THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 21, 1994 TAG: 9407210641
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C01 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
The roar of stock-car racing soon may return to South Hampton Roads after an absence of more than three decades.
Langley Raceway promoter Joe Baldacci said Wednesday that he is considering a proposal to build an oval track in Suffolk, on U.S. Route 58 near the Hampton Roads Airport.
If he does so, he would move his weekly, NASCAR-sanctioned races from Langley to the new facility for the 1995 season.
``Nothing is definite, but it is a decision I have to make soon,'' said Baldacci, who also promotes weekly NASCAR races at Southside Speedway in Richmond.
Baldacci said he will decide by the end of the month whether to accept an invitation from Suffolk officials to relocate or to sign a new, 30-year lease at Langley, which has served as the only NASCAR-affiliated racing outlet in Hampton Roads since the early 1960s.
Suffolk Mayor S. Chris Jones confirmed that city staff members and Langley officials have held discussions about the possibility of a track being built near the airport, just west of the Chesapeake line.
``Being a NASCAR fan, I am very excited that Langley officials are considering Suffolk for relocating their races,'' Jones said, ``and I think the location they are looking at would be an outstanding one.''
Surveys have indicated that at least half of Langley's fans are from South Hampton Roads, as well as a large number of its race teams.
The Langley races attract about 5,000 fans weekly, and Suffolk officials suggest privately that a track at the proposed location could draw 10,000 to 12,000 fans weekly.
A new track also might enable Langley officials to regain a Grand National series date, which they lost several years ago because the track in Hampton did not meet requirements.
Baldacci said one reason he was considering a relocation was that he needs more room than he now has in Hampton.
He added, however, that there is a possibility of leasing more land adjacent to the Langley track.
Two years ago, Baldacci discussed moving the weekly races to Isle of Wight County when officials there were interested in building a motorsports facility.
Baldacci, 67, took over operation at Langley in 1988 and was credited by local racers with making many improvements and returning stability to the track. Langley Raceway, which is privately owned, has been in operation since the 1950s. It originally was known as ``Dude Ranch.''
Stock-car races have not been held in South Hampton Roads since two tracks off Virginia Beach Boulevard closed in 1959 and 1960. One was situated at what is now Janaf Shopping Center, and the other near the Norfolk-Virginia Beach line. by CNB