NASCAR's decision to not hold a race at Kentucky Speedway next season makes the racetrack's future uncertain.
One word to sum up how Northern Kentucky feels about the decision? Disappointed.
John Ellison, the board chair of meetNKY, said this loss will have a big impact on the region's businesses.
Kentucky Speedway plans to develop the racetrack into a multi-use facility to host more events besides races. Owen County Judge Executive Casey Ellis said he was pleasantly surprised by that decision.
"The loss of a NASCAR race could potentially be a plus for the area," Ellis said. "Maybe it allows for a more consistent schedule of events there."
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he's personally disappointed in a race not being scheduled and said he hopes NASCAR officials reconsider to make this only a change for one year or even less.
Ellis said an event of that magnitude doesn’t just have an impact locally, but statewide.
"The loss of that goes hand-in-hand with losses and other things we've faced during a deadly pandemic," Ellis said.
Kentucky Speedway plans to develop the racetrack into a multi-use rental complex and will provide updates on their future at a later date.
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