Atlanta Loses Spring NASCAR Race

Atlanta's loss might be Kentucky's gain as Atlanta Motor Speedway has been informed it has lost their annual spring NASCAR race. 

Atlanta Motor Speedway announced Thursday that it will hold onto the Labor Day Weekend event on Sept 2-4. It will be the first time in 50 years that the 1.5-mile track, owned by Speedway Motorsports Inc., hasn't hosted two Cup events.

Kentucky Speedway, an SMI track, has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday, when it is expected to announce it has secured a Sprint Cup date.

Sources have confirmed Kentucky will replace Atlanta on the schedule, but not on the March weekend that Atlanta traditionally has hosted its first race. Multiple reports over the weekend said Kentucky would host a date in July.

"Atlanta Motor Speedway has provided top-quality racing entertainment to spectators from across the nation and around the world for 50 years," Atlanta president Ed Clark said in a statement. "While our schedule will change, our commitment to the racing fans who have been the heart and soul of Atlanta Motor Speedway through these years will be stronger than ever.

"Our entire staff will be even more driven to produce the top annual sporting event in Georgia for many years to come."

Kentucky already hosts NASCAR Nationwide and Truck Series events, as well as an IndyCar race. Plans are already in place to expand seating from 65,000 to around 100,000.