A Good or Bad Idea

[Dov]

From TheDay.com:

If developer Gene Arganese builds his 140,000-seat domed auto raceway here, with its one-mile oval track and quarter-mile concrete drag strip attracting big-time racing, the people will come and spend lots of money, concluded the study.

Though unfamiliar with the New England Raceway proposal until contacted by The Day, Champ Car World Series is interested in the idea, said Joe Chrnelich, executive vice president for development, government affairs and planning. He called the proposal “a huge vision.”

Champ Car World Series wants to establish more East Coast races, and New England has population density, a strong corporate base, strong markets and “rabid sports fans,” Chrnelich said. A domed track would make weather less of a concern for a New England track, he said.

Before Champ Car World Series would sign a contract for hosting a race at a venue like the one proposed by New England Raceway, the racing organization would have to be satisfied the project had the necessary government approvals, met the track and safety requirements of Champ Car races, was located in a viable market and had an experienced promoter, Chrnelich said.

[macdaddy]

I've always wondered how long it would be before somebody built a domed speedway!

Sounds like a mighty-expensive project to me, I'd be surprised if they ever break ground, but I'd also be delighted!

[enemy-ace]

For a superspeedway sure. But venting and safety would be an issue.
But for road courses, absolutely not!!! That would be akin to sacrilige. The elements are an essential part to road racing.

[Dov]

^^ No Superspeedway, only a one mile oval. Can you guys imagine the noise created from the cars inside a domed stadium?! Whaaaaaaaaaaat???

[luke]

Why did New Hampshire speedway leave the CCWS in '96?

[racerkeke]

Because Tony George made a deal with them to host the IRL instead. It didn't last. So now they don't have either.

keke

[Flatspot]

I don't understand what's wrong with people. Next thing you know we'll want theater seating and air conditioning. It's time to get real. I think enemy-ace hit it when he said that the elements are an essential part of racing. The only place we differ is that I think the elements apply to ovals too as the wind can be a key factor.

Just out of curiosity, what do you do with 50-60K people in the event of a major pit fire or worse. It's just a bad idea IMO.

[luke]

I personaly think the circuit is intentionaly designed for NASCAR, afterall NASCAR is aiming for more north-east races, plus a 1 mile oval for OW racing I doubt would be able to attract 140k atendances.

[Dov]

^^ From the article:

NASCAR, the kingpin of car racing, says it has no interest. “NASCAR has nothing to do with this man or his project,” said NASCAR General Council Gary Crotty. Crotty sent letters to Arganese in December 2003 and June 2004 asking him to refrain from giving the impression NASCAR has any affiliation with the raceway proposal or any commitment to hold races there.

NASCAR has no plans to expand its Nextel Series or Busch Series schedules, Crotty said. If the organization moves any of its races to different venues, they would have to be state-of-the-art facilities located in major metropolitan areas in the northeast, not in towns the size of Plainfield, he said. “Whatever decisions people are making, don't make them depending on any expectation this track will ever hold a Nextel event,” Crotty said.

[BootsOntheSide]

Interesting idea. It's a shame when races get rained-off, and wind has a big effect on the handlign of these cars, so the circuit could have benefits for competitors as well as fans.

[Dov]

True, but isn't the weather supposed to be apart of the whole 'racing experience'!?

[luke]

Yeah but you don't want it rain when youl oval racing.

[StickShift]

It's a pointless idea in my opinion. You're taking the same old product, and putting a roof over it. *wow*