If developer Gene Arganese has his way the now common practice of racing under the lights will be joined by lights and a roof. Norwich, Connecticut may soon be home to an indoor track under the banner of the New England Raceway.
Arganese is scheduled to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission Sept. 23 to seek an amendment to the town's zoning regulations to create a commercial/entertainment zone.The article fails to mention the length of the track but I would imagine it may be something less than 3/4 of a mile. Can it work?If his application is approved, he would then be able to seek commission approval to designate tracts of land off Lathrop Road as part of the new zone, including the land on which the proposed New England Raceway will be built.
Arganese said this weekend he plans to bring in experts to help outline his proposal to the commission. In addition to the domed stadium, which would house auto racing events, trade shows, conventions and concerts, Arganese is proposing to build a hotel and retail stores as part of his $400 million project.
"I have looked forward to the day when our experts can present our proposal for the domed stadium that will provide year-round benefits to Plainfield and to other nearby communities," Arganese said. "I believe we have a plan that is only economically viable, but environmentally sound."
Debatable in my view. I have attended both Midget and Sprint car events held indoors and the smell from exhaust and smoke was evident, although not overly bothersome. The thought of 43 NASCAR type vehicles, whether Cup, Busch, or the Truck Series running indoors gives me visions of the EPA and other State health officials putting a stop to the plan. It would take a ventilation system of enormous proportions to clean the air to a reasonable level.
Another point to consider. This would be another in a long list of venues that are scrambling for NASCAR dates.
Cross posted @ Full Throttle
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