For the first time in its history, Kentucky Speedway in Sparta is opening its doors to the public and offering them the opportunity to drag race on the track's backstretch. The inaugural "Shifting Gears for Kids" Drag Race will be held this Friday night, June 5th from 6:00 p.m until 11:00 p.m. (Eastern time).

Speedway Children's Charities
Speedway Children's Charities
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For a donation to Speedway Children's Charities, racers can drag race 1/8 of a mile down the backstretch of Kentucky Speedway, which has 5 degrees of banking. Racers will pay $20 to participate; cars on trailers are $25. Multiple passes will be dependent on the number of participants who attend the event that night.

The event will feature the following classes: Street Diesel Trucks, Open Diesel Trucks, Street Gas Trucks, 4 & 6-Cylinder Trucks, 4 & 6-Cylinder Cars, V8 Cars, 2-Wheel Drive Class, and Open Class. For safety reasons, motorcycles, ATV's, and other off-road recreational vehicles will NOT be allowed to participate. Heads-up scoring will be used, and although trophies will not be awarded per class, racers who have a perfect tree will receive a prize.

Racers must be 18 years of age or older and will be required to sign a waiver in order to participate. Passengers must be at least 14 years of age and riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign a waiver for their participation. All drivers and/or passengers must wear a seatbelt.

Admission to watch is $10 per carload, and concessions will be available. In the event of rain, "Shifting Gears for Kids" will be canceled, and a make-up date will be announced at a later time.

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