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Supporters say drag strip would benefit county, city

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By JEAN ORTIZ / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 12:08:01 am CDT

The 1964 Corvette, built from the ground up with a pile of tubes and body parts, hasn’t entered any races lately.

It’s been two years of drag racing drought. The car ran its last race in 2005, the final weekend at a track in Scribner, said owner Jeff Atkinson, who counts himself among the supporters of a drag strip in Lancaster County.

Motor sports enthusiast Greg Sanford, who once operated the Scribner track, hopes to build a quarter-mile strip east of U.S. 77 between Branched Oak and Davey roads.

Story Photo
Greg Sanford, Nebraska Motorplex owner, watches as cars take test runs on the Scribner track in 2004. (LJS file)

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Opponents: Drag strip threatens livelihood

Instead of racing, these days Atkinson said he’d rather devote his time to drumming up support for Sanford’s plans and touting the ways Lincoln and Lancaster County stand to gain.

Not everyone who lives in the area is opposed to the plans, said Atkinson, who lives about two and a half miles west of the proposed site.

There is demand for motor sports in Lancaster County, said Atkinson, pointing to the packed crowds that turn out every year at the “figure 8” races and demolition derby at the county fair.

“The only thing I’m looking for is a family-oriented type of sport,” said Atkinson, who has been drag racing since the late 1980s.

And drag racing certainly could give a boost to the local economy, he said, alluding to a study released earlier this year by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Business Research. The study, commissioned by Sanford, estimated the races could bring an extra $10 million annually in local spending.

But optimism has waned in the last week after the Lancaster County Board implemented motor sports regulations that, Atkinson said he believes, are very unfavorable to not just Sanford’s plan, but any others that could come along.

The regulations impose restrictions on operating hours and noise, and limit areas in the county in which motor sports are allowed. The restrictions also allow the County Board the option to impose additional conditions or amend any of the conditions in the interest of public safety and health.

The board was right to impose some restrictions, though they didn’t need to be quite so strict, said Paul Steyer, another supporter who said he has lived in the Davey area nearly his entire life. Today, home is about three miles north of the proposed site.

“If they really wanted racing in Lancaster County, they would have proposed better guidelines,” Steyer said.

Like Atkinson, Steyer said he agrees on the economic and recreational benefits a drag strip could bring, but he also sees a chance to boost safety. As a kid, he said he used to race on streets because there was no place else to go. A drag strip site will give teens a place to go, somewhere that’s safe and legal, he said.

As for Tuesday, he’s unsure what exactly might happen.

Atkinson, meanwhile, plans to focus his testimony on helping county officials understand what he believes they stand to lose if they vote down Sanford’s plans.

Frustration as well has mounted for Sanford, who said he is upset he didn’t know then what he knows now.

Among the restrictions he’s most uneasy with is the prohibition of a motor sports project within a half mile of cemeteries and a handful of other identified land uses. The Danish Cemetery sits on the western edge of U.S. 77, across the road from Sanford’s land, well within that half-mile prohibited zone.

He never would have bought the land had that rule been in place back then, he said.

He’s unsure if the issue will make it to Tuesday’s hearing, or if it in fact died with the board’s vote on the new regulations.

“We’ve got our answer, I feel,” he said.

Reach Jean Ortiz at 473-7107 or jortiz@journalstar.com.


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nitemare wrote on July 26, 2007 3:45 am:
" Sorry Greg. Our "fearless leaders" have killed another excellent opportunity for community growth. Another case where it is totally clear that you have to be "someone" or know "someone" in this city. In this faultering metropolis, it has been proven, once again, that it matters more who you know, and who you are, than who you could be!! Lincoln tossed another excellent opportunty out the window again. "
karwied wrote on July 26, 2007 6:48 am:
" I don't know where the Business Research team got their statistics, but $10 million annually? NO WAY!! Not unless they can "capture" an NHRA National event there. It would take years to see that kind of $$$ flowing in. We raced at Scribner. We raced in Colorado, Kansas, Iowa & Texas. Scribner was so far out of the way, it couldn't drum up the business it needed. I think the Drag Strip in Lancaster County would be great, but I also think a lot of people are expecting a gold mine and I don't think that will happen. I think that more motorsports venues need to be added along with the strip. And then, it still will not generate $10 million....it just won't happen "
Workman wrote on July 26, 2007 7:26 am:
" Workman is in bed with the tree-huggers. I'll make sure his republican party is aware that he's really a democrat in disguise. "
Debra wrote on July 26, 2007 7:30 am:
" Perhaps if Mr. Sandford would have thought about the impact of a drag strip across the street from a country cemetery, he would have looked for a more appropriate location. Imagine, Memorial Day at a country cemetery with drag strip races happening across the street. Talk about ruining the opportunity to remember loved ones. My family has a plot in the Danish cemetery and most of my dad's side of the extended family are buried there. We go there every Memorial Day weekend and every year we talk about the ancestors buried there so as to keep the family connection going throughout the generations. If there were races going on when we went there, gone would be the opportunity (not to mention a conducive atmosphere) to pass on information and share memories. Not to mention, if someone's family would have the nerve to let their loved one die during racing season and and schedule a burial on the same day as one of these races. Imagine, for a moment, that graveside service. Why would Mr. Sandford think this was an appropriate location for a drag strip in the first place? "
Amanda wrote on July 26, 2007 8:27 am:
" Actually if the strip was built then they would have one big race which would bring in that type of money b/c fans follow their team where ever to see them. I want it b/c then I'd have something to do on Friday nights. "
Joyce wrote on July 26, 2007 8:52 am:
" I am confused. Not within a half mile of a cemetery? Why? The cemetery my parents are buried in is right on I-80. What is the logic of this restriction PLEASE? I've seen lots of illegal drag racing on O street and Vine right by a cemetery. Please explain this. "
Stick in the mud wrote on July 26, 2007 9:05 am:
" Ten million dollars in revenue! No way. I mean, sure the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Business Research probably looked at similar situations in other cities, gathered “data” and used some fancy mathematical "formulas" to reach that conclusion. But with my vast knowledge of such things, gained by watching TV and talking to my friends, there is no way it would be that much. Regardless, Lancaster County doesn't need anything that would be fun and profitable. We need quiet and boring things, that don't bring money into the community. A nice empty field fits the bill nicely. "
I LOVE RACING wrote on July 26, 2007 9:24 am:
" Hey I am a democrat and I am offended that you would lump Workman in with me. You voted for him, it’s your bag buddy. But it’s just like you Republicant’s to blame everything on someone beside yourself. If anyone doubts that this race track wouldn’t be an economic boon one just has to look at what Americruse does for Lincoln. Build it and they will come... "
Patrick wrote on July 26, 2007 10:15 am:
" If thing is to pass, it should be as far outside of Lincoln as possible. Also, make sure the road is wide enough so there won't be a huge traffic back-up every time there's an event going on. Maybe it's far enough out of the way where that won't be an issue. Also, responding to the comment by "nitemare", I don't think that not having a trashy drag racing track is going to continue the "faultering metropolis" theory. There are lots of people in Lincoln who don't care about drag racing. I'm guessing people on the outskirts might prefer the event a little more. And Joyce, come on. You're not serious, are you? There's a difference between having a designated racing area versus illegal racing on public roads. Really, are you serious? Constant races at a drag race track would be much louder and drawn out than these impromptu races of which you speak. "
Lee wrote on July 26, 2007 11:00 am:
" Joyce there is no logic to how the County Board decides anything, why should the motor sport restrictions be any different. Then they wonder why people are moving out of the county. Well it seems to be a no brainer to me. "
BS detector wrote on July 26, 2007 11:03 am:
" Our fearless county leaders back away from a multi-million dollar investment because there is a cemetery with 1/2 mile? Give me a break. Here in Lincoln, O St runs through the MIDDLE of Wyucka Cemetery "A place of rest." And isn't there a cemetery at the intersection by the Eagle Raceway? The "noise" limit is an INCREASE of 10 decibels above the ambient noise level. To provide a perspective, the normal speaking voice is 50 to 60 Db. The ambient noise at the site is probably around 30 to 40 Db. Who are these bozos kinding? "
Here We Go Again wrote on July 26, 2007 11:46 am:
" While I can appreciate the concerns that Debra mentioned, there are ways to be courteous to those mourning or memorializing the passing of a loved one AND allow the opportunity for growth such as this one. Scheduling of events could take these concerns to heart: Don't schedule races ON Memorial Day and don't schedule them during hours that funeral services may take place (normally late morning- early afternoon.) Where is the harm in scheduling races in the late afternoon and early evening hours? Where is the harm in scheduling races earlier in the day on weekends (with few exceptions), when it's unlikely that there will be a funeral occurring? I believe that those trying to get this up and running were considerate of trying to reduce the impact of noise and traffic to those not wishing to have those impacts by proposing a site far enough out of city limits without making it cumbersome to those wanting to attend. And quite frankly, races at the drag strip would likely draw much more public interest and $$ than would the Antelope Valley walkway. Why not give it a chance? "
WHATEVER wrote on July 26, 2007 12:32 pm:
" Debra..who said Mr. Sanford would have the track open on Memorial Day? Maybe he is very considerate and thoughtful to those resting in peace. Maybe some of those now resting in peace were once drag racers too and would enjoy the sounds again. "
It's over wrote on July 26, 2007 12:48 pm:
" I'm glad! The selfish attitudes of the supporters did it in, and I'm happy about it. "
Dave Fett wrote on July 26, 2007 1:13 pm:
" Greg, put it in Douglas County. Bigger venue, still close to Lincoln for those race fans. I wanted to see it but Lincoln doesnt like anything but the Big Dead Machine, best 7 and 5 team in the country. good luck to you Greg. "
Can't Wait wrote on July 26, 2007 3:24 pm:
" I can't wait to finally hear the end of the whining of the supporters. "
Joyce wrote on July 26, 2007 3:47 pm:
" To Patrick. What I was trying to say is that drag racing goes on in illegal areas, like O street by cemeteries most likely during funerals, and we have to have a safe controlled environment for drag racing to take place. I'm sure the odds of having an illegal drag race by a cemetery during a buiral in Lincoln are much higher than the odds of there being a drag race (legal)by the Danish Cemetery. Let's make it legal and scheduled. "
JR wrote on July 26, 2007 3:55 pm:
" If all you supporters would really support this, Mr Sanford would start an LLC, sell shares, and then use that money to buy a sizable tract of land, instead of 130 acres. The way land is currently renting, the LLC could rent the unused property to a farmer for cash rent. The main thing is to keep the closest neighbor as far away as possible. If you get an entire section of land, with the proper terrain, you might just make it work. I am not against this, I think it would be a great idea. But I can also understand why someone doesn't want it in their backyard. "
FrankY wrote on July 26, 2007 10:46 pm:
" This town and county has to get rid of the old time small town mentality and start understanding that this town needs things like this to survive. And not only that the economic growth it could have brought. But now the old time geezers downtown with there deep pockets and connections will never let this town grow to what it should be. And now we will feel the it in our own pockets as our taxes keep going up since this town can't won't let anything like this or any other new entertainment come in unless it's from someone they know. I am beginning to hate the town I grew up in. "
Mama Cass wrote on July 27, 2007 7:30 am:
" It will benefit the County, but it'll be Cass County, not Lancaster. "
Jeff wrote on June 24, 2008 10:30 am:
" The Danish Cemetery has enough noise problems as it is right on the highway. Alot of my relatives are buried there and I will be some day. I'd hate to see a drag strip across the road. Even if there were no races during services it would ruin the atmosphere any time one went there to visit loved ones. "

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