A thrill-packed new CAR RACE is on the cards if a £375 million casino complex gets the go ahead.

Racetrack president Lesa France Kennedy yesterday told the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission that if it selects the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino over three other casino proposals, she would ask motor racing bosses to back a SECOND race weekend at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City.

But Kennedy — president of International Speedway Corporation which owns the Kansas Speedway — has reason to be confident.

She is also one of five members of the Board of Directors of NASCAR — the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing — which is among America’s most popular motor sports competitions.

Racing Chance

Other NASCAR board members include her BROTHER, chairman Brian France, and her UNCLE, vice-chairman Jim France.

She told reporters yesterday: “I hope the chances [of getting the second race] are as good as our getting the casino.”

Speedway bosses have tried before to get NASCAR to stage an extra race to go with their current autumn meeting — the last time in 2004.

Chequered Flag

A second race would add almost £60 million to the Kansas City area economy, it has been claimed.

Commission chiefs are expected to make their decision in late September — possibly during the at Kansas Speedway Sprint Cup weekend on September 27-28.

If they select the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino plan the complex would open in late 2010 or 2011.