Fairgrounds racetrack renovation in holding pattern
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A 2019 race at the Nashville Speedway. Photo: Alan Poizner/The Tennessean/USA Today Network
Four months have passed since Mayor John Cooper's administration announced a deal in principle with Bristol Motor Speedway to renovate the fairgrounds racetrack, but a financing plan has still not been released.
Driving the news: Gov. Bill Lee included $17 million for the racetrack project in his budget amendment released Tuesday. The hope is a renovated facility helps BMS lure a NASCAR race back to the fairgrounds.
- Cooper spokesperson Brandon Marshall tells Axios the administration is "excited about partnering with the state."
Details: The project has been stuck in a holding pattern pending the release of a consultant's report analyzing the deal's financial underpinnings.
- Cooper's administration said last year that if the report from consultant CSL International — now known as CSL Americas — "confirms the sound financial footing of the proposal," a detailed financing plan would then be submitted to the fair board.
The intrigue: State funding help was expected to be a part of the renovation, and it's unclear if an announcement about a detailed financing plan is imminent.
- Marshall told Axios last week discussions with BMS are ongoing and the consultant's report is not complete. A spokesperson for BMS declined to comment.
Flashback: Despite its rich history in the sport, the city of Nashville hasn't hosted a NASCAR race of any sort since 2000. The top series hasn't raced here since 1984.
State of play: The plan has also been sidetracked by more turnover on the fair board, which must approve a renovation plan.
- The fair board has up to five members. The administration appointed two members to the board earlier this year, but two different board members resigned their seats in recent weeks.
- Caleb Hemmer resigned in order to run for a state House seat, while longtime board member Jason Bergeron resigned shortly before his term was set to expire.
What's next: The legislature must approve the budget for it to take effect. A final vote could come within weeks.