PROMOTER WANTS 20 RACES THIS YEAR

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

DATE: TUESDAY, January 14, 1992                   TAG: 9201140302
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
PROMOTER WANTS 20 RACES THIS YEAR
Promoter Whitey Taylor wants to have 20 weekly stock-car races in Roanoke's Victory Stadium this summer, but he might have to settle for half that number.
Taylor, who used the stadium for racing on three holidays last year, has proposed an expanded racing program this summer to help attract more drivers and fans.
Monday night, he asked City Council to approve 20 races, but he will have to wait awhile to see if he gets the green flag.
Councilman James Harvey said he probably would be willing to allow Taylor to use the stadium for about 10 races this year if the promoter can work with city officials to avoid conflicts with other events already booked there.
Harvey, who cast a key vote in the decision to allow racing on a trial basis last year, said the promoter should develop a schedule for the dates that he wants to use the stadium and review it with city officials.
Council also asked City Manager Bob Herbert for a report on last year's trial races to determine whether Taylor complied with all the regulations and whether the racing created any problems.
Taylor said more races are needed to generate the continuity and enthusiasm to attract spectators. He has 30 days of racing at his Franklin County Speedway each season.
Taylor said he will hold races this summer even if he is allowed only to use the stadium for only 20 days. But he will seek changes in some of the rules and regulations, particularly on insurance requirements and barriers around the track.
City officials required the barriers last summer to prevent cars from damaging the grass field and stadium.
Taylor has proposed a 10-inch asphalt bump around the inside of the track. If cars spin out, the promoter said he would pay for any damage to the field.
South Roanoke residents are still concerned about the races, but said they didn't cause as many problems as had been feared, council was told.
Barbara Duerk, a spokeswoman for Neighbors in South Roanoke, said she doesn't think the stadium can provide quality racing because of its short, flat track. "If Roanoke is going to provide racing, then it ought to provide the best," she said.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB