ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 6, 1996 TAG: 9604090016
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BRUCE STANTON STAFF WRITER
Today's season opener at Franklin County Speedway has been canceled because of water. Not rain water, but well water.
Track owner Whitey Taylor said he failed to have the speedway's well-water supply tested by the state, an oversight he realized Friday afternoon.
And without his water being approved by the state, Taylor will not be able to legally open the doors at FCS today. He said he got caught up in other projects at the speedway and simply forgot about getting the water tested.
``It's aggravating and it's embarrassing,'' said Taylor, who has owned the track for 18 years. ``I did all that paving and stuff in the infield and made a lot of improvements and stuff and just forgot about it.
``It's crazy. I just forgot. It's the first time I've ever done this in 18 years. I'm almost ashamed to tell anyone.''
The annual testing is required for businesses that provide their customers water from a well or water that is not treated, he said.
``It's not a problem with the water, it's a problem with the technicality,'' Taylor said.
Taylor said he was expecting a ``packed house'' for opening night at the speedway, which seats more than 7,000. The canceled race card will be made up Oct.5, when FCS had an open date scheduled.
``I regret that I have put anyone out and feel terrible about it,'' Taylor said.
While the races have been canceled, Taylor said there will be a free practice session from noon until 5 p.m.
As for Taylor, he has his own set of plans for today.
``I'm going to go hide somewhere,'' he said.
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines KEYWORDS: AUTO RACINGby CNB