These seniors won’t get to ‘walk.’ But they’ll get to drive on a NASCAR racetrack.
High school seniors across the country will miss out on traditional graduation ceremonies this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but some students in northern Kentucky will have a unique opportunity to celebrate their educational milestone.
Kentucky Speedway on Wednesday announced a special event to recognize the 2020 class of Gallatin County High School. On Saturday, 101 Gallatin County seniors will have the chance to drive a “victory lap” around the 1.5-mile track in Sparta, which since 1998 has hosted races throughout every level of NASCAR competition.
Kentucky Speedway spokesperson Ashley Shirley told the Herald-Leader in an email that track and local officials worked together to create the event as a way to celebrate Gallatin County graduates. She said the track is working with other schools to potentially schedule similar events in the future.
Students will drive their own cars and will be divided into groups of 15. Officials from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department and Kentucky Speedway will control the laps by driving pace cars in front of each group. After each group has taken its lap, all cars will remain on the track for a photo opportunity. Drone footage will also be shot from above the track.
Shirley said students will not be allowed to leave their vehicles while on the property and that speedway employees, media and other non-student personnel will be required to check in before the event and have their temperatures taken. They’ll also be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing while at the facility.
Kentucky Speedway is scheduled to host three NASCAR races in July; the Truck Series Buckle Up In Your Truck 225 on July 9, the Xfinity Series Alsco 300 on July 10 and the Cup Series Quaker State 400 on July 11.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 7:34 AM.
