Kentucky cements IRL sponsor deal.

One of the many new venues to have joined forces with the burgeoning Indy Racing Northern Light Series in the past two years, Kentucky Speedway, has extended its sponsorship agreement with The Belterra Casino Resort for a third season as the 1.5-mile track continues to build on its growing popularity with fans and drivers.

The Belterra Casino Resort will remain the title sponsor of the Indy Racing League event at Kentucky Speedway officials announced earlier this week. In 2002, the Belterra Casino Indy 300 is scheduled for Sunday, August 11th, and will be televised live nationally on ABC.

"When you have more than $400 million in economic development invested in two facilities located just minutes apart, it's critical that we continue to work together," said Mark F. Cassis, executive vice president and general manager of Kentucky Speedway. "Together we will find new and innovative ways to bring people not only to the casino-resort, but the speedway as well. This is far more than just a title event sponsorship agreement, it's a marketing partnership designed to meet strategic goals throughout the term of the agreement."

In addition to its title sponsorship, Belterra Casino Resort, which is located in Belterra, Indiana, 12 miles from Kentucky Speedway, will become the "Official Hotel of Kentucky Speedway" and will carry exclusive casino and resort signage rights at the speedway.

"We're excited about our partnership with the Kentucky Speedway, it's a win-win situation," said Wes Hassell, director of marketing of Belterra Casino and Resort. "One of our primary business objectives is to support the development of this region as a resort destination market with alternate entertainment options for residents of the Tri-state area. The continued relationship also supports our ongoing commitment to community involvement. We look forward to a very exciting and successful event."

The 1.5 mile Kentucky Speedway has fast become one of the favourite tracks on the ever-expanding Indy Racing Northern Light Series calendar with both fans and drivers with facilities second to none and a track layout that suits close, spectacular racing. 2000 IRNLS Champion Buddy Lazier has been victorious in both races run thus far at Kentucky and will be looking for an unprecedented third straight win at any one track in the Northern Light Series six year history.