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MOTORSPORTS, RACING FANS and WEST VIRGINIA

Posted by: Allen Canfield on Sat, 13 July 2002 02:02:46 (797 Reads)

Two of NASCAR's best-known drivers -- Kyle Petty and Tony Stewart -- came to call in West Virginia last week. (In fact, it was the second time in two weeks Petty visited West Virginia.)

On top of that, Steve Park, Lake Speed, Bill and Gail Davis, and Bobby Allison have visited in West Virginia recently. And on July 27, Winston Cup racers Sterling Marlin, Kenny Schrader, Michael Waltrip and Steve Park will call at our Ona Speedway near Milton.

All of this says something. It's an indication NASCAR appreciates the strong fan support it has in West Virginia. And I can tell you, as a committed racing fan of long-standing, swapping stories about cars, drivers, teams and strategies is one of the best benefits of being governor.

But these drivers also are businessmen. They're smart, savvy and strategic -- just as they are on the track. They're interested in the work of our Motorsports Council, the first and only organization of its kind in the nation. That's my advisory board of speedway owners, race team owners, drivers, promoters, car club presidents and others interested in building opportunities for West Virginia in this fast-growing competitive field.

This appreciation by owners and drivers of the number of racing fans in West Virginia has led to two new proposals to come before the state's new Economic Development Grant Committee. Both propose racetracks in West Virginia. I'm sure these proposals will receive careful attention from the state and community leaders on the committee.

Last year, more than two billion people worldwide followed motorsports.

It's the fastest-growing spectator sport around.

The opportunities for growth in tourism and support businesses are tremendous. We're not going to just sit in the stands on this one. We're going to get in the mix. I'm determined that West Virginia should be aggressive about carving its own niche in the mid-Atlantic region and becoming a major economic players in the growth of motorsports.

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