How much do you know about Kansas?

Kansas is one of those remarkable places where rural America really mixes it up with city oases. You can be at the Kansas Speedway, The Legends retail center or Nebraska Furniture Mart -- and minutes later you can be in rural Kansas soaking up the history at the National Agricultural Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs.

I’m always surprised that people know so little about Kansas. Working at OOIDA’s headquarters just east of Kansas City, Mo., we are often asked if we are in Kansas. The answer is no, but we are close.

The most frequently asked question might be whether Kansas City is in Missouri or Kansas? The fact is they are two separate cities with separate governments, same name. They share the border, but are two very different cities.

How can you tell if you are in Kansas City, Mo.? Right now, with our NFL team 6-0, the whole place is KC Chiefs red and we give directions according to how far it is from Arrowhead Stadium. KCMO is a colorful place.

If you are in Kansas City, Kan., it’s a different atmosphere, and everything is the color of rock or wheat. It is a kind of light, nondescript brown. It's a Kansas thing. Directions for any place in Kansas City, Kan., are often based on how far it is from the Kansas Speedway, which is one of the biggest attractions in KCK.

The Speedway is home to more than 200 cool events, including two big NASCAR weekends. This week (Friday, Oct. 18, through Saturday, Oct. 19), the Speedway is the home of OOIDA’s Heart of America Trucking Show where we will gather to celebrate the Association’s 40th anniversary.

Put your pencil to line one, everyone. We’re ready to party.