Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 30, 1991 TAG: 9103300361
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
City Manager Robert Herbert has proposed requiring the racing promoter to install a safety fence, hire security officers and develop a plan for overflow parking.
The city manager also wants Taylor to install concrete barriers at each end of the stadium and to put railroad ties along the inside of the track.
The promoter also would be required to provide $3 million in liability insurance to cover spectators and $100,000 to cover property damage. And he would have to make a $10,000 cash deposit to ensure payment of city expenses.
The requirements are included in a 13-page license agreement Taylor would be required to sign if City Council approves his request to use the stadium. The item is on the agenda for Monday's meeting.
Taylor said Friday he has agreed to most of the requirements, but, "there are a few things we are still negotiating."
Spectators would not be allowed to sit in the first five rows of the stands. No alcohol sales or consumption would be permitted. Taylor would be required to have two emergency medical crews at the track.
All race cars would be required to have mufflers, and Taylor would be required to provide a decibel meter to measure noise. The average speed of the race cars would be 50 mph to 60 mph, Taylor's attorney said in a letter to city officials.
In a report to City Council, Herbert did not make a recommendation on the promoter's request to hold races in the stadium. Two years ago he recommended denial of a similar request, and council rejected it, 4-2.
Council members this time said they wanted Herbert only to propose conditions and requirements to protect spectators and city property.
Vice Mayor Howard Musser said Friday he thinks Taylor's request should be approved if he can meet the conditions. "I don't think we will ever know the answers to some of the concerns and questions unless we let him try it one time, and see if it creates a problem," he said.
A majority of council appears inclined to approve a trial race if Taylor will agree to the conditions, Musser said. Councilman James Harvey said he must be assured that Taylor will comply before he will vote to approve it.
Taylor wants to hold three races this year with the first May 27, the Monday night of Memorial Day weekend. He also wants to hold races July 5 and on Labor Day.
The races would be held between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Gates would open at 1 p.m. with qualifying and practice laps in the afternoon.
Leaders of a South Roanoke neighborhood group have urged council to reject the request. They said automobile racing in the stadium would generate noise, parking and trash problems. They said they also were concerned about alcohol consumption, but Taylor has said no alcohol would be sold at races.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB