In 1996 the International Speedway Corporation began exploring options to build a speedway facility in the Midwest region. Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas were selected as the site for the new speedway. Centrally and conveniently located at the intersection of Highways 70 and 435 (which means the facility can empty in approximately 90 minutes) construction on the 75,000 seat 1.5 mile tri-oval track began in 1999. (Tri-oval tracks are preferable to track builders because they offer superior sightlines.) NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace, Bobby Labonte and Ken Schrader helped kick off the event along with NASCAR president Bill France, Jr. (The tunnel through which the race cars enter is called the France Tunnel.)
Ticket sales began in 1999. Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee and former Kansas City Royal player George Brett purchased the first PASS - Preferred Access Speedway Seating. In one day, all 32 luxury suites planned for the facility were sold out. The Board of Directors approved funding for an additional 36 suites. Track paving began in 2000 and construction was completed in 2001.
Interestingly, some of the seating was removed in order to increase the seat width, resulting in a loss of 3,000 seats.
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