NASCAR has asked four cities to submit their proposals for a hall of fame. Charlotte is an early favorite to land the facility, but it has competition in Atlanta; Daytona Beach, Fla.; and Kansas City, Mo. Atlantas going to be the formidable competition, but this is where it started, said Humpy Wheeler, the president of Lowes Motor Speedway in Concord. This is where the peach basket was put up in 1949, right out on Little Rock Road near the airport. The proposals are due in May, and NASCAR is expected to make a decision by the end of the year. Humpy Wheeler, the president of Lowes Motor Speedway, wants to see the NASCAR hall of fame in Charlotte. NASCAR was born here, it was built here, and its hall of fame belongs here, said Mike Crum, the chief operating officer of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. However, were not taking anything for granted. Were willing to put together what will be a very competitive proposal to bring the facility to our city. An organizing committee, led by Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, will draft the proposal. Wheeler thinks the building belongs in the Center City. Outside of Joe Gibbs, we really dont have another race shop in Charlotte, I dont think, he said Tuesday. And (the fans) are not getting downtown except for when we have Speed Street. So there needs to be something to pull them in. NASCARs headquarters is located in Daytona Beach, so many think it has a strong chance of landing the facility, too. Kansas City is considered a long shot, though.(News 14 Carolina)(1-26-2005)
