Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 12, 1993 TAG: 9306120126
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Some City Council members said Friday they will closely scrutinize the promoter's proposal because they are concerned about finances and the negative image created by small crowds.
"Before I vote for it, I want to see a well-developed marketing plan to make the races more profitable and to create a more positive image for the city," said Councilman Delvis "Mac" McCadden.
"I'm not against racing, but what good does it do if it causes everyone to take a hit [in negative publicity]," he said.
If the city is going to upgrade the stadium, McCadden said, it needs shows and events that create a positive image.
Taylor has asked for time at council's meeting Monday night to discuss racing at the stadium this summer.
He could not be reached for comment Friday, but Taylor has said he will ask for permission for races on 10 Friday nights, beginning next month.
Councilman William White said he will review Taylor's request carefully, adding the promoter needs to resolve all issues with city administrators before he comes to council.
Before making up his mind, Councilman James Harvey said he wants to know why Taylor moved one race last summer and the details of his request this summer.
Taylor said earlier that last year's race on Labor Day was shifted to the Franklin County Speedway because he wanted to avoid the cost of putting up and taking down safety fences for the race.
Taylor requested 20 nights of racing last year, but council authorized just eight and there were only six.
One race was canceled because of the weather and the other was moved to the speedway in Franklin County, which is owned by Taylor.
Taylor said earlier he was not ready to quit despite sparse attendance during the first two years of racing in the stadium.
When the racing started, Taylor predicted it could generate $50,000 to $75,000 a year for the city. But he said it would take three or four years to build up the crowds.
The racing generated $11,769 for the city last year, far less than what Taylor had predicted. The city's income for the first year was $7,675.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB