Sheriff: ‘Dozens’ arrested for breaking into Kentucky Speedway

SPARTA, Ky. — Authorities arrested “dozens” of people for breaking into Kentucky Speedway, according to the local sheriff’s office.

People broke into Kentucky Speedway “several months ago” and made videos later posted to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, describing the track as “abandoned” — according to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

“Kentucky Speedway is NOT abandoned! They still hold driving schools and other various events there occasionally. In addition, certain parts of the property are rented out to other companies. Even if it was not in use, it is private property and marked as such,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

Sheriff’s deputies say they charged the people with trespassing and burglary. They also said they will prosecute others who try and copy them.

Kentucky Speedway hasn’t hosted any major motorsports events since NASCAR last raced there in June 2020. In fact, less than a year later, video showed Ford pickup trucks parked there during the global semiconductor shortage.

Since 2021, people have called for Kentucky Speedway’s return with the NextGen car’s success on intermediate tracks and no races in the state of Kentucky. The 2026 NASCAR schedule didn’t have any dates for Kentucky. There is also no talk of NASCAR or any major motorsports returning to the track.

Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.

A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.

Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.

Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com