OHIO Law allows funding for motor racetracks

The change could aid a proposed Youngstown-area raceway.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- The state's definition of sports will include auto sports for purposes of funding facilities under a bill signed into law Thursday by Gov. Bob Taft.
Sponsored by state Rep. Sandra Stabile Harwood, a Niles Democrat, the bill goes into effect 90 days after it is filed with the secretary of state's office.
The bill, which the Legislature passed in May, changes the definition of sports under Ohio law. The change could allow a proposed motor speedway for the Youngstown area to apply for state funding through the Ohio Arts and Sports Facilities Commission.
The commission awards state money for sports stadiums and cultural arts projects across the state.
Provisions added as the bill moved through the Legislature include requiring public ownership of a motor sports racetrack and a six-month notice for ending a lease early that would also require the repayment of any state funds used to construct a track.
Local proposal
The measure comes as business people explore developing an indoor raceway on a 600-acre site adjacent to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
Current plans call for a 3/4-mile oval with initial seating for 60,000 people, expandable to 120,000, according to developers led by Brant Motorsports of Morgantown, W.Va.
There would be 42 acres under a 400-foot high fabric dome roof, according to developers. The structure could be used for racing, concerts, trade and consumer shows.
Brant Motorsports has estimated the total development cost at $300 million, funded by a mix of private and public sources.
Brant Motorsports would have to apply for state funding.
With Richard Childress Racing, Brant Motorsports sponsors the No. 21 Rockwell Automation Chevy in the Bush Grand National series.