Metro Council members Tuesday night narrowly struck down a move to end racing at the Nashville Speedway. About 1,000 people packed a public hearing over the issue, with dozens of speakers lining up to address the council.
The century-old racetrack is located on the 117-acre Tennessee State Fairgrounds, which Nashville Mayor Karl Dean wants to redevelop. Racing fans, like Ken Joyce from Antioch, argued to keep the track.
“Do we wanna cut and run and be losers, or do we wanna step up to the plate, and excel, and be a part of history, and make something out of nothing, and bring it back to its prominence that it once was? I like to take challenges.”
But nearby neighbors, who’ve complained about the noise from racing, say it’s time for something new.
“Nashville continues to grow up around the track, but the track remains an eyesore, earsore, environmental pollutant, and it affects thousands of homes, businesses and most importantly is hindering city beautification and efforts at economic growth. It’s not just about a few blocks that are close-by!”
Last night’s vote postpones dismantling the track and continuing the state fair and flea market at the fairgrounds through next year, though council members will vote one more time before it’s official. The question of whether there’ll be racing at the track now falls to the fair board.
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