Governor Beshear Wednesday night called NASCAR’S decision to pull its summertime racing at Kentucky’s track in Sparta a “great disappointment.”
The governor went on to say he’s personally disappointed because he worked with NASCAR to see the Commonwealth be one of the first locations to race after the suspension for COVID-19. “So, we’re going to do everything we can on our end to encourage a return. I also want to get more information on the whys. We’ve certainly be investing tens of millions of dollars if not more in infrastructure over the years to support that track,” said Beshear.
Beshear said he hopes NASCAR officials reconsider to make this only a one year or even less change. The governor noted Kentucky Speedway is an economic driver for the northern Kentucky region and beyond. The inaugural truck series race ran on the track in 2000. Xfinity Series came the next year and the Sprint Cup Series in 2011.
For the second consecutive day, Kentucky exceeded 1000 new cases of COVID-19. Governor Beshear reported 1004 cases of coronavirus and four additional deaths.
The governor said efforts continue to reduce the backlog of unemployment claims. Beshear said much progress has come in addressing cases from March and April, but much work remains for those in May and June. The governor added it’s still a difficult path as set out by the federal government to file for unemployment. And Beshear said the state system is not where it should be.
“Again, I think this is the perfect storm of a support system that was neglected, neglected and cut. Offices closed, 95 individuals’ jobs pulled out of it and I will tell you it’s a challenge in the midst of a pandemic to rebuild something that was torn down,” explained Beshear.
Beshear added his administration is not allowed to have excuses and that work continues to assist filers.
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