Denver Post.
Keselowski, has earned three wins, two top 10s, and one top five at this track. Although he has only finished outside of the top ten twice, those two finishes were 39 and 33. Busch, currently standing second in points, has two wins, three top fives, and one top 10 at this track.
Truex also has two wins at Kentucky, along with two top 10s.
Will fans see a repeat in Victory Lane? Or will a dark horse grab this race by its reins?
Quaker State 400 Trophy. Photo courtesy of Scott Davis Photography.
Although he has not won at Kentucky, Kevin Harvick has performed very well in the past. Harvick has never finished lower than 16, and has not finished outside of the top 10 since 2012. Harvick could not only surpass the field for the lead tonight, he could also gain position in the points standings if he wins.
Perhaps any of these drivers mentioned above could be a “safe bet” for tonight – if there is even such a term for a track with such limited stats.
The green flag will drop for the Quaker State 400 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Kentucky Speedway is a 1.5 mile tri-oval track located in Sparta, Kentucky.
Up next, the drivers of the Monster Energy Cup will travel up north to New Hampshire for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
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