FRANKFORT, Ky., July 11 (UPI) -- A Kentucky legislative leader Monday called for hearings in the wake of a massive traffic jam before last week's inaugural Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup race.
State Senate President David Williams said he wants an investigation of the "debacle" preceding Saturday's NASCAR event at Kentucky Speedway, in which bumper-to-bumper traffic stretched for miles on Interstate 71, The (Louisville) Courier-Journal reported.
"While I do not believe there should be a rush to judgment, I do think the Legislature has a responsibility to investigate the public safety issues created by Saturday's debacle and ensure that signature economic development events reflect well on Kentucky," he said in a press release.
The legislator called the situation a national embarrassment and said people who gave up, abandoned their cars and walked to the venue created a safety hazard.
Speedway officials, meanwhile, Monday apologized to fans and offered a ticket exchange plan for those who couldn't get to the track in time for the race.
"We'd also like to apologize to all of our fans who endured challenging conditions during our event weekend," Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger said.
