The half-a-billion dollar sale of the Auto Club Speedway land, leading to its future hovering between “the end” or “renovation,” with the former weighing more than the latter, had most of the NASCAR community in a state of sadness and shock. Fontana was a great racetrack, one which, as a parting gift, gave us arguably the best race of the season so far.
But less than a month after that announcement, it seems another racetrack could be on the verge of meeting the same fate. However, this time, it is a racetrack far more important, and far more iconic than Fontana.
Because, according to journalist Adam Stern, Charlotte Motor Speedway LLC recently sold over 82 acres of land to an entity that is linked with Hendrick Motorsports for around $22.6 million.
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Now, it is reported by Charlotte Business Journal that the land will be used to develop “two advanced manufacturing projects” under Rick Hendrick’s organization. Yet the NASCAR fans were fearing a Fontana 2.0
"An entity affiliated with Hendrick Motorsports bought just over 82 acres from Charlotte Motor Speedway LLC [for $22.6 million]. A portion of the land is expected to include the sites of two advanced manufacturing projects led by Hendrick." – @CBJHuguley https://t.co/RzfhZQqvd2
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) March 10, 2023
Fans fear the worst for Charlotte Motor Speedway
After the announcement of the sale at Charlotte Motor Speedway, one part of the NASCAR fanbase was fearing the worst. What if Charlotte ends up the same way as Fontana?
Of course, a lot of fans were also speculating what such a sale or such a project could actually be, with the suggestions of HMS entering IMSA or INDYCAR, or, as someone jokingly suggested, Hendrick building a snowboarding park for Chase Elliott.
But again, it was the fears of the iconic racetrack potentially going through the same deal as Auto Club, which were stuck out above the rest.
Ban Hendrick immediately
— Brett (@22fan4ever) March 10, 2023
So that means CMS is safe then? They’re not going to tear the place down anytime soon?
— 🏁Cody80🏁 (@Cody80Live) March 10, 2023
Charlotte getting bought too? There’s gonna be no tracks left
— sportsguy70 (@CjNascar6767) March 10, 2023
$275,000ish per acre in Charlotte compared to $1.25ish million per acre in SoCal.
— Cody Hite on YT (@codyhitetv) March 10, 2023
“Hendrick finding new ways to cheat” 🤓
— Cooper Sweeney (@cooper8866) March 10, 2023
Giant jeff gordon statue? I think yes
— Sam hall (@samh8876) March 10, 2023
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NASCAR spotter Brett Griffin had a bittersweet reaction to Fontana’s sale
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Brett Griffin, the spotter of NASCAR driver Justin Haley, had quite an interesting take on the sale of Fontana which came out to be over $500 million. Griffin claimed that if he were in the selling business, he is in full approval of the sale considering it is “a sh*t ton of money” on the other side.
But at the same time, he also expressed how big of a loss that sale is from the racing side of things.
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“That’s one of the best racetracks in America and it’s a true shame for us to lose it as fans and as industry people,” the spotter said. “It’s a Darlington-style racetrack…it seems like only good racecar drivers win there.”
The spotter added that he’s “heartbroken” racing at Fontana may no longer be a thing in the future NASCAR schedules.
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“It’s unfortunate,” Griffin emphasized.