Historic NASCAR Track Under Threat of Demolition as Fresh Proposal Challenges Bristol Motor Speedway President Preservation Narrative

Caught in the political turmoil, NASCAR is on the verge of losing another iconic venue that holds a historic significance in the development of the sport. Despite the valiant efforts from enthusiasts and drivers alike, NASCAR nation might lose the sport’s second oldest continually operating track in the country in the name of noise and congestion.

Fox Sports reporter and prominent NASCAR enthusiast, Bob Pockrass broke the depressing news to the community when he revealed the authorities’ plans to teardown Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway to incorporate EV racing, taking away one of the oldest racing venues in the country.

Political tug-of-war might cost NASCAR yet another iconic venue

For the young fans out there, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is one of the country’s oldest racing venues going back to the early 1900s. From what started out as carriage racing and bike racing in the early days has turned into a car racing mecca with the track boasting a rich history of about 119 years in auto racing.

However, Pockrass shared the news on his social media that the community is on the verge of losing the historic venue as city officials are considering a major overhaul to convert the half-a-mile track into an EV racing ground comprising of housing and green spaces. So what is causing all the smoke? While many are in all on the idea of preserving the iconic track, hoping to witness a NASCAR event in the future, facility neighbors are concerned about the noise and congestion that comes along.

Despite the best efforts from Bristol Motor Speedway and former city Mayor John Cooper to renovate the facility which will account for $100 million in funds, the initiative still needs a green signal from the Mayor’s office. Relaying the Bristol Motor Speedway’s President, Jerry Caldwell’s proposal, the reporter tweeted out:

According to the tweet, Caldwell said, “Bristol Motor Speedway’s plan to preserve the historic Fairgrounds Speedway protects important elements of Nashville’s history, enhances the quality of life for the surrounding neighborhood, and will generate billions of dollars of revenue for local businesses and Nashville. The new counter-proposal calls for tearing down the speedway and destroying an iconic venue, which is in direct conflict with its intended public use and a Metro Charter Amendment which passed by 71 percent in a countywide referendum.”

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Meanwhile, NASCAR greats including Richard “The King” Petty and ardent fans have come out in support, trying their best to keep the track alive from being torn down for future generations.

The King vouches for preservation, wanting to see an All-Star race in Fairgrounds

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Last week, NASCAR’s most celebrated and one of the sport’s greatest drivers, Richard Petty came down to Nashville. The veteran was inducted into the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway’s Hall of Fame where he expressed his solidarity, throwing his weight behind the track’s conservation.

“The King,” during his induction speech, according to Tennessean said, “They can’t tear it down if you do that,” suggesting NASCAR officials bring the All-Star race to the 119-year-old track. The great further added, saying, “I would like to see NASCAR come back here like it came back to Wilkesboro (North Carolina) to show the history to people that this is where it all started. I mean they wouldn’t have that big race track on the other side of town (Nashville Superspeedway) if it hadn’t been for this race track here. It took tracks like this to nurture NASCAR into growing into what it has become.” 

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While the sport’s greatest has expressed his solidarity, we can hope things turn around for the better, prompting the city officials to retract on their proposed tear-down plan and allocate the funds to keep the races fuming.