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NASCAR race is under the lights this weekend, but moves to the daytime next year

Posted at 8:23 AM, May 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-10 09:23:28-04

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Kansas Speedway will host two races under the lights this weekend. Next year, the race weekend for the track in Kansas City, Kansas, moves to the daytime the weekend after Memorial Day instead of the traditional Mother’s Day weekend.

Friday night, drivers hit the racetrack in the Gander Outdoor Truck Series’ Digital Ally 250.

Saturday night, stock cars take over the speedway in the Digital Ally 400, as part of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Tickets are still available, including discounts for students and military members.

Drivers say they enjoy the night race, for the atmosphere, and because it allows them to get home Sunday to celebrate Mother’s Day with their families.

“Our cars look like they’re going 300 mph under the lights,” joked driver David Ragan.

He said Kansas Speedway’s 1.5 mile track allows drivers to go fast, topping out at about 200 mph.

The speedway said the switch to daytime racing next year is more about changing weekends so the race doesn’t compete with graduations typically scheduled for this same time period.

This year, the speedway added more space for tent camping around the vicinity.

Fans can bring soft-sided coolers with food and alcohol into the grandstands, so long as there is no glass.