Kentucky Speedway explored sale to ISC

Before it sued NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. in 2005 for allegedly monopolizing big-time racing, Kentucky Speedway apparently discussed a possible sale of its Gallatin County track.

But ISC was only interested if it could buy it on the cheap, according to a sworn statement filed last week by Jerry Carroll, the track's chairman and developer. Carroll could not be reached for comment.

The allegation is included in a confidential 2002 memo Carroll sent to Kentucky Speedway partners and referenced in the court record. Carroll said in the sworn statement the memo is consistent with his recollection of the meeting, at which Lesa France Kennedy, now ISC's president, said "ISC would only purchase Kentucky Speedway if it were a 'steal.'"

In its amended complaint filed earlier this year, the speedway said Kennedy and other ISC officials visited the track several times from 1999 through 2004 to assess a possible purchase. Business Courier of Cincinnati