North Carolina cool on NASCAR test track
The state government of North Carolina is not expected to endorse the call by governor Mike Easley for a US$15m grant to fund a $50m NASCAR test track near Charlotte [May 7] when it approves a new 2004-05 budget next week. Although concerned about losing motorsport companies due to the new, nationwide focus of NASCAR, some legislators question whether the state can commit this sum to an already successful industry while also cutting health care in its budget
Supporters of Gov Easley's budget proposal say it would help to keep 400 racing teams in the state and attract new ones, while the Charlotte Regional Partnership affirms that many of the state's teams want a permanent test oval within 30 miles of Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord. But NC state leaders are saying that, in the final budget, the project will only receive $4.7m for further study and planning.
"We need to know more about it but, in the meantime, let's keep it on the radar," said co-speaker Jim Black, who favours the track. "This industry is critical, and other states are after it. I do want to make sure we don't fiddle around and lose it."
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