LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky Speedway is heading to mediation later this week in its antitrust case against NASCAR. Lawyers weren't saying whether the two sides are any closer to a settlement that could land the northern Kentucky track a Nextel Cup race.

U-S Magistrate Judge Gregory Wehrman has set a settlement conference for ten a-m eastern time Friday in Covington, according to the court clerk's office.

Cincinnati attorney Stan Chesley is representing the Sparta, Kentucky, speedway in the 400 (M) million antitrust lawsuit. Chesley says it's hard to know how long the mediation proceedings will last or whether it would spark any movement in the negotiations.

NASCAR officials didn't immediately respond to requests for Comment today.

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