The speedway has experienced decades of financial instability, and multiple promoters have struggled to turn a profit in recent seasons. The city received just $22,600 in rent from the track last season, and a previous promoter still owes $27,500 from the 2009 campaign. The track has also faced consistent noise complaints from neighbors.
In an interview with the Tennessean newspaper, city finance director Rich Riebeling called revenue generated by the track “marginal. There have been three or four operators in the last decade, and none of them have been able to keep it going on a sustainable basis,” he said. “There's not a real market there for (racing)" Others disagree. Former Daytona 500 champion Sterling Marlin has led the fight to save the historic raceway. Former Sprint Cup driver Chad Chaffin, who began his career at the fairgrounds oval and won two track championships there, called it "the mecca of amateur racing… the finest short track in the entire world.” He told the Tennessean, “Its glory could be restored if the city leaders would just realize what they have and invest in the track."
Critical Vote Looms For Nashville Fairgounds Speedway
Reviewed by Dening Nyess
on
Rating:
