SPARTA, Ky. -- Kentucky Speedway has lost its spot on NASCAR's 2021 schedule, the racetrack said Tuesday night ahead of the sanctioning body's announcement of venues and dates for next season.
In addition, the mayor of Joliet, Illinois, told The Athletic that Chicagoland Speedway is also off NASCAR's 2021 schedule. Bob O'Dekirk told The Athletic that he received the news from a group that included Scott Paddock, Chicagoland's president.
"This is bad for [the city of Joliet]," O'Dekirk said. "It was a great event."
Chicagoland hosted its first Cup Series race in 2001, and its final event was in 2019, as this year's scheduled race was moved because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Kentucky held its first Cup Series race in 2011 and has hosted a tripleheader in recent years with races in NASCAR's Cup, Xfinity and Truck series. Its last NASCAR race was this past July.
"We're disappointed the Bluegrass State is not on NASCAR's schedule," Kentucky Speedway executive vice president and general manager Mark Simendinger said Tuesday night. "There are still wild adventures ahead."
The 1.5-mile track opened in 2000. Simendinger said it would look to host other racing series, special events and music festivals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.