Racetracks In NC Would Get Millions Under State Budget Proposal

Charlotte NC

17 November, 2021

1:02 PM

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CHARLOTTE, NC — Under the current state budget proposal, $40 million would go to help infrastructure in relation to three racetracks in North Carolina. The millions are part of the $5.7 billion in American Recovery Plan money and would benefit Charlotte, Rockingham and North Wilkesboro. Concord, where Charlotte Motor Speedway is, would receive $13 million to help with sewage, water and other infrastructure updates. Rockingham would receive $9 million and Wilkes County would get $13 million for the long dormant North Wilkesboro Speedway for the same purpose. In the initial presentation considering motorsports back in May, NC Budget Director Charlie Perusse said motorsports is a $5 billion industry in North Carolina and that it is "the proud home of NASCAR." NASCAR, based in Charlotte, has more than 2,000 employees and that doesn't include every team and track. Rockingham or "The Rock" and North Wilkesboro in particular have lobbied for an infusion of cash to make those tracks viable again to NASCAR or even another motorsports body such as newly-formed SRX, the Tony Stewart Racing Experience. Mooresville resident Dale Earnhardt Jr. has suggested on his podcast, the Dale Junior Download, that North Wilkesboro be converted into dirt, which would be an enormous cost savings in comparison to pavement. There is additional money set aside for smaller motorsports venues, according to Racing America, which include a rubric of qualifications to apply and receive money. Motorsports revenue dramatically dwindled statewide during the COVID 19 pandemic when capacity count limits were in place. Voting is expected to take place this week, with answers coming to what the budget will look like toward Friday.