According to a number of media sources, including AutoBlog.com, longstanding rumors of a possible NASCAR-style racetrack coming to Fort Erie are now becoming reality. There have been rumblings of the development for years, and as with any major development of this sort there are are those who steadfastly support the idea as a boon for the regional economy, and there are those who are vehemently opposed to the idea.
Reports are saying that the world class one-mile oval speedway is being designed with the help of race pro Jeff Gordon. Investors are doing everything possible to attract NASCAR sanctioned racing to the track. According to AutoBlog,.com, the price tag on the Canadian Motor Speedway is $400-million and would seat around 65,000 spectators plus 80 suites. Canadian Motor Speedway executive director Azhar Mohammed said* that, “This will be a world class facility that will attract visitors from all over North America. We are very anxious to begin the next steps in seeing the speedway become a reality.”
News of the racetrack has drawn a fair share of critics, although the Ontario Municipal Board feels that the tourism positives outweigh the environmental negatives such as noise and air pollution. The site chosen for the raceway is the former Fort Erie Race Track (horse racing and slots), which puts the site in close proximity to Buffalo.
The Buffalo News recently reported that The Canadian Motor Speedway would also incorporate a series of major retail and restaurant endeavors, as well as go-carts, snowmobiles and BMX racing.
*Quote and image: AutoBlog.com