Now

85.0°

High

87°

Low

64°

Full Forecast

Web Search powered by YAHOO! SEARCH | (Advanced Search)

Home News Sports Entertainment Blogs & Opinion Media Classifieds Help Shopping Weather JS Store Obituaries

Home > News > Local

Bookmark Us • Make Us Your Homepage

Drag strip proponent pulls his plans

186 comment(s)

E-mail Story

Print Story

Text Size:

Tools Sponsor

By JEAN ORTIZ / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 - 07:06:34 pm CDT

Motor sports entrepreneur Greg Sanford announced Thursday he will drop his plans to build a drag strip in northern Lancaster County.

In a statement issued through his attorney, Mark Hunzeker, Sanford laid blame on changes the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved recently.

The board approved an amendment to the county’s zoning code to allow for motor sports projects in certain areas of the county if they meet several conditions. Noise, hours of operation and proximity to specific land uses are among the restrictions.

[+]Enlarge

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

Related stories

The recent adoption makes the successful operation of a motor sports facility in Lancaster County impossible, the statement reads.

“We’re just done with the game playing with Lancaster County,” Sanford said when reached by phone.

Sanford had hoped to build a quarter-mile drag strip on 133 acres he owns east of U.S. 77 between Branched Oak and Davey roads. The County Board was expected to hold a public hearing Tuesday to consider the plans and possibly render a decision.

Sanford’s plans for the drag strip have stirred strong feelings in the community, including opposition from neighbors concerned about a disruption of their rural lifestyle. Supporters called the track an opportunity recreationally and economically.

Drag strip supporter Joel Ludwig said the regulations — which he said he believes took aim on Sanford’s plans — didn’t leave many options.

“They’ve really painted Greg into a corner,” he said.

In his mind, the U.S. 77 site was perfect considering access to major roads and a limited impact on residents given the sparse population in the area, he said.

County Board Chairman Bob Workman, who represents northeastern portions of the county, said he commended Sanford for making his decision and disputed claims that the county tried to block the plans.

“The regulations were created for the benefit of all citizens in Lancaster County,” he said, adding that the new rules weren’t created with a specific project in mind.

Lancaster County welcomes any motor sports project proposals and is in a position to do that thanks to the new regulations, he said.

Project opponent Karen Kurbis called Sanford’s decision a “dream come true” and said it would have been an immense heartache had the plans marched forward.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said.

Kurbis, who served on a committee that earlier this year examined the potential for motor sports in the county, said she’s hopeful Sanford won’t give up on Lancaster County. She hopes he pursues a more appropriate location, however, she said.

Sanford said although he has scrapped notions of opening a drag strip in Lancaster County, he will continue talks with other counties.

In the past he has mentioned Jefferson, Cass and Gage counties among the possibilities, but he declined Thursday to say where talks were headed or with whom.

“We’re not giving up by any means,” he said.

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

Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules

All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.

Hide Comments

Newest First

Sarah wrote on July 26, 2007 5:48 pm:

" I am so happy Sanford pulled his plans. This car racing thing is a sport for trailor trash. It's not safe for drivers or spectators. It is noisy and stirs up dust. I hope we never have one in Lancaster county. "

Denise wrote on July 26, 2007 5:49 pm:

" Oh look on more way the City of Lincoln could gain some revenue and out the window it went....... "

tortus wrote on July 26, 2007 5:49 pm:

" Do not forget to get out and vote some of the rich welfare farmers out of their commissioner chairs in the next election cycle "

nitemare wrote on July 26, 2007 5:53 pm:

" Way to go Lincoln. Ruined another good opportunity. Time to clean house. Our so-called "city leaders" are nothing but a bunch of anti-progress incompetents! Good luck in another location Mr.Sanford. I can only hope you find something close enough to rub this in their faces! Sit back and watch Board of Commissioners. Eat your crow pie and wipe the brown off your noses! "

Jan wrote on July 26, 2007 6:08 pm:

" People need to remember this the next time they vote. Workman definately needs to go along with a few others. What is wrong with Lancaster county and Lincoln that they continue to lose business. This is just pathetic. "

Me wrote on July 26, 2007 6:15 pm:

" Trailor trash? you obviously have never been to a drag race! they are actually really fun! and to have him pull his plans is very disappointing! i would rather have a controlled environment for people who wanna street race then to have it done on the streets of lincoln/omaha! "

Not a race fan wrote on July 26, 2007 6:17 pm:

" As you've told (us) the people that opposed this drag strip again and again, ...get over it...get a life...quit your whining...(and my favorite) if you don't like it, MOVE! Sorry, but we're not opposed to a motor sports venue, just not at this location. Greg Sanford can't blame anyone but himself for the fact that he bought land that was not zoned for business. There are other properties that have been identified as suitable, and it's quite possible that someone will now come in and build a motorsports complex in an area suited for it. If not in this county, you've indicated that you would drive all over to go to a track, isn't Kearney still open? "

Ron wrote on July 26, 2007 6:21 pm:

" Sarah thanks for the trailer trash comment, I did not know that my $350,000 house, Mercedes E350, two Supergas drag cars, truck and trailer qualify me and my family as trailer trash. Lancaster County has lost a viable economic venture and hobby sport. As always the rest of us drage racers will take our money to Iowa and Kansas. I hope I never hear Lincoln or Lancaster County complain about economic development or budget shortfall. "

racefan wrote on July 26, 2007 6:21 pm:

" It is sad to see an opportunity like this be pulled considering what it could do for the youth that race illegally as well as those who make the long drive to Kearney or Topeka just to enjoy the events whether they are racing or just watching. It is disappointing to see that "Sarah" has chosen to take the opinion that only trailer trash enjoy this sport... The trailer trash that you refer to includes some to the best drivers and not to mention wealthy... look @ John Force, he has his daughters involved in it. TOO bad for Lincoln, but GOOD LUCK Greg where ever you do find a location I'll be sure to come. "

Eric wrote on July 26, 2007 6:21 pm:

" I resent being called trailer trash by Sarah. I have a job, I live in a house and I am offended by such illiterate, ignorant comments. But then again, I am used to such comments since I moved to Lincoln. Drag racing is nothing like NASCAR. We are not a bunch of redneck, hillbilly fans. I can guarantee you that automobile racing in general and drag racing in particular are far safer than driving anywhere in Lincoln. It is obvious that Sarah has NEVER been to a drag race. Drag racing is clean, exciting and above all a huge economic boost to the local economy. But I guess money doesnt mean anything to Lincoln. "

Nykki wrote on July 26, 2007 6:22 pm:

" Yeah Sarah I think you better watch what you are calling people. The name calling sure doesn't make you sound like an angel. Just because we race doesn't make us rednecks or trailor trash or BAD PEOPLE!!! so grow up "

Clay wrote on July 26, 2007 6:25 pm:

" Man, what a "drag"! "

Whew! wrote on July 26, 2007 6:33 pm:

" That was close! I thought for sure there was a chance for additional tax revenue to possibly lower my property taxes. Thanks to all (NIMBY's) who helped...now I can start paying for that County jail! Yippee! "

darren wrote on July 26, 2007 6:45 pm:

" apparently when cruising O street we now all need to make a special detour and constantly drive by workmans house. I think the organizers of americruise need to be contacted and informed that lancaster county doesn't want to be involved with motorsports. I bet Beatrice will enjoy that revenue stream. The people in the resturant and lodging industries should do their best to get workman voted out of office. "

Stirs Up Dust? wrote on July 26, 2007 6:50 pm:

" In response to Sarah: FYI, not a lot of dragstrips are constructed with dirt. Asphalt is commonly used and thus does not stir up dust. "

Missed the Boat wrote on July 26, 2007 7:16 pm:

" That location was the one place in the county that would impact the FEWEST neighbors, and it was along HWY 77, but when you have the county board chair threatening to make it impossible to operate even if it were approved, why risk your investment? Let't get on with this in a more friendly environment. The county will need a new landfill location soon anyway, so this site would work out great for that. "

Next Step wrote on July 26, 2007 7:21 pm:

" Stop whining and DO SOMETHING. If you want a race track/drag strip, then get off your rears and work together to make it happen. Put together a business plan and talk to neighbors of a proposed area BEFORE you buy the property. Someone else (or a group of partners) can do this if they're smart about it. In this case, the commissioners did the right thing, even if you don't like it. Suck it up. The guidelines are there now - there are other sites suitable that have already been narrowed down. A truly committed, creative entreprenuer will make it work. Sanford made mistakes and made a lot of assumptions. If the drag racing community can't make it work, its nobody's fault but the enthusiast's lack of determination. And it is SOOOOO much easier to whine and badmouth. Now get out there and just DO IT! (but use your heads - the talk of illegal racing makes you all sound like you are in junior high!) "

LOSS FOR LINCOLN wrote on July 26, 2007 7:23 pm:

" Fellow Lincolnites - LISTEN UP... The county board which is wasting our tax dollars to purchase expense land for a jail is turning a blind eye on this economic opportunity. Remember that when these bozos are up for re-election. "

sick of our county voice wrote on July 26, 2007 7:25 pm:

" Everyone remember to vote when the time comes. I'll be happy to take my money and spend it in a county that allows growth and racing. "

Mrs. Johnson wrote on July 26, 2007 7:57 pm:

" Thank you jesus! "

wow wrote on July 26, 2007 7:58 pm:

" This is one of the dumbest things that I have seen Lincoln do in quite some time. Why would we not want to give people a controlled atmosphere that enables them to do what they like to do without hurting any innocent bystanders. I have seen the street races at night and I don't think that it is safe the way they are done right now. Why not control the way they are done while making money at the same time. "

bill wrote on July 26, 2007 8:24 pm:

" when the new expanded dump goes in on this property in a few years all of you people that didn't want to drag strip need to remember to keep your mouths shut. You can live with our garbage instead. "

Doug wrote on July 26, 2007 8:30 pm:

" So, according ot today's comments the issue is all about economic developement and money and taxes. What about he people who pay a high price to live where they live near the proposed track so they can have peace, quite, enjoyment, happiness, and pleasure from such a goofy developement? Their will always be a big differnce in thinking between city dwellers anc rural citizens because the rural people don't place near as much value on money and the city dwellers do not have a clue what it is like ot wake up to watch the sunrise and stay up to watch the sunset just before teh total darkness adn the glory of the stars. Man's construction cannot equal or replace those three daily events but developement and construction can destroy them. They mean nothing to city folk and everything to a farm kid. Why do you suppose some people want out of the city adn some are just happy living in a crowd? "

Average American wrote on July 26, 2007 8:31 pm:

" Car racing = Trailer Trash? A great chunk of our nation happens to like this 'trailer trash' sport. And yes asphalt does not generally stir up dust. The compound you were referring to was D-I-R-T. Perhaps this would have helped the economy? Oh well I'm sure there are plenty of other communities/counties that would consider this a fairly could economic venture. But not us. Perhaps we could build a Walgreens there. That sounds like a great idea! "

Riddick51PB wrote on July 26, 2007 8:35 pm:

" We think Lincoln is a great place to start new business. /s/ Cabela's in La Vista "

Not a fan of racing wrote on July 26, 2007 8:36 pm:

" I'm not a fan of racing, but why exactly are we letting another business opportunity pass us by? Inquiring minds wish to know why a potential increase in revenue for the city is being flushed down the toilet yet again. "

Good job commissioners...not wrote on July 26, 2007 8:36 pm:

" Give the dragstrip & associated money to Omaha, everything else progressive and new is there. "

Nathan wrote on July 26, 2007 8:50 pm:

" Good luck Greg. I had high hopes of opening a storage and repair shop close to the strip when it opened. It wouldn't have employed a lot of people but at least it would be a new business in town. And more importantly, MINE. I actually had the vibe that there was a lot of support in the Lincoln area (outside of the Board). The update of the zoning code was a killer. Greg made the right decision however IMO. His current site would have been null and even if he did find a site later I think certain people would find ways to fine him to death. "

Dan wrote on July 26, 2007 8:56 pm:

" From someone that really doesn’t care if this strip is constructed or not. This whole thing from the beginning had trouble written all over it. First Mr. Stanford starts “mining” the land claming that he is not building a drag strip. 133 acres is way too small of a piece of real estate for a drag strip. When there are 640 acres in a section or a mile square. Racing every Saturday night from 10:00am until midnight, that is asking above and beyond reason for your neighbors. This thing could have been approached in a more professional manor I think there would be a drag strip in Lincolns future. From listening to Mr. Stanford on the radio he did not show much compassion or respect for other peoples concerns, from listening to him he showed arrogance and contempt towards his critics. "

Unfortunate... wrote on July 26, 2007 9:03 pm:

" When I was growing up in Lincoln, there used to be talk that Omaha and Lincoln would, someday, grow together along the I-80 corridor and become "twin cities". Today, it appears that Lincoln will simply be swallowed up and overrun by their more progressive-thinking and development-conscious neighbor to the north... "

Side Benefit wrote on July 26, 2007 9:10 pm:

" I was hoping for a nearby site where our youth could go to. We need more young people to get interested in working on cars. In some places, such as Husker Auto Group, it now costs $100/hour to work on your car. "

Unbelievable wrote on July 26, 2007 9:15 pm:

" The heck with the county, I want my portion of my property taxes back. And please don’t come asking for any money for your jail or any thing else for that matter. Keep getting your welfare checks and be fat and happy. "

Stan wrote on July 26, 2007 9:18 pm:

" Good Deal! I couldn't be happier. A drag strip is the very last thing we need around here, along with the type of people that get their jollies from this kind of stuff. Noise pollution, air pollution, litter and all that goes with it are all unwelcome around here. Thanks to the Lancaster County Board. "

Cletus wrote on July 26, 2007 9:30 pm:

" Drag racing - for the people who are confused by those fancy NASCAR races where they go round and round. "

Gail wrote on July 26, 2007 9:50 pm:

" How sad to lose a potential income for the county/city, employment opportunities, new businesses, and another venue for entertainment. Good luck Greg. Hope you can find that 'right' spot. Lancaster/Lincoln lost out. "

My way or not at all wrote on July 26, 2007 10:16 pm:

" Just because he didn't get his way, Sanford will pull out of Lancaster altogether. There are other alternatives he refuses to pursue. And... don't blame it all on Workman. Last I heard there are 5 on the board. Takes a minimum of 3 to defeat the track. Who else would you like to rag on? "

Yeah but wrote on July 26, 2007 10:26 pm:

" It's a bummer that people say all race fans are TRAILER (with an E) trash. But is this just Sanford playing games like he did when he went crying that Dodge county wouldn't pay for paving roads to his place? "

Cb wrote on July 26, 2007 10:46 pm:

" DANG!! I vote and I will vote them out. Who do we start with?? "

Can't wait wrote on July 26, 2007 10:51 pm:

" Wonder if Mr Workman will "commend" all the people in Lincoln and Lancaster County that will be signing a petition to remove him from his throne of power. One person in his district is all it takes to sign the papers to get the recall process going, and guess what Mr Chairman only 21,000 signatures are required to call a special election to remove you from office. These signatures can be signed by everyone in Lincoln and Lancaster County. The sleeping giant of Lincoln is waking up to your lack of leadership and not representing the entire county. Wonder if the 14 households of supporters can return your favor of killing the drag strip to save you now. "

motorsports task force wrote on July 26, 2007 11:14 pm:

" People, 2 different motorsports task force committees ok'd the piece of land on hwy 77 for a site useable for a motorsports facility. Mr. Sanford went and purchased this piece of land on the first task force recommendation. This task force was put together by the county board. They don't even take the reccomendations of their own volunteers. Mr. Workman your own paraglider makes more noise than the sound ordinance you put in place. "

Amazing process wrote on July 26, 2007 11:54 pm:

" In reading through all the news articles by the Lincoln Journal Star and reading thru the minutes of the Planning Commission, and The County Board that our county board directed the planning department to use every resource available to create a hostile envirenment to prevent this application from ever becoming a reality for the benefit of Lincoln. Amazing is an understatement on how much an individual with political power can do to wreck it for everyone. "

Geeze wrote on July 27, 2007 12:23 am:

" I am completely insulted by the first statement on this comment blog. I grew up a racing brat and I am definitely no where close to being trailor trash. Sarah, you have no idea what you are talking about. Drags strips don't stir up dust cause they are on pavement. Crawl out of your hole and stop hating. Although I agree with the decision, I believe that a drag strip would be better suited next to I-80 Speedway where there is plenty of space and a ready made area for the traffic and spectators. Lets all think before we tear down the people that work to make your life easier! "

Linda wrote on July 27, 2007 12:30 am:

" I would hope Mr. Sanford would take a look at Seward County, NE. The economy in Seward County could sure use a good boost from a good, family-oriented sport such as racing! If Lincoln and Lancaster County don't want the revenue, we'll be happy to get it and use it in our county! And...if anybody thinks car racing is a sport for so-called "trailer trash," they are MORE than welcome to come and visit MY home in Seward! (Notice how she spelled "trailor", too....HA!) I also feel so sorry for the people of Lincoln and Lancaster County being so oppressed by their "leaders." Look how well Omaha is growing!! Way to go Omaha!! "

Casper Cowboy wrote on July 27, 2007 1:56 am:

" you know after living in Nebraskastan for 16 years I just look back and laugh at the inane things you get worked up about. Keep arguing over your dirt tracks and we'll keep arguing over what to do with our $4B surplus. PS.just bought a 125K house. Taxes last year were $427. Move or quit complaining about everything. I have been to all 50 states and I have never met a bigger bunch of whiners than Nebraskans! "

Greg wrote on July 27, 2007 3:11 am:

" These people (the oppostion) all talk about how the supporters of motorsports are whiners , and in light of their apparent "win" they continue to whine about the so called whiners. I've got an idea...when the clock strikes 10.00 pm every night maybe we can all get together and roll up the streets! That way none of these bad elements will ruin this "small town" community. "

chevelless wrote on July 27, 2007 3:25 am:

" Yeah but wrote "But is this just Sanford playing games like he did when he went crying that Dodge county wouldn't pay for paving roads to his place? " Here are the stipulations to operating a dragstrip The regulations also will prohibit the development of a motor sports project within a half-mile of residential areas, schools, hospitals, churches, parks, cemeteries, acreage areas or land designated as open space in the county’s Comprehensive Plan. My question is where are you going to find such a place? Not to mention the noise restrictions. Maybe he can build one on the moon...There is no air on the moon so if my science is correct..NO NOISE! I think the other restrictions are self explanatory. WHAT A JOKE!!! "

Late O'Day wrote on July 27, 2007 4:10 am:

" From now on, I don't want to hear squat about "Visionary this" or "Economic development that". Don't bring up any bond issues that you don't want voted down. "

Ej wrote on July 27, 2007 4:42 am:

" I guess it doesn't matter what the people want! What will it take for this area to embace any kind of growth! And Ms Sarah people like you will keep this city in the dark ages. "

Un-Real wrote on July 27, 2007 6:00 am:

" Ok let me get this straight the county board (all but one) turns it back on private enterprise and dollars but will raise taxes to expand Lancaster event center for a Lama show? Are you kidding me, where do you people come from? Lamas? What a joke, the boards’ priorities are so backwards that it is not even funny. You men make the Fire department look good. "

Duh wrote on July 27, 2007 6:12 am:

" I'm glad Sanford got smart and decided to pull his application for the strip. It was the wrong location. He should have applied to build the strip in an area already zoned industrial/commercial. The tracks in places like Brainerd, MN, Topeka, KS, Las Vegas, NV and others are in industrial/commercial areas and not in a rural area. I wish the racing community would quit acting like a spoiled child and band together and try and get the strip built in an industrial/commercial area of town like the area bounded by I-80, Cornhusker & N 56th. That would be a great location with easy access to major roads. "

Not surprised wrote on July 27, 2007 6:40 am:

" For wome odd reason people are acting like this is a surpise that people like Sarah is speaking on a subject she has no knowledge about. I personlly would like to be setting in the seat of some these so called trailer trash people. Their drag cars will proabley cost more then Sarah makes in 3-5 years. I all can't believe someone said they hope never to hear Lancaster County/Lincoln complain about Economic Deleveopement, they do on a daily basics. Lastly this decision is just about as stuiped and spending $180,000 to hire a new fire chief when they have very qualified people right under their noses. "

Bill wrote on July 27, 2007 7:06 am:

" Ohhhh....I hope we don't do anything in the city of Lincoln to stir up a little dust...........Why don't you ignorant people all build a bubble and move all your anti-anything people into it........Next time you want to open a new store or business, I hope the county board says too much dirt will be stirred up, and deny your request. Wake up people, go live on island if you want to be anti economic!!! "

Jeff wrote on July 27, 2007 7:13 am:

" Lincoln, Nebraska's largest underachieving city in the state. "

... wrote on July 27, 2007 7:13 am:

" If you live within five miles of Lincoln's city limits, I can assure you that you don't live in the "country". Enjoy your land while you can. Lincoln will be annexing you sooner rather than later. And why should Sanford pursue other options in Lancaster? It's apparent that the government here will just keep throwing road blocks up left and right no matter where he goes. All you people who say there are better spots: go find them. Then see how many MORE people you'll impact than you would have at the original site. I love motorsports, I have a good education, have a big house in a great neighborhood, a high paying job, but what do I know? I'm just an ignorant hick. "

J wrote on July 27, 2007 7:25 am:

" Hey Lincoln you did it again...The Commissioners, gave the horsey folks a new playground but shut down a viable economic enterprise for Lancaster County.Or did your famous 2015 good ol' boys club not want it..Greg good luck.. "

Highly Likely... wrote on July 27, 2007 7:26 am:

" Just wondering Sarah, are you home schooled? I'm sure that no-one would want to assume that from your lack of spelling abilities...so don't assume you know anything about Drag Racers and Race Fans....we would not want to start stereotyping based on lack of knowledge! Obviously you did nothing to educate yourself about the drag racing sport or you would not have made the dirt comment! Therefore you have no credibility to comment on the safety of the sport either! "

WE wrote on July 27, 2007 7:27 am:

" Here is an idea, buy the land and turn it into Lincolns biggest low income housing trailer court! That way recent parolee's and others like them have a nice new place to start out! How's that for in your neighborhood opponents? "

JMK wrote on July 27, 2007 7:31 am:

" I hope he sells the land to walmart so they can build a new store there. That shouold serve those fools who opposed this in a fair way. "

Just being real wrote on July 27, 2007 7:34 am:

" I don't want to hear any of you complain now when the kids keep racing down pinelake and also around 84th street. This was a chance to control that and now the same conservatives that hate new ideas will have something else to complain about. "

JMK wrote on July 27, 2007 7:37 am:

" Or better yet, Maybe he should put a HUGE feed lot there, after all it isn't zoned for business. The neighbors should enjoys the stench of animal poop. "

Chris wrote on July 27, 2007 7:46 am:

" " I am so happy Sanford pulled his plans. This car racing thing is a sport for trailor trash. It's not safe for drivers or spectators. It is noisy and stirs up dust. I hope we never have one in Lancaster county. " --I dont like baseball. It is for trailer trash, people stand by their tailgates drinking beer making noise stiring up dust... And the lights... Oh my god i wish they would do away with baseball here. Oh and the safety. What if someone gets hit with a baseball??? "

Bob wrote on July 27, 2007 7:54 am:

" Oh well, it's just money lost for the city and county. I guess the govment can just raise our taxes again.......oops, I mean "re-evaluate" our property. Hey Lancaster county, I'm tired of living in Lincoln but getting to pay for everything in Lancaster county. Why don't you do something to help out. "

Amanda wrote on July 27, 2007 8:07 am:

" I hope he does get that track somewhere here in NE. I've always loved going to races b/c they're fun to watch and exciting. I was looking forward to going to a race with John Force or one of those other guys...but if they have anything to do with it then it'll never happen...hope that it does though!! "

JJ wrote on July 27, 2007 8:08 am:

" Lincoln is falling behind other cities fast, no progress here. And CASPER COWBOY, how were your taxes only $427 last year? Mine were $1700 for a $100,000 home, what are you doing to get them so cheap? "

Avg Taxpayer wrote on July 27, 2007 8:17 am:

" Sadly the will of the MINORITY won this battle. Funny how this "democracy" works. "

I heard wrote on July 27, 2007 8:20 am:

" Maybe since the drag strip fell through he should put in a large large pig farming operation. "

Vern wrote on July 27, 2007 8:21 am:

" You go Greg! If Lancaster County officials are too shortsighted to see the great opportunity drag racing offers, you build in another county and I will go to the races and spend my money there. County Board did everything they could to save face but make the regulations so restrictive that no one will ever build a race track in this backwards hillbilly county. I continually wonder why I live here... "

Spellcheck, anyone? wrote on July 27, 2007 8:23 am:

" Sarah is obviously speaking from experience when she calls racing fans "trailor" trash. Buy a dictionary, honey. It's spelled T-R-A-I-L-E-R. Jeez, if you're going to hurl insults at a large demographic such as racing fans, be sure you at least appear superior. As Abraham Lincoln so eloquently put it, "better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Happy Friday, everyone! "

Quite Whining wrote on July 27, 2007 8:36 am:

" I shall now recite the rallying call of all the drag strip supporters, quit whining and deal with it. Wow! It works both ways! You can say it to people who don't want it in their backyard and I can say it to you when the proposal for the drag strip is pulled. I for one am glad this won't be in Lancaster County. "

JR wrote on July 27, 2007 8:38 am:

" The lesson here is that if you really want any growth to happen around here, you need to first get the blessing of the 2015 Vision Group. Be sure to show them how they will line their pockets with your hard work, and you're sure to get in. Anything this new "O" Street gang wants, they will get. As for the rest of us little people with big ideas, well, we just need to wipe our noses, get back in line and keep following along like the good little sheep we're expected to be. "

I think wrote on July 27, 2007 8:39 am:

" I think there is a nice long strip of land over around 1st & Van Dorn that is out of the way and could be used...oh, wait, it's a park. How long before the city's and county's gov't bodies drive the state government to a better location? Well they move the capitol back to Omaha? I'm surprised we let the state's gov't offices stay in the city with the amount of pollution all that extra traffic of employees generates. Workman, why don't you work on that? "

JAZZY wrote on July 27, 2007 8:47 am:

" The Visionary Group,(what a laugh) must be blind. Anytime there is a money making oportunity, they close their eyes. The only thing they see is more housing in downtown, and a problem with parking. I don't see them looking for getting good/great paying jobs in town. As for Cabela's it's in La Vista and not in Lincoln. Oh we get lucky ,to have cheap paying jobs, at the big box stores. Yea it's cheap to buy there and the stuff don't last. When was the last time you bought something that said "Made in the US of A". I bet if you looked ,you would have a hard time finding something. Everyone wants the bargain but, want's better pay. Well guess what ,you get what you pay for. This goes for paycheck and merchandise. "

RECALL wrote on July 27, 2007 8:48 am:

" Maybe it is time to start thinking about it. To literally and purposely zone somebody out after promising to work with them is not good government. It is simply lying to them and to the public. RECALL! "

Shocked wrote on July 27, 2007 8:56 am:

" I can not believe that the handful of hermits that lived out by the proposed site were so important that the rest of the ENTIRE county has to now suffer because of the lost revenue. Thankfully these people are old and maybe in my lifetime my generation can take over the policy creation in this town and finally put Lincoln on the path to the 20th century. "

John Quinn wrote on July 27, 2007 9:01 am:

" I grew up in Lincoln and as a teenager in the late 50's I drag raced on lots of streets all over town. As I grew older and more responsible I wanted to take the racing to a drag strip so I had to move. I now live in the Denver area where we have an excellent facility and it packs the young people in on week nights that has programs specifically targetted towards those who would otherwise be street racing. It is interesting to see that Lincoln is still ruled by narrow minded self centered individuals who believe that if they personally do not want to do something then no one should be allowed to do it. Sometimes when nostalgia hits I think about returning to Southeastern Nebraska to retire but I can't go anywhere that has no dragstrip. Even as an old codger I still enjoy working on my car and seeing how fast it is. "

LincolnNeedsADragStrip.com wrote on July 27, 2007 9:03 am:

" Sarah...you're...well...nevermind. Lets get one thing straight, drag strips are built of concrete, not asphalt. I'm am actually happy that Greg decided to pull his plans for a strip here in Lancaster County. He should have known what was going to happen; its what happens everytime: someone comes in with a new business idea that could bring extreme revenue to the Lincoln/Lancaster coutny area and it gets denied. Typical board decision. Don't blame it all on Workman, Mr. Beutler told us he would support the track and well, he prooved himself to be spineless. "

Welcome to Lincoln! wrote on July 27, 2007 9:05 am:

" One question. How the people who live around Bandimere Speedway (west of Denver) cope with their "immense heartache"? That is one of the largest drag strips in the nation and eople are throwing up multi-million dollar houses (on a golf course) just to the south of Bandimere. Also, it’s funny that this story coincides with news about the budget shortfall. A study conducted by UNL outlined the revenue that the drag strip would have brought into the community. I guess we will have to get used to being broke until we get some forward thinking representation in our local government. "

wayne wrote on July 27, 2007 9:06 am:

" Hey Sarah you called car racing for trailer trash!! Guess you dont go to car races that travel all over and spends money at those locations! I didnt realize trailer trash drove $150000.00 semi trucks for the cars and $250000.00 motorhomes for the drivers and family!! GET A LIFE!!!! "

ted wrote on July 27, 2007 9:07 am:

" Anyone who attended the Ameriride event knows that car people are not "trash". It's stupid to ignore this business opportunity. "

JimDandy wrote on July 27, 2007 9:12 am:

" I'm guessing she's talking about dust from surrounding roads and the parking lot (unless that was going to be paved as well?). Or unless the fans were planning on walking to the strip. "

Thanks wrote on July 27, 2007 9:19 am:

" Although Sarah was wrong to start this blog off so negatively and racers should not be called names--neither should we opponents be called all the names we have by the support side. Living next to a drag strip would have been absolutely horrible for us. There are a lot of families with children who go to bed before midnight and we would have really suffered. We're not "just 14 residences". There were over 600 who would have been affected. I"m glad to see our county board protecting us. "

Dano wrote on July 27, 2007 9:20 am:

" Sarah wrote she is glad because it is dangerous and dirty and for trailor trash (trailer for the correct spelling. What do you know about the sport that allows you to make this comment? I like to watch drag racing in person and I earn $100 K per year, live on an acreage worth $250K in the country, and drive two brand new cars. I certainly am college educated and probably live better than you do. It is not dirty and dusty. You are safe as there are many barriers that protect fans and drivers. The people that put themselves in danger are the idiots that do things like this on the street. This would open up a venue for those amateurs to go and get off the streets of Lincoln, where they cause accident and endanger regular citizens. To the citizens of this county, it is time to start voting for people who care to expand the city by more than just empty new houses, office space, and apartments. We need to vote people like Workman out, that are a constant barrier to economic growth. I vote every time I can and you need to start as well. I voted against him last time, but obviously it didn’t work. This should be another reason to make a change. We need businesses that are going to bring diversity to Lincoln, not just the same jobs in a Wal-Mart/Target, restaurant, or another service center. We need new manufacturing companies, that produce diversified jobs for the blue collar worker in this city. Places that aren’t competing for the same consumer dollar all the time. This was a chance at one of those and we lost it yet again. I am sure the next opportunity for something good for Lincoln we be shot down because of some "dirt and noise" problem. I live on West Denton road and hear people drive loud cars, trucks and motorcycles all day long. At night I hear drag races all the time. Noise is noise, deal with or move. If the noise bothered, I would move in to a cave in the middle of nowhere. "

Justin wrote on July 27, 2007 9:24 am:

" I wish he hadn't capitulated. All of Lancaster County loses out because of this. "

Scooter wrote on July 27, 2007 9:26 am:

" Hand me a petition to remove the board and I'll sign it. Does the current board really expect us, supporters and opposition alike, to believe they really want to promote motorsports in any fashion given the impossible restrictions they placed on any such facility? How can Workman say with a straight face that "the new rules weren’t created with a specific project in mind"? If they were in charge of licensing feed lots I suppose they'd add a clause saying the animals had to be scrubbed clean each day and the place couldn't generate any detectable smell. Foolish, foolish Lancaster county. I hope the track is built in a neighboring county (and there are plenty lining up for the opportunity it seems) since it will be then fun to watch the revenue generated by the track and supporting businesses help those counties grow and succeed. When this comes to pass, I hope all the supporters make sure to support that county's local business and not those of neighboring Lancaster. "

Dave Fett wrote on July 27, 2007 9:42 am:

" Its getting so you cant tell Lincoln from the Ammish. No offense to the Ammish. "

Not far out enough wrote on July 27, 2007 9:45 am:

" I can't wait for my kids to graduate so I can move and take my tax dollars out of this idiotic county. The tail wags the dog, it's INSANE how this county works - we will never move forward with tourism if we don't build anything to attract people! "

... wrote on July 27, 2007 9:50 am:

" To Thanks: Give it 5 to 10 more years and the Board won't be able to do a thing for you since Lincoln is growing to the north. You live near a large city that is growing (somehow without any business growth...) and your "peaceful way of life" is going to be urban sprawl. Oh, and you live NEXT TO A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY! I bet people are considerate though and stop driving after 10PM, right? "

Marty wrote on July 27, 2007 9:50 am:

" Love the idea of a feedlot on that land. Give the "neighbors" up in that area something to really complain about. All the BS coming from them, they're up to their eyeballs in it anyways!! "

Tom wrote on July 27, 2007 9:51 am:

" Drag racing is for trailer trash? Now does that not show the true ignorance of the person saying that? As Samuel Clemens once said, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are ignorant, then open it and prove them correct". Trailer trash indeed, do you know how much these cars cost? Way more than the trailer this ignorant poster must live in. The safety of this sport is not an issue either, in fact many safety features you see on the interstate and our highway system was first developed by the racing industry. This is a huge shame that Lancaster county bowed under to ignorance and is letting the county miss out on not only the fun of the track but the economic stimuli that the experts have said it would bring to the area. "

Action Jackson wrote on July 27, 2007 9:57 am:

" The argument that we will now have people drag-racing in the streets any more than we already do is ridiculous. That is illegal and should be stopped and not considered the consequence of this bozo wimping out. And that's what he did. Of course a drag-strip zoning regulation was needed. This fool waltzed in here and thought he could just build wherever he wanted. But, I have news for you people MOST people in Lancaster County don't want this. And just because someone owns a Mercedes doesn't mean they're not "trailer trash." What I think was meant by those comments is the "tough guy, beer drinking, win-at-all-costs, do-whatever-I-want" attitude that is undermining the integrity and values of this city. Lincoln, as the Capital City and home to the University, had the responsiblity to make this the most liveable, pleasant, city in our state. No one wants a drag strip except a few thousand people. That may seem like a lot but its nothing compared to the 297,000 that live in this county that don't want this sort of thing. I'm sure this clown will go bully some smaller county into letting him have everything he wants, exactly the way he wants it. Good riddance. "

To Shocked wrote on July 27, 2007 9:57 am:

" Well I am SHOCKED that the supporters are so against senior citizens, for one, but if you had ANY clue about the demographics of our area, you'd know there are a lot of young families. And that maybe 1% of the entire state cares a hoot about drag racing. I"ve lived in other thriving cities around the country and not one of them is thriving b/c they have a drag strip nearby!! "

Mark wrote on July 27, 2007 9:59 am:

" Well fellow citizens, we have been handed once again by government, higher taxes (90 Million in bonds for overpriced land and a new jail, and 10 Million for the horse barn) by the county board, while at the same time not only pushing dollars right out of the county, they raised your tax bill, and received what? Zero. Is that good government folks? 100 million out, and ZERO back in? This board except for a few should resign immediatly. This is NOT good governing, use of tax dollars, proper planning, economic development,the list goes on and on. Someone please tell me why we have these jokers in office doing nothing bust raising our taxes and standing in the way of progress. "

Army Wife wrote on July 27, 2007 10:09 am:

" I am really upset that he pulled his plans. I agree with a lot of the people on here. Now when the rest of you who didn't want this strip complain about racing on O street and what, don't cause a scene. This was a great opportunity to get racing off of the streets and not to mention more revenue for Lincoln. I enjoy all types of racing, and IF it makes me Trailer Trash Sarah, great! At least I have some fun. Grow up and get out of your hole. Try to have some fun and educate yourself why you are at it. "

whatever wrote on July 27, 2007 10:09 am:

" Someone may in the not too distant future build a drag strip and build it right and you can be sure it will be in an area where Lincoln will not benefit. A properly built and properly managed drag strip after a few years would be an unbelievably big economic boon to where it is built. "

WE wrote on July 27, 2007 10:18 am:

" Or we could put another prison there! Perfect place for a prison! Or like someone else said a feedlot, but run by inmates and Lancaster Counties ever escalating juvenile delinquency problem, uh,er, I meantroubled youth.House them all there, a work farm sort of deal, high risk allowed as well. "

tortis wrote on July 27, 2007 10:22 am:

" Take cover this guy isn't through so your neighborhood or mine could be next "

It's not all about money wrote on July 27, 2007 10:24 am:

" If something you're going to do has a negative impact on others, even if it's just one person, then you need to carefully consider your options. I don't think anyone wants something like a racetrack in their back yard - even the rabid fans might like to get some sleep or spend a quiet evening once in a while. It seems like there should be plenty of places between Lincoln and Omaha for something like this, that wouldn't disrupt people's lives. There are more important things in the world than the "economic opportunities" people keep harping on. So many people in this country confuse quantity with quality; cities and companies don't have to expand constantly to survive - in fact, constant expansion can destroy the quality of life for those involved. I'm relieved that this dragstrip won't be placed in an area that will detract from anyone's right to the peaceful enjoyment of their home. "

Lisa wrote on July 27, 2007 10:39 am:

" Why don't we build a drag strip next to the new jail on West 'O'? "

Me wrote on July 27, 2007 10:45 am:

" I want a drag strip in Lancaster County. However, it is ridiculous to expect Lancaster County to bow down to Greg Sanfords demands. At least the board is not saying no dragstrips at all. They give a little, we give a little. There is some common ground were the dragstrip can exist and also be respectful of other people. As for the closing before 10 o'clock - I think this is very fair. What in the heck are you doing there after 10 anyway - seems like a heap of nothing but messing around. "

Drag Fan wrote on July 27, 2007 10:47 am:

" Thanks again, Nebraska - for making me go out of state to have fun. Our closed sighted leaders have once again forced me to go travel to another state and drop my "trailer trash" money there instead. If my family didn't live here, neither would I! I'm tired of traveling to get to any type of good entertainment - loosen up and let the fun begin! Take a good look at Minnesota, Kansas and Oklahoma - they know how to support their residents. "

Here We Go Again wrote on July 27, 2007 10:47 am:

" THANK YOU, Dano! I live near 40th/ Yankee Hill and also hear people racing around the clock. I also live nicely, am college-educated (do YOU have a Master's degre, Sarah? Probably not. You can't even spell!) and enjoy motor sports. I would much rather see a dragstrip in my "backyard" than the Target/ retail center that just opened up. Let's see- which is more of a nuisance? A retail center that has hundreds- even thousands- of people coming and going from 8am-10pm every day of the year, creating traffic noise, traffic slow-downs, pollution and litter...or a drag strip that is used only a portion of the year by comparison? The officials calling the shots here are so archaic and old-fashioned. Their decisions prevent Lincoln from bringing new business and residents (can you say tax-payers?) and they wonder why! "

byebye wrote on July 27, 2007 10:47 am:

" I could care less how much money you "supporters" make, or how big your house is, etc. This was defeated because of your arrogant, selfish, disrepective attitude towards people who already lived there. Now take your ball and go home. "

Funny! wrote on July 27, 2007 10:56 am:

" Workman apparently has a good sense of humor. “The regulations were created for the benefit of all citizens in Lancaster County,” he said, adding that the new rules weren’t created with a specific project in mind." Now that’s funny! Of course it is a total coincidence that this proposal was coming up for a decision and the County officials passed regulations so restrictive that there is NOWHERE in Lancaster County that a motor sports complex could be built. Nowhere in the county unless you can find about 10 square miles with no schools, churches, houses, cemeteries or people -- AND -- that is also readily accessible to a major roadway and services such as food and lodging. People are not going to go drive down dirt roads into the boonies to race or watch racing. Everyone complains that we cannot get new business into the area. Go figure. Apparently with this County Board it’s the concerns of a few that outweigh the desires of the many. No need to worry about what is in the best interest of the County, just what is best for a few cronies. MAKE SURE YOU REMEMBER THIS CRAP AT THE NEXT ELECTION! "

bnb wrote on July 27, 2007 10:59 am:

" First of all to Sarah maybe you need to go back to school and learn how to spell Trailer!!! I find it so disgusting that people are so fast to judge others in what they enjoy. How sad that the county once again puts a stop to any kind of entertainment and revenue for us tax payers!! "

pck wrote on July 27, 2007 11:07 am:

" I am not opposed to seeing more revenue in Lincoln, but not with "racing". I'd be willing to accept something less dangerous, loud. "

don't care either way wrote on July 27, 2007 11:09 am:

" I have been reading all the comments and really don't care whether the track was built or not. But the one thing I find amazing about the people that supported this venue. Most of the comments for the drag strip now come of sounding like spoiled brats. I feel like I am watching a bunch of kids playing ball and one child didn't get his way so he is taking his ball and going home to punish everyone else. You didn't get your way - move on. "

Moot wrote on July 27, 2007 11:15 am:

" It’s all moot now, but I just wanted to address a couple of points that the opponents of the track keep bringing up. He failed at Scribner, why would it work here? Population Scribner – 971. Population Lincoln – 225,000+. Any questions? The also write that there is no way it would bring in millions in revenue. I’m guessing you are thinking only of the track itself. That is only part of the equation. You also need to factor in things like food, lodging, fuel, auto parts, etc. that would be purchased by people traveling to the county for these events. If they came to town, they’d be spending money. But now they have no reason to come to town, which is apparently they way we like it. "

Aric wrote on July 27, 2007 11:16 am:

" Welp, there goes alot of money for lancaster county and also a place for us hard working folk to race! God I hate Lincoln and lancaster County! Glad I moved up here to Omaha! Coime on up Greg, I'm sure Ashland or Gretna would love to have you! btw, Sarah... Drag Racing is a sport that is on PAVEMENT! Don't be a noob and spout off stuff you don't know anything about. Also, Drag Racing is anything but a trailor trash sport... These guys invest THOUSANDS into their car... Heck, you could have seen cars in the $150-200K range up there! SO DISSAPOINTED AND AGGREVATED!!!! GAH! "

Back to the streets wrote on July 27, 2007 11:16 am:

" Well, I guess it's back to drag racing in town. I'm sure that people won't mind being blown off the road by two people trying to see whose car is faster and have no better place to test it out. I moved to Lincoln because they had more opportunities and offerend more stuff to do in my down time. But it's amazing how much MORE there could be if people would stop their whining and allow for a little progress!! "

Disappointed wrote on July 27, 2007 11:18 am:

" Well, you can count on my vote to get some new views into the county board. Thank you for keeping me safer when I race and make some money for the county at the same time? "

Dano2 wrote on July 27, 2007 11:20 am:

" If Omaha had a drag strip we'd all be hearing how important it is for our city to get one too there'd probably already be a bond proposal to subsidize it. I hate this stupid town. "

This is county, not city. wrote on July 27, 2007 11:21 am:

" Any complaints about the city of Lincoln preventing this is unfounded. They are COUNTY commissioners. And I am all for recall. The majority of the commissioners live outside Lincoln, and DO NOT represent their city constituents. Ninety percent of their constituents live in Lincoln...they ARE NOT representing them, so RECALL!!! "

trailer trash wrote on July 27, 2007 11:36 am:

" Drag Racing for one is not a sport for trailer trash. It's an adrenaline filled event. Yes it may be noisy and may kick up some dirt, but that's all in the fun of the sport. If we wanted to build a stupid football stadium out here or some other sport I bet it would be granted and welcomed with open arms. This is a great opportunity for the county to bring extra revenue, but yet they are making up new regulations. The council people that we have in office right now aren't the type that are going to go to these events. so there for we as the people need to show that this needs to be put in place. take the regulations off and open the damn drag strip so people can ENJOY LIFE!!! "

a few considerations wrote on July 27, 2007 11:45 am:

" Could it be that Sanfords arrogant attitude is what cost him his precious little track? Think about it, he buys up the land first then says I am slapping down a track. I am not going to consult with anyone first and I really don't care about the people that live around there. He did not seek the proper permits before buying the land, he just assumed that he would get them. Maybe if he attempted to get the permits first he would have knows where he could build it. Instead he forces the council to put these restrictions up with the sole purpose of keeping him from starting the track. Also, the council members would have looked at Sanfords past history, like the other track he owned, you know the one that is no longer in business. And another consideration, this track is how many miles outside of Lincoln? I am sure there is a paved road and utilities running to that location. I mean after all Sanford wouldn't try to hoist the costs of building a road and running utiliities onto the taxpayers of Lancaster County would he? All the money would come out of his pocket right? As for the study that said there would be "millions and millions" of dollars, over what time period? When would the money start to rain from the sky? I am sure Snnford would be able to book lots and lots of big named racing attractions right away and that the drag car shows would give up their guarenteed money at other tracks to come take a chance on Lincoln. Lets face it, the places everyone has been carying on about having a race track have a bigger population base than Lincoln and they have the infrastructure to support these big race tracks. And the accusation Lincoln is anticar is assinine. I can't throw a stick in this town without it hitting an old restored car or drive past a Culvers without seeing a parking lot full of cars being shown off. The racing enthusiasts are just upset cause they did not get their toy that were champing at the bit for. "

an idea for greg wrote on July 27, 2007 11:55 am:

" Greg, Now that you have property to use in Lancaster County, perhaps you should buy some FEMA Trailers for housing and Lancaster County...maybe the whole state could put their sex offenders there. It would make a great tax break for you. See if those good ole' county folks like them for neighbors. I live in the City and always find a few minutes for sunrises, sunsets and viewing the stars...i don't need to be in country for this it's not an exclusive right to "country" hypocrites. Thank you. "

duh wrote on July 27, 2007 12:02 pm:

" i wonder if sarah and the casper cowboy went to the same school ? i'd rather have a controlled eniornment than to have them out racing on county roads and highways, but what choice's are you leaving them. is it time to start shutting down open hunting area's due to noise and cruelty to animals, how about the forth of July, ? now let's stir up the Husker nation and put a lid on the noise the crowd used to make when they would score ( back when they Did score ) not to mention the horrible traffic congestion it causes.. let's not stop there but send the state tournaments to more deserving communities also, Omaha has their arms open wide and are willing to move forward..way to go bone heads of Lancaster county.. "

What next wrote on July 27, 2007 12:06 pm:

" Who needs that income stream when we can just take it from the Fire Department. "

BW wrote on July 27, 2007 12:11 pm:

" The 2015 Vision group is the funniest thing I've heard in my life. Vision? Are you kidding me? The only vision they have is how to fill their pockets with all the citizens money. Unfortunately, that attitude has rubbed off on most citizens. An elderly person asked a guy to tighten a bolt on something, about half dozen turns and charges her $200.00 for labor!!!! I wouldn't buy a hot dog in this town. Think Sanford is a very good picture of why Lincoln has never grown and never will, except for more Runza's, Douglas Theatres, and Hy-Vees'. Its amazing how the Lincoln citizens are so blind to buy into the Vision's plans for the arena, convention center and the rest. If you examine it carefully, you'll see its for the Vision and their friends pockets. They don't do anything for the city, or they would have done it years ago. It will end up costing the property taxpayers!!! "

drag nut wrote on July 27, 2007 12:14 pm:

" Hey Greg, Don't give up. There is a half section for sale just north of Hallam that has basically no houses nearby. Check it out! We would love to have you down there! "

One of the many Racers wrote on July 27, 2007 12:19 pm:

" Trailer trash? Unsafe? For one how do you judge us to be trailer trash?? Most racers I know are very inteigent and ver well educated, even beyond the feild of automotive! This is our hobby! The safety standards we go through are very strict and we stick to them!! In over 18 years of Drag Racing I have yet to ever wreck, injure anyone or even have a close call thanks to the safety of the facilities we have raced at (nor do I know of anyone who has) Wrecks in Drag Racing are rare. Saftey is a huge priority for spectators! About any racing accident you will hear of is street racing, that is not what we are doing! You need to grow up, and know what you are talking about before being so rude to us racers. You obviously know nothing about what you say. And most of all you feel like you have won, but in the end you have won nothing!! Cheers to your higher taxes that us Trailer Trash Racers could have helped with that you dont want!! "

Glen M wrote on July 27, 2007 12:21 pm:

" With regard to Sarah's "trailer trash" comment, this is drag racing we're talking about here, not beating a bunch of cobbled-up junk around in circles in the mud east of Eagle on the weekends. Obviously the County Board thinks we as car enthusiasts are content to spend our money staring at a bunch of quilts and birdbaths at the Lancaster Event Center...... "

sunshine wrote on July 27, 2007 12:21 pm:

" This would have affected 600 people in Lancaster County. 600 PEOPLE!!! The county cared more about these 600 than the other 224,400+ people. Gee how can I become a member of those elite 600 that rule the County of Lancaster and the County Board. WOW! Power to those 600. Perhaps they should pay all taxes for the county. "

Big T wrote on July 27, 2007 12:40 pm:

" Do the residents that complained also complain about the noise and dust involved in late/all night harvesting and the smell of hog farms? "

Proud to live in Davey wrote on July 27, 2007 12:56 pm:

" Its so disappointing to see only a few of my neighbors create lies and portray a person the way these people are going on. I am a track supportor who lives in Davey and know a lot of good people both for and against the track but the way that some opponents went around the city of Davey collecting the signatures spreading information that was so untrue about the developer and the people it attracts, that many who had originally signed the petition felt so ashamed and betrayed by what these petitioners had told them after finding out what a family sport drag racing is and who the participants really are and bad things are not going to happen to them, that some of them were asking Davey village officials to remove their names from the list of people opposed to the race track. I wouldn’t read to much into the lies and rumors that some of these people are blogging on this website, because they are only a few and don’t represent the good people that we really are in our village of Davey. Good luck Mr Sanford and your supportors in finding a place to build a race track. "

Good wrote on July 27, 2007 1:07 pm:

" Drag Racing is not a sport! I am glad this issue is over for now. Keep the track in Scribner! "

disgusted with Lincoln & Lancaster Co. wrote on July 27, 2007 1:13 pm:

" If the county commissioners would have owned property next to this site the dragstrip would already be in the paving stages.(land values skyrocket) Maybe if Greg Sanford would've had his land blighted he could of used Tax Increment Financing.(Lincoln what a joke) Lincoln & Lancaster Co has now turned another opportunity for revnue away. HELLO PEOPLE.......GET OUT & VOTE THESE SO CALLED LEADERS OUT OF OFFICE!!! All the other counties surrounding Lancaster Co are all saying "please pick me" Lincoln/Lancster Co have continued to lived up to their reputation once again.....play games, hard to deal with & waste time & efforts of Government & private individuals. Good Luck Greg & I will support the track wherever it may be. "

Marv wrote on July 27, 2007 1:25 pm:

" since this isn't football, baseball, hockey, swimming, golfing or fishing.....it will never get passed in lancaster county....."NOT IN OUR BACKYARD COUNTY" very unfortunate for this county. "

LR wrote on July 27, 2007 1:26 pm:

" Mr Sanford, there's a gentleman up the road in Ashland with experience running a junk yard, he just needs a location. Sounds like you have some property available. And some neighbors who deserve it. "

DBR wrote on July 27, 2007 1:34 pm:

" Zero to Blew It! In less time than a top fueler makes a pass! Way to go Lancaster County! (input sarcasm here) "

this is really sad wrote on July 27, 2007 1:35 pm:

" We have people who are supposed to be adults calling each names. The supporters are 'trailer-trash' and the people living in the country are 'hayseed-hicks'. Neither group wants to even attempt to see the other side of the issue. Everything is either my way or the wrong way. You all need to grow up and act like adults instead of throwing temper tantrums. Maybe everyone making such snide remarks needs to sit in a corner and have a time-out. "

HRH The Prince of Wales wrote on July 27, 2007 1:40 pm:

" I thought that Republicans were pro-business? Isn't a majority of the Lancaster County Board Republican? (Workman, Hudkins, Schorr, Heiser) "

duh wrote on July 27, 2007 1:45 pm:

" Hey sarah how could it stir up dust if they are racing an pavment. this is not dirt track racing like in eagle. "

Suspicious of "Sarah" wrote on July 27, 2007 1:45 pm:

" It being the very first post, and eager to throw flames on the fire, I am suspicious that "Sarah" is actually a supporter who is just trying to stir the pot against the opponents. Fact is, I have been involved in CPRLife for over a year now, and NOT ONCE in our many meetings has anyone said the words "trailer trash". In fact, the residents around the track who opposed Sanford's track are car enthusiasts themselves, hard working farmers, and blue collar workers primarily. Many are drag racing fans and a lot of us went to races for the first time in our lives to educate ourselves on what this facility might be like. There is not a soul in our group with the name of Sarah. We just want to preserve the landscape and to have our kids in bed before midnight, and not have our neighborhood disrupted. "

I don't care wrote on July 27, 2007 2:03 pm:

" either way this went. I know I would not want to live right by a track. Why do some people get offened by the trailor trash talk and than say something about NASCAR in a bad way? At least its over and the whining will subdue. "

Nice job Lincoln wrote on July 27, 2007 2:22 pm:

" You blew it again! "

To Big T wrote on July 27, 2007 2:29 pm:

" I wanted to answer your question on whether we residents are opposed to harvesting noise and the smell of livestock. The answer is no. I live on a working farm. We hear combines and harvesting equipment maybe 4 days out of the year, and never after 10pm. It is part of the soundscape living in AG ZONED land. To compare this with a drag strip running 60 days a year until midnight is absolutely absurd. "

Former Lincoln Racer wrote on July 27, 2007 2:30 pm:

" I feel this strip would have been a big economic kick to the county. If any one would like to see the receipts from my last trip to Kansas to race, I will gladly show them to you. I spend over $1500 while I am in KS for the weekend. This is on the low end of what racers spend. Multiply that by 100-150 racers and then add in the fans. Call it 2000 fans and have them spend $400 each. That would be about $225,000 from the racers and around $800,000 from the fans. And that is just in 2 1/2 days. I am very glad I bailed on lincoln 5 years ago and moved to Omaha. "

Making it easy wrote on July 27, 2007 2:39 pm:

" Well, one things for sure. I usually have no idea who to vote for on the Lancaster County board, but now I know who exactly not to vote for next election! I will be looking for anyone who is willing to help put a curb on my taxes and is for growth in business. "

sam wrote on July 27, 2007 2:46 pm:

" I am not one to go to drag races but am all for one being developed in Lincoln to bring in the money that they do as Lincoln tends to drive away money making projects unless it is a bar then it is wellcome. But the county board and the city council both want to spend money they do not have and won't get if they keep running new money making projects out of the county. If they look at the driving in Lincoln it is worst than Omaha and Kansas City people are using not growing up like the community is thus maybe a track would help some but the track would still be safer "

karwied wrote on July 27, 2007 3:02 pm:

" for the people who were concerned about having racing going on at midnight, let me clue you in....IF the track were lucky enough to snare an NHRA (PRO) race, which I am sure they wouldn't anytime in the near future, they make sure that racing is done by 6 p.m. Of course, there are certain times that it may be a little later than that. And, by the way, I would imagine that the track would be sanctioned NHRA. There is also IHRA. Whatever..... "

Terry B wrote on July 27, 2007 3:30 pm:

" Maybe Mr. Sanford should build a golf course on this land, lincoln could use one more. Oops I forgot the city is losing money on the ones they have. "

Not a Nebraskan wrote on July 27, 2007 3:36 pm:

" Lancaster County sucks anyways.......Omaha deserves this business.......at least they are far more progressive. Lincoln is about 10 - 15 yrs in the past where it belongs. A man from MO. "

Jack wrote on July 27, 2007 3:43 pm:

" I hope Greg will consider Seward County! I'd rather have a Drag strip than the feedlot on the south side of the Milford exit, the ugly looking buildings on the north side of the exit and the mountainous dump south of town. Those 600 people have nothing to complain about. By the way, the college kids drag on the road south of Milford and even have the lines painted. You "trailor trash" dragsters are welcome to come to Milford. "

Carmelo wrote on July 27, 2007 3:57 pm:

" What's with all of this pointless driving around? Are we not already involved in the politics of countries full of religious zealots because we can't wean ourselves off the oil that is under their sand? Are we not aware of global warming? (Well, I'm sure some are not, judging from what I've read on this site before.) Anyway, please, knock it off. Read a book, watch a movie, paint, hike, bike, run your dog, play frisbee, go bowling, but just quit wasting finite resources. My mind is blown by this complete lack of thought about where we are at this point in time and how we can improve our lot for the next generation. Geesh. "

Spends money wrote on July 27, 2007 4:25 pm:

" I live in Lincoln but load up my ATV's & drive to Genoa NE for family fun, money spent = $150. I drive to Columbus NE to enjoy a children friendly water park, money spent = $75. I drive to Beatrice NE to swim in children friendly pool, money spent = $50. I drive to Omaha for Casino fun, money spent = $100. I drive to Kearney NE to drag race, money spent = $250. Seems like Lancaster county really doesn't have much to offer in terms of entertainment so it doesn't surprise me what happened. I have given up on Lancaster county so I will continue to travel to other Counties & spend my money there. My Assessment will just go up to cover any financial problems the County will have in the future. Same story different year! I do like the idea of Mr. Sanford selling his land to a pig farm...but I heard an Indian Casino is in the works. By the way....what ever happened to the Abbot Motorcross track? Did Lincoln build more bicycle trails with the government money? "

88GTA wrote on July 27, 2007 4:50 pm:

" guess we'll all just keep racin on the streets, maybe a few more accidents and you guys will get it through your thick skulls that until there's a place we can go and "legally" race, we're just gonna keep "illegally" racing. Its never gonna end! "

Laurie wrote on July 27, 2007 4:52 pm:

" I don't know much about drag racing but isn't there already a race track for cars in Eagle? It's not very far away. What's wrong with that location or one close by? The people who live there evidently don't have any problem with lights or noise. "

Del wrote on July 27, 2007 5:11 pm:

" Good Riddance.....a complete wastes of everyones time. The noise would have been ourtrageous. The need for this sport went out of viability when gas when past $2.00 per gallon. What a waste. My congrats to the people who live in the area, your home is your castle. "

s1005 wrote on July 27, 2007 5:32 pm:

" all of the people that are for the strip : would you want it in your back yard? Or it is okay as long as it isn't in my neighborhood. We need to keep the corn fields to feed the world. We need to save the trees, to stop global warming. What has taken thousands of years to develop, the last few generations have destroyed a large portion of our world by knocking it down to make what they want with no regards to the next generation. "

Btag wrote on July 27, 2007 5:32 pm:

" First off I am very disappointed in a lot of my fellow supporters of the track for even participating in the political mudslinging with the opposition. I will point out to the opposition that we are not all "mullet headed, drunken redneck hicks". Everyone has something that they have a passion for whether it is fishing, hunting, automotive or even quilting. There are many of our fellow racers who are doctors, lawyers, engineers, police officers, firefighters the list goes on and on. We are not a lower class of people. Who are you to judge us because you can’t relate to what we have a passion for? I don’t judge you for what you do or what your opinion is. I understand the concerns of the area land owners they have a right to their own opinion. I wish that they could have at least worked with us and gave it a chance. You never know some may actually enjoy it. As for those judging us as polluters and wasters of ever so precious fuel, motor sports in general has been a huge technological test bed for over 80 years. Due to the simple tinkering of many racers and enthusiast’s there have been huge advances in engine performance, economy, tires, suspension, and brake systems. There is a lot more technology in today’s racecars than most people realize, and alot of that technology has transferred into the cars you buy today. Last off I am by no means a great friend of Greg Sanford, I did disagree with some of the decisions he made when he ran the track by Scribner, but he was the owner and I respect his choices as a businessman. I also respect his perseverance while trying to build a track that may grow into a lucrative business and something we can all enjoy. I do realize that this would no have started out as a national event track like Topeka, but with a good location like this it had the potential to grow into a very successful facility, which is something that Scribner lacked. Do you honestly think that Lowe’s started out with the 117,000 square foot stores they have today. "

Bertha wrote on July 27, 2007 6:39 pm:

" What a waste of time this whole fiasco has been for the taxpayers, the Board of Commissioners, all of the other government entities involved, the newspapers and of course lets not forget Mr. Sanford. He should have done his research "TOTALLY" before he bought the land. Tough break! I know I wouldn't want a drag strip in my back yard! And all of you people that are complaining, have you travelled down Hwy 77 to see how much traffic there "actually" is on this 4-laned 65mph road?, where people actually drive 70? Just another fatality waiting to happen! Are all of those road improvements going to be paid by Mr. Sanford, I doubt it! "

Joy wrote on July 27, 2007 6:51 pm:

" Who pulled the application, Greg or the County Board? Maybe you all need to get your stories correct...It was Greg Sanford. The public hearing could have turned out to be a positive thing, now we'll never know because he "chickened out"!! "

Not a race fan wrote on July 27, 2007 7:19 pm:

" OK, now that the smoke has cleared a bit, how many supporters want the drag strip to be built, and how many just wanted Greg Sanford to have it at that location. If you're serious, talk to the (gasp) County Board and see what they have to say. I'll bet if you sat down and talked to them they would be helpful in trying to get the drag strip built. Since you said there are so many supporters, raise money to buy the land and build it. "

Dave wrote on July 27, 2007 8:03 pm:

" One of the things that is missing is the fact that kids are out racing on the outskirts of Lincoln every weekend. Racing has been going on since the first wheel was ever invented and it is not going to go away any time soon. The problem is we have kids racing on our back highways putting themselves and members of our community in danger. I know because I went out one time to watch it. Because we do not have a place for people to race their cars they will continue to do it on our streets and highways until somebody dies!!!!!!!!!! I watched 11 second cars running side by side on a back road at 130 miles per hr with hundreds of people standing at the finish line. Argue all you want about noise, location and money but the truth of it is that if we do not provide a safe place for these racers to go some of you will be going to the funerals of your own children. Heck they even have a web site to show videos of their races on the Internet. Wake up Lincoln before we start going to funerals!!!!!!! Give these people a place to race other the roads we drive on. If they build a track I will be one of the first ones to build a car and be out their every weekend. I love racing but to do it legally I have no place to go? "

spats wrote on July 27, 2007 9:06 pm:

" Well this could have brought in funds to help pay for the 2015 projects but instead they will probablly raise our property taxes again...oh wait they will probably do that anyway. Time to move to Omaha where they think forward enough to keep progressive and new, but then once they have it Lincoln will want it a few years from now once it's to late. Mr. Sanford i hope you build right across the county line or even Omaha. "

WE wrote on July 27, 2007 11:33 pm:

" I love Lincoln, but those who are running the show are ignorant and oblivious to any and all things good. Place it in the hands of the voters like many have already said. Lincoln needs as much help as it can get. "

Nathan wrote on July 28, 2007 12:09 am:

" Scribner existed long before Greg got ahold of it. It was an old air field. Even at the time it turned raceway I don't know if it was a well thought out location. And I have no idea but I'm sure at the time he took control that he did not have the experience or the financial backing to create a brand new facility somewhere else. Staying at an established location was the only option. I do not have any opinion on who should have paid to pave the road but I absolutly think that it was a far better decision for Greg to pick up and move than to spend that kind of money to stay in that location. That just makes sense. As far as street racers go, building a track will not get rid of these idiots. The majority of them are misinformed youth that would rather spend $200 of their parent's money on a new LOUD (though rather constrictive) muffler than 10 race entries at $20. Very few of them have true performance in mind. They just want to add cheap parts to their car and play with them. "

yes wrote on July 28, 2007 12:26 am:

" i agree with Sarah good riddance to the track let the fans just keep racing from the trailer park to the beer store for their fix "

Spends wisely wrote on July 28, 2007 1:04 am:

" Okay, spends money, how about adding a bit of culture, art, and education to the curriculum. It's a lot cheaper than the gas burning sunburned life you think is so fat. "

Casper Cowboy wrote on July 28, 2007 3:51 am:

" JJ, I should have mentioned I live in Wyoming where everything is cheaper of course. My bad. "

whatever wrote on July 28, 2007 4:55 am:

" "Spends Money" hit it right on the head. This is what is going on outside the "Kingdom of Lincoln". Many dollars are heading outside of Lincoln to more forward and family friendly communities. "

cit wrote on July 28, 2007 9:07 am:

" Lincoln police and Lancaster County Sheriff's deputies need to read these posts. I'm alarmed at the threatening tone. Just because you want to drive fast doesn't mean you have a right to put my family at risk. It also doesn't mean because you don't have a track, it excuses illegal behavior. If you are truly passionate about having a place to race, follow the regulations for a motor sports venue, put together your funding and go for it. If not, then stop the belly-aching and stay off the streets. You can bet if I see any racing on our streets/highways - the law will be called and you will be reported. "

tax that good life in the county wrote on July 28, 2007 11:01 am:

" Hey county commissioners how about a good life tax in the county? Tax the quietness! The county residents don't pay our wheel tax so this could make up for it! Good luck on your plans for the track Greg. You are a person of true character. "

Neighbors wrote on July 28, 2007 11:24 am:

" Interesting Workman said these rules weren’t created with a specific project in mind. But yet in a County Board Staff meeting after Mr Sanford submitted his proposal Mr Workman stated they need to create a text amendment and zoning for racetracks to allow this facility, and then proceded to create a Motorsports Task Force with his neighbors who are opposed including Ms. Kurbis to insure this race track was not going to happen. The big question is why did Mr Workman highly recommend sites on West O street which would effect thousands and near the airport which will effect even thousand more, but as Mr Ludwig quoted in this LJS article that North HWY 77 is the most sparsely populated area of Lancaster County. Answer anyone??? It is in his and his neighbors back yard...pure and simple, Mr Workman didnt want it there even tho as Mr Ludwig stated, its in the best location for accessibility, there is already noise, impact the least amount of people, infrasture in place to support it, and along a major hwy. Gee that sounds like the recommendations the Motorsports Task Force recommended. Mr Workman, the citizens of Lancaster ask, please represent the people of Lancaster County, not your own interests. "

Rocky wrote on July 28, 2007 11:57 am:

" The same folks that would have no problem with the county rezoning an area from agricultural to commercial to allow the race track would have a fit if their neighborhood was rezoned to allow industrial or commercial. Unlike articulated by another poster, this has nothing to do with race fans vs. rural living. It has to do with a county board that listened to and gave priority to local control - those that would be most affected by the race track - the neighbors. So, I ask you supposed fans of individual rights and patriots of our constitution - is it better to have the rights of people trampled for the sake of economic benefit of a "thing" - i.e. a corporation or government? And to Ron the owner of the $350,000 house - you are correct to point out to Sarah you are not trailer trash. You don't live in a trailer. All of you can take your polluting idiotic sport to the South, where it belongs. "

cit wrote on July 28, 2007 1:14 pm:

" Obviously people haven't driven down West "O" in a while. Thousands of people? You need to look at the map of sites proposed by the motor sports task force again. The site include other locations on West "O" besides the NW48th area. Areas that are industrialized - not neighborhoods. You all are just hot under the collar and need to step back and think rationally. "

Rocky Neighbor wrote on July 28, 2007 1:54 pm:

" The people who were opposed to the track think they actually won with defeating the drag strip, what they did was embarress themselves, created a feeling that people who live to the North of Lincoln are not friendly and not a part of society which make alot of us who live out north very uncomfortable and embarrassed of some of our "neighbors". I drive into Lincoln to shop and work and we are contantly stopped by friends about the actions of some of our neighbors and have to explain, no that is just a few people with some of them living miles away, it doesnt by no means reflect our feeling or represent most all of the people who live out here. Just remember Lincolnites, not all of us who live out north by Davey are not anti-growth and dont represent ourselves like what was portayed by the opposition in the newspaper, news and the county procedings. Just remember the names in the paper and on county record of speaking against the track do not represent our neighborhood of Davey. "

Tax Payer wrote on July 28, 2007 2:41 pm:

" I am apalled and disgusted with the County Board once again. I will no longer vote for a city council or county board member unless they're younger than 40 years of age and possess common sense. The city & county have budget problems every year because the forcasted revenue isn't generated. Hmmm...I wonder why. Lancaster County and the City of Lincoln are not business friendly. Members of the city and county board need to listen to the people. Business will flock to Omaha faster than Lincoln. Sorry but a Verizon Call Center is nothing to get excited about. Downtown Lincoln will never top dowtown Omaha. Why, because big business like First National and Union Pacific are helping to create a wonderful place. Lincoln has nothing. Sorry, a new sports arena won't suffice. My wife and I will always go to the Quest Center not only for the atmosphere but for what Omaha has to offer. I encourage citizens of Lincoln and Lancaster County to seriously stop and think about who you're voting into office. Seems like every board member whether city or county is in it for their own personal agenda and not that of the people. Personally, I think each county board member and city council member should have a term limit of one year. This way we don't have to suffer year in and year out because of their stupidity. I also think every six months major issues should be voted on by the people.No more voicing opinions to the board. Let the people decide. "

Baco wrote on July 28, 2007 4:22 pm:

" I feel the county made a huge error in judgment with the drag strip decision. It saddens me to realize what a lost opportunity this is for families and all kinds of folks. It is not like the track runs night and day. The events are scheduled. We could hear the race track in Greenwood when we lived in Ashland. It didn't bother us because we knew it would end at a decent time. I think this is a beautiful city and that is why I moved to Lincoln, but the local government leaves me with a knot in my stomach because they are very wasteful with my tax dollars. It doesn't matter what I want to spend my money on, no one listens to me. So I have decided to put my beautiful home up for sale in the spring and leave not just Lincoln, but Nebraska. Otherwise I would have to put my head down and follow the rest of the lambs to the shearing barn! I seriously feel that motorsports should be looked at again. Just make sure the guy has enough insurance to run a drag strip! "

Laura wrote on July 28, 2007 4:50 pm:

" You know I was really sad when I saw that he pulled out. It sucks that we cant have a safe controlled enviornment for people to race there cars and for others to watch and enjoy. Personally I would much rather have my family and friends there where they are SAFE, again rather than on the street in a uncontrolled place. I hope some day we can finally have a drag strip to enjoy. "

informed wrote on July 28, 2007 6:31 pm:

" Maybe people need to take the time to get informed on the issue rather than jumping to conclusions. The first task force NEVER MADE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS! One person on that task force made up that lie and continues to repeat it. Get educated, read the minutes, don't blindly follow the mouth that spouts all the lies and calls the opponents "chicken little". There were multiple sites identified by the task force. Sanford made a big mistake when he bought the land and tried to bully his way in by asking for a 'mining permit' disguised as a drag strip. What a joke! Where did he learn his business strategy? I wonder? Good luck where ever you go, Greg "

Stone wrote on July 28, 2007 8:37 pm:

" Is the problem that Lancaster County doesn't have a plan? I live in a rural county north of Lancaster County, and our county has a five, ten, and fifteen year plan for zoning, development, and growth. Sanford would have never been in the position of owning land he couldn't utilize if the county had a plan that any such business owner could review before an investment is made. The fact is that there are not many places like what he proposed that would have fit nearly so well. Not far from a city landfill (which, you can't tell me that is cream living for residential) near the interstate jump off (unlike the idiotic placement of the Gateway by Kearney), and lots of commercial/industrial potential. It is unfortunate that you guys have such lousy leadership . . . and I really don't like racing. "

AStar wrote on July 28, 2007 9:13 pm:

" I no longer live in Lincoln, but stories like these make me glad I don't. The first thing most UNL graduates do as soon as they get their degrees is to find a plane ticket out of this town. Educate all the young minds then they move away---BRAIN DRAIN. Lincoln has NEVER been a town known for good paying jobs or potential for career growth. I know I am digressing from the story here but when will Lincoln get out of the stone-age and embrace economic growth? I heard about the Verizon deal almost falling through and I wasn't the slightest surprised. Oh, motorsports is NOT an alternative fad, it's here to stay and is now more popular than ever. I am sure nothing can be done at this point with Sanford and the city but hopefully in the future Lincoln can learn to look through a different lens. AStar "

Not in lincoln or lancaster wrote on July 28, 2007 9:22 pm:

" mmmm kind of sound like the same fight for gambling in the state of Nebraska??? People get a clue. Anything that has the potential to lower your taxes in this state needs to be honestly addressed by both sides. One of the main reasons I moved from Nebraska was because of the cost of living. This would have had a great impact on the development of just not Lincoln Nebraska, wonder if those same people would be causing an up roar if the husker wanted to put in a 100,000 cap. Complex for football?? "

Sue wrote on July 28, 2007 10:26 pm:

" Whether you like drag racing or not is NOT the problem. Too bad if you don't like it, I HATE HUSKER FOOTBALL WITH A PASSION--but do you see me complaining that the entire neighborhood gets inebriated and acts like idiots because grown men are running into each other while throwing a ball? No to mention clogging downtown and most arterial streets. NO-I don't complain because I believe TO EACH THEIR OWN! This was an opportunity that our govt leaders blew it again. REMEMBER THIS COME PROPERTY TAX TIME! Nebraska--the boring life. "

haj wrote on July 28, 2007 11:44 pm:

" well, this is the 4th time i've tried to put a comment in this paper and ALWAYS never posted. though it said it received it for posting. I guess anything said about the board even if true and with NO bad words doesn't get printed. Most all the "for" comments have been said. All the "negitive" seems to be the SPIN or "the not in my backyard". Is Husker football the ONLY product for receration in this county??? The comment to cover thy rear of not putting in rules to make sure it would fail. There is NO such thing as wanting a venue for outside money to come in from any motor sport type. Look at Midwest Speedway pushed out, the motorcycle motocross track that the Doctor tried (what 4 times and places)and is NOT started yet. again "not in my back yard). instead increase everyones taxes for moving the railroad to put in a auditorium trying to out do Omaha Qwest Center. NO WAY.!!! we don't fill the purshing center. Most of the "negative people" must be living 100 yrs ago when the automoble first came out. noise and polution will scare the horses. HAVE you ever heard of "progress"??? Or do you want to stay as a "once upon a time, story book fairy tail" Do you think your tractors, combines, etc. do not make noise, polution, and MORE "dust" then a paved race track would. That's 6 to 7 days a week well into the night during harvest. Your only talking one day a week for the motor sport. And how about all the semi trucks and other traffic on HWY 77, do you stop all traffic at 10:00pm to have quiet time. If I were a farmer out there, I'd be looking at making a little extra money mowing Sanford's roadside grass, and all the grass on in the property. It could also be bailed for your cattle. You do have that equip. already. I could go on for your oppertunities but you wouldn't listen. Finally, just because you live in the country (rural) doesn't mean you automaticly hate motor sports, where do TRACTOR PULLS come from??? DUH "

cit wrote on July 29, 2007 8:23 am:

" Maybe if people would get their act together in the first place, there wouldn't be ISSUES with the locations. DUH! Sandford mislead with the "mining operation" And right, the track will only operate one day a week and still make $10 million dollars? RIGHT! BE HONEST WITH THE NEIGHBORS. The good Dr initially tried to put the motorcross track across from a nature preserve - COME ON! There is room for motor sports in this city if people do it right. So far, no one has started out the process right. No wonder people are starting to think motor sports fans are trailor trash - just based on the "thick-skulled", irrational comments posted here. Our family travels to races - including dirt track bike races. But, I'm ashamed of the behavior on this board by those who I thought loved the sport. If this is the crowd the neighbors next to the proposed venues had to deal with, I'm glad it failed. Based on the comments here, why would anyone want you in their neighborhood! Junior high attitudes will get you no where! Grow up and if you want a venue, act like adults! "

Lawerance wrote on July 29, 2007 9:24 am:

" The football stadium is too loud! The state fair is too loud! The 4th of july is too loud! The dogs barking are too loud! Your kids Subs are too loud! July Jamm is too loud! ( wait...that event has been cancelled forever. Another great move! ) This whole dang city is too loud!!!! I cannot believe the "Lawmakers" in this State. Raise taxes if you need more money. I will continue to drive to Iowa, Kansas or wherever to do my Racing. Anyone know how much revenue Topeka generated this racing season? It was near 650 Million, and they DO NOT race every weekend. Incredible! Nebraska, The good life....if you can afford to live here! Most expensive places to live is the USA? Boston, Newark NJ, Los Angeles, New York City, Lincoln Nebraska! Check it out. "

racer's other half wrote on July 29, 2007 11:04 am:

" Trailer trash? What an idiotic comment! I'll bet my drag racer and I live a heck of a lot better than you do. We have a beautiful home that we OWN, drive brand new vehicles, have high paying jobs and have never been in trouble with the law or even got a speeding ticket! We have more money invested in both of the race cars than you've probably made in your life. Those who judge are speaking from experience. While I certainly understand all of the concern from area residents, the opposition speaking out here seem more like the beer drinking rednecks that you all try to portray the racers to be. I think the area residents should be more concerned with the image that you've all cast on them - guilt by association and all that. Some intelligent, and not so intelligent, decisions were made in all of this by all involved, and all I can say is "You go Greg. We'll support your track when you build it in a much more deserving county". "

Nitwit Commissioners wrote on July 29, 2007 11:19 am:

" Well, of course Sanford's pulled the plug on this project. When the idiots running the county made it impossible for Sanford to bring his version of economic development to the area, he had no choice but to leave. Now he'll build the facility in an adjacent county and that county will reap the benefits. Do these dimwits on the board of commissioners not realize that business follows what goes on here, and when the county essentially legislates a potential business out of the county it reflects on us? Look at Wal-Mart and Wahoo and the hundreds of acres of unused commercial and industrial land at I-80 and 27th St. if you don't think business follows what happens here. We wonder why business won't come to Lincoln and Lancaster County. This drag racing episode is example A of why. And we'll keep paying outrageous property tax rates and have an obscene cost of living level for the average income of this area. What a shame. This could be such a nice place to live if residents and government wanted to make it a nice place to live. But they obviously don't. "

lives near Hallam wrote on July 29, 2007 6:50 pm:

" Our family(ies) had a chance to move form this area/state back in '04 after the tornado. Most of us stayed right where we are and have always been because we LOVE our life here -- AS IT IS. Our peaceful suroundings come with a nearly sacrificial pricetag. Why would anyone want to give up what we sacrifice and work so hard to preserve? I am saddened that people would verbally spit at someone who just wants to preserve what they work so hard to keep for their families. "

Omaha wrote on July 29, 2007 9:55 pm:

" Great Job Lincoln!!!! We took your concerts, We took your Events, We took your State wrestling tournament, Now we'll take that Drag Strip to!! Bring that baby to Omaha Greg. We'll welcome you. Don't let Lincoln benefit and get one rusty penny from having the track in a nearby county. Next up We'll take that State Basketball tournament. Enjoy watching the grass grow Lincoln. "

Let us move wrote on July 30, 2007 7:59 am:

" Let's preserve the land o Lincoln with no jobs no entertainment venues. Football benefits the UNL it does not lower my property taxes. Lets build houses, strip malls and apartments to gain property tax for Lincoln and chase away everything eles. This county is on a downhill slide fast. "

Jeff wrote on July 30, 2007 9:01 am:

" Obviousely someone didnt have enough funding to build it in the first place hence the withdrawl. Im glad. "

me wrote on July 30, 2007 9:17 am:

" Gage county welcomes you!!!! "

Up on jackstands in Lincoln wrote on July 31, 2007 3:08 am:

" Well Greg I think that land would be a very nice place for a feed lot like the one north of Milford maybe they will swap locations with you. I would be willing to bet the neighbors out there would be glad to have you. "

Drag strip proponent pulls his plans

By JEAN ORTIZ / Lincoln Journal Star

Post Your Comment

Ads by Yahoo!

Vein Stripping

Lancaster County Virginia Real Estate

Curves

More Stories In Local

Recent Updates

Most Commented

Most Read

Most Commented news

Also in Local

Jobs

Homes

Rentals

Wheels

Pets

Stuff

Drag strip proponent pulls his plans

By JEAN ORTIZ / Lincoln Journal Star

Post Your Comment

Most Read Stories

Most Commented news

Also in Local