Kansas Speedway

The speedway in its current form is measured at {{Convert|1.5|mi|km}}, with the track having a progressive banking system in the turns. Subsequently, the track has 17 degrees of banking at the track's bottom lane, and 20 degrees of banking at the track's top lane in the turns. The frontstretch has 10 degrees of banking, and the backstretch has 5 degrees of banking.{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2018 |title=Kansas Speedway |url=https://www.espn.com/jayski/tracks/story/_/id/18670505/kansas-speedway |access-date=February 13, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210614/https://www.espn.com/jayski/tracks/story/_/id/18670505/kansas-speedway |url-status=live }} Different measurements of length have been used; IndyCar has utilized a length of {{Convert|1.52|mi|km}} for its races.{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2005 |title=IRL: Behind the Barriers: Kansas |url=https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-behind-the-barriers-kansas/2064386/ |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=Motorsport.com |language=en |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215044718/https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-behind-the-barriers-kansas/2064386/ |url-status=live }}

Within the track's infield, there is an infield road course that is connected to the main oval track to create a "roval". During the track's construction in 2000, then-track president Grant Lynch stated that initial plans for the track included an infield road course.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=March 17, 2000 |title=Sports cars making comeback |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-sports-cars-making/140939522/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011127/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-sports-cars-making/140939522/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D13 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The road course was constructed in 2012 as part of renovations made to the track.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=April 23, 2012 |title=They're Paving The Way |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-theyre-paving-the/140966349/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011156/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-theyre-paving-the/140966349/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B6, B7 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The road course is {{Convert|2.37|mi|km}} long, with the infield portion of the course having six turns.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Kansas adds road course to roundy-round |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-adds-road-co/140966405/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011138/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-adds-road-co/140966405/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-adds-road-co/140966416/ B3] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

The track is served by numerous major roads. The track is next to an intersection of the concurrent Interstate 70, U.S. Route 24, and U.S. Route 40, and Interstate 435.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=October 9, 2004 |title=Track is a green light for county |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-is-a-green-li/140980630/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045517/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-is-a-green-li/140980630/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-is-a-green-li/140980654/ A8] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} At the time of the track's construction, the complex covered 1,250 acres, had a capacity of around 75,000, and had 65 rows of grandstand seating.{{Cite news |last=Frazier |first=Duane |date=June 27, 1999 |title=Track's being built, but will they come? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-tracks-being-built-b/140920912/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011132/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-tracks-being-built-b/140920912/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Wichita Eagle |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-tracks-being-built-b/140920921/ 4C] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} As of 2019, the track has a current capacity of 48,000, down from its previous 64,000 according to annual reports from ISC.{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Scott |date=January 26, 2019 |title=International Speedway Corporation continues to reduce track seating |url=https://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2019/story/_/id/25858279/international-speedway-corporation-continues-reduce-track-seating |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308052630/http://www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2019/story/_/id/25858279/international-speedway-corporation-continues-reduce-track-seating |url-status=live }} At its peak, the track had a capacity of 82,000, which occurred in the mid-2000s.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=September 25, 2007 |title=Speedway sold out, sort of |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-sold-out/140981528/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045516/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-sold-out/140981528/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-sold-out/140981548/ C8] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

{{main|Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway}}

The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway was approved in 2009 after an initial failed attempt by the track and the Cordish Corporation the previous year. The casino is a joint venture by the track and Penn Entertainment, who bought out Cordish. The casino overlooks the track's second turn, features a 268,000 square foot complex, and is themed after the Hollywood area in Los Angeles, California. The casino opened in February 2012.

As part of the oval track construction boom in the 1990s, in December 1996, the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) announced preliminary plans to find a location to build a $100 million, 120,000-seat capacity track. An official for ISC, John Story, mentioned that the Kansas City metropolitan area was a suitable area that the company was looking at. In addition, the project was supported by the Kansas City Area Development Council.{{Cite news |last=Gose |first=Joe |date=December 13, 1996 |title=Promoters hope to bring a big-league stock car track to area |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-promoters-hope-to-b/140862511/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-promoters-hope-to-b/140862580/ A21] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} An initial bid by the city of Gardner, Kansas, was made in February 1997;{{Cite news |last=Porter |first=Steve |date=February 11, 1997 |title=Gardner hopes for checkered flag in race track bid |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-gardner-hopes-for/140864486/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210620/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-gardner-hopes-for/140864486/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Olathe News |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-gardner-hopes-for/140864502/ 2A] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} however, the plan met local opposition{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Max |date=February 13, 1997 |title=Dropping a red flag |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-dropping-a-red-fla/140864539/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213213642/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-dropping-a-red-fla/140864539/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Olathe News |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-dropping-a-red-fla/140864552/ 2A] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and the city eventually backtracked after city officials witnessed the 1997 Daytona 500, realizing that building it in Gardner would be too close to already existing residential development along with heavy traffic congestion.{{Cite news |last1=Akers |first1=Regina |last2=Sullinger |first2=Jim |date=February 19, 1997 |title=NASCAR noise steers Gardner away from track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-nascar-noise-steers/140862435/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210617/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-nascar-noise-steers/140862435/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-nascar-noise-steers/140862451/ A6] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By April, ISC narrowed down their selected sites to 16, which included plots in Platte County, Missouri and Wyandotte County, Kansas.{{Cite news |last=Gose |first=Joe |date=April 9, 1997 |title=Group to woo track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-group-to-woo-track/140866467/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210626/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-group-to-woo-track/140866467/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-group-to-woo-track/140866519/ B8] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

The next month, ISC was considering using a plot of land near Interstate 29 near the Kansas City International Airport.{{Cite news |last1=Bell |first1=Kim |last2=Young |first2=Virginia |date=May 15, 1997 |title=Legislators OK Late-Term Abortion Bill |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-legislators-ok-l/140867129/ |access-date=February 4, 2024 |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-legislators-ok-l/140867171/ 14A] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213213631/https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-legislators-ok-l/140867129/ |url-status=live }} By July, ISC announced that the Kansas City area was their "No. 1" choice to build the track, asking the area to pay for the track.{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1997 |title=Area asked to help pay cost of speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-area-asked-to-help/140867310/ |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Olathe News |pages=4B |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213213643/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-area-asked-to-help/140867310/ |url-status=live }} Three locations were then narrowed down: one in Missouri with the previously mentioned land near Interstate 29, and two locations in Kansas; one plot near Interstate 70 and Interstate 435, and one plot near 110th Street and Parallel Parkway.{{Cite news |date=August 2, 1997 |title=Kansas and Missouri make pitches for NASCAR speedway in KC area |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-iola-register-kansas-and-missouri-ma/140867760/ |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Iola Register |pages=4 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210623/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-iola-register-kansas-and-missouri-ma/140867760/ |url-status=live }} Officials from both Kansas and Missouri both went to ISC's headquarters to try and convince ISC to build the track in their respective areas,{{Cite news |last1=Gose |first1=Joe |date=July 31, 1997 |title=Missouri's bid is in |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-missouris-bid-is-i/140861884/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213213639/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-missouris-bid-is-i/140861884/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-missouris-bid-is-i/140861907/ D9] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} with the project drawing relatively positive public support.{{Cite news |last=Gose |first=Joe |date=July 15, 1997 |title=Florida firm still seeks to build local raceway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-florida-firm-still/140862261/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210619/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-florida-firm-still/140862261/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D35 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By mid-August, Wyandotte County officials entered negotiations with ISC, with local county agencies giving "heavy support" for the project.{{Cite news |date=August 14, 1997 |title=NASCAR announces plans for area track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bonner-springs-edwardsville-chieftain-na/140868073/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213213635/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bonner-springs-edwardsville-chieftain-na/140868073/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=Bonner Springs–Edwardsville Chieftain |pages=9 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} At the end of negotiations in October, the plot of land near I-70 and I-435 was chosen, with initial plans stating to sit 75,000 with room to expand to 150,000. The track's budget stated amounted to almost $200 million. The track's construction was scheduled to start in the spring of 1998 and was scheduled to be finished sometime in 2000.{{Cite news |last=Palmer |first=Eric |date=October 7, 1997 |title=KCK site selected for track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kck-site-selected-f/140883395/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210614/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kck-site-selected-f/140883395/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kck-site-selected-f/140883432/ A15] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

Guarantee of a NASCAR Winston Cup race weekend was not given, with the NASCAR Winston Cup Series schedule experiencing growth in the 1990s;{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Shannon |date=August 7, 1997 |title=New track doesn't come with promise of big races |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-track-doesnt-c/140861944/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210624/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-track-doesnt-c/140861944/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A22 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} a "radical plan" was predicted to be needed in order to get a Winston Cup race weekend.{{Cite news |last=Scranton |first=Lyndal |date=October 10, 1997 |title=Winston Cup date next step for Kansas track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-winston-cup/140884410/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213213632/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-winston-cup/140884410/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=Springfield News-Leader |pages=3C |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} When final negotiations were completed, the project cost later increased to over $252 million,{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1997 |title=Tenative agreement on speedway project |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bonner-springs-edwardsville-chieftain-te/140884304/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213213637/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bonner-springs-edwardsville-chieftain-te/140884304/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=Bonner Springs–Edwardsville Chieftain |pages=5 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} with ISC being offered a tax break until 2027 barring a change in Kansas law; a proposed bill planned to extend the abatement period from 20 years to 30. The tax breaks sparked debates in the Kansas legislature over the length of tax breaks.{{Cite news |last=Hendricks |first=Mike |date=December 22, 1997 |title=Tax breaks are getting out of hand |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tax-breaks-are-gett/140884493/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213213636/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tax-breaks-are-gett/140884493/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Lignitz |first=Amy |date=January 21, 1998 |title=Lawmakers Consider Speedway Bill |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/council-grove-republican-lawmakers-consi/140886243/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210621/https://www.newspapers.com/article/council-grove-republican-lawmakers-consi/140886243/ |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=Council Grove Republican |pages=4 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} After passing through both the Kansas House of Representatives{{Cite news |last=Manning |first=Carl |date=January 27, 1998 |title=Pay Tribute To Dead Colleague; NASCAR Bill Is Advanced |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/council-grove-republican-pay-tribute-to/140895494/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214033703/https://www.newspapers.com/article/council-grove-republican-pay-tribute-to/140895494/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=Council Grove Republican |pages=1 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and the Kansas Senate,{{Cite news |date=February 21, 1998 |title=Senate president's bank has tie to proposed NASCAR track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-senate-presidents-ban/140895515/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214033706/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-senate-presidents-ban/140895515/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Wichita Eagle |pages=14A |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} the tax breaks were signed by Bill Graves, the Governor of Kansas.{{Cite news |last=Petterson |first=John |date=February 26, 1998 |title=Graves signs racetrack tax package |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-graves-signs-racetr/140895286/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214033704/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-graves-signs-racetr/140895286/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

With the purchase of the land from ISC, 146 homeowners along with some property managers were affected by the purchase. As a result, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City made incentive offers to get homeowners to move out of the area.{{Cite news |last=Nicely |first=Steve |date=April 21, 1998 |title=No relocation aid offered at speedway site |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-no-relocation-aid-o/140896981/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061523/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-no-relocation-aid-o/140896981/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B2 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In April, a lawsuit was filed by 11 homeowners to stop ISC and Unified from buying any property, stating that the defendants did not have a final plan to start buying property.{{Cite news |last=Gose |first=Joe |date=April 14, 1998 |title=Racetrack is target of lawsuit |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-racetrack-is-target/140896438/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061530/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-racetrack-is-target/140896438/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B3 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By July, the government was considering using the power of eminent domain, with local Kansas law declaring that condemnation could be used if the area is within a "major tourism district".{{Cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Kevin |last2=Nicely |first2=Steve |date=July 8, 1998 |title=Close to home |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-close-to-home-part/140896993/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-close-to-home-part/140896993/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-close-to-home-part/140897057/ A11] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} On July 10, the Kansas Supreme Court unanimously decided with ISC and Unified, basing their opinion with the Fifth Amendment in their ruling.{{Cite news |date=July 11, 1998 |title=Speedway bonding law passes muster |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-speedway-bonding-l/140897105/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061517/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-speedway-bonding-l/140897105/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Olathe News |pages=4B |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Residents then decided to appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States on July 20.{{Cite news |date=July 20, 1998 |title=Residents take to the U.S. Supreme Court |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-residents-take-to/140897153/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061514/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-olathe-daily-news-residents-take-to/140897153/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Olathe News |pages=5A |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

Nine days later, another lawsuit was filed by 13 property owners over insufficient relocation and moving packages.{{Cite news |last=Dauner |first=John T. |date=July 29, 1998 |title=Another suit filed to stop speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-another-suit-filed/140898879/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061525/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-another-suit-filed/140898879/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C4 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} As a result of the lawsuit, the purchase of $95 million of revenue bonds was delayed until the lawsuit was resolved, leading to a potential delay in opening.{{Cite news |last=Nicely |first=Steve |date=August 18, 1998 |title=Lawsuit stalls sale of bonds for track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-lawsuit-stalls-sale/140897358/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-lawsuit-stalls-sale/140897358/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-lawsuit-stalls-sale/140897375/ B2] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In response, ISC and Unified made efforts to buy up property for a combined total of around $13 million, with the issue considered settled.{{Cite news |last=Nicely |first=Steve |date=August 21, 1998 |title=Speedway land purchases move to fast lane |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-land-purch/140898434/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061536/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-land-purch/140898434/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-land-purch/140898471/ C4] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Nicely |first=Steve |date=August 29, 1998 |title=Speedway's board OKs development |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedways-board-ok/140898533/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061543/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedways-board-ok/140898533/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} However, in September, Donna L. Laughery, a property owner, filed another lawsuit on the basis that she wanted to "learn terms of all contract agreements with property owners" according to her lawyer, accusing the defendants of incentive payments being made out in a discriminatory manner.{{Cite news |last=Nicely |first=Steve |date=September 12, 1998 |title=Raceway could face another delay |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-raceway-could-face/140898637/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061530/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-raceway-could-face/140898637/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B4 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Attorney Nick Tomasic sought to get the Kansas Supreme Court to directly hear the case to prevent any further delays;{{Cite news |last=Dauner |first=John T. |date=September 23, 1998 |title=Speedway resolution is sought |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-resolution/140898732/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061524/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-resolution/140898732/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C3 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} however, this was declined by the Kansas Supreme Court.{{Cite news |last=Dauner |first=John T. |date=October 2, 1998 |title=Speedway 'fast track' bid denied |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-fast-trac/140897492/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061534/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-fast-trac/140897492/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C2 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By mid-October, although most residents were expected to move out by the end of the month and ISC was expected to own most of the property needed, the actual construction was still uncertain.{{Cite news |last=Nicely |first=Steve |date=October 18, 1998 |title=KCK speedway project hits home |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kck-speedway-projec/140916820/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061528/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kck-speedway-projec/140916820/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kck-speedway-projec/140916832/ B2] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} A summary judgement was later granted at the end of October,{{Cite news |last=Nicely |first=Steve |date=October 30, 1998 |title=Summary judgement promised |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-summary-judgment-pr/140897618/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061539/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-summary-judgment-pr/140897618/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C4 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and in November, the case was dismissed.{{Cite news |last=Dauner |first=John T. |date=November 14, 1998 |title=Owners' suit against speedway is dismissed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-owners-suit-agains/140897713/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-owners-suit-agains/140897713/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B4 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In January 1999, $95.6 million worth of bonds were sold, officially resuming the project.{{Cite news |last1=Dauner |first1=John T. |last2=Nicely |first2=Steve |date=January 23, 1999 |title=Bonds sold for speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-bonds-sold-for-spee/140899132/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061544/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-bonds-sold-for-spee/140899132/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-bonds-sold-for-spee/140899156/ B2] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} However, an opening date for the track was not stated by Lesa France Kennedy, the executive vice president of ISC.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=January 29, 1999 |title=Wyandotte track plans for future |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-wyandotte-track-pla/140917619/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061540/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-wyandotte-track-pla/140917619/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D9 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

File:Kansas Speedway Logo.png

Although construction had started several months earlier in September, the project was delayed to the point where chances of an opening date in 2000 were "very small" according to ISC's Grant Lynch.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=February 5, 1999 |title=Work on Kansas track is moving along slowly |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-work-on-kansas-trac/140917936/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061515/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-work-on-kansas-trac/140917936/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D9 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In addition, in sentiments shared by Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Jeff Motley and Texas Motor Speedway's Eddie Gossage, the probability of getting a NASCAR Winston Cup Series race weekend for Kansas International Speedway became increasingly smaller with new dates given out in 1997 and 1998.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=February 7, 1999 |title=NASCAR's dance card is always full |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-nascars-dance-card/140918553/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061527/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-nascars-dance-card/140918553/ |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D2 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} However, by the end of February, NASCAR's Mike Helton indicated hopes of hosting a race at Kansas;{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=February 26, 1999 |title=KC keeps coming up in NASCAR talk |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kc-keeps-coming-up/140918873/ |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kc-keeps-coming-up/140919349/ D9] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061532/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kc-keeps-coming-up/140918873/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} a month later, NASCAR president Bill France Jr. "virtually guaranteed" a race weekend, planning for a race weekend in 2001.{{Cite news |last=Pulliam |first=Kent |date=March 26, 1999 |title='Too much money to be in the minors' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-too-much-money-to/140918949/ |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-too-much-money-to/140918958/ D8] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214061542/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-too-much-money-to/140918949/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Two months later, the Indy Racing League (IRL) announced future races at the track for 2001.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=May 28, 1999 |title=IRL coming to KC area track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-irl-coming-to-kc-ar/140920806/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011155/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-irl-coming-to-kc-ar/140920806/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-irl-coming-to-kc-ar/140920817/ D11] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By July, although the project experienced further delays due to weather,{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=July 2, 1999 |title=Track runs into delays |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-runs-into-del/140921111/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011137/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-runs-into-del/140921111/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-runs-into-del/140921122/ D9] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} the track started to sell tickets,{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=July 28, 1999 |title=Not-so-cheap seats |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-not-so-cheap-seats/140921130/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011157/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-not-so-cheap-seats/140921130/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-not-so-cheap-seats/140921150/ D5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} with demand being so high that the project's leaders were considering to expand their initial capacity and amount of suites.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=July 9, 1999 |title=Suite dreams exceeded for speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-runs-into-del/140921111/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011137/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-runs-into-del/140921111/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-suite-dreams-exceed/140921088/ A14] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Within the next two months, the track considered adding Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) races{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=August 12, 1999 |title=Track talks to ARCA |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-talks-to-arca/140937781/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011134/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-talks-to-arca/140937781/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and selling naming rights in wake of Charlotte Motor Speedway doing the same earlier in the year.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=September 22, 1999 |title=Track's name is for sale |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tracks-name-is-for/140937702/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011144/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tracks-name-is-for/140937702/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Officials later stated hope of opening the track for private testing in the fall of 2000.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=October 15, 1999 |title=Kansas track plans on testing next year |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-track-plans/140937835/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011204/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-track-plans/140937835/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D7 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

Despite the delays, construction was viewed with "high hopes" by ISC, with the final budget for the track being touted as $287 million in November 1999.{{Cite news |last1=Nicely |first1=Steve |last2=Pedley |first2=Jim |date=November 6, 1999 |title=Racing oval takes shape in KCK |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-racing-oval-takes-s/140938231/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011210/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-racing-oval-takes-s/140938231/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-racing-oval-takes-s/140938246/ A10] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In May, officials stated hopes of an official date for its NASCAR Winston Cup Series race weekend within the month;{{Cite news |last=Frazier |first=Duane |date=May 7, 2000 |title=NASCAR credo for 2001: Kansas City here we come |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-nascar-credo-for-2001/140939871/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011205/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-nascar-credo-for-2001/140939871/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Wichita Eagle |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-nascar-credo-for-2001/140939936/ 13C] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} this was later confirmed on May 8, when both IRL and NASCAR's race weekend dates were revealed, with the race weekends being held on July 8 and September 29–30, respectively;{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=May 9, 2000 |title=Ready! Set! Roll em' out! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-ready-set-roll-em/140939766/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011148/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-ready-set-roll-em/140939766/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-ready-set-roll-em/140939786/ A4] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} the next month, the track considered getting a third race weekend for 2001.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=June 9, 2000 |title=Kansas track considering third racing date |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-track-consid/140965076/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011200/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-track-consid/140965076/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D11 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Later companion races were announced for IRL were announced on August 1{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=August 1, 2000 |title=KC gets truck race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kc-gets-truck-race/140965696/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011136/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kc-gets-truck-race/140965696/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kc-gets-truck-race/140965716/ C8] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and September 29, respectively.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=September 29, 2000 |title=Kansas Speedway adds Indy Lights race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-speedway-add/140966052/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011203/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-speedway-add/140966052/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-speedway-add/140966068/ D15] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In September, the track starting paving.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=September 12, 2000 |title=Track-laying process starts at speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-laying-proces/140965983/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011208/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-laying-proces/140965983/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C7 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Two months later, the track's opening date was moved back to June 2, 2001, with a new race weekend for ARCA and the NASCAR Winston West Series being announced.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=November 11, 2000 |title=Track adds races |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-adds-races-p/140966717/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011153/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-adds-races-p/140966717/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-adds-races-p/140966742/ D7] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Kevin |date=November 16, 2000 |title=Kansas Speedway moves up starting date |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bonner-springs-edwardsville-chieftain-ka/140966775/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011201/https://www.newspapers.com/article/bonner-springs-edwardsville-chieftain-ka/140966775/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=Bonner Springs–Edwardsville Chieftain |pages=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/bonner-springs-edwardsville-chieftain-ka/140966793/ 10A] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By February 2001, a new $236.6 million retail outlet development was announced to be built upon 250 acres of land surrounding the track, with an opening date slated for 2002.{{Cite news |last1=Couch |first1=Mark P. |last2=Wiebe |first2=Mark |date=February 9, 2001 |title=Tourism district developments are introduced |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tourism-district-de/140968475/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011142/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tourism-district-de/140968475/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tourism-district-de/140968505/ C8] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In April, the first testing runs were made by ARCA driver Ryan Newman.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=April 17, 2000 |title=A Nice Day For A Drive |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-a-nice-day-for-a-dr/140969698/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011209/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-a-nice-day-for-a-dr/140969698/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-a-nice-day-for-a-dr/140969736/ C3] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

Aside from the initial criticism and lawsuits from some local residents, the project was met with optimism throughout construction. According to The Kansas City Star, a firm associated with the track predicted a "one-time" event's revenue to rake in $12.8 million in tax revenue, with $6.1 million in the years following after.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=April 4, 1999 |title=Going car-azy |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-going-car-azy-part/140920699/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011145/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-going-car-azy-part/140920699/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-going-car-azy-part/140920705/ C9] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In a groundbreaking celebration on May 25, 1999, the track received positive reviews from drivers Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace, and Ken Schrader.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=May 20, 1999 |title=Drivers endorse Kansas racetrack |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-drivers-endorse-kan/140920781/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011140/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-drivers-endorse-kan/140920781/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D3 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In March 2000, when local Kansas lawmakers visited the track, the track drew praise from state senators Nancey Harrington and Ben Vidricksen.{{Cite news |last=Nicely |first=Steve |date=March 14, 2000 |title=Lawmakers visit Kansas Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-lawmakers-visit-kan/140939816/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011135/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-lawmakers-visit-kan/140939816/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B3 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By August 2000, 80% of tickets were sold for its NASCAR Winston Cup Series race.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=August 26, 2000 |title=Sales Roar For Tickets To Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-sales-roar-for-tick/140965780/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011146/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-sales-roar-for-tick/140965780/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-sales-roar-for-tick/140965797/ A12] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In October, the track was projected by the local city sports council to generate $2.28 billion to the local economy by 2003.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=October 8, 2000 |title=Drivers, Rev The Economy |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-drivers-rev-the-ec/140966584/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011154/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-drivers-rev-the-ec/140966584/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-drivers-rev-the-ec/140966601/ A10] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

The track opened to the public as scheduled on June 2, 2001, with ARCA driver Jason Jarrett winning the first race at the track.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=June 3, 2001 |title=A Fast Start |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-a-fast-start-part/140977865/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045511/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-a-fast-start-part/140977865/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-a-fast-start-part/140977906/ C13] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The first ever NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Indy Racing League doubleheader followed a month later, with Ricky Hendrick{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=July 8, 2000 |title=Trucks win is all in family |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-trucks-win-is-all-i/140978636/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045526/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-trucks-win-is-all-i/140978636/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-trucks-win-is-all-i/140978661/ C15] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and Eddie Cheever winning their respective races.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=July 9, 2000 |title=Leave It To Cheever |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-leave-it-to-cheever/140978700/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-leave-it-to-cheever/140978700/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-leave-it-to-cheever/140978734/ D6] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In September, the track was able to hold its first Winston Cup Series race, with Jeff Gordon winning the inaugural event.{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=Rick |date=October 1, 2001 |title=Big-time racing, big-time crowd |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-big-time-racing-bi/140978975/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045510/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-big-time-racing-bi/140978975/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-big-time-racing-bi/140978997/ A14] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The next year, Lynch stepped down from his position, giving control of the track to vice president Jeff Boerger.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=March 20, 2002 |title=Speedway appoints president |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-appoints-p/140981912/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215074032/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-appoints-p/140981912/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D10 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The track later expanded to include over 80,000 grandstand seats in November.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=October 18, 2002 |title=On the grow: Kansas Speedway expanding |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-on-the-grow-kansas/140981453/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215074033/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-on-the-grow-kansas/140981453/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-on-the-grow-kansas/140981464/ D5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Two years later, the track expanded to 83,000 seats; although 150,000 seats were expected, an uncertain economy led to the track's leaders taking a conservative approach on expansion.{{Cite news |last=Hayward |first=Len |date=March 28, 2000 |title=Cleaning up with dirt |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-cleaning-up-wit/139137236/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120073959/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-cleaning-up-wit/139137236/ |archive-date=January 20, 2024 |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |pages=10D |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

Starting in 2004, proposals by the Kickapoo tribe and the Sac and Fox Nation to build a state-regulated casino at a budget of $210 million west of the track were made to the Kansas Legislature.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=October 21, 2004 |title=Legislators examine Wyco casino proposal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-legislators-examine/140986472/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170252/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-legislators-examine/140986472/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-legislators-examine/140986476/ C5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The proposal to allow state-run casinos faced heavy opposition from several businessmen and lobbying groups, stating that the casino's revenue under the bill was too low along with chances of potential government corruption.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=February 2, 2005 |title=Bill envisions Kansas casinos, slots |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-bill-envisions-kans/140986565/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170307/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-bill-envisions-kans/140986565/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C3 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=March 22, 2005 |title=Reservations About Gambling |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-reservations-about/140986547/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170251/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-reservations-about/140986547/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-reservations-about/140986550/ D18, D19] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By March 2005, Doug Mays, speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, declared that the tribes' compact was killed in the current session unless they allowed the state to inspect slot machines.

Within the next two years, four more proposals were made. In 2007, another proposal was made in a joint venture by the track and the Cordish Corporation to compete with five other proposals that planned to build near the area, including competition from Las Vegas Sands and Pinnacle Entertainment.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=September 18, 2007 |title=Speedway To Mount Joint Bid For Casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-to-mount-j/140986728/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216171840/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-to-mount-j/140986728/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-to-mount-j/140986735/ A9] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} With this, the Unified Government opted to hear all proposals by the end of the year, with all proposals having varying budgets.{{Cite news |last1=Alm |first1=Rick |last2=Wiebe |first2=Rick |date=September 25, 2007 |title=Dreamers line up for KCK casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-dreamers-line-up-fo/140986685/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170254/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-dreamers-line-up-fo/140986685/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-dreamers-line-up-fo/140986689/ A6] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The track later stated that their 500-room hotel and casino would cost around $600 million.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=September 28, 2007 |title=Slots And Cars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-slots-and-cars-par/140986741/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170323/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-slots-and-cars-par/140986741/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-slots-and-cars-par/140986746/ D10] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In October, a seventh proposal was added,{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=October 7, 2007 |title=Seventh casino plan is offered |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-seventh-casino-plan/140986709/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170312/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-seventh-casino-plan/140986709/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-seventh-casino-plan/140986715/ A6] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} along with the track proposal stating that no eminent domain land would be used.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=October 25, 2007 |title=New plan eliminates eminent domain land |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-plan-eliminates/140986795/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170302/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-plan-eliminates/140986795/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-plan-eliminates/140986800/ C6] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By December, the government heard three proposals.{{Cite news |last1=Alm |first1=Rick |last2=Wiebe |first2=Rick |date=December 14, 2007 |title=Casino Picks Sent To State |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-casino-picks-sent-t/140986766/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170256/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-casino-picks-sent-t/140986766/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-casino-picks-sent-t/140986770/ B4] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The project later received criticism from government watchdog group Americans For Prosperity-Kansas for being too related and being funded by revenue bonds or prior tax financing; something the group argued was illegal under Kansas law.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=February 5, 2008 |title=Watchdog Questions Legality Of Casinos |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-watchdog-questions/141068803/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170315/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-watchdog-questions/141068803/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-watchdog-questions/141068839/ D5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By March 2008, the group filed a lawsuit in the Kansas Supreme Court against the state-owned Kansas Lottery claiming that the project would "create an illegal tax";{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=March 25, 2008 |title=Tax group is part of suit on casinos |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tax-group-is-part-o/141068880/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tax-group-is-part-o/141068880/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tax-group-is-part-o/141068914/ D5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} however, the law itself was viewed itself as "extremely murky" by Kansas City Star writer Rick Alm on whether the law's wording was retroactive.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=April 8, 2008 |title=Untangling Kansas' Mess Over Casinos |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-untangling-kansas/141068046/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170300/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-untangling-kansas/141068046/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D11, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-untangling-kansas/141068079/ D17] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The next month, Las Vegas Sands opted to submit their proposal despite Kansas Lottery refusing to hear it.{{Cite news |last=Wiebe |first=Mark |date=April 3, 2008 |title=Sand Forces KCK's Hand |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-sand-forces-kcks-h/141067977/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216171833/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-sand-forces-kcks-h/141067977/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C3 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

In May, Kansas Lottery approved five proposals in Wyandotte County.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=May 28, 2008 |title=10 casino plans OK'd in Kansas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-10-casino-plans-ok/141102015/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216171834/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-10-casino-plans-ok/141102015/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-10-casino-plans-ok/141102046/ C3] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} On June 27, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that state-owned casinos were constitutional, resuming the bid for a casino near the track.{{Cite news |last1=Alm |first1=Rick |last2=Klepper |first2=Rick |date=June 28, 2008 |title=Court Affirms Kansas Casinos |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-court-affirms-kansa/141102153/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-court-affirms-kansa/141102153/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-court-affirms-kansa/141102491/ A14] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Two months later, Lesa France Kennedy endorsed the track's bid, adding the promise of a second NASCAR Cup Series race weekend if the Kansas government chose the track's proposal.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=August 14, 2008 |title=Racing tradeoff offered |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-racing-tradeoff-off/141064701/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170305/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-racing-tradeoff-off/141064701/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-racing-tradeoff-off/141064738/ D4] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The next month, the track promised the addition of an infield road course if they were selected.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=September 1, 2008 |title=Speedway sweetens the deal for casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-sweetens-t/141066441/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170257/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-sweetens-t/141066441/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-sweetens-t/141066469/ C10] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Three days before the decision, Pinnacle withdrew their proposal as part of consequences of Unified Government officials appearing in a promotional video along with stagnation in the United States' economy.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=August 15, 2008 |title=Officials In Video May Face Trouble |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-officials-in-video/141066754/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216171839/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-officials-in-video/141066754/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-officials-in-video/141066799/ C2] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=September 17, 2008 |title=Pinnacle Pulls Out Of Efforts For Casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-pinnacle-pulls-out/141068183/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170308/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-pinnacle-pulls-out/141068183/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-pinnacle-pulls-out/141068229/ C5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} On September 19, Kansas Lottery gave the track and the Cordish Corporation their approval to build a $705 million casino branded under the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino name.{{Cite news |last1=Alm |first1=Rick |last2=Klepper |first2=David |date=September 20, 2008 |title=Hard Rock to roll in KCK |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-hard-rock-to-roll-i/141064818/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216170314/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-hard-rock-to-roll-i/141064818/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-hard-rock-to-roll-i/141064847/ A12] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

The first phase of opening was slated for a June 2009 date; however, this was later slated to sometime later in the year.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=October 10, 2008 |title=Opening Of Casino May Have To Wait |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-opening-of-casino-m/141111358/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235915/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-opening-of-casino-m/141111358/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-opening-of-casino-m/141111390/ C3] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In addition, the Cordish Corporation threatened to end their partnership due to a local Kansas City proposed law banning indoor smoking, but they later backtracked the threat;{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=October 18, 2008 |title=Cordish abandons threat on smoke ban |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-cordish-abandons-th/141067261/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235931/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-cordish-abandons-th/141067261/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=C1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-cordish-abandons-th/141067296/ C5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} the city later gave exemptions to the casino for smoking.{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Mark |date=November 11, 2008 |title=Now, Only Rubber Will Burn |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-now-only-rubber-wi/141113098/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235929/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-now-only-rubber-wi/141113098/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-now-only-rubber-wi/141113158/ D20] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} However, in December, as part of consequences due to the Great Recession, the partnership backed out, with the partnership hoping to reapply in the near future when the economy rose.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=December 6, 2008 |title=Partners in KCK casino back out |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-partners-in-kck-cas/141067437/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235913/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-partners-in-kck-cas/141067437/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-partners-in-kck-cas/141067463/ A10] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In January, the partnership announced plans to resubmit their proposal by April 1.{{Cite news |last=Alm |first=Rick |date=January 27, 2009 |title=Hard Rock May Still Roll In Kansas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-hard-rock-may-still/141069529/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235936/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-hard-rock-may-still/141069529/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D9 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} On March 31, the decision was confirmed,{{Cite news |last=Manning |first=Carol |date=March 31, 2009 |title=Kansas Speedway requests casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-kansas-speed/141069722/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235932/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-springfield-news-leader-kansas-speed/141069722/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=Springfield News-Leader |pages=7A |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} with the partnership now having to go against two other proposals: one from Penn Entertainment and one from Golden Heartland.{{Cite news |last=Wiebe |first=Mark |date=April 2, 2009 |title=Kansas Receives Casino Plans |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-receives-cas/141115631/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235921/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-receives-cas/141115631/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-receives-cas/141115654/ A4] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} By May, the Kansas Speedway partnership and Penn Entertainment's proposals managed to advance further into the planning stages.{{Cite news |last=Wiebe |first=Mark |date=March 28, 2000 |title=Casino proposals advance in WyCo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-casino-proposals-ad/141156972/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235934/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-casino-proposals-ad/141156972/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A4 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Due to the Great Recession and its effects, both proposals, which initially had budgets of over $600 million, were cut to around $350 million for both proposals.{{Cite news |last=Wiebe |first=Mark |date=June 4, 2009 |title=Smaller casino plans on table |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-smaller-casino-plan/141157170/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-smaller-casino-plan/141157170/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A4, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-smaller-casino-plan/141157240/ A5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

In September, the two proposals essentially merged into one when Penn Entertainment bought out the Cordish Corporation.{{Cite news |last=Hanna |first=John |date=September 21, 2009 |title=Change in brand name for Kansas casino becomes an issue |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-manhattan-mercury-change-in-brand-na/141069952/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235927/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-manhattan-mercury-change-in-brand-na/141069952/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Manhattan Mercury |pages=A3 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} As a result of the buyout, the Hard Rock branding was scrapped in favor of a Hollywood-themed casino, with an approval decision for the new $521 million proposal to come in December.{{Cite news |last1=Bormann |first1=Dawn |last2=Klepper |first2=David |date=September 11, 2009 |title=Rivals Unite For WyCo Casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-rivals-unite-for-wy/141158517/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235933/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-rivals-unite-for-wy/141158517/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-rivals-unite-for-wy/141158590/ A10] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Despite being the only proposal left, the Kansas Lottery stated that they would not become a "rubber stamp" for the proposal despite renewed promises of a second NASCAR Cup Series race weekend.{{Cite news |last=Bormann |first=Dawn |date=September 16, 2009 |title=New casino won't get 'rubber stamp' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-casino-wont-ge/141069770/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235925/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-casino-wont-ge/141069770/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A12 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} On December 1, the Kansas Lottery approved the proposal without the hotel at a budget of $386 million, with a planned opening date in early 2012.{{Cite news |last=Klepper |first=David |date=December 2, 2009 |title=Kansas OKs planned casino |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-oks-planned/141069901/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235923/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-oks-planned/141069901/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-oks-planned/141069933/ A14] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The project was given the final go-ahead in February 2010, when the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission signed off licensing background checks.{{Cite news |last=Bormann |first=Dawn |date=February 13, 2010 |title=Casino clears its final state hurdle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-casino-clears-its-f/141165017/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217223304/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-casino-clears-its-f/141165017/ |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=February 17, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A15 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

File:The Kansas Speedway (cropped).jpg

Boreger stepped down from track leadership to run Kansas Entertainment and the casino, promoting the track's vice president of marketing and sales, Patrick Warren, to run the track in March 2010.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=March 30, 2010 |title=Track executives move up |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-executives-mo/141164712/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216235924/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-executives-mo/141164712/ |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B3 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Warren announced a desire to rebound from effects from the Great Recession.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=April 1, 2010 |title=Leader of the track |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-leader-of-the-track/141167313/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217221758/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-leader-of-the-track/141167313/ |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B3 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} On April 28, the final casino plan was announced, calling for around 2,300 slot machines, around 1,050 employees, and a 300-room hotel expansion on a 268,000 square foot plot of land.{{Cite news |last=Collision |first=Kevin |date=April 28, 2010 |title=Construction industry welcomes casino project |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-construction-indust/141164755/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217221755/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-construction-indust/141164755/ |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A11, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-construction-indust/141164866/ A12] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Groundbreaking on the Hollywood Casino commenced on April 30, 2010. As a result of France Kennedy's promise of a second Cup Series race weekend if the casino was built, the future of the IndyCar Series at the track was left uncertain due to scheduling conflicts.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=May 1, 2010 |title=IndyCar race might face a crunch |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-indycar-race-might/140981620/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217221756/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-indycar-race-might/140981620/ |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=February 17, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B4 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} In July, ISC petitioned for the track to get a second Cup Series race weekend,{{Cite news |date=July 2, 2010 |title=Speedway stock on the rise |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-stock-on-t/141281588/ |access-date=February 17, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-stock-on-t/141281631/ B4] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217221759/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-speedway-stock-on-t/141281588/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and by August 7, the Kansas City Star reported that the track would get a second race weekend.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=August 7, 2010 |title=Second race is coming |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-second-race-is-comi/141283570/ |access-date=February 17, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-second-race-is-comi/141283612/ B9] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217223307/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-second-race-is-comi/141283570/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} On August 10, NASCAR officially confirmed the second NASCAR race weekend, along with the track announcing the addition of lights for night racing.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=August 11, 2010 |title=Double Vision |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-double-vision-part/141178167/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217011323/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-double-vision-part/141178167/ |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-double-vision-part/141178204/ B10] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=August 10, 2010 |title=Lights are on for Kansas Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-lights-are-on-for-k/141288631/ |access-date=February 17, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-lights-are-on-for-k/141288668/ B3] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217223308/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-lights-are-on-for-k/141288631/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The next month, IndyCar announced their departure from the track. The casino's topping out ceremony was performed on March 23, 2011,{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=March 24, 2011 |title=Track casino clears milestone |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-casino-clears/141286763/ |access-date=February 17, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B5 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217223305/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-track-casino-clears/141286763/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} with the casino opening to the public on February 3, 2012.{{Cite news |last=Palmer |first=Tod |date=February 4, 2012 |title=On fast track to jackpot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-on-fast-track-to-ja/141290241/ |access-date=February 17, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-on-fast-track-to-ja/141290331/ B3] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217221757/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-on-fast-track-to-ja/141290241/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

On July 8, 2011, the track announced renovations to the track, including a repaving and reconfiguration of the oval track, and the addition of a new infield road course.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=July 8, 2011 |title=Kansas Speedway to be reconfigured |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-speedway-to/141287420/ |access-date=February 17, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-speedway-to/141287500/ B6] |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217221800/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-speedway-to/141287420/ |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Among said changes to the track were an increase of variable banking from 15 degrees to 20 degrees. The track has seen a capacity decline in recent years; according to ISC archive records, the track decreased from a capacity of 64,000 seats to 48,000 in 2019.

{{See also|Hollywood Casino 400|AdventHealth 400|Kansas Lottery 300|NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Kansas Speedway|label 4=Heart of Health Care 200}}

As of 2024, the track holds two annual NASCAR weekends: the fall Hollywood Casino 400 and the spring AdventHealth 400. The former was first run in the track's inaugural season in 2001.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=May 9, 2000 |title=Ready! Set! Roll em' out! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-ready-set-roll-em/140939766/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011148/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-ready-set-roll-em/140939766/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-ready-set-roll-em/140939786/ A4] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Montgomery |first=Rick |date=October 1, 2001 |title=Big-time racing, big-time crowd |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-big-time-racing-bi/140978975/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045510/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-big-time-racing-bi/140978975/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-big-time-racing-bi/140978997/ A14] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The latter race weekend was added to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule starting in 2011, taking a race weekend from the Auto Club Speedway.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=August 11, 2010 |title=Double Vision |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-double-vision-part/141178167/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217011323/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-double-vision-part/141178167/ |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-double-vision-part/141178204/ B10] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Along with its Cup Series races, the track also hosts lower-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series support events for Cup Series races, including the Kansas Lottery 300 and the Heart of America 200.{{cite web |last=Rosen |first=Jeff |date=August 6, 2020 |title=Kansas Speedway gains third NASCAR trucks race of season. That's never happened before |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/article244782362.html |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=The Kansas City Star |publisher=McClatchy}}{{cite web |date=September 29, 2021 |title=Back to the Future: New venues, return of familiar locations highlight 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series slates |url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/09/29/back-to-the-future-new-venues-return-of-familiar-locations-highlight-2022-nascar-xfinity-series-nascar-camping-world-truck-series-slates/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=NASCAR}}

{{See also|RoadRunner Turbo Indy 300}}On May 28, 1999, the Indy Racing League announced races for the 2001 IRL season, with the race being held in July. In 2007, the race was moved to late April from its usual American Independence Day weekend.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=September 20, 2006 |title=New date for Kansas IRL race official |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-date-for-kansas/140979574/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045518/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-new-date-for-kansas/140979574/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D7 |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} The track's annual IndyCar race ran annually until 2010, with IndyCar deciding not to renew in 2011 due to schedule conflicts with NASCAR and a second NASCAR race weekend date at the track.{{Cite news |last=Covitz |first=Randy |date=September 11, 2010 |title=IndyCar out at Kansas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-indycar-out-at-kans/140979688/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045520/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-indycar-out-at-kans/140979688/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=B1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-indycar-out-at-kans/140979700/ B5] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}}

In 2012, the Rolex Sports Car Series announced that they would run a Grand Prix event at the newly-constructed road course at the track. The race was first run on August 17, 2013,{{Cite news |last=Skretta |first=Dave |date=August 17, 2013 |title=Grand-Am series readies debut at Kansas Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-grand-am-series-re/141172747/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217011327/https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-grand-am-series-re/141172747/ |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=St. Joseph News-Press |pages=C5 |via=Newspapers.com |agency=Associated Press |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and was run for a second time in June 2014.{{Cite web |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=June 4, 2014 |title=IMSA's Grand Prix Of Kansas Is All About Newness |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-racing/a1898046/imsas-grand-prix-kansas-all-about-newness/ |access-date=February 16, 2024 |website=Autoweek |archive-date=February 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217011321/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/more-racing/a1898046/imsas-grand-prix-kansas-all-about-newness/ |url-status=live }}

The track is one of the Richard Petty Driving Experience's tracks that the general public can drive racecars on; an official announcement was made in 2000.{{Cite news |last=Pedley |first=Jim |date=December 20, 2000 |title=Kansas track will put fans in driver's seat |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-track-will-p/140966911/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011208/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-track-will-p/140966911/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=D1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-kansas-track-will-p/140966931/ D3] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} Since 2016, the track has been the host of the American Royal World Series of BBQ competition.{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2016 |title=Kansas Speedway hosts American Royal's 2016 World Series of Barbecue |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-speedway-hosts-american-royals-2016-world-series-of-barbecue/ |access-date=February 13, 2024 |website=WDAF-TV |language=en-US |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210614/https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-speedway-hosts-american-royals-2016-world-series-of-barbecue/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hennessy |first=Joe |date=October 2, 2023 |title=American Royal World Series of BBQ heats up in Kansas City |url=https://www.kctv5.com/2023/10/02/american-royal-world-series-bbq-heats-up-kansas-city/ |access-date=February 13, 2024 |website=KCTV |language=en |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213210614/https://www.kctv5.com/2023/10/02/american-royal-world-series-bbq-heats-up-kansas-city/ |url-status=live }}

File:Smoke (2011-08-05 by Ian T. McFarland).jpg performing at the Kanrocksas Music Festival in 2011.]]

In 2011, the track held the Kanrocksas Music Festival, a rock music festival. The event was first announced on April 26, 2011,{{Cite news |last=Finn |first=Timothy |date=April 26, 2011 |title=Music fest will rock the Speedway |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-music-fest-will-roc/140980148/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215045515/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-music-fest-will-roc/140980148/ |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |work=The Kansas City Star |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-music-fest-will-roc/140980163/ A6] |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live }} {{Open access}} and was held in August; the inaugural festival featured acts such as Eminem, The Flaming Lips, Kid Cudi, Primus, and others.{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Hampton |date=August 10, 2011 |title=A Rock Festival, as Seen for Its Trash |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/08/a-rock-festival-as-seen-for-its-trash/243409/ |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=The Atlantic |language=en-US |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215044718/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/08/a-rock-festival-as-seen-for-its-trash/243409/ |url-status=live }} In 2013, the event was scheduled to be held in June; however, the event was cancelled in May after a lack of tickets were sold.{{Cite web |last=Hudnall |first=David |title=Streetside: Kanrocksas hits the self-destruct button |url=https://www.thepitchkc.com/streetside-kanrocksas-hits-the-selfdestruct-button/ |website=The Pitch |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215044719/https://www.thepitchkc.com/streetside-kanrocksas-hits-the-selfdestruct-button/ |date=6 June 2013 |archive-date=15 February 2024 |access-date=15 February 2024 |url-status=live}}

As of September 2024, the fastest official race lap records at Kansas Speedway are listed as:

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