NASCAR: Kentucky devises ticket exchange:

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Kentucky Speedway has put together a ticket-exchange plan for fans who didn't get into Saturday night's Quaker State 400 because of massive traffic jams and/or parking issues.

By AL PEARCE on 7/11/2011

As expected, Kentucky Speedway has cobbled together a ticket-exchange plan for fans who didn't get into Saturday night's Quaker State 400 because of massive traffic jams and/or parking issues. Mark Simendinger, general manager of Kentucky Speedway, issued this apology and ticket-swap proposal late Monday afternoon:

“To those fans unable to attend the Quaker State 400, we offer our sincerest apologies. We'd also like to apologize to our fans who endured challenging conditions during our event weekend. As we said earlier, we're committed to working with NASCAR, state and local officials and traffic experts to address Saturday's traffic issues to ensure we never have this type of experience again.”

Marcus Smith, president and chief operating officer of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and son of SMI chairman and CEO Bruton Smith, also issued a statement:

“I apologize on behalf of Speedway Motorsports to the fans who had tickets, yet due to logistical issues were unable to attend the [race]. For those fans with tickets unable to attend, we will honor their ticket at any remaining 2011 [Cup] race at any SMI facility or the 2012 race at Kentucky Speedway.

“Our company has always been about enhancing the fan experience with first-class amenities and putting fans first. I feel terrible for the fans who had a bad experience and we're asking them to give us a chance to make it up to them. We're very thankful for the overwhelming fan support for this inaugural event. We learned some valuable lessons and will do everything in our power to make sure we don't have these issues again.”

The ticket exchange is good for the following events at SMI facilities while supplies last at each venue:

July 17: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Aug. 27: Bristol Motor Speedway

Sept. 4: Atlanta Motor Speedway

Sept. 25: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Oct. 15: Charlotte Motor Speedway

Nov. 6: Texas Motor Speedway

2012: Kentucky Speedway

In addition to the ticket exchange, Kentucky Speedway will issue fans an equal number of tickets to either its Oct. 1 Camping World Truck Series 225 or its Oct. 2 Izod IndyCar 300. For information on ticket exchange and redemption, fans should contact the Kentucky Speedway ticket office at (859) 578-2300 or by e-mail at tickets@kentuckyspeedway.com.

 

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