Bruton Smith was not happy about the “tricks”, as he calls them, that started after he wanted to build a drag strip on property adjacent to the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC.
“We were working there for about three weeks before they decided to rezone. I was very disappointed at the rezoning. That’s where the tricks started.”
It was announced on Monday that the state of North Carolina, Cabarrus County, and the city of Concord would ante up an incentive package of $80 million to keep Lowe’s Motor Speedway where it has always been.
Here’s a quote from Bruton Smith on whether he ever really intended to relocate Lowe’s Motor Speedway out of Concord, NC in the first place:
In the outset, there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to build a speedway. I like to build things. I could see that here, we’d worn out our welcome — I think I said that — and I thought, well, it’s time to go. So instead of spending the $200 million here, I could take $200 million plus another $150 million and start from scratch on a clean piece of paper.
With a wide smile on his face, Bruton Smith says he will go on with enhancements to Lowe’s, and build the world’s best drag strip. And with $80 million wrapped up in a nice gift package, who blames him?
Quote is from a NASCAR[dot]com article, which can be read by clicking here.
He who has the gold makes the rules.
I wish Bruton would build a drag strip at Atlanta.
Unfortunately, Mike Dzurilla, the Mansfield Motorsports Park owner doesn’t have the pull and influence Bruton does. A drag strip to move the IHRA World Nationals from the traditional home for 24 years Norwalk would already be in place.
As for a drag strip at Atlanta, Roland, why when one already exists on the north east side of the Atlanta Metro area at Commerce.
Mr. Bruton Smith and Speedway Motorsports Inc
A couple of real ideas:
If you want to change the game in Concord, why not open up a huge Virtual NASCAR Simulation Center, so that younger race fans and confirmed gear heads will have a deeper year round racing experience (a profitable concept which could sweep the nation, your other NASCAR venues and shopping malls everywhere) and for a fraction of the cost of rebuilding the 100M Lowes luxury boxes or the 250M for new track. This would be the beginning of a new form of race fan entertainment.
If the Lowes Drag Strip idea is still too loud for the neighborhood…. has a sound deflection barrier wall been considered? It seems a well designed one could bounce the roaring engines noise up into the stratosphere, and perhaps the locals who object the most, could help afford the cost of 1/2 a mile of special acoustic construction. But… perhaps flights of geese would bring suit next.
Talk to me, Bruton. I have 3D pictures,
chris elling,
609-938-0705