
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, February 26, 1991                   TAG: 9102260486
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WITH CONDITIONS, STADIUM RACING MAY HAVE CHANCE

Donald "Whitey" Taylor survived the first heat Monday night in his effort to bring stock car races back to Victory Stadium, but he failed to take the checkered flag.

Several Roanoke City Council members said they are willing to consider his request to use the stadium for races if he will comply with the conditions he outlined at Monday's meeting.

But they want to see a written proposal before they vote.

Council asked the racing promoter to list the types of cars that would race and his plans for controlling noise and handling parking.

Council also requested the results of noise tests at similar race tracks and asked that Taylor agree to noise tests at Victory Stadium if he is allowed to hold a trial race.

In the meantime, council asked City Manager Robert Herbert and other officials to determine the amount and terms of a performance bond Taylor would be required to post.

Taylor said he would provide the written proposal and agree to the noise tests.

Councilman James Harvey said he would vote to allow Taylor to conduct a trial race if he complies with the proposed conditions and provides an adequate bond.

Two years ago, council rejected a similar request on a 4-2 vote.

Vice Mayor Howard Musser and Councilman David Bowers, who favored a trial race two years ago, said there seems to be more sentiment now for a test run.

Two members who opposed Taylor's request in 1989 - Robert Garland and James Trout - are no longer on council. Harvey, a former stock car driver, and White replaced them.

Barbara Duerk and Charles Coulter, leaders of a South Roanoke neighborhood group, urged council to reject Taylor's request.

They said automobile racing in the stadium would cause noise, parking and trash problems. Duerk said the residents also are concerned about alcohol consumption at the stadium.

"We are not against racing, but we don't think the appropriate place is Victory Stadium," Duerk said. "I just don't think the facility is adequate for automobile racing."

South Roanoke residents and Roanoke Memorial Hospital officials opposed racing in the stadium when Taylor submitted his request two years ago, saying they feared it would create noise problems and disrupt the neighborhood.

Keywords:
AUTO RACING

by CNB